mrpacijr,

I bought my 2004 XJ8 last April and it had 32k miles on it and im now up to 41k. The car is a blast to drive, and im still loving it every day. So far here's whats been done,

Front air compressor replaced
entire sunroof assembly replaced
fluid added to transmission because of squawking noise
fluid added to power steering reservoir because of swishing noise
left rear window motor replaced
all other window motors greased because of loud squealing noise
air conditioning system serviced
Transmission computer flashed
ECM flashed
Emission's purge valve insulation repacked

I'm pretty sure thats everything, the warranty covered most of it. I highly recommend you purchase an extended warranty, it has almost paid for itself in less then a year.

I hope this helps you out, overall its a wonderful car and I would still purchase it all over again.

Mat

 

I just purchased an '04 VDP with about 35K miles. I'm picking it up in Cincinnati this weekend, which is about 400 miles from home and I can't wait to drive it back! It's my first cat! I got the car's service record which looked clean ("normal Jaguar stuff" is how a local mechanic described it) and purchased an extended warranty.

 

Bought my '04 Vanden Plas last September. So far, I've had no trouble what so ever with it. I haven't had this much fun with a car in years. I do agree with Mat, you really should get a warranty. Buying through a Jaguar dealer will get you the best warranty. There will be others here to discuss the virtues of some of the after market warrantys.

 

I would consider something newer, if possible...If you look thru this forum, a lot of guys are having suspension problems in cold weather..I think most of them with '04s..

 

I would agree that it seems most of the suspension problems are associated with 2004 models, but I think that is due to age of components more than anything. As far as I know there were no changes in 2005 or 2006 to the air suspension system so I would expect them to start showing signs of issues soon.

If you can find a 2004 that has already had the compressor replaced (many have) that would be as good as an 05 or 06 in my book. Of course I have an 04 so I might be biased.

 

I have an 04 XJ8 since 05 and have only had minimal problems.