Hi All,

Still looking to buy my first Jag.

Drove my first XJ8 VDP a few days ago. It seemed to run fine, no skip, slips, etc.

However, it did not seem to be as quick as I expected. Admittedly, I have more knowledge of American V8 cars and trucks. But from what I've heard, the XJ8 should snap you back in the seat, and this one did not seem to do that. It accelerated smoothly, but not a lot of kick like I expected.

Am I expecting too much, or could this be an indication of a problem?

Thanks
Leo

 

Did you have sport mode on? There's a sport button with a light that glows red, right behind the shifter on the console. Having it on makes the transmission upshift later and makes it easier to kick down a gear when you give it gas. Without it on, even my XJR feels sedate.

 

Nearly 2 tons of GVWR, 290 bhp., 290 lbs torque. At 4.0 liter, it's relatively small for a V8, (244 cubic inch) and it's torque isn't really happening until around 4,000 rpm. Actually, to get those kind of numbers from such a modest sized V8 is very amiable. Compare that to a ol' Mopar 440 or GM 454, who's monster stump pulling torque starts at the 2,000 rpm level, remember these are twice the cubic inches, and not really an apple to apple comparison. It's a plush luxury saloon, not a 1/4 miler. If you want "squash you in the seat" you should try the 2010 500 bhp XF-R.... now that will get your blood pumping!

 

300BHP is what you get with a regular XJ8...I got a 2002 R....it's a blast to drive and will blow almost anything into the weeds if I choose to be a hooligan with it. A good R can cost as little as $10000 in this loverly economy...I would not hestitate to buy another one.

 

Thank you all for the quick response and the advice. I was not aware of the Sport mode. That was most likely the problem. It accelerated smooth and steady, just not so much zip. Also had a little trouble getting her to kick down on the highway.

I realize the VDP is a heavy car. And 4.0 is a small 8.

Not so much looking for tons of power, just want to be sure it's not some problem I'm not aware of.

This forum is great, but can make Jags a little scary to own, considering so many issues noted here. ie, tensioners, water pump, Nikasil, etc.

Still, so beautiful, it is a hard car to resist.

Thanks again
Leo

 

To be honest, most car forums can seem a little scary and full of threads about problems; for every incident that gets posted, there are hundreds more trouble-free driving days that don't get their own threads. If you get an XJ that's gotten all of the fixes for the above problems, or a later one that never had any of the problems, you'll be pretty much set apart from regular maintenance and issues with old age, usually related to plastic parts. I'd actually suggest looking at XJRs as well as XJ8s; my mechanic has had less trouble with them than with the non-supercharged ones, thanks to things like no VVT (unnecessary when you have the blower) that also helps reduce stress on the timing chain. The only downsides of the XJR are a slightly harsher ride thanks to the 18" wheels and a slightly higher fuel consumption, depending on your right foot. I lucked out on finding a '99 XJR that had its engine replaced under warranty in 2004, so it got a completely updated engine with all the fixes. Good luck with your search, and hope it ends well.

 

Leo, I'm in full agreement with LabCoatGuy. Initially, it may a little off-putting to anyone who strolls into any car forum. Believe me when I say, (and I used to be with an American car company) Jaguar builds some of the finest cars to be had on the road. My first experience was a ground up restore of a 66 XK-E 2+2 drop head in 73, and I've owned Mark III's XJ's, XJ40's and XJS'. My current project is an XJ308 and I'm not at all scared to own any modern Jaquar as long as the owner has shown it some respect. (not simply placed gas in it and drove 100,000+) They are ranked as some of the most trouble free cars in the market today. Yes, they require maintenance, but every car does. The few minor issues that take a grand or so to repair will leave you with a vehicle that will give ten's if not hundred's of thousands of miles of faithful service. Simply include this additional up-front maintenance cost into your budget for the purchase, and as I stated early on, just plan on doing the maintenance.

I would never shy away from purchasing a Jaguar that has been properly kept.

 

Try using the J-gate when accelerating in Sport mode. You will find "adequate" acceleration in 3rd and 4th gears.

A goodly amount of power but not an unseemly amount of power!

NA XJ8s run 0-60 mph in 6.6 secs, not too shabby!

 

All Jags in normal mode, even XKs, are comfort cruises. Just that little sport mode button gives you the option to drive a totally different car. Enjoy!

Also, if you do opt for the R, you can do power slides non-stop across massive, empty parking lots. If you don't mind roasting tires, the smoke column makes you smile. People just don't expect these type of capabilities when looking at XJs and S Types. Its nice to surprise them.

 

You guys are awesome. Thank you for the info and encouragement. I have been looking at a 1999 XJ8 VDP with 53K miles. I can buy it for $7500.

I plan to take it for a pre-purchase inspection. If it checks out, I am going to buy it. What should the inspection include to give me the information I need?

Thanks

Leo

 

ive had my 2001 xj8 for 3 years now. I've replaced plugs, serpentine belt, the wiper, synthetic oil changes with filter, put air in the tires, installed a k&n air filter, installed a 2.5" dual exhaust. I have enjoyed this car far more than what i paid for it. I've got 115k on the odometer. with the filter and exhaust the traction control kicks in on DRY pavement on WOT acceleration; tires are 245-35-18" so im getting a good bite. i think there may be some more room for extra power.........and im gonna find it! just remember, these are fine automobiles and usually very well cared for as far as preventative maintenace goes.....