2000 Jaguar XJR review from UK and Ireland

This car was previously owned by a major PC manufacturer's finance director from nearly new, prior to that it was a Jaguar show car/demonstrator. It has therefore been looked after impeccably with no expense spared.

As far as faults are concerned, I have had a battery replacement (wear and tear, it was 7 years old) and a new wheel bearing. These go after about 80 - 100K and need to replaced right away if you hear a noise... and I mean right away, you risk a suspension rebuild if it is ignored (cost £180)

Apart from that the car drives and looks brand new.

I bought this, my 25th car (I have previously owned all sorts) as my business partner has one and I fell in love with his. I would love to own an XKR, but with a young family this cannot happen.

What can I say? For sublime comfort, every extra imaginable, leather heated seats, quality, reliablity, and sheer 'feel good' factor, I have never owned a car like it.

My car cost £8.5K. I bought it at just under 7 years old and have the original sales receipt for £51K. These are so well built that a hundred thousand miles is peanuts if they are serviced regularly and looked after, but depreciation is savage.

Performance is quite frankly astounding, and one of the most likable factors is that the vehicle is utterly innocuous. I am very surprised that they are not used more for getaway cars. 0-60 in 5.3 seconds is still quick, but that is not the issue with an XJR, it is the accelleration from 50, 60, 70 up to the limit that is amazing and totally fuss free.

As a point to point car on twisty roads, the XJR is not the beast to drive, it is too big and unwieldy, however it is in its element on long straghts and motorways. That is not to say they do not handle well because they do, it just feels a bit big.

Interior appointment is superb with quality oozing from every leather lined pore. Just sit back, look at the beautifully crafted dashboard and croon along to Beethoven (Motorhead in my case) whilst zapping the poor sod in their dull eurobox on the outside lane.

Need I say more. These cars are woefully underrated and will become future classics. If you have one, look after it. These are the last of the gorgeous classic Jag shape, as the new model has been subject to the usual Brussels standards and the shape has been diluted.

Hope you enjoyed my comments.