1998 Jaguar XJ8 review from UK and Ireland

The boot courtesy lights did not work when I took ownership of the car.

Passenger seat electric headrest not working.

Windscreen Wiper motor is faulty and stops at annoying times without warning at any random position on the screen "Dangerous when travelling at speed on the motorway". Jaguar want £211 + vat for a new motor assembly OUCH!. Some switches don't illuminate.

I have, since purchasing the car discovered that the engines in this year range were "Nickasil" treated in the piston bores, this can mean disastrous and total loss of compression requiring engine replacement.

Jaguar were not the only manufacturer to use this treatment, and all the others had serious problems with it.

I'll keep this site posted as to my experience with this Jag. FINGERS CROSSED.

The car is fantastic to look at and drives superbly well, the engine is very powerful compared to the XJ6 3.2 and the auto transmission is silky smooth, scary on kick-down.

The interior is very luxurious and nothing rattles or knocks even over bad road surfaces.

Road and engine noise are absolutely minimum, credit to Jaguar for superb build quality.

The faults on this car are forgivable for the age and mileage. Except for the wipers which should not malfunction on a luxury of this age.