1999 Jaguar XJ8 Sovereign from UK and Ireland - Comments

Electronic boot lock failed just after I bought it: fixed in about 15 minutes minutes under warranty.

Instrument panel bulb failed: fixed in less than an hour under warranty.

This is the car I've always promised myself and I haven't been disappointed so far. Apart from being (to my eye) just the most beautiful big saloon produced in recent years, it is more than adequately fast, extremely comfortable and just a pleasure to drive - the huge bonnet makes placing it on the road a doddle and the reversing aid (vital - but you should be able to haggle the dealer into fitting it if it's not already there) makes parking this car simple even though it's nearly 17 feet long.

This isn't a car that's built for chucking round corners: it'll do it if you insist, but it won't be a pleasurable experience for either of you. If you want to do that, try the XJR. The Sovereign is the quintessential stately limousine of the XJ8 stable.

The wood and leather interior is either ridiculously old-fashioned or classic depending on your viewpoint -personally I think it gives a charm and style to which BMW/Audi/Mercedes just can't aspire.

Important warning - if you want to carry adult passengers in the back, make sure you go for the long wheelbase version (which means either the Sovereign or the even more luxurious Daimler - sold as Vanden Plas in the US, I believe). I tried both and it's truly amazing what difference the extra 5" makes to the rear accommodation. The standard short wheelbase is just too cramped for this class of car.

The long wheelbase unfortunately does nothing to improve the boot space, which is barely adequate, especially if a full-sized spare wheel is fitted.

Don't expect to run this thing on a shoe-string. I get about 21 mpg on mixed town country and motorway driving: but what do you expect with 290 bhp propelling the best part of two tons of car at speed? And expect to pay £160 apiece for tyres. But servicing costs are surprisingly modest if you avoid main dealers. There are plenty of good independent Jaguar specialists - my local one, where I bought the car, quotes around £200 for the annual/10,000 mile service). I've bought an extended warranty to protect me from horrendous bills for major repairs (about £1,000 for three years/unlimited mileage). I was also surprised at how reasonable the insurance was (esure quoted me £550 with full no-claims - I'm a 46-year old accountant in the South-East of England). So running costs are not cheap, but they're not silly either.

This is the sort of car that you test-drive and instantly decide that it's the only car for you. If it doesn't strike you that way, walk away - you're just not a Jaguar man!

I have to agree with the previous review, I promised myself an XJ8 before I was 40 and now I own one can honestly say I'm pleased to bits. Yes tyres are £160 each, 20-24MPG at best, but who cares when your wrapped in such comfort.

I agree that insurance was surprisingly cheap £650 for me, and ebay is awash with spares should you need them.

For £2500 a auto gas conversion seems a good investment too, at 15k miles per year I could recoup that money in 18 months and have an equivalent return of 40 MPG, That's Mondeo money, what would you rather be driving?

Very very happy after 3 years of ownership. Petrol (23 to 24 mpg) and tyres are as expensive as you would expect. Other than this, everything about the car is better than I expected.

I also must agree with the above. I will soon be in the position of treating myself to my first Jag. I sat in an XJ8 in the showroom of our local dealer, and immediately fell in love.

I described it to my wife as 'sex on four wheels'. Hopefully, when I pull into our driveway and take her out in it, she'll understand. Just as hopefully, she won't commandeer it.

I am about too purchase a 1999 xj8 and am a family man having 2 kids the sound of your comments are very good so hopfully I am not going too regret it what with being an every day middle class guy.

Just going to buy xj8 sovereign. driving now xj6, so hope it will be big step upwards. About insurance, I'm 24 years and will have it fully comp + breakdown for around £600, in august when I turn 25 almost half price. Check some classic car insurers if you're not doin high yearly mileage.

I just bought a used '99 Jag XJ8, and it is amazing. So far I've had no issues with it (replaced block heater cord, no big deal, previous owner let it drag on the ground) I'm hoping that it lasts a while, I hear that maintenance is key to keeping your jag running smoothly.

Insurance in Canada is fairly cheap, probably due to it being a 4 door, but at a 19 year old male driver, I'm paying 1450 a year, which really isn't anything to complain about.

This car looks absolutely stunning. I turn around and stare at it every time I get out. Enjoy.