2000 Jaguar XJ8 from North America - Comments

Major repair recently not covered by warranty. The rear differential had to be replaced @ $2500! Heard this was a common problem? Anyone else?

Local dealership repair quote was significantly higher, plus past experience with them caused me to find a repair shop elsewhere.

Driver side seat belt always t wists and won't retract fully. It has been shut in the door so many times the rubber seal is misshaped.

Despite keeping the interior always clean and well conditioned, the leather is not wearing nearly as well as our old XJS convertible interior. The poor XJS leath er endured many top down disasters. A downpour, a few heavy dew mornings, bird droppings, dust, dirt, etc. Perhaps Jaguar uses a heavier leather in their rag tops?

This car rattles terribly! I've noticed it recently in the hot St. Louis heat. The dash rattles, the door panel, the rear speaker area. I will admit, these rattles have made themselves known shortly after new tires were put on. I really do not like these tires, the ride is now a tad harsh, almost German car-like. I like my British cars to ride like British cars, the new tires might have to go?

Hopefully most consumers realize that Jaguars are not Toyota's/Honda's. They have funny quirks and mean business when a warning light comes on! All, but 2 of my cars have been British. They have each been adventures to say the least!

This is a beautiful riding vehicle, attractive styling true to the original XJ's, it makes me feel like the world's best driver every time I get behind the wheel.

Hi,

You bring up one point, which I feel is very important, the quality of the leather and interior trim.

The leather in particular seems a lot thinner than in past Jags.

I have looked at a few in AZ, and it seems to take on an almost brittle paper like feel within a few years, God only knows what ot would cost to re trim the seats.

Let me share with you what I learned from a true specialist and have applied since then.

The interior is, still, very high grade leather, though in the warm dry climate it will dry up soon. And drying up is the only danger to leather (as it is to your skin - same stuff!) Actually, the convertible, with rain water and more cleaning afterwards, is getting more attention - better moisture and lubrication - after all.

There is a huge difference in different areas as far as the humidity is concerned. A good rule of thumb is to take care of the interior like you take care of your own skin: wash gently with soap and water, though only modest amount of water if you do not want your ass wet tomorrow - use a soft cloth or sponge (non-synthetic materials), dry with a soft cotton cloth, apply a skin care lotion - the cheapest neutral-smelling body lotion is probably the best choice. (Too many car products have cleaning agents or silicone etc. in them. Though there is a British car lotion brand that will restore the smell of real leather, too.)

I do this only once a year, but hey, I am up north. I do generous amounts of lotion, let it sit, and polish the next day. Just in case, I do not wear my best clothes the next ride. All ages of my classic British cars have still baby-like leather, including the 2000 XJ8 and the 1963 MG and everything in between. Next owners are still happy!

Happy driving!

Please can you explain why the Rear Differential replacement was not covered under warranty.

I have just purchased my third Jaguar this one being a 2000 xj8,it had just 39000 miles and I had personally driven it less than 100 miles when the gear box light came on disabling the car to move forward and resulting in a 5600 hundred dollar transmission repair,needless to say I am nervous every time I get behind the wheel, now and Monday I will be spending 250 dollars to replace the coolant sensor light which has now started to come on and off I love Jaguar and happen to think it might be one of the most beautiful autos ever built, but scary to own anyone else have these premature quirks with their xj8 I would be curious to find out.

We need advice. We have a 2000XJ8 that intermittently will not start. We've taken it to the dealer a couple times. The 1st time they replaced the battery. The 2nd time they told us the first battery was defective and replaced it again. It is not a battery problem. When we attempt to turn over the engine the lights come on fine. But no engine sound at all... just a click. This started about a year ago. It would happen every once in a while. We'd let the car sit for a few hours then it would start right up. Over time it's been happening more often. Now it doesn't start at all. It's being towed at this very moment back to the dealer. Anyone out there ever have this problem?? I would love to understand what's happening.

Hi XJ8 owner. Check all high current wiring to starter motor. If OK suspect starter motor or solenoid. Good Luck MIKE.

Hey XJ8 owner. More than likely the intermittent no start is the positive post on the passenger side false bulkhead is loose or burnt causing the problem. If burnt the only way to fix this is to install a new stud. If not burnt then tighten the post. Before any attempts at this make sure that the battery is disconnected. I have not replaced one in my 6 yrs as a Jaguar Cert Tech. Hope this helps.

I've got a 2000 jaguar xj8 the secondary timing chain and tensioner broke shouldn't this be under warranty does anyone know...?

There is a tsb on it.

I am in the process of learning about Jags as I am going to buy one. I am looking at 1998 to 2001. I would like to know how to best determine which year was better, what problems certain years have/had, and in general, which year would be the one with the least amount of problems. Also, is it critical that one uses a Jaguar dealership as opposed to "regular" mechanics? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I know the reviews have helped, but yet caused room for confusion as well.

Thank you for your time.

A hopeful future Jag owner.

2000 xj8 jaguar. I am also having the same problem with the low coolant light. Twice I had the hose blow off and soak my hood liner. I finally had it clamped on tighter. I put in a new thermostat. Still happened. Then I had a flush and refill, new coolant. Drove 40 mile out of town SUPRISE!! low coolant light. I stopped and took of the cap. Full to the top I could touch coolant 1 inch in. I love my car, but I am afraid to leave town. The temp gage remains in the center where it should be. Also I can drive to work 3 miles and I smell antifreeze everyday. But it is full. I am a female and I do not think single women should ever own a car like this unless you have a ton of cash. I would love to someday buy another, but I will be going back to toyota!! Penny.