! need advice!
I have a 1998 xj8 with the sport package and all the extras.
The wind shield wiper will not go off! Every time I hit it, it goes on forever and then it will stop in the middle of the wind shield! So I have to turn it on over and over again until it stops in a position where it doesn’t block my view!
The drivers side door will not open from the inside or the outside so I a grown man, have to climb over the passenger side every time I get in or out of the car!
Is this a simple fix that I could do? Or does any one know a solution?
Please help!! This is SO frustrating!
I own a jag XJ8 1997 and have the same problem with the wipers. Also the gearbox fault light comes on at rapid accelerations. Can anyone help?
Jaguars have been known for poor reliability for a lot of people, though the new 2007 XK8s and XKRs are nice luxury cars. You'd probably be better off with a Mercedes or a Lexus.
I have a 96 xj6 with a straight 6 engine I have had the car serviced with new plugs, oil, filters etc, but on tick-over it keeps coughing or missing a beat, but when I accelerate it seems to clear, my local garage have ran full diagnostics on it, but can't find any fault,has anyone had a similar problem? this is my 1st jag and I love it, although I do fancy an xk8 is there anything I should be aware of. regards Al.
I own a 1998 Jaguar vanden plas and it has been nothing but a joy to drive. I bought it with 66,000 miles on it about a year ago and have replaced only the sunroof switch. I really doubt anything can compare with its looks and comfort and I have owned my share of luxury cars. I do not believe too much in surveys as it is just a way some people who buy cars without proper inspection and common sense to blow off the steam for their mistakes. I also own a Land Rover, another crucified car brand, that has been wonderful. Maybe I am just lucky.
Well, I am pretty hacked off. I bought a 1998 XJ8 with 100K miles and I have just about every single issue listed here.
Stalling on motorway (Throttle body)
Overheating after engine switched off (Water pump)
Lack of power (low compression in 4 cylinders, so probably Nikasil issue - even though it still starts - knock on wood)
I suspect with all the above the chain tensioners will need replacing, so I am looking at a big bill. And I have to say that my 1989 BMW 730 drives a lot better - and that only cost me £700 on Ebay.
I will try to offload this car as fast as I can and then will never buy a jaguar again!
Paul (London)
I really wanted to buy one.
You can fall in love real easy...
But I think after reading all these, it would
be a mistake driving 400+ a week?
I see allot of pre-Ford and post-Ford comments...
PRE-Ford...think Lucas parts - if Lucas made refrigerators, a guy could never assume his beer would be cold...
POST-Ford...think Topaz and Tempo.
That's all I have to say...
I recently purchased a 2000 xj8 with 39 thousand miles,this is my third Jaguar and although there is a certain amount of care and perseverance needed to keep these cars at optimal performance they are otherwise one of the most beautiful and unique autos ever manufactured. My latest problem is this and I am actually waiting as I am writing these comments for the verdict from yesterday when the gearbox fault light came on rendering the car being able to drive forward,I am in great hope it is something minor in the computer system and not a major repair like the transmission,there are countless horror stories all over the web, but I am a person who rationalizes there are more Jaguars on the road than in repair shops. I think we as Jaguar owners should hang in there,nothing worth having in this world is without fault or heartache Good Luck and I will keep admiring every Jaguar I happen to see.
I have a 1998 xj8 Jag and it is eye candy and runs like a charm. I have read many reviews and it is of my opinion that if looked after they will give very little trouble. They are pricey to buy and maintain just like all the other high end cars. Things do break and wear,my problem today is my wiper sometimes stops wherever it feels like stopping or continues to run when I turn off the switch. If I were to take it to the Jaguar dealer they would charge me big $$$ just to look and then maybe say I need a new motor or some other costly part. Writing this blog I may receive a response from some nice person possibly you who has had the same problem could tell me it is just a switch.
Love my 1998 XJ8 Jaguar now has 67000 miles very few problems. Sometimes have problems starting engine...ignition switch does not respond... no cranking over, just a silent click like the battery not connected. After a few tries it kicks in and runs fine. Any thoughts???
Throttle Body, Throttle Body, Fuel Pump, Timing Chains, Transmission, Engine, Throttle Body... That is the order of repairs my 1998 Jaguar XJ8 required since 2004 --- so like a bad marriage, at the 'seven-year itch' (after all, a 1998 car was produced in 1997) it's either make-it-or-break-it. Why did I choose to pour over $15,000 in repairs into my Jag? Because like a woman married to a wife-beater, I just couldn't stay away from my sexy, sleek, silver sweetie -- knowing there was nothing as good looking out there for the price: new car payments versus already-paid for classic Jag? That's the psychological reason for anyone who needs to make a decision on whether to pursue owning a 1998 XJ8 or not. For all of you wondering about starting problems, towing hundreds of miles, dealers, 'gee we don't know what the problem is...", new gas caps, water in the fuel, clicking, but not starting then starting, stalling, racing uncontrollably upon starting, not starting, parking at the airport for three days and not starting, parking in your garage for two days then not starting, etc., etc., etc., I can only lend one critical piece of advice: Owning a Jaguar XJ8 is an EMOTIONAL decision. Decide whether or not you love your car so much that you will spend whatever it takes to keep it, or not. My advice if you are questioning your potential purchase of the 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is: Don't do it. Plain and simple. But once you've bought into the beauty of this car and it's sleek style, you must be committed to staying in that 'marriage', for better or for worse, in sickness and in health.
I recently paid 4500 US dollars for my 98 Jag, and have had minor things wrong with it... it does have 140K miles on it!!! So I expected some touch ups to be done.
After searching the internet for (TSB) info, I found what you folks said here; the timing chains do need to be changed... That said... So WHAT!!! Nice car for little cost, and I am a mechanic; send me the parts and I'll do it myself. I love this car and am considering a new one; maybe a XK* supercharged?... LOL not sure.
My only suggestion for those of you who don't like the jag for obvious reasons; please give them to someone who can afford them and treat them right... as they are a fine lady that requires a lot of attention!
Nick, Springfield, IL USA!
Hi there, I have recently been looking to buy a used luxury car for school, I'm 20 years old and have worked for my father ever since I can remember (so I have money to use on a car). I'm going to school now, so at first I was looking for a car that I could use for the next 2 years and could sell after that with a good resale value. The first car I started looking at was mercedes. However, after looking for days it became hard to find a decent car that was newer than a '95 that was under 12,000 dollars. Then somewhere I saw a Jag for sale; it was the '98 xj8-s for 12,900. So after reading about the car my heart skipped a beat. Here was a car that was not only nice looking, and nicer interior, and was a '98.
However I told my parents about it, and the first thing they said was you don't want a Jaguar; all they are is trouble. For the last week I've been reading as much as I could on the internet about Jags. I've noticed specifically through this thread that there are problems most likely with the stalling at speeds, the gear box, front suspension, and the chain tensioner. I would like to hear from an expert person if this really is a car worth buying, or would I be smarter to buy a jag that is newer? Like a 03 type-s that is not as nice looking, but possible. As much as a dream to drive, and has these problems all worked out.
Thanks for the input.
I have a 98 jag XJ8 V8 with the sport package and I still can't find the darn transmission dip stick. Its not mentioned anywhere in the manual with the other fluid checks. there is one isn't there?Don't all automatics?
I feel dumb asking, but can someone tell me about where in the engine compartment I may find it?
Also...
Can I take my Jag to a ford dealer for service and repairs?
Rainmaker63@cox.net.