Having owned three Jaguars in total, 1995 XJ6 3.2 6 and a 1995 Sovereign LWB 4.0, both of which gave totally problem free running apart from normal running costs, and also both are reasonably high mileage cars
I have just purchased a 1998 3.2 XJ8, 125KMs and have some off the same problems as mentioned by others; wiper that works when it wants, and constant rear bulb failure messages. My Jaguar specialist has been able to sort both problems; caused by a faulty electrical connection.
If you are considering buying a Jaguar, just have it checked by a technician as you would with any car purchase, and if like me you will be very happy as a Jaguar owner. They make a silent statement and feel so special to own. I have friends with all types of luxury cars, and they all love the Jag.
Happy Jag owner, Auckland, New Zealand
I have had 2 Jag XJ8 LWB Sovereigns.
Absolutely beautiful cars.
However, #1 Car - the transmission failed (this is a certainty in any ZF transmission from this era - these transmissions drive like a dream - then bang! They fail). My first one cost me $7,500 to repair.
4 weeks later, the car caught fire (possibly related to the transmission installation - fluid leak - regardless, the insurance company refused to pay.
Losses: Car cost: $42K, transmission: $7.5K, total: $49.5K
After 18 months, bought another. (against my wife's advice).
After 2 months (though partly my fault - as purchased it appeared to have an intermittent water leak) - every 3 to 5 days, I would top up the little reservoir with maybe 200-300mls - intending to take it back into the dealer! On a Friday I was intent on taking it in - but work commitments prevented this - drove home - a hose ruptured and the engine stopped immediately (no other warning) and the engine had failed. Dealer said - not worth repairing - a new engine required. I saw the engine dismantled - it had basically melted!
So, purchased a new engine. Back on the road 3 weeks - the transmission then did the same as in the last Jag - totally stuffed!! Solution - new transmission or repair. Decided on lowest cost option - a 2nd hand trans with low kilometres! Expectation: None - I know it could fail at anytime!
When I visited the transmission specialists, they had 5 of these ZF transmissions in for repair! 2 from Jag's, 3 from BMW's. Both they and Mercedes use the same box. All fail!! Why there has not been a massive class action against ZF is beyond me!
If you own a Jag from 1998 to 2003, the Transmission will fail - and most likely by 70,000 Klms.
This is supposed to be German engineering at its best (ZF) - sorry - the box is marvelous whilst it works, but it won't be working for long!
SO - I still Love my Jags! But expect to lay out a lot of money. My 2 have cost me well over $100K - both 1998 models!
New price here in Australia was $168,500.00!!
That is my experience. Would I swap my current Jag - no way! Despite the pain, it leaves every other car I have ever driven in the dust (except a 2007 S-Type XJR - that was lethal), but I love the 1998 LWB shape - with wiremesh grille and nice wheels.
And it can leave a Chrysler 300 5.7 Hemi in the distance!!
Enough from me. I am English and support Liverpool - so that probably impacts my decision! Jag's are still the best!
To the poster looking for the trans dipstick. I do believe that the XJ8 has a sealed tranny, so you will not have a dipstick present.
I have a 98 XJ8 with approx 151K miles. I bought it about 5 months ago, and it has been for sale since two weeks after I bought it. I was originally getting rid of it because it was not at all what I expected once I owned it. It is really not that spacious inside. I'm only 5'9" and I have to turn my leg sideways to get under the steering wheel and enter comfortably. The ride is smooth, but it is riddled with issues, though seemingly far less than some here.
It wasn't until I started reading the various blogs (post purchase of course) that I realized that the 98 is a special case. The car had the throttle body recall fix performed, but it still stalls at highway speeds. Now I'm overheating. I can hear the beginnings of the timing chain rumble, so I know that's coming very soon.
I just want to offload it now. I bought the car for $4K and it was a great deal. I'm just trying to get back what I paid for the car and not what I've put into it.
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