1998 Jaguar XJR Reviews

One small hose between the radiator and engine.

It's a super car! After I bought the XJR, no other cars are interesting.

Super quick, yet very quiet. The engine seems never be working hard, it just whispers and throws this big car forward!

Classic lovely design, both in and outside, comfortable seats, cosy wooden interior. Hear compliments every day regarding its design.

Corners like a sports car, but also a good cruiser.

Fair fuel consumption compared to performance, low insurance rate, and nice price on service parts.

Trunk lamps not working.

Driver's seat leather cracked, and other minor interior issues.

Basic service is relatively easy for the DIY er, I think because much of the car was done by hand. The engine compartment is well done. The Jaguar AJ26S V8 has some issues, but once understood and with regular maintenance, it's a gem.

Elegant interior - superbly done leather - I admire the stitching on the dash ever day. Mine has the "black" wood - not as pretty as the walnut, but nice nonetheless. Carpets are gorgeous and wear like iron. Mine also has the wonderful Harman-Kardon premium sound with subwoofer.

Rides and handles very well, although small sharp bumps "slam" a bit - very strong acceleration, the transmission is amazingly competent, and the interior is comfortable for even the longest trips.

Had a fair few suspension problems at 60,000 km- had to replaced the wheel bearings and various suspension bushes.

Radiator hose off the thermostat split, at the same time also found two other lower hoses were in need of replacement.

Tyres seem to last only 20,000 km. Trying an alternate brand.

This car has the best Jaguar interior to date- a superb flowing dashboard in maple walnut, fitting in well with the central instrument console. Leather seats and carpets have stood up to the wear well and still look like new when treated. Analogue dials for rev counter and speedo suit the ambiance.

All the electrics work well- minimal extra "gadgets", but all the expected gear- climate control, CD stacker, quality sound system.

A seriously quick car- recently managed a 13.9 second / 105 mph quarter mile. The handling is excellent- good enough to take on most other cars on the winding roads of New Zealand. Wide tyres give plenty of grip, and the traction control intervenes well to prevent the rear swinging out if you are taking the corner too fast.

Only complaint is that the boot is cosy- can be forgiven given the looks of the car.

Number 8 piston keeps bashing the electrode on the spark plug, causing it to run on 7, probably crank wear.

Smokes like a chimney on start-up and whilst running.

Air filter box is filling with oil, probably worn bores causing back pressure.

Windscreen wiper parks where it wants to and sets off by itself.

Steering judders and the car has new brakes all round, and has had all bushes checked and steering tracked and wheels balanced.

I have wanted a quick 8 potter for ages and thought that the Jag V8 supercharged would be the one. After having the S-type, I enjoyed the traditional English character and thought of staying with the manufacturer. I am used to running around in run of the mill stuff, for example I had a 180,000 mile 1043cc VW polo and thought now's the time to treat myself, but I wish I hadn't.

The XJR has a full service history up to the last minute, so what the heck is it doing giving me all this grief in so little miles?

My 21 year old 1.0 litre VW Polo was a better workhorse and I treated it like a dog. All I can say is that I am very disappointed and this car has cleaned me out without giving me any fun..

You don't expect to buy a prestigious marque of this calibre and have these types of problems at such a low and well maintained mileage. Beware.