Comments: 1-15, 16
After two years nothing has gone wrong with this car.
This car has been excellent. We purchased our car in 1999 and were a little skeptical about buying a Jaguar because of previous models we had owned and had problems with. Our first was a 1979 Jaguar Sovereign which was an absolute nightmare! We sold it in 1981. After numerous other cars we returned to Jaguar again in 1990 with a Jaguar XJ12 Vanden Plas. This car proved to be much more reliable, but modern conveniences, fit and finish, as well as the technology were still in the seventies. In 1996 we bought a BMW 535. Initially we loved the car but began having lots of problems, I think we were just unlucky and had bought a lemon.
So it was back to Jaguar. It is amazing how this car company has come so far in such a short time. I give Ford a thumbs up for investing the much needed money into a automobile manufacturer that desperately needed help.
The results are amazing. This car not only competes on an even keel with other automobiles in this segment, I personally believe it has out-done the other luxury car manufacturers. Friends of ours have a Lexus GS400, although it is a very nice car, after being in the Jaguars cabin the Lexus seems very cold. The high use of plastic in this market segment, and in vehicles of this calibre, somewhat shocks me. (No intended offense to Lexus owners, they are very nice cars.)
The Jaguars interior is very nicely appointed, and fit and finish quality is outstanding. The use of plastic is almost obselete unlike many other vehicles in this price range. The birds-eye maple treatment on the dashboard is beautiful. The ergonomics are very nice although the instrument cluster is set a little too deep into the dash, it can be difficult to see in direct sunlight sometimes.
The engine is an absolute dream. The transmission (which is actually built by Mercedes-Benz) purrs and shifts gear like silk. The super charged V8 engine is magnificent. By depressing the "sport" button this car feels as though it could literally become airborne. Even when pushed hard, the car changes gear with ease, quickly working its way up to mind boggling speeds in mere seconds.
One disadvantage to having so much power can be the shock of the acceleration to the non-assuming driver. This car moves so fast, it takes some concentration when passing on highways because if one weren't careful, when the gas pedal is pressed the car could launch into the car in front. What a wonderful "problem" to have in a luxury sports sedan!
The legroom in the rear is somewhat sparse. (this problem can be remedied by purchasing the Vanden Plas V8 with the super charged engine). Our kids our grown so we don't mind, the legroom in the front is more than ample.
The car is appointed with simple niceities such as a heated windshield, heated trunk, heated front and rear seats, sun shades/blinds, rain sensing wiper (which is one large wiper, not two), traction control, voice activated telephone system, 6CD changer etc... Finally Jaguar has caught up with the times and has a legitimate contender to its European and Japanese counter-parts.
Jaguar has built a magnificent machine here. From it's graceful and elegant lines, to its ready to scream super charged V8 engine, this car is a dream come true. It would be the perfect answer for the couple with kids who'd really rather drive a Porsche 911. Jaguar has built the perfect no-compromise sedan.
It's really nice to own a vehicle that doesn't demand everyones attention as you drive by, but the real automobile enthusiasts out there know what "XJR" really means.
Now that Jaguar appears to have rid itself of it's reliability plagued history of the past, not only would I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who has the means to buy one, I think they'd be almost foolish to even consider anything else.
The only advise I could give to prospective buyers is: If you can't really afford one, don't look at them, and God forbid, never test drive one. Keep saving until you know you have the correct change, if you don't, your going to walk away very broke, but hey, at least you'll have a smile on your face on the drive home!
Oddly enough, my experience with the Sovereign convinced me to go to the XJR in 1998. I put over 130,000 miles on the old machine and only had to replace a noisy part in the rear-end ($1,500) at 105K to keep it sounding like new. I was so convinced that Jaguar was right for me that I also traded in a mint condition XJS for a new XK8 the same year I bought the XJR (1998). While my ragtop continues to meet every expectation, I had to replace the XJR's engine timing chain just after the 50,000 mile warranty period expired at a cost of $3,500. I figured, what the heck, it can happen and she'll probably run like new for the next 50K. At that point, a wise person would have cut and run. These things are not organic so they do not heal themselves. Right around 85,000 miles, the transmission completely failed. When I asked the Jaguar folks what that meant since it is a sealed non-inspectible maintenance item until after 100,000 miles, dunno was their response. This was a tough way for me to learn that the XJR's transmission is a Mercedes product and that the Jaguar people could only remove it and replace it for $13,000. While the local dealer and the national folks expressed in very guarded words how they shared my astonishment and disappointment over my really bad luck, I was SOL if I thought they cared beyond that. Maybe it wouldn't have been so distasteful to me if Jaguar hadn't done all the servicing of the vehicle before the engine and transmission disasters, but their reaction seemed somewhat cold to a customer who bought a new XK8 at the same time the XJR was acquired. I guess it's a great life if you don't weaken. Even though I fixed the XJR, I moved over to the Mercedes camp and bought the XJR's nemesis, their E55 AMG. Needless to say, I am no longer a Jaguar customer.
I was stunned to hear that the repair cost for the XJR's transmission was so expensive. I couldn't believe that a vehicle part would cost so much. I called my local Jaguar dealership and they confirmed that it could cost up to $15,000.00.
Curious to know why you moved to the E55 - the XJR and the E55 share the same transmission. So you have bought your same transmission with a different engine / body. now that doesn't make sense.
Seems a little... indifferent to me too! Transmission problems with the XJR and then go out and buy another car with the same transmission. Also, going from Jaguar to Mercedes-Benz... perhaps not a good choice if you are looking for reliability!
I have xjr99 at 133kMiles, purchased January, 2006 at 126kMiles, clear history. Total fail of gearbox at 130kM. Reconstruction of it at specialised service shop for AT here in Czech Republic - no Jag service, which is able only disassemble gearbox and send it to specialists. Cost USD4100.
Jaguar affirmation means only (not more) - stuff of authorised serious jag service have to test function of gearbox during standard maintenance and can recommend to change AT fluid or repair gearbox.
StanSxjr99.
Love (d) my kitty, all 1,200 miles I owned her before she got sick...
Clean, powerful, and arguably more elegant than any other car under 100K USD, I got my cat for a great price and was really looking forward to the same performance as in my old M5, yet a bit more stylish, distinct, mature, and comfortable.
I bought me a 1999 XJR, about 2 months ago, gently used with 66,000 miles, garaged, meticulously maintained with documentation, and all this from a 60 year old female first and only owner, who never let this wild cat experience anything above the 4000 RPM range. Before buying her, the cat that is, I took her to a master vet who specializes in the Ferrari and Jaguar breeds, yet was not at Jag stable that employs junior practitioners for complex, overpriced jobs. His assessment: replace the brake rotors and pads, replace a trivial gasket, and get new Pirelli-paws for a total of $2,600 in up front additional cost. No big deal, given the 4K below book value I was about to pay for the car, still well worth while, I thought. Vet said the cat should gallop for another 30-50K without notable repairs.
Oh well, bad news was around the corner of my 7th heaven location...6 weeks after I got her, shined her, changed her oil and freshened up her leather interior, she started losing bodily fluids... not visibly, but internally... my suspicions were confirmed by the vet; her head gasket was cracked, even though she never overheated and was fine for the first few weeks of my ownership... damage estimate 2.4K...ouch..once the vet opened her up, she needed also a bunch of other stuff including timing chain tensioners (which apparently Jag recommends be replaced on all 98 and 99 models), a $795 aluminum timing case cover which broke in the vet's hands (!!!), and the belts and thermostat were replaced just in case... total damage - a whopping $4,300...big ouch... there goes my Christmas present to myself...
Now, obviously in the red with the overall deal, I am scratching my head; my vet is no longer of any help as he continues to say: "In my 24 years of working with Jags, on this engine model, I've never seen this problem, and I don't expect to see it ever again, but I can't guarantee it."
My common sense tells me to sell her and digest my ouch losses with a lot of Johnny Walker, straight up, and mixed with a few swear words; then go off and get me a brand new replacement from the Orient.
My instinct tells me to keep the cat and with lots of nightly prayers and synthetic herb extracts, she will hop around for another 50K miles or so without major health issues (sounds strikingly similar to a couple of paragraphs above, doesn't it?)
So, to all your cat breeders, owners, vets, and vet-wanna-be's, I pose this great question: do I follow my common sense or my instinct? And while this question will apply to many other decisions, including women and gambling, I ask that you focus on my immediate cause for sleep deprivation, whose name by the way is "Gorgeous".
I've just bought my first Jag today - an XJR. Always wanted a Jaguar, as I've always thought they were such a good looking car. However, when money was tight I opted for a Merc ('73 280) as reliablity was the priority. Stayed with Mercs when I upgraded to an '88 420 SE, a car which I've had for 10 years and really enjoyed. Time to upgrade again, and with more money in the pocket, I test-drove a '98 E55 AMG. Performance was amazing (especially compared to my 420 SE), and the handling equally as impressive. Then I spotted a '99 Jaguar XJR. I vacillated between the two (driving dealers mad in the process) and was struck by how different the two cars really were. In the end, I decided to shift allegiance for the following reasons:
>> I LOVE the look of the XJR - just a stunningly sexy looking car. The E55 looked smart, but very conservative in comparison, I thought. (I feel my 420SE actually looks better.)
>> The performance of the XJR seemed the equal of the E55 - amazing acceleration, and so smooth.
>> The interior of the XJR won hands-down; leather, the woodwork, fittings, radio, etc. I am a little worried about the space in the rear seats as my 11 yr old twin boys grow, however - boarding school perhaps? Boot size also seemed pretty limited.
>> The XJR is the car I'd happily spend my lunch-hour tucked away in!
So, first Jag - but what a way to start!
The Jaguar XJR is a not a very good car, sometimes I am amazed that these Jag owners think that their cars are the real deal, they are not... awful cars that break down.
One owns a Jaguar to Drive a Jaguar. In my years of owning several of them, these cars are really made for the driver. They may be a pain sometimes, however anyone who has driven one can honestly say that it is a one of a kind ride. No other car "feels" like a Jaguar.
I have owned my '99 XJR since 2004, I am disappointed that the transmission went south about 74 K miles, fortunately I'm a very good 'Saturday Mechanic' and do not have to shell out megabucks to have it repaired. I love that baby and would buy another one if the price is right.
To: Saturday mechanic; I just bought a '99 XJR and wondered where I might get a repair manual for it. Any ideas? What type of tranny repairs were you able to perform? Did you have to remove it? I noticed the radiator and coolant passages in front of the motor (water pump?) seem to be overheating, so I'm not driving it til I can fix it. Also, the front end wanders, so I have to take a crack at that, too.
I have owned my 1999 XJR since 2000, having bought it for £30000 with 25k on the clock. I love its macho exterior design and its sumptuous interior. Just wanted to say that! I have now done 102000 miles and have not had a single problem with mechanics or body - have had it service by Jaguar up to 100k service, but am now looking for local specialist as Jaguars service costs are high and no longer afford or justify it!
I am hoping that I can run the car for another 100k, partly because I still love the drive, power and luxury and, simply, I can't really afford to buy an alternative equivalent, although I would love an Aston Martin DB - but dream on!
So here's hoping I can update you after another 100k - and I am still leaving most other cars standing at the lights (yes am still a boy racer!)
I'm thinking of buying a 1999 XJR with 65 thousand miles. The motor was replaced at 43 thousand miles. He has all service records and seems to be a nice car. Is this a car that is reliable or should I look for something else. The horror stories I read about the transmission kind of scares me. I'm also looking at a BMW 740IL and not sure which one to buy. Also, is there a lot of differences between the 1999XJR and a 2001 XJR (65 thousand miles)? Found a 2001 but is a dealer car that was bought at auction at the scares me a little! Any advice would be helpful!!
My 1999 XJR's transmission slipped while making a right turn. The transmission fault warning indicator light came on. It got me home. Light went off after I turned car off and on again. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated about what I might do or expect.
My 2003 XJR is only 3 weeks old (to me) with 61k on it. All maint. was performed correctly by precious owner. Driving home tonight the gears seemed to "surge" and the car "jumped" while accelerating (admittedly rater quickly... its new and I was having fun). During the rest of the drive all was smooth but I was also accelerating very cautiously. Any thoughts? Advice much appreciated.