Jaguar XJ (1997 – 2003) Buying Guide
Good
4th top in the 'R' reg J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey. 7th in 2001 Top Gear / JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey of S and T reg cars. 3rd Top in 144 car 2002 JD Power / What Car? Customer Satisfaction Survey of V and W reg cars. 4th overall in 2003 What Car? J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey. Extremely Low 1 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in this model. Top car out of 137 models in 2003 Top Gear survey.
Bad
Painted front bumper easy to scratch.
No means of checking 5-speed ZF autobox oil level or refilling it. Jaguar says 'sealed for life', but no oil changes could mean a 'life' of just 10 years.
No manual option.
Whine of Eaton supercharger of XJR8 can become irritating, but you only hear it when you boot the car heavily.
Nickasil bore liner sulphur erosion problem with pre-2000 model year Jaguar V8s. 1996s, 1997s, 1998s and 1999s could all have residual damage from before mid 2000 when sulphur content of UK petrol was reduced. (Definitely OK from from September 2000 build, or if fitted with a post Sept 2000 build replacement engine as these have cast iron bore liners).
Reports of tensioner problems leading to timing chain failures.
Front wishbone bushes can go after only about 20K miles causing steering problems, unven tyre wear and, if left unattended, possible suspension damage. Cost to replace can be £700. Jaguar's extended warranty does not cover this, but Warranty Direct's does.
Jaguar had fifth highest warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 126.91 v/s lowest 31.93). 1998-2000 models had poor record for breakdowns, but average for problems and faults in 2003 Which survey. Jaguar 2nd bottom of Reliability Index for 2004 combining high average cost of repair of £483.26 with high 42.16 failures per 100 Warranty Direct policies. Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk
Watch
Desirable to have a full Jaguar dealer service history and must be immaculate to command top money.
If the engine feels lumpy, it's a sign of serious engine problems.
Nickasil bore liner sulphur erosion problem with pre-2000 model year Jaguar V8s. 1996s, 1997s, 1998s and 1999s could all have residual damage from before mid 2000 when sulphur content of UK petrol was reduced. (Definitely OK from from September 2000 build, or if fitted with a post Sept 2000 build replacement engine as these have cast iron bore liners).
Front wishbone bushes can go after only about 20K miles causing steering problems, unven tyre wear and, if left unattended, possible suspension damage. Cost to replace can be £700. Jaguar's extended warranty does not cover this, but Warranty Direct's does.
Reports of tensioner problems leading to timing chain failures. Terminal if the secondary tensioners break and throw the chain more than two sprockets. The early X308s had quite a few known weaknesses: tensioners, water pump, gearbox that were sorted out after a few years.
Don't buy a 97 - 99 XJ8 VIN from 812256 to 878717 inclusive unless it has had a replacement engine, indicated by a special tag on the nearside of the engine block. Beware of rattles from timing chain as tensioner could be about to let go. Plastic tensioners were later replaced by steel tensioners which can be fitted to earlier cars.
Rear dampers prone to failure, particularly with CATS suspension.
18-10-2014: Where fitted, rear air suspension can be prone to failure.
Luxurious, comfortable and refined with some sports appeal. Well built and loved by owners.
Not as roomy in the back as you might think. Bore liner erosion on pre-2000 model year cars. Problems with suspension.
