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Jaguar XJ-Series

2801 messages,  Last post on Oct 25, 2012 at 10:12 AM

You are in the Jaguar XJ-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jaguar XJ-Series, Sedan

Messages Page 188 of 281

#1863 of 2801 1997-1999 XJ mechanical problems by dragonladykoi

Jan 20, 2004 (6:03 pm)

Hi:
 
I am looking into trading in my car for a 1997-1999 Jaguar XJ. I have heard from several people that Jags aren't the most reliable cars in terms of their engines/mechanics. Can anyone offer some advice on this? Does anyone know where I can fnd out what specific problems to watch for in these years that I am looking at? Perhaps someone has advice in terms of which of these years would be my best best in terms of affordability and reliability.
 
Thanks!

#1864 of 2801 by nvbanker

Jan 20, 2004 (6:41 pm)

Once again, A/C problems and myriad electrical gremlins, like power seats that quit adjusting, etc. If you don't mind fairly frequent repairs, they're awesome to drive. Try to get into one post 97. The Ford design was much better.

#1865 of 2801 1997-1999 XJ mechanical problems by inneedofhelp

Jan 22, 2004 (10:05 am)

Well I have a 99 XJ8 purchased with 32,000 miles
now has 49,000 miles repair history:
Oil leaks from left and right side of engine(six trips to Dealer to get repair done)
Part load breather cleaned and replace
Driver side power seat switch replaced
Tilt motor replaced in Steering Wheel
Wood trim on dash glued back in place
Upper radiator hose replaced
Rear door lock replaced
Trunk lock replaced
Well you get the idea

#1866 of 2801 XJ Reliability by rjborg

Jan 23, 2004 (8:00 am)

To Dragonlady - The latest series XJ's (1998 on) have been very reliable. Just check the JD Powers long-term reliability results. Jag was much higher than Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. My 1999 XJ8 has 42,000 miles, and has had NO problems. It is a great car.
 
Also, to the other poster; Ford had nothing to do with the design or construction of the XJ8. There is some platform sharing on the X-type and S-type; but not on the big Jag.

#1867 of 2801 Re: #1850 and Ford A-Plan purchase by smwls8

Jan 23, 2004 (1:36 pm)

I know it's been several weeks, but just caught this post. Must take exception with knock on Lincoln Navigator, as I just ordered my 3rd Lincoln since 2000, trading my 2002 Navigator for a 2004. My current 02 has 30K on the clock and has needed NOTHING but gas. All service is included, to include tire rotations. Even with the full-time all wheel drive, a family of 5 plus dog and Christmas presents, I averaged almost 17 mpg traveling from N. VA to ATL and back. If this awesome truck had a middle row bench instead of the dual captain chairs, I would not have special ordered an 04.
 
Have I been lucky? Maybe, but my mother's 2000 LS V8 has over 70K on it and has been as solid as a vault. I just dumped an E Class with 79K because after 60K it started falling apart. 67K Mass air sensor and front brake rotors, $1500. 69K front main seal blows leaving large puddle of oil in garage of new house. Another $500. If a Honda or Acura started blowing oil out of the front main seal at 69K miles, Mr. Honda would roll over in his grave. First and last Benz, my little 96 BMW Z3 has been a very solid piece, so I am not anti-German.
 
Which is why I'm here, having lurked and read BrentwoodVolvo for years, Looking at a slightly used XJ8L or doing A-Plan on a new one to replace the E Crap,,er Class. The newer Jags seem to be doing much better from what I have read here, if you want to read about English quality problems go over to the Range Rover board. The Jag's are in great shape comparably speaking. Anyone done an A-plan purchase outside of Ford's core brands (Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar)? Just curious as to how receptive these dealers are to employee purchases, and if is the same no-hassle process as Lincoln has been.
 
Thanks for the info over the years.

#1868 of 2801 by nvbanker

Jan 23, 2004 (4:03 pm)

I agree with your comments on the Navigator. I'm on my second one, and am very pleased. Mine is even the dreaded "first year new" 03, and the problems have been minor and sparse. Very satisfied. My 99 had one minor repair in 65,000 miles, and 4.5 years.
 
I'm lurking around here because should I go back to a sedan in 06, I'd consider an XJ strongly.

#1870 of 2801 Pampered l998 XJ for $17,900?? by blockislandguy

Jan 30, 2004 (8:03 pm)

My wife has always like the Jaguar look and her girlfriend just traded in her l998 XJ with 56K miles for a new BMW530i. We have a chance to buy it for $17,900 from the dealer. The vehicle has been garaged, dealer serviced and pampered. She would drive it perhaps 10K per year.
 
Does anyone have any thoughts on the price? Did Jag use an effective traction control in '98? This is of concern because we live up a steep driveway in New England. Or given where we live and the quickly depreciating X Series, should we just pop for a used X Series with AWD to satisfy her Jag craving, yet still ensure foul weather capability? I've read the preceding posts and frankly wouldn't feel too bad if we had to replace some belts, hoses, and had to throw say, $500 in AC work into it in May and maybe some brake work come summer.
 
(If anyone is still laboring under the impresion that a big Jag is a money pit, check out the posts on the MB E Class and the BMW 7 Series Boards. Those manufacturers WILL separate the gullible Americans from their money.)
 
Thanks.

#1871 of 2801 Used XJ8 by rjborg

Jan 31, 2004 (9:24 am)

The dealer price on the 98 XJ8 is a little too high in the current market. If you want that car, definity negotiate the price. There are a lot of low mileage 2000 and 2001's out there; it would pay to shop around some dealers. Also, it's not a bad idea to get a Select Edition car because of the 6 year warranty. The cars are really quite reliable. For your weather I would get a set of snow tires - I'm in PA, and plan to get some myself. You are very correct on the Jag reliablity versus MB and BMW. JD Powers surveys have shown this for years.

#1872 of 2801 Pampered l998 XJ for $17,900 by inneedofhelp

Feb 03, 2004 (10:02 am)

I agree you should be able to get a better price, plus check with the Dealer to make sure they did the 50,000 miles service it's a major one. Finally if you're planning to have the car service
at a Dealer $500 is not going to go far, I would check out your local independents repair facilities.

Messages Page 188 of 281

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