1998 Jaguar XJ8 3.2 litre

Summary:

Smooth, Fast and elegant cruiser

Faults:

The boot courtesy lights did not work when I took ownership of the car.

Passenger seat electric headrest not working.

Windscreen Wiper motor is faulty and stops at annoying times without warning at any random position on the screen "Dangerous when travelling at speed on the motorway". Jaguar want £211 + vat for a new motor assembly OUCH!. Some switches don't illuminate.

I have, since purchasing the car discovered that the engines in this year range were "Nickasil" treated in the piston bores, this can mean disastrous and total loss of compression requiring engine replacement.

Jaguar were not the only manufacturer to use this treatment, and all the others had serious problems with it.

I'll keep this site posted as to my experience with this Jag. FINGERS CROSSED.

General Comments:

The car is fantastic to look at and drives superbly well, the engine is very powerful compared to the XJ6 3.2 and the auto transmission is silky smooth, scary on kick-down.

The interior is very luxurious and nothing rattles or knocks even over bad road surfaces.

Road and engine noise are absolutely minimum, credit to Jaguar for superb build quality.

The faults on this car are forgivable for the age and mileage. Except for the wipers which should not malfunction on a luxury of this age.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2004

6th Jul 2005, 06:41

I'am looking at purchasing a pre owned 1998 XJ8in Canada. Car has only 40000 miles to date and it is from a reputable dealership. Are there any specific recalls or recommendations you can provide for this vehicle?

What is your opinion too buy or not to buy?

3rd Nov 2005, 04:38

BEWARE...If like me You have a 1998 3.2 V8 you also probably have the plasic cam chain tensioner. Mine went at 70,000 mile. The car has a FULL jag service history. The engine needs a total re build and a new piston.

John 07800702559 if you have a question.

The water Pump is also VERY suspect on this model.

31st Oct 2006, 09:48

My 98 XJ8 has the "nikasil" liner engine - it's done 160K miles - still going strong. The car does suffer from the annoying stalling wiper fault.

The engine used to cut-out occasionally when warming up, then restart without a problem, the dealer cleaned out the throttle body and reflashed the ECU with up to date software - this cured the problem.

14th Dec 2008, 16:14

The electrical system of my Jag XJ6 Sport (1996 and 39,000 mls from new) seems to have gone haywire. All lights turn on and wipers work without ignition key in - and when key is in, it cannot be removed without battery disconnection. Windscreen wash also works spontaneously. Anyone with any ideas?

In reply to 6th Jul 2005, 06:41

27th Nov 2014, 23:36

Just got rid of our 98 XJ8 VDP. Good riddance. Windows would work or not as they felt like. Seat auto adjustment was the same. Good today, no go tomorrow.

Sometimes would shut off when driving on the highway when you let up on the accelerator. Did it a couple of times in town. Jag dealer said it might be the throttle body. $1900 plus tax to try it. No guarantee. Not easy on tires.

Trunk light might come on or not. OK next day. Couldn't find a cause.

Sun roof auto stop on close went out.

Door locks might work or not.

Automatic interior temperature control not very sensitive.

Not near as good as my old Lincoln Town Car. You couldn't give me one except to sell as parts.

In reply to 3rd Nov 2005, 04:38

27th Nov 2014, 23:39

Blew my water pump. Found out it had a plastic impeller. Maybe age and high revs got it. The replacement had a metal impeller.

2003 Jaguar XJ8 Sovereign LWBase 4.0V8

Summary:

The lap of luxury- at a price

Faults:

Excessive wind rustle from the top of the passenger side front window at speed.

General Comments:

The lap of luxury. The Sovereign is absolutely loaded with features such as park distance control, electric heated memory seats and electric steering wheel adjustment. The V8 engine is very refined (just like the best V6's) and superbly quick.

The Jag does not handle particularly well probably due to the rather high ground clearance and thick tyres, CATS suspension would help. The emphasis is on cruising in serenity, the Jag could cruise at 140mph all day.

Petrol priced at 77.9p: the Jag costs £80 to fill up and that does not last very long at all.

A bit concerned about some of the interior quality: the switch gear seems very 'Ford,' which on a £45000 car is not really acceptable, for example the indicators make the same gimmicky sound as a Ford Focus. Also, little details such as the bare screw heads on the vanity mirrors disappoint, some rivals have little covers to hide the screws. Tiny details I know, but ones that should not have been overlooked on such an expensive car.

The Jag still remains the best luxury car, hopefully reliability has improved from XJ6's in the early 1990's.

Sleek styling is old fashioned, but still elegant, hand stitched leather and walnut interior is lovely.

Seats are too firm and boot too small.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th April, 2004

5th May 2007, 19:23

The comment on the switchgear... I can't help, but think the same thing... if you look at the 2003 Mazda Tribute or Ford Escape, it appears the power buttons on the passenger doors are very similar in nature to those model vehicles... but I can't say for certain. I only have noticed this from looking at interior pictures of all three "Ford" products.