Faults:

Front wheel bearing after 3 years.

Radiator bracket rusted.

Sunroof cable.

Fuel pump.

General Comments:

I have owned this car for 3 years, and I must say it has been the most pleasurable car I have ever owned. I get looks of envy as I drive past.

The paint work gleams; it has no rust or dents apart from the odd bit of lacquer lifting; looks as good as new in the right light.

It's not the most economical car I've owned. It does 20 MPG on a good day, but it's worth the money for the fuel to drive in style.

You would have to wait to the day I die to part me from this beautiful creation by Jaguar. Probably the best car in the WORLD... Thank you Jaguar.

Faults:

Clock didn't work when purchased, very common problem.

Arm rest cup holder (US models) won't stay in the closed position, keeps popping out.

Headliner is hanging a bit in places.

Telescopic function on the steering wheel is broken.

Clear coat paint is starting to give out in places, but not so bad on a white car.

All the above was broken prior to my purchase. Nothing new has broken, as yet.

General Comments:

Looks are the best thing this car has going for it. The car looks like a modern classic, and since the design carried into the 2000's as the XJ8, it doesn't really come across as an old used car. It's still a class act that can be driven to dinner and not be embarrassed at the valet stand. So, the amount of cache you get for the money is amazing. Subjectively, this car delivers lots of that sexy classic Jaguar mystique.

The ride is not as smooth as I would have expected. My dad's 1989 XJS is much smoother. My other cars are Porsches and SUVs, so in comparison to those, it is smooth, but my friend's Cadillac is much better in the ride department.

Space is also lacking. I am 6'-0" and 185 lbs. I fit OK, but think someone much taller would have trouble. Back seats are very limited. It is really a small car inside without the extended wheelbase version. I consider it a 4 door coupe.

The seat bottoms are a little short. They seem to stop at mid-thigh instead of towards the knees as in other cars.

Interior quality is not as high as in the 1989 XJS. The center console/arm rest is vinyl instead of leather, as is the door arm rest. Leather is only on the seat surfaces, and the steering wheel and shift knob. No place else. This car does not have the nice leather smell of the XJS. It has hard plastic door panels, where I expected softer vinyl or leather.

It's a very pretty car and has a decent trunk. It's been reliable and very inexpensive to purchase. This makes it easier to drive more often and enjoy rather than keep it garaged, in fear that it will be subjected to salty roads or rain.

I like that it is low and smaller looking than a lot of the newer sedans out there. It's almost sports car like in height. It handles fairly well in corners but you can feel its weight. It is somewhat calming, encouraging you to go a little slower and enjoy the ride, so to speak.

I think I am getting about 16 MPG (US) in mixed driving.

These cars trade mainly at between $3k-$8k in the US. In this price range, they are excellent values! You will find may other choices that deliver similar economy, space, better ride, and such. But for the same money you can drive a reliable Jaguar, so why not?

I plan on taking the car on a 1,500 mile trip this spring, and am confident it will perform well and in style. Can't wait.