1998 Jaguar XJ8 from North America

Summary:

Buy a 2001 or newer with the Select Edition Warranty

Faults:

I have had stalling problems at high way speeds like everyone else. But, it has been fixed for free with the recent campaign letter that I received from Jaguar to replace the throttle body. Plus make sure that you have your part load breather cleaned at every Oil change and make sure that your dealer performs this. If you do both, your stall nightmares should be over. I can't understand where these complaints about acceleration performance are coming from. When in sport mode this car performs like it's animal name a fast Jaguar. In normal mode it tries to be economical, so of course you are not going to get the best performance results.

I have had my transmission replaced at 75,000 miles. The dealer wanted $7,000 for a new one. I shopped on-line and found a re manufactured one for $1,600 with a one-year warranty. The dealer charged me $1,168 to install it which $400 was for the expensive transmission fluid since the transmission was shipped with out any. The car is a dream to drive and it drives like no other car, but at 75,000 miles and replacing a transmission is kind of ridicules.

General Comments:

This car is exhilarating to drive, and I would not buy anything else for my daily driver. I have owned more than 11 cars in my lifetime and I am 28 years old. I have owned BMW's, Mercedes and Lexus and I do not think that BMW and Mercedes are any better. From my experience I have had a lot more problems with BMW and Mercedes especially than I have had with my Jaguar. The problem with Jaguar is that the dealers want to charge outrages prices for service just because you have and can afford a Jaguar. If you shop around for service and parts, you will save thousands.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st October, 2004

1998 Jaguar XJ8 3.2 litre from UK and Ireland

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?

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.

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.