2004 Jaguar XJ8 4.2 litre from North America

Summary:

This Jaguar XJ8 is superb in every way

Faults:

Under warranty my dealer replaced a front air spring unit which was noisy.

General Comments:

This Jaguar XJ8 saloon is frighteningly fast! Everything about it is first class: the fit, finish, the wood, leather, the comfort, ride, handling, POWER, smoothness, silence, quality of materials.

I have owned many Jaguars (as well as BMW and Mercedes) and this is the best of all. The car has that timeless elegance that makes every Jaguar instantly recognisable and always desirable.

The quality surpasses that of its rivals in every way. The technology packed into this Jaguar is astounding, but it is extremely driver-friendly and intuitive. Now, if only Jaguar did some advertising...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2008

5th Nov 2008, 21:06

I own a 2004 XJ8. It has a rattle coming from the front end. Tell me about the front air spring unit causing the rattle. Please I need help. Thank you.

14th Aug 2009, 11:19

I have had my 2004 XJ8 for 18 months, it is just a marvelous car, only one unexpected expense so far, a line running to the transmission cooler had a small leak, apparently a problem with our winter cold, cost to replace $800.00 CDN. It gets great gas mileage. 9.4 litres per 100km according to the on-board computer, with a lot of stop and go driving and not as much highway driving as I would like. I can't help smiling at it almost every time I see it and just about every single person who has seen it loves it. It is quiet and comfortable, but with incredible power whenever I want it, plus it takes the corners like a smaller sports car. It is an incredible used car deal, I almost feel guilty about it!

27th Apr 2010, 17:39

Had the car in to; replace the fan for the heating/ air con system; fix the radio, just needed a wire replaced which had corroded; and the motor replaced for the fuel filler door.

The Jag dealer got the first two right, but only installed the remote motor without getting it to work. Total cost $1500.00, not bad for a Jag, although those items going wrong were a surprise on a car with under 55,000 km.

It is a beauty though and I don't drive it in the bad winter weather, just on the dry, snow free days.

It is a pain being so far from a dealer, I still haven't taken it in to get the remote motor properly done, and I wasn't overly impressed with the dealer.

25th Dec 2010, 19:43

My Jag broke down monthly and was finally scrapped for $0.00... buy a Honda --- better value, and it runs when you turn the key!!!

28th May 2017, 00:12

That is comical to read about a V8 getting 9l/100km (25 US MPG) in a lot of stop and go traffic. Credibility goes instantly to zero right there.

In reply to 28th May 2017, 00:12

9th Aug 2019, 14:07

To the person commenting about the fuel mileage of 25 MPG in the city. That is probably Imperial gallons. Note the review miles is in metric indicating Canada. In US gallons that would be around 20 MPG.

In reply to 9th Aug 2019, 14:07

9th Aug 2019, 19:51

Even assuming the writer of the review and commenter 11:19 are the same person, there is no reference in that comment to gallons, Imperial or otherwise. Only liters and kilometers, so your explanation does not refute 00:12.

2004 Jaguar XJ8 X350 3.5 V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

I intend on keeping it forever - its motoring perfection!

Faults:

Brake pads when bought were incorrect - rattled. This is because new ones were fitted as part of the complying process. Dealer blew his nut when he found out what the importer had done and replaced with genuine Jaguar pads at his cost.

Rear part of driver's seat cushion height adjustment moves only a little bit each time you operate the button - must be a dead fuse or similar - hardly worth mentioning and no plans to fix.

Other than that its been completely un-Jaguar in reliability - perfect in other words. Not a rattle to be heard.

General Comments:

Picked up in as new condition ex-Japan for a sinful price. Feel sorry for the Japanese guy who would have lost over $100,000 on it. It wasn't even properly run in when we purchased it - as the fuel economy has improved significantly.

Hopefully I will never have to sell this car. We have owned it for 6 months and loved every drive in it. I cannot fault this beautiful car. It has timeless elegant styling which gets complemented on by complete strangers, unsurpassed comfort and it drives beautifully regardless of whether you feel like wafting or racing. Fuel economy has settled out at 27.1 miles per gallon which is incredible for a luxury V8, given that the air conditioning is always on and a lot of my driving is stop-start. After 15 years of driving reliable, inoffensive Ford Falcons (EA GL, then EL Fairmont, then BA XR6 Turbo), I have rediscovered the joy of driving a Jag, without the pain of owning a temperamental British rust bucket.

Why anyone would choose the competition over this evades me - I'm in love. Have always loved Jags, but gave up on them when the running costs on our 79 Daimler XJ6 Sovereign became unbearable - at 12 years old. However on the new X350 it is clear that the build quality and intelligent design is up to the best of European standards. I am confident that this car will, with the proper care it deserves, last for decades.

The 6 speed ZF auto transmission is sublime, I strongly recommend you go for any of the vehicles to which it is fitted over those without. The air suspension gives that uniquely Jaguar experience - hot air balloon ride and a straight line through corners. Best tech features are the touch screen (so easy to use), the heated seats all round, adjustable pedals, the automatic wipers and remote window open and close.

The only sacrifices one has to make with this car is the space - which is okay if you have two six-footers in a row, but no taller, and shallow boot leaves something to be desired, and parking in town - this is one big cat. That said, it is still, by a country mile, the best car I have owned. I'll drop a comment in at the start of '09 as to how its going then.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2008

11th May 2009, 18:02

Update from owner: At 49000 km have had no problems at all. It tends to show dirt very easily (Jaguar Racing Green) so come spring will go beyond the normal and do a full cut and polish, followed by two coats of progressively finer polish, to bring up a nice repellent sheen. Would like to hear from other owners who have experienced problems so I can perform preventative maintenance.

Value has plummeted. Have seen comparable for $30000. Sort of wish we had bought NZ new or a Singapore import for the 'euro style' boot lid with wider number plate surrounds. But happy with the car and as we paid bottom dollar in the first place we haven't really lost anything. I expect when the new XJ comes out it will drop a little more, then steady out, then maybe climb a bit as it becomes a modern classic - end of an era. All the more reason to keep it immaculate.

My advice to anyone considering these cars is to grab a used one now, the value is outstanding and the running costs are no more than a modest medium-large family car and certainly less than any SUV. Look out for dodgy dealers though - it is worth paying the small premium for one from the main dealer. Usually you can use the cheaper ones from other dealers as examples to haggle with.

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