I always wanted a Jaguar and have been in love with this marque since my teens. My first Jaguar was a used 1989 Jaguar XJ6. When the head gasket went I finally bit the bullet and bought a brand new Jaguar XJ8 3.2 in 1998. This car has been with me ever since! Today, it's 16 years old, has c67,000 miles on the clock and is about to start a journey back to showroom condition.

I have to say that I went along and test drove the new Jaguars as many of my friends and family were telling me I should upgrade. But you know what? I love my Jaguar. It was my wedding car (!), I brought my kids home from hospital in it and it's been in so many family pictures.....it's part of my life and my family so the sentimental value is priceless.

So this year (finally!) I am going to give this old fried the TLC so long overdue.

With the help of the Surrey Jag Centre in Croydon I'm about to embark upon a journey which I believe will be the best money I've ever spent - second only to the projector screen I invested in for the World Cup!! I've attached a picture of the car on it's way over to the garage.

I have learnt a lot from the Jaguar Forums so membership became inevitable. Thanks to all of you for making an excellent home for Jaguar enthusiasts! I'm not a technical guy nor do I know much about cars (groan) but I certainly hope to learn!

 

Welcome to the forum emanur,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums. There can't be many 1998 XJ8's still with their original owners. I can certainly see exactly why you are so attached to it.

Follow this link XJ ( X308 ) XJ8 / XJR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the X308 forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for info on regular issues.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also visit the UK Region forum by following this link UK - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in this country.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Nice to see you stick with it,Welcome to the forum.

 

I really enjoyed reading your introduction. Welcome to the forum. "But you know what? I love my Jaguar." Not that I'm biased in any way but I know how you feel to a degree.

I wonder if you would be as passionate if it was another make of car with the same fond memories? What am I saying,of course not!

16 years is not a bad innings for any car and with it's new lease on life it will still be going long enough to be a classic.

Again,Thanks for that...Neil

 

Welcome.

Nice choice of car as a keeper.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums emanur,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

Hi and welcome aboard, its good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

If you need any further help with the site moving forward, please just ask any moderator, veteran member and we'll be glad to assist.

In the meantime, any useful site information you may need such as how to post pictures, edit signatures, add videos, using the
search facility etc, can be found here within the following link Helpful_information

There are lots of members local to you with the same interests with info on local dealers and possible meets.
Regional - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ForumNeed a Manual, a TSB, or General Info' about your Jag? Check out our >> DOWNLOAD AREA <<

I've manually upgraded you to Full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features.

 

Thanks for all the replies. Very warm and very welcoming!

I have now added a signature as requested. I'm using a stock brochure photo for now. I am in the process of scanning my pre-digital photos (that's what we had in 1998!) and will add a more fitting one once I have them.

I've also explored some of the links suggested and it all looks very informative and useful to me. I am certain I am going to learn a lot. Who knows, one day you guys may just inspire me to have a go at doing some repairs on my beloved Jag myself!

The fact that I have owned this car from new makes it very special and I have to say that while there have been many times that I have considered replacing it, I just cannot bear to part with it. So rather than end up with a brand new car and let the Jag spiral into disrepair and rust, I am now resolved that this is my car for life. I will never part with it.

Of course, it will be interesting to see just how long I can keep it driveable and roadworthy.....

Once again, thanks all for the warm welcome.

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!

 

Welcome aboard from another new member also with a 1998 XJ8. I too love mine and plan to pamper it.

Cheers
Bill D

 

If it's possible to actually Love a machine, we ALL love our Jaguars. They each seem to have a personality all their own.

I wish you success with the restoration of your car.

Welcome from ElinorB.
(';')