Howdy from the DFW area. I have just begun my search for the right model Jaguar for me. I know it will be an XJ variant but have not gotten much further than that. Seems to me I like the ride of the 1998-2002 XJ8 to the newer models. But I sure do like the throttle response of the 2004 XJR I drove the other day. And I want NAV and Bluetooth. I am beginning to think I am not going to find EXACTLY what I want.

Does the later model XJ8 ride differently(slightly firmer) than the previous generations because of the CATS?

Thanks,
Jim

 

Hi Jim, and as it turns out...my neighbor (figuratively that is)

Good luck in finding the perfect XJ! Did you look at TexasCarsDirect in Dallas?; lots of good quality jags outa that place, and lots of inventory in and out, so check back often.

 

Desing wise X308 should be winner but performance aspect ratio whatever it is lol ....The XJ$ opppss XJR
That's all personal preference

 

Yep...I am familiar with TexasCarsDirect and have been watching their inventory page...DAILY LOL. That and CraigsList, eBay, and some local dealers...just trying to figure out the exact model/features I want. I am a patient man, no hurry...so I'll just keep watching and test driving.

 

Welcome Jim, that could be one solution, keep rotating dealers, garages etc and keep a car on permanent test drive. No repair bills that way.

Just kidding, I would love to have an XJR.

 

LOL...keep rotating dealers! Only problem with that is I'd only get to drive the cars for about 10 minutes each time.

Would really like to find some place that rents XJ8s. Hertz used to...I rented one on a company trip to San Fran back in 2005. Couldn't pass it up...it was $11 per day more than a Taurus! Ummm...hello? Heck yeah I'll take the Jag!

 

Hey Jw, welcome aboard
Good luck with the hunt

 

For a 1998-2003 XJ8 you really want one from 2001 onwards. If you get one, you need to check the exhaust camchain tensioners have been replaced with latest metal bodied items. Ealier plastic ones fail and can wreck the engine if not caught in time, (see XK8 forum). Once replaced, engine is good for Mars and back. Pre-2001 engines can have the Nikasil problem, unless car has had a warranty replacement by Jaguar.

If you get the aluminium-bodied XJ from 2003, these are pretty reliable, but have one or two things that can need attention, (and like all Jags cost fair sums of money), but nothing really serious. Fuel mileage is very good though.

 

Did the XJR engines from 98-03 have the same issues(Nikasil, cam chain tensioners, etc) as the NA engines? I do not know if they were the same engine with a supercharger bolted on or if they were a completely different design. Typically, a "blown motor" has significant design differences(forged pistons, lower CR, beefier main bearings...) but I am not at all familiar with the Jag engine design.

 

Get a 04+ XJR.......Who dont love a 4.2 Supercharged motor, w/ brembos brakes at 4 corners to slow the beast down while you ride on comfort of the CATS system in those fine heated leather seats while you make people turn heads at each stop light

Welcome!

 

I just read in another section that the seats in the XJR are different(and not as comfortable on long trips) than the other XJ variants. True or false? I thought the only difference was the leathers and the VDP getting the contrast colored piping.

And I do appreciate all the answers and welcomes from everybody here. I am just trying to educate myself so i can make an educated purchase.

 

JW.

Another DFW member here. Welcome aboard.
Go over to Texas Cars Direct and take the 06 STR they have for a test drive.
This will give you a good indication of what the "R" can do.
I have an 06 STR and love the car.

 

welcome to the forum hope you enjoy it here