I have a 2004 VDP that I love and haven't had any desire to sell. However, I recently came across a sweet 2008 VDP and thinking about making the 'step up'. I'm curious to know if the 08 drives better than the 04, if the Bluetooth works well with an iPhone 7 and any other notable improvements I should know about. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

They drive the same !

The later car has the front and rear re-style, but that's about it, it's basically the same car. Of course various improvements have been made as per what I have found with my car. I had a 2003 until October last year. For instance, the hunting gearbox on warm-up is gone, and I believe the later air compressors are better, the early ones struggled to get through the warranty period ! Of course there's now no in-car phone, you link yours via Bluetooth. This works OK for me but I now have the phone battery on charge if I'm going a long way, as I'm not sure whether there is a separate transmitter in the car; I suspect not. The bottom line is there are no really noticeable improvements, and indeed the poor sales of the car precluded any significant spending on them.

I just wish they'd junked the front air suspension earlier, the current car only has air on the rear.

 

I own an 04 XJ & an 08 XJ; neither are VDP though. I disagree with the other poster saying the two drive the same. Personally, I can tell and feel a big difference. My 08 is much quicker on take-off and pick-up. However, I suspect Jag achieved this by decreasing weight because the car also feels more agile; but, it has gained more road noise and less of a cushy comfortable ride which my 04 provides. I have the same Michelin tires on both cars; so, the road noise difference is not due to different tires.

 

Electronics were upgraded in 2006.

HP is rated at 400 bhp for 2006 and 390 for prior to 2006 for SC models. Slight difference in the SC design.

Some companies will do an ECU tune on cars 2006 and later but not prior to 2006.

Also the throttle body is quite different on 2006 and later compared to prior years.

I am sure there are other differences.

Weight I think is about the same.

 

IIRC, per my previous owner, rothwell, the '06+ had thicker door glass, so a touch quieter!

 

So, when I buy an older MY (say 04-05) should I go ahead replace the front air shocks, to help the rear last longer, also keep the front pair for later in case the rears fail?

 

i see no one has mentioned vvt post 06 , oh thats r and super v8 only all NA were vvt

 

i dont think that what he means . hes just having a genral gripe. any way there are replacement units out there inc upgrades .
so don't be too worried about that .

 

Thang,
It is my understanding with a Jag the shocks do not have to be replaced until they fail. I replaced both on my O4 XJ in 2017 due to one that kept deflating attributed to a seal leak. I will not touch the rear unless they begin to fail. These are air shocks, not coils. Of course, when one does begin to have deflation issues, make sure the air compressor is operational first. When the time comes, you can buy aftermarket Arnott AS-2888 on Amazon from Stuttgart Auto Parts.

 

Thang,
I have a very nice 04 XJ for sale. To see it, click onto Forums, Classifieds, and then Private Seller.