Ok, officially I am in love with the XJ8's from 2004-2006 and need someone to talk some sense into me. I am a non-handy guy who is not mechanical enough to do my own oil change....so fixing things is not an option. I drove his first 1981 Toyota Tercel until it had 467,000 miles and I finally sold it in 2000. We just sold our golf cart....I mean Prius...because my wife hated driving it so it's time for something else. We both absolutely love the XJ8's. I've read every forum, searched on the internet for hours each night reading about the air suspensions failing....throttle body...etc. But I've also read about the people who love these cars. We have a 2008 Lexus RX 350, and so does both of our neighbors who are 80 years old. It is boring to drive but very practical and reliable. But...there is nothing as beautiful as the XJ8's, and there are several in the 9K price range that average just under 100K miles. Am I being a moron even considering this? We are a middle class family that should be driving a Toyota Camry, but I am in love with Jaguars and can't get an '04 Vanden Plas that we looked at out of my head. I know I will be hearing from Jaguar fans here and I've read every posting about XJ8's reliability on here....but any .02 cents is always appreciated! Thanks in advance....

 

redfish353,

Go for you and your wife's dreams and buy the XJ8 Vanden Plas. Life's short -- it's about what makes you happy. If you end up buying something else you will probably regret it, especially if owning the XJ8 is something you can't get out of your head. The interior is sumptuous and the exterior lines are beautiful.

I owned a Toyota Corolla as my first car out of college and never thought much of cars. That was until I was bitten by the Jag bug when I saw the first commercial of the S-Type in the late 1990's. Since then it's been a great ride and the passion from fellow Jaguar owners never ceases to amaze me.

I have owned two XJ8's. The first was a 2008 XJ8 and the second is the 2009 one that I have now. I will admit I do not drive the current one that much as it is a garage queen. Both have never had any issues.

Yes, there are various forum postings with air suspension faults, etc.. but I suppose every car has their issue. Go onto a BMW and Mercedes-Benz forum and there will the same discussions about quality issues.

My advice is to simply find a clean titled car and check it out with a fine tooth comb before you buy it.

>> First, find one with the exterior/ interior color combo that you want.

>> Check that all of the VIN stickers are on each of the body panels (Hood, Front Left and Right Fenders, one on each of the 4 doors, Rear Left and Right Quarter Panels, Boot Lid, Front Bumper, and Rear Bumper). Missing VIN stickers means potential accident and repair was done.

>> Get a flashlight and look under the car for any damage. Make sure no damage to plastic under-trays or any body panel damage adjacent to the wheel arches.

>> Check the Boot trunk area for any damage.

>> Pull BOTH the CarFax and AutoCheck. I once almost purchased a car with a clean Carfax only to learn it was involved in a major accident after I pulled the AutoCheck.

>> Check the service history from the Owners Manual and Dealer.

>> Get your favorite trusted mechanic to take a look at it. Take it for a drive.

Good luck.

 

Life is short.....too short. Live your dreams! It sounds like this or another XJ is really the car you want so GO FOR IT. The previous post provided outstanding advice. My only addition would be for you to get an extended warranty for peace of mind and to avoid an unexpected costly repair bill.

There is an ongoing thread on this topic below with some really good information:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-yes-no-65134/

There is something special about a Jaguar, I think you understand that after reading this and other forums.

Keep us posted!

 

redfish353,

The two gentlemen are absolutely thorough and correct. I might add that you find a good standalone mechanic other than the dealer and download the various manuals and parts catalogues made generously available on this forum. Educate yourself with the past pages of input in the forum to find the ways to prevent repairs and to repair wisely and economically.

Once a Jagger, always a Jagger, they're a design unique to the auto world and the models 2009 back are classic, I think much more so than the new line up of 2009 up.

Chris

 

The cars are as reliable as any other so no fears to be had that you would not have with any other marque. I would be prepared to have the headliner replaced if the car has spent any time out in the sun. But this is something most modern cars have issues with.

 

It's a HECK of a lot of car for $9K. I took the plunge ten years ago and bought my first "modern" XJ for every-day use, Canadian winters too. At the same time my buddy bought a used Mazda 626. We paid about the same, but he had higher maintenance costs and sold his Mazda for less than I got for my Jag. I win. I bet you will too. At least you have a second vehicle in the household--consider that your insurance.

 

It's easy to fall in love with these XJ8s, but the reality is that there is a potential to get hit pretty good in the wallet if the car presents 2 or 3 issues. I found receipts in our '04 that totaled about $8500, mostly from a local Jaguar specialist shop. They charge a little less than the dealer.

In 9 months, we've uncovered or had the following issues:

A/C - Heat fan quit working, a module behind the dash had burned out, common issue ~ $85 by fixing myself

Transmission cooler lines are leaking, about a $1k job to replace...not including the $18 per QT transmission fluid, and filter/pan which should be replaced when this job is done

Headliner was falling in, very common

Radiator coolant overflow tank broke, replaced myself for around $120

Developed a new coolant leak yesterday, I believe it is the plastic manifold that connects the radiator hoses to the motor

Life is short, and they are beautiful cars....just have your eyes open going into the deal. We are talking about highly complex, 100K mile cars. I don't recall if you had driven one yet, but be warned once you do, you will be a goner.

 

A friend said to me, several times, "There are no pockets in shrouds !"
So I got my XJ - love it !

 

Thank you all so much for the great replies! We are definitely going to take the plunge....if we would have just done it when we were looking 5 months ago it would have saved us a few thousand dollars in buying that stupid Prius only to sell it a few thousand miles later. I describe it like trying to move on from that first high school love, once we test drove the XJ8 we had been looking at there was no moving past it. I will keep everyone posted on which one we chose, and most importantly I appreciate all of the advice and especially the post from BrownRobin on what to look for. The XJ8 I was looking at sold over the weekend. It was not only a steal (not to mention original senior lady owner), but also had the complete air suspension system re-done only a couple thousand miles ago at the dealership. So I should have jumped on it! This forum is the best....can't thank you guys enough.

 

I am absolutely sure you'll love this car ! One thing I'd like to say is that they were quite expensive cars when new, and the parts prices reflect that, so when you whack out all of $9000 on one, it is a helluva lot less than the new price, so the parts prices may look high. The good news is that nowadays the Jaguar aftermarket is up-to-speed, so there is a lot of stuff at much less cost, most of it from the OEM suppliers to Jaguar. Try also to find a reputable Jaguar specialist not too far away, These guys tend to charge less labour but are enthusiasts for the marque and will find ways round problems that main dealers just fix by throwing new parts at the car.

 

I'd recommend an '05..the 04s being a first year run for the x350, it had a lot of minor, quirky issues...like the headliner, my 05 has no problem, A and ice only seen 04s with that one.

Sent from my Epic 4G using IB AutoGroup

 

I'm 4 days into ownership of a charcoal grey 2005 XJ8 vanden plas with all the wood inlay and piped leather seats, 74K mi. It was well cared for and is mint. Except for a small door ding I just noticed and can't stop noticing. :-(. I've had a couple BMW's, but this car is just sweet. Great lines and such a luxurious interior. I purchased to take clients to show homes, and look forward to putting people in the spacious back seat. Other agents I know have nice cars, but I can probably say that the 8 year old vanden plas is nicer than all the Cadillacs, BMWs and Mercedes they're driving. And for under $12K. Why not chance a few repairs? I had my girlfriend take me out for ice cream so I could ride in the back with the awesome stereo jammin. If you get a lemon, pass it on and take the lumps. Better than buying new and losing $ financing and depreciation when you drive off the lot. I plan to get a lot of info from the forums and hope to maintain the car well, but if you can find a good mechanic to honestly amd practically handle the things that come up with most all cars, do it. You'll still probably be ahead. Thats my 2 cents. Loving the ride! Good luck


I'm 4 days into ownership of a charcoal grey 2005 XJ8 vanden plas with all the wood inlay and piped leather seats, 74K mi.

It was well cared for and is mint. Except for a small door ding I just noticed and can't stop noticing. :-(. I've had a couple BMW's, but this car is just sweet. Great lines and such a luxurious interior.

I purchased to take clients to show homes, and look forward to putting people in the spacious back seat. Other agents I know have nice cars, but I can probably say that the 8 year old vanden plas is nicer than all the Cadillacs, BMWs and Mercedes they're driving. And for under $12K.

Why not chance a few repairs?

I had my girlfriend take me out for ice cream so I could ride in the back with the awesome stereo jammin.

If you get a lemon, pass it on and take the lumps. Better than buying new and losing $ financing and depreciation when you drive off the lot.

I plan to get a lot of info from the forums and hope to maintain the car well, but if you can find a good mechanic to honestly amd practically handle the things that come up with most all cars, do it. You'll still probably be ahead.

Thats my 2 cents.

Loving the ride!

Good luck


PLEASE CREATE LINE BREAKS!! This makes it easier for all to read your comments.....Thank you

 

You only live once. I'm a couple years into ownership and love the car as much as the day I acquired it. My best moments are detailing and cleaning the car. And driving it of course. I moved up from a boring but reliable Honda Accord and haven't looked back. Make sure you buy a well cared for car, be choosy about holding out until you locate the perfect one.

 

So are we, but ...............

Do it!

 

so did you buy it....?

 

Nothing yet!!! I've been car-less for 3 weeks now. I've just had a difficult time finding that well maintained one that everyone talks about...plus add into the mix that every time my wife sees an S-Type that she loves the sporty look of it. So, right now I am still looking like crazy and hopefully within the next 2 weeks something nice will come around. I had anticipated buying a local, senior owned one that was low mileage with a complete air suspension repair done. And of course it sold before I got to it

 

A 2005 VDP is a keeper. Don't fall into the trap of going from air suspension to springs and shocks. There is a company in Florida that takes the old cores and remanufacturers them with a lifetime guarantee. They keep replacements in stock. If the transmission gives you shifting problems, have it reprogrammed. The headliner fallin can be dealt with easily. BTW, smoking in the car speeds up the process. The VDP is a fine motorcar, if you do the routine maintenance, it will be a head turner for years to come.. We love ours.

 

I've owned both XJ8 and STR... the StypeR was a blast and looked great but the XJ8 was much nicer. The quality, fit & finish is better in the big cat.

But if you get the S... get the type R over a base IMO. They're priced right and you'll get a lot of enjoyment from it too. good luck.. I'm still searching too!!!!

 

I have had a 2004 Vanden Plas for quite a few years and it has been very reliable. I did just replace the headliner as it was sagging in a few places and tarnished an otherwise perfect car. I have had a few quirky things come up which appear to be common on this model. In certain temperatures, the airbag warning light comes on. It is something in the connection in the steering column which I hear is costly to fix. Also my power steering is a bit noisy when making turns but that apparently is also a know problem that had a TSB fix go out a few years back that involved heating up the power steering fluid after putting some kind of additive into it. Never did get that done. Otherwise no problems.

 

hi
nail24fac,

Could you please give us the name of the air shock re-manuf?

thx
Chris