Currently in TX but might be moving to south MA/RI. I love my XJ8 would dearly love to keep it if I move, but I am concerned about using it as an everyday driver in the more rural parts of MA. Any comments from the board about exactly how bad/good the XJ is in the snow/ice? I love the fact that the car is AL from a rust viewpoint and the only other choice for a large sedan with AWD would seem to be the A8, if I don't want it to rust away in 5 years....

Thanks

- Tim

 

it all depends on your tires. I have the pirelli pzero's on my xjr, it is undrivable in snow or ice, I've gotten stuck on basically flat ground on packed down snow, it's that bad. I plan to get snow tires for next winter, I suggest you do the same

 

Tim,

I had the same concern as you before I purchased my '06 XJ8 this past summer. I live in Chicago where winter snow and ice is a regular occurance...and I commute 50 miles round trip every day.

I talked to Jaguar dealers, owners, and read many forums on the topic. Nearly everyone said that the car would be a challenge to handle with the OEM all season tires but a good set of snow tires would transform it into a winter warrior. I decided to take the advice of many and purchase a set of dedicated winter tires. Again, after much research, I decided to go with the new Blizzak LM-60's which were mounted in Late November.

The Verdict: It's now mid January and after countless small (2-3 inch) snow falls, 2 out right blizzards (8+ inches) and consistently icy roads I have concluded that the XJ8 is a vehicle that can easily be driven through a harsh winter IF you have good snow tires.

The Blizzak's and the traction/skid control system work together very well to give the driver confidence and command. My commute is an equal mix of expressways and side streets and not once have I felt as if I was out of control or compromising safety. The car always remains composed and feels firmly planted on the road. As long as you have common sense and give yourself time you will get where you need to go without the "white knuckles".

By the way...I'm also very impressed with the Blizzak's on dry roads. The ride is soft and handling is better that what I expected out of a snow tire. They are quiet and feel planted even in the 70+ mph speed range.

I hope this helps!

Scott

 

The car will be fine with a good set of snow tires

 

Good to know, Scott, I also plan on picking up the LM-60 Bilzzaks for next winter...this winter is enough over that I'll leave the xjr parked for the remainder of it

 

Mine has Dunlop 20" tyres which arent winter tyres.
It kicks out at the slightest opportunity and you have to be lightning quick to catch it.
After 3 or 4 times I parked mine on the drive for a week
Was going to cost GB£309 each for snow tyre which is riduculous and would hardly ever get used here

 

I put 17inch Michelin X-Ice Winter tires on my XJ8 (at the recommendation of TireRack). They have been fantastic in the snow. I've had no problem getting around. I don't really like them on dry roads. They are too soft and drift around too much at highway speeds.

 

I test drove an XJ8 on a nice February day in Minneapolis. It wouldn't make it up our (not very steep) driveway. I used this to get the dealer to throw in some new Blizzaks. It does just fine with the snow tires.

 

I actually live in Massachusetts and opted to go with 18" all seasons (over the 19" summers) for the winter months. My reasoning for not going with dedicated snows was pretty simple. When it snows around here they pretty much have the main roads down to pavement almost immediately after the snows stops so my preference was to go with a nicer riding, quieter all-season with the hope they would be sufficient if caught in a storm.

I bought a set of 18" wheels with Toyo Versado all season tires seem to be quite capable the few times I have had them out in the snow and slush. Granted I live two very flat blocks away from the local main road so I don't have any snowy hills to navigate, not sure I wouold want to be caught climbing Mt. Washington in a blizzard with these things.

 

I have 18's with snows and all seasons. This year I did not bother with the snows. Getting by just fine as long as snow is not on the ground. Parking can be difficult with ice, but it was just as hard with snows. No momentum and either tire sucks.

 

I have had only 1 experience with my 05 XJR on snow and ice with Summer performance tires. It was embarrasing and dangerous. My advice is:
under no circumstances should you try it. You could total your car in a heart beat not to mention the risk of injury to yourself and others.

I lucked out in that I only got perfectly stuck on a flat icie surface that passers by had to push me off of. They all told me what a lovely car I had in between the giggles.

 

2004 XJ Vanden Plas In Calgary Alberta. I have Dunlop SP5000 all seasons and they are fine in snow and ice. The car starts in minus 40 Celcius no problem, and the new Dunlops have not left me stranded. With these tires and traction control it's all good. The OEM Continentals were crap!

 

People are always asking how this or that car handles in the snow, but it's really 80+ percent about the tires.

Think about how well you run on snow when wearing boots vs. smooth-soled shoes. Give me boots and give the world record sprinter smooth-soled shoes, and who'll cover 100 meters faster?

That would make a great ad for snow tires...

 

We live in the Boston suburbs and have driven all winter on snow tires in both a Porsche 911 and a Mercedes E55. They handled just fine. I'll be doing the same with my newly acquired '07 XK.