My light just came on yesterday.

143,000 miles.
No adverse sounds.
No adverse car or engine feel.
Happened just after I checked fuses in all areas (I did not pull any fuses)
No differences that I have observed whatsoever before/after light.

I have never driven a car where the check engine light was not on. This is because most manufacturers use the check engine light for anything from gas caps not being tightened enough, to hoods not having closed all the way, to complete engine failure, and everything in between.

What I am asking is how important is this for a Jag? I know for Jeep, mitsubishi, and older Dodges and Kias, they go on often, and are often very difficult to get rid of on a perfect drivetrain.

I will have it checked out at Autozone, and will let everyone know what the problems / codes are later on.

Also, where is the best place to get the JAG Leaper Ornament (hood) without taking a loan from the bank?

 

The hood ornaments seem to be on eVilBay all the time.

 

Without the codes it is nearly impossible to tell why the CEL did came on.

For the leaper - check the forum's classified section.
There's a leaper for sale.

 

It might be a good time (XMAS) to get an OBDII code reader. I use mine on both of my vehicles. Make sure you get one that will read and reset codes. They're not very expensive. You can either get a plain dedicated code reader or an interface that connects the car to your laptop (or desktop or notebook). Autozone or the other places usually won't reset the codes - at least that's what I've heard. I keep a sheet of paper with my code reader (interface) with all the codes I've had with the date and the car mileage. Sometimes codes do pop up and after you reset them, they may come back a year later or never.

 

$98 for a leaper.

There is a site that sells them for $68. Even if they are replicas, they cost much less and look very good.