I bought my '98 XJR because it was beautiful. Yes, the price was right, and yes, it was only two blocks from my house, and yes, I was able to bargain the seller down a fair bit because he wanted a quick sale. I only found out later that the car was in even better shape mechanically than I thought. It is a super-strong runner and a joy to drive, no nikasil issues, timing chain tensioners changed, no leaks etc. It has been more than trouble-free so far...(okay, knock wood).

I love the body shape, it is classic XJ with design cues both new and traditional. It turns heads like no other vehicle I've ever owned, everybody looks at this car, from young to old (anthracite body colour with black leather and medium tint). These cars are not common where I live, admittedly, but I'm wondering what thoughts are out there concerning age issues with X308s?

What are the predictions with regard to longevity with this engine? What sort of mileage can be expected with regular maintenance? All I have done to the car is fit a bigger cone-style air induction kit in front of the mass air-flow sensor, and a Borla cat-back stainless exhaust, ceramic brake pads and cross-drilled rotors. Love the stock Penta wheels, though I did replace the front struts with new Bilsteins.

I'm looking forward to keeping this car for a long time, and doing a little work each year until it's as perfect as it can be given the age and mileage of the vehicle (140,000 K, or 100,00 miles-ish). I know it's not going to be any great shakes in terms of resale. Blue book on it is only slightly better than what I paid, around ten grand or so in good condition, I got it for eight so I'm good with that.

To me it's a 'classic' already, but when will the auto world see it as the XJ-S is coming to be seen these days? Maybe never?

Cheers

 

Mate, the auto world consider it as a classic already, you do, and you're by no means unique!

It's the last genuine Browns Lane Jaguar, having design directly from the Lyons car of 1968, dynamically better, but not that much, they were that good....

A good one will hold it's value, they've bottomed in the UK, and rising for mint ones, I think the dogs will end up used as parts for the good to excellent ones, just like every other Jaguar.

They'll be people that move onto the next new thing, because they're compelled to keep up with the Jones's.....they can look down their noses at this "old car", and completely miss the point....the point being they appeal to car enthusiasts, and once enthusiasts get hold of them, they have classic status.

I have an 01' XJR I'm fond of, 285,000 (miles) and counting, (I also have a rebuilt 02' XJR 100 on a new bodyshell it's insured for £60k) its all relative, if you look after it, it will look after you, servicing and good maintainable is vital, like any other car, treat it like a Porsche, high end Merc. The issue I have is because they're a saloon, they're not as desirable, and prices tumble, they fall into wannabes hands that abuse them, drive them into the floor and move on, could you ever see an SL AMG or 911 C4 have this happen?

 

Jaguar Classic Car Hire - Jaguar Cars

 

XJ styling from 1986-2003 has been the most beautiful cars and Jaguar got the best between 1995-2003 of what you can take from a car in regards to clad , dandy design wise .
Generally, I think those lines are timeless and it's one of the main reasons why I still drive an XJ40 and longed for it for years .

 

umm .... WOW!

 

I think it says it all when even an 18 year old tuner drops everything to stare at these cars. That to me is the definition of timeless. Sean B. is right, you treat it like a lady and she will reciprocate. Congrats and good luck!

 

Hmmm....