Hello All,

So I really need an honest opinion on a Jaguar I am looking at, mainly regarding how much it is going to cost me maintain. But first a little context, so I am 16 years old and want to buy my first car, I have come close to buying a BMW 2007 320i but after much research it has become clear they are mechanical nightmares and that is something I want to avoid as I don't have unlimited funds available. So that basically put me back in square one, what I really want is a good looking, reliable vehicle however as reliable as the Japanese cars may be I cannot for the life of me find a 90's model which looks good. Then I stumbled across a jaw dropping 1997 Jaguar XJ8 L, to say the least it is absolutely stunning, I want it more than any car I have ever seen. However here is were my concern lies, I have read that the car is mechanically fantastic and the problems are scarce however from others that problems are reasonably regular and bloody expensive to fix. I would really appreciate it if you could give me some solid advice on this?

Here is the car aswell - Jaguar XJ8 L 1997 | Trade Me

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum Harry, I moved your post out of General Tech to the X308 section, you'll get more info on the cars here.

When you get a moment stop by our new members are and introduce yourself.

We also have a New Zealand regional section where members in your area hang out.

 

Welcome to the forum Harry,

A wise concern. If something goes wrong with a Jaguar V8 or transmission, it can be very expensive to fix (equivalent to the purchase price of this one) and it is a complex vehicle for a first car. Maintenance on any Jaguar can also be costly although everything on the schedules is well within the capabilities of anyone who has, or is prepared to learn the DIY skills.

With all used Jaguars, service and repairs history is important. The photos certainly give the impression of a well cared for vehicle but make no mention of history. Questions need to be asked about this of the vendor.

The earlier six cylinder X300 which looks very similar is probably more bullet proof than the early examples of the X308 but catastrophic engine failures are rare. The main area of concern with the early V8 is plastic tensioners which can break up wrecking the engine. You should ask whether these have been changed for the later metal type. If not, it's something to help negotiate the price down.

On balance, if I was your age I'd check it out further and be very likely to go for it. You've got a few years to go a little mad and enjoy the highs and lows of Jaguar ownership before other commitments put anything like this out of reach for a long time!

Graham

 

hi for a first time car i wouldn't do it just considering that when these jags have a problem man its so expensive just the parts then if you don't do the mechanic work yourself mechanics try make working on jags a big deal and so they charge more. so this is just my advice from my experience

 

Hi Graham,

I really appreciate the detailed response, however I was hoping you could elaborate a bit more regarding scheduled maintenance. How often does it need to be done and how costly is it do it yourself vs taking it to a mechanic. I have no experience with cars however would be eager to learn if you thought someone like myself was capable of doing such.

 

Much as I hate to discourage you, I think that this is not a good first car for for a 16 y.o. with no mechanical knowledge. These cars require a bit of experience to maintain properly. It is a low mileage car, and will probably serve you well, but the first time it bites you, will cost $1000.
Servicing, if you do it yourself, $25 for a filter, and whatever 6litres of 20/50 costs in NZ; every 6 months.
I would try to knock him down a bit on the price.
good luck
Pete