I'll echo others' words here and say that there are many factors in play, such as your attitude toward preventative maintenance, the previous owner's maintenance habits, quality of your chosen mechanic, etc...but indeed these cars are just as reliable as anything else of the era. I have almost 220K on my 2000 XJR but also have the proverbial telephone book of records with it.

I've just spent several thousand on the car having all of the timing chains, tensioners & guide rails replaced as well as all cooling hoses throughout the car and also a new steering rack, upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends and of course an alignment--all done at the local Jag dealer. You'd think that's madness to put that kind of money into a car with so many miles, however the car's cosmetics are in unbelievable condition, everything works on it, and I've owned it long enough that I 'know' the car and plan to keep it for a very long time. I figure that with the engine sorted out, the only big thing left to deal with is the transmission, which hasn't ever been opened up. Ok, so if it fails, I'll put a reman gearbox in it. A few more grand is better than a car payment in my book!

Besides, I want to see 300K breeze by on my odometer

 

[my grandad has the same car as what you are considering and we've had it for about a year now and no problems at any time completely reliable. =fountain50;296919]I am considering purchasing a British Racing Green Jaguar XJ8 4.0 Liter with 69,000 miles on it. The car looks immaculate with Tan leather Interior. This car will be for my wife who drives about 8,000 miles a year or so. If this car has been properly maintained and I continue to maintain it what kind of miles can you get out of one of these V-8s. I bought her a 1986 Jaguar XJ6 in 1992 and that car had 45,000 miles on it and was nothing but trouble.
What I'm asking is, Is it probable to get 200,000 miles out of one of these cars and has the dependability gotten better since 1986...Looking for someone to give me some advice...[/QUOTE]

 

Look this other thread for advice and comments on repairs and maintenance costs on the XJ (1998 thru 2002) models by the forum members who own them:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-117590/page2/

Jim Lombardi

 

My XJ8 has 192,000 miles on it. I do a lot of my own work and still spend $3,000 to $4,000 a year on maintenance. It has ALWAYS gotten me home without stranding.
Get it if you can afford it and enjoy it. Otherwise it is a nightmare on a tight budget.
I still say WOW every time I drive it. It is a old car with a lot of things that can break.