Hello Fellow Members !

I have been a big fan of Jaguars for ages and was seconds away from pulling the trigger on the older model XJR when checking the Carfax revealed it had been in a accident.

In the back of my mind, I have also been confused about the 98-03 XJR vs. 05-06 XJR and the 03-06 S Type R. Personally I like the body style of the 98-03 XJR, but the newer XJR’s have updated electronics like nav etc.....I have also contemplated considering the 03-06 S Type R, but after reading all relevant forums am finding the newer XJR’s have some major problems with the throttle body and the air suspension, the S Type R’s are also prone to these issues. I know I want a Jag but would appreciate your guidance in determining the pros and cons of these three models.

Also, how reliable or trouble free is the 98-03 XJR? I own a Rover and a Mercedes so understand that european cars are no honda or toyota in terms of maintenance, but how does the 98-03 XJR compare to the 03-06 S Type R and the newer 05-06 XJR.

Cheers

 

My 1999 XJR has been the most reliable, low-maintenance car I have ever owned. After 11 years, 125,000 miles, frequently at prolonged triple-digit speeds, it has required NO repairs, only routine maintenance, and I changed the secondary timing chain tensioners myself prophylactically. (see https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ight=tensioner).

Provided you find one lovingly maintained, you can't go wrong. 2003 XJR has the advantage of factory-installed metal tensioners, etc, and most have Nav.

IMHO the 2004+ XJ looks like a Ford Crown Victoria in drag. S Type R certainly appeal to many, but I prefer the low, sleek X308 look.

 

Thanks for your response Markus

 

I am inclined to agree with Markus, but I am a bit biased as I just purchased a '99 XJR with 39K miles. I can't attest to the reliability as I have only had it for three weeks, but I looked at each of the styles you are asking about, and I am drawn to the classic look of the '98-'03 models. I am not as pleased with the ever increasing Ford influence on the new models. In the end, I would say you have to do your research, drive as many as you can, and make your decision on the facts and what makes you feel best behind the wheel!

Either way you go, I'm sure you will love the car.

 

Thanks for your input MidlifeXJR

 

I have a 03 XJR. The styling is better than the newer XJ's(I think they look a little too Ford-ish) and the STR's are just not the classic Jaguar look.

The 2002-2003 XJR's are more reliable than the previous version in terms of electronics and timing belt issues.

Get and XJR with the R1 performance Package if you can find one.

 

It depends on what you want. They are all Jaguars and all have there own attention points. Either way you will pay for something if you drive it daily.

I would personally go with the X308 (1998-2003). It has the best class of the three models you are looking at. I have had a 2003 XJ8 and a 1999 XJR. They were both great and maintenance free if you kept up on the routine maintenance (can do yourself). I never had a problem with the tensioners, or even the nikasil cylinders in the AJ26 engine (1998-2000 X308).

I am currently looking for another XJR in the 1998-2003 years. The biggest thing is to understand what you are buying and pull as much info out of the previouse owner as you can.

 

I currently have a 99 xjr and a 2003 xjr r1. Both great cars. Brakes are steep on the 03, but cheaper now than a couple of years ago. I like the looks of the x308 and consider the 03 to be the best car ever made.

 

Sorry, but I forgot to say that the nav systems on all of these cars, even the newest ones, suck compared to the aftermarket systems. I have a $100 magellan that fits in my shirt pocket when I get out of the car and walk around. The map updates for the factory versions are always behind and very expensive.

 

hey what year did the R1 Performance Package come out?

 

I have owned a series of Jags since the mid 80's -- The x300 starting in 1995 was one fine car. My 95 VDP was so trouble free at 100k - the only reason I got rid of it is I could get a newer x308 V8 VDP for a good price -- traded that for an R.

The only other cars we have had as trouble free have been Lexus and believe it or not 2000 - 03 Mercury Sables (We had 10 in the Co fleet at one time). I bet much of the Jag electronics is Ford -- A good thing in this case.

Get a good low mile one and you will be happy!