Here is a list of all the issues some small but significant. I replaced the power steering pump and water pump. Repeated issues with the hose bursting near the bottom of the engine. Needs brakes. Clear coat is separating from the paint. Headliner sections unglued. Sunroof dead. Sections of the dash paneling coming off. The gauge operation is a mess--gas gauge, tach, temperature. Dash lights-- 2 don't work and the others go out periodically then back on. Same with the heater / ac night light. Cd player not working properly. Headlights not working properly. Sudden acceleration--no cause on my end. Valve covers leaking. Front end noise with extremely noisy bushings....sway bar? Engine and tranny good so far--now there's a big positive. ABS module issue. AC not cold and the freon is ok. There are more problems but I have blocked quite a few out.
Comparing this to my friend's 1998 Honda Civic...his headliner went bad but has had no other issues. He has had the shocks replaced. The car has 180,000 miles on it. When I got the Jag in 2012 it was perfect. I have 2 cars and do not drive it much in the first place. Totally crazy issues. Why did I write this info? Just as a psychological release ! The car now resembles a piece of poop and is depressing to look at I am sorry to say. The paint issue is the last straw. Offering of any solutions, greatly appreciated...thanks for looking.....this was done with a humorous frame of mind. Border line insanity...lol.

 

Offer it for sale: the are plenty of folks who would pay $1000 for a parts car or a challenge.

Or start in, one-by-one, fixing the issues: new pads are easy to do (while you are there, check the brake lines and calipers and rotors -- when was the last brake job? They wear out!); replace the hoses, maybe water pump and thermostat too; I would bet the radiator cap is bad (on the tank, rear of engine). Check the drive belt. Oil change. 3/16 in staples will fix the headliner temporarily (your friend's Honda, too). Check for rust (not likely in a CA car), get it painted. Replace the lamps, get them adjusted and check for corrosion. Clean the ABS sensors at each wheel for dirt, rust, and corrosion -- if that doesn't fix the issue, Google it (lots of threads and YouTubes).

Lots of threads on bushings (probably sway bar bushings, links, and upper shock mounts) -- maybe $120 bucks in parts (if you have tools, a dolly jack, and a couple of jack stands and an hour).

Visit your neighborhood A/C repair shop (they can do the hoses and water pumps too). See you in the next 150,000.

Or trade with your pal -- he would love to dump the Honda!

 

Could be worse, if you had an earlier XJ you might have gotten the bill for new cam chains & tensioners!
I've been frustrated at times considering some of the places my XJ doesn't match up with more pedestrian cars in my fleet.
Nothing I own is trouble free but most of what's in my driveway seems to have wear related issues, which in my mind are not the fault of the manufacturer.
Some of the issues with my Jag would really have me steamed if I'd forked over $70k (found the original window sticker for the old girl) but I can be philosophical since I only coughed up $6k.
If mine even gets close to 150k it will be a bargain.
I will say if you can take care of problems as they come up things will look a little more manageable compared to looking at the list you typed out but I can understand how these lists snowball when you try to take a month two off and say, "I'll get to that..."
Should still be a good parts car and to be honest I always considered these to be good bases for a kit car, much lighter engine compared to a 5.0 Ford or 350 Chevy...and you get independent rear suspension & 4 wheel discs out of the deal...something to think about!