Hi,
I am considering a 2002 XJ8. It is 2 hrs away from me and before I make the trip to test drive: Will the car accommodate a tall driver (6'7")? Can the seat be moved back far enough/ how's the headroom?
Thanks for your time.

 

That's a tough question. I'm 6'0" and I have to be careful not to knock my head when I get in my Jag ('01 VDP). The newer X350s are taller, but they look it too. Maybe if you could find one closer to home to check out. I would hate to put you off from looking at one. I've had a couple of my neck disks fused so I can't really bend down real well, and I'm long-waisted. But, ... it ain't no SUV. If Jeremy Clarkson can get into an MG Midget, I guess I can manage ;^)

 

I'm 6'4 and I'll just say I've developed a ...umm....procedure if you will for entering and exiting the car. Back 20 some odd years ago I had a 280Z....still 6'4 but again, I had a method for "swooping" into the car. This is becoming more of a challenge as I age...knees just aren't the same anymore. I would say it could be done but you will have to learn your own procedure which will include touching your chin to your chest!...best wishes!

 

Thanks for the hints, getting into my BMW isn't easy either but once I'm in it's very comfortable. The question is: can I exist IN the XJ8 without any form of amputation??
Thanks again

 

I'm tiny compared to you lot, I'm 6ft. But I love the car and find it very comfy I drove all the way to France and around it and I never felt uncomfortable once. My pal who is taller than me always reclines the seat quite a bit when he rides passenger but such a position would effect rear seat passengers.

 

The front seats on the XJ can move farther back than the seats of a my dad's BMW 5 series. There is much more front leg room in the XJ. BUT the headroom is alot worse. The long wheel base models are supposedly abt .5-1" (anyone confirm?) taller than the short wheel base models. Also there is less knee room in the XJ than the BMW. Also, no one will fit in the back seat behind you. (But what car has that much rear leg space behind a 6' 7" driver?). I wear a size 12 shoe and when wearing boots in the winter, the footwell can be a bit cramped.

What model BMW do you own? Are young/flexible?

 

That doesn't sound good! I own an 02 525 and I have just enough headroom. Plus I am nowhere near flexible anymore. Too bad. Thank you guys for all the help. I guess I'll be looking for a different car.

 

burmaz made a great point that I forgot to mention...the room in the footwell IS very restrictive for folks with large feet that are attached to a tall body. I have a VERY difficult time getting in and out when wearing shoes....fortunately I live a casual lifestyle (shorts, and sandals) and that makes it much easier to enter and exit. Trying to get in with sneakers on is a nightmare!

 

You can try to find a nearby '88-'03 XJ and check to see if you have enough headroom. Yea I said '88 and not just '98. They all share a similar chassis and dimensions.

If not, check the '04 or newer XJs. They have much more headroom.

 

Well don't give up yet I am 6'6'' 230 pounds and love driving my xj8. You can preset the steering wheel and seats to move as soon as you put the key in which gives me plenty of leg room. And when you put the seat all the way down I have plenty of headroom. Getting out takes some momentum, but I am young..25 so it is not hard for me.

i wear size 14 shoes and have never had that issue..guess it is possible, but i have not had a problem with it..as for the hitting your head getting in..sure that happens, but after 5 to 10 times you begin to develop a tumor that cushions the blow

 

Again thanks everybody. I might just go and look at the car if I find some time. In the BMW there is a clip on the seat rail that you can remove and then the seat travels an additional 2 " back. I thought there might be a secret trick like that in the Jag....
Anyway. Thanks!