How reliable are X350 2003-2007 XJ Jaaaaaaaags

[JCE]

Out of curiosity and for other reasons I'll keep to myself for now...my question seems to be an easy one since there are a lot of Europeans on this forum.

How reliable are 2003-2007 MkIII Jaguar XJ's? Particularly the XJ8 and XJR? What common issues should a potential buyer look for? How many miles before the timing service needs to be done? What are the performance stats for them? Strangely I cannot find the latter on the internets...

Pictures for reference:

I'll edit the topic title. I forgot about that little bit of information. Thanks.

*edit*
Oh and here are some stats from Motor Trend.

2004 Jaguar XJR
Powertrain/Chassis
Drivetrain Layout Front Engine, RWD
Engine Type V-8, alum block/heads
Valvetrain Supercharged, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Displacement 257.1 cu in / 4212 cc
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Power (Sae Net) 390 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque (Sae Net) 399 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Weight To Power 10.1 lb/hp
Redline 6000 rpm
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Axle / Final-Drive Ratios 2.87:1 / 1.98:1
Suspension, Front; Rear Control arms, adj air springs, anti-roll bar; control arms, adj air springs, anti-roll bar
Steering Ratio 17.8:1
Turns Lock-To-Lock 2.8
Brakes, Front; Rear 14.4-in vented disc; 13.0-in disc, ABS
Wheels 19 X 8.5 cast alum
Tires 255/40ZR19 96T Pirelli PZero Asimmetrico
Dimensions/Capacities
Wheelbase 119.4 in
L X W X H 200.4 X 73.2 X 57.0 in
Turning Circle 38.4 ft
Curb Weight 3948 lb
Seating Capacity 5
Headroom, F/R 38.4 / 38.6 in
Legroom, F/R 43.1 / 38.7 in
Shoulder Room, F/R 58.3 / 58.3 In
Cargo Volume 16.6 cu ft
Test Data
Acceleration to mph
0-30 1.9 Sec
0-40 2.7
0-50 3.8
0-60 5.0
0-70 6.4
0-80 8.2
0-90 10.1
0-100 12.1
1/4 Mile 13.4 sec @ 106.2 mph
Braking, 60-0 Mph 121 ft
600-Ft Slalom 64.6 MPH Avg
Lateral Acceleration 0.85 g Avg
Consumer Info
Base Price $74,995
Price As Tested $79,845
Airbags Dual front, front side, f/r head curtain
Fuel Capacity 22.3 gal
Epa Mpg, City/Hwy 17 / 24 mpg
Basic Warranty 4 Yrs/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 4 Yrs/50,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance 4 Yrs/50,000 Miles


Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests..._jaguar_xjr/specs_overview.html#ixzz15PoQmDqO

Ummm, that's some good stuff in bold.

 

[Zenith]

Reliability marks 9 / 10

Source

 

[JCE]

That's definitely encouraging. Anyone else? I'll post this on Final Gear too since Spectre seems to know a lot about Jags.

 

[Keef]

Who cares how reliable it is? If it breaks down, don't worry, you'll be sitting on the side of the road looking like a boss because you drive a Jaaaaaag.

Just don't crash one. The whole thing is aluminum so if you dent a panel the repair will make you **** yourself, and if there is ever any frame damage the service writer will **** himself, right before you strangle him.

 

[Bones Brigade]

hmmm. In addition to having a Focus SVT, I would say these are very reliable. In place of...probably a money pit and a death trap.

If my deduction is correct, the solution is to not get rid of your Focus.

Well, at least don't get This one.

 

[BrutherSuperior]

Out of curiosity and for other reasons I'll keep to myself for now...my question seems to be an easy one since there are a lot of Europeans on this forum.

How reliable are 2003-2007 MkIII Jaguar XJ's? Particularly the XJ8 and XJR?

Reliability is relative.

Things are going to go wrong eventually. But it won't be drivetrain related nor will you be nickel'd and dime'd into bankruptcy like you would with a Mercedes of similar vintage. BMW's with the 4.0L V8 are another nightmare waiting to happen.

In the grand scheme of performance luxury sedans; the Jag is near the top when it comes to reliability and durability. Service is expensive, but it is no different than any other premium car. Jag buyers (1st owners) are usually quite good with keeping their car tip-top. So despite the ENORMOUS depreciation, they're usually a safe bet sight unseen. In contrast, BMW X5's and most Audis are trashed by the time they're traded in.

It's truly a wonderful car. Gas mileage is crap, it's heavy, but it looks stunning in black right after a nice detail and is an absolute rocketship on an expressway.

Poke around, take your time and you can find good examples under $15k...maybe even $10k if the dealer has sat on it for a while. These cars get a bad rap b/c they're not German or Japanese. But of the premium lux sedans, these probably have the most character and their owners (which 9 out of 10 are men) absolutely loved them. These were usually not primary cars either...keep that in mind too.

 

[Cale]

My friend has and '08. For two years it gave him no problems and now it's in the shop with possible transmission/differential, and suspension issues. He's not fond of the service at his dealer as they refuse to notice any potential issues.


EVERY XJ you check out either look or have someone look at the suspension. Often times a shock can begin to leak and the compressor will work extra hard to keep it inflated and then you might be without a compressor. There are after market companies that sell compressors and shocks cheaper than Jaguar, but they are usually hit or miss with the quality. Not sure if they used the same transmissions as the S-Type but if they did those can be a major concern as well, when checking out a car make sure there are good seals in the tranny/engine/air con etc. If you see any leaks or replaced seals be weary.


Otherwise they are great cars. Earlier this year my mom drove a 2004 and 2006 and they were just awesome. The ride, handling, everything just felt like you'd expect from a Jaaaaaaaag. I'm not sure how much experience BrutherSuperior has with these cars but on our test drives (mostly highways speeds) we averaged 30mpg. (Highways mileage was around 33mpg) I don't know how lower speed driving would effect that though.

EDIT: Just as pretty much every car as long as you keep up with service and take good care of it you should have many happy and trouble free miles. Also did anyone mention it's a Jaaaaaaag?!

 

[ExigeEvan]

Avoid the V6 Turbo-Diesels. The turbo's aren't so much as unreliable but delicate if not cooled properly. Apart from that, it's said the suspension makes a "clunk" when pushed hard.

That said, I can't imagine you'll find a TD anytime soon in America.

Red sauce
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/jaguar/xj6-xj8-xjr-2003/

 

[JCE]

My main concern at this point for the XJ is the aluminum body and how I'm basically F'ed if I get a door ding, dent or get hit by another car. That's a huge turn off...

Anybody noticed how far VW Phaeton's have depreciated as well? These are quite good quality machines me thinks...

hmmm. In addition to having a Focus SVT, I would say these are very reliable. In place of...probably a money pit and a death trap.

If my deduction is correct, the solution is to not get rid of your Focus.

Well, at least don't get This one.

I'll be honest and tell you that I don't understand the post. Is it sarcastic or serious?

Reliability is relative.

Things are going to go wrong eventually. But it won't be drivetrain related nor will you be nickel'd and dime'd into bankruptcy like you would with a Mercedes of similar vintage. BMW's with the 4.0L V8 are another nightmare waiting to happen.

In the grand scheme of performance luxury sedans; the Jag is near the top when it comes to reliability and durability. Service is expensive, but it is no different than any other premium car. Jag buyers (1st owners) are usually quite good with keeping their car tip-top. So despite the ENORMOUS depreciation, they're usually a safe bet sight unseen. In contrast, BMW X5's and most Audis are trashed by the time they're traded in.

It's truly a wonderful car. Gas mileage is crap, it's heavy, but it looks stunning in black right after a nice detail and is an absolute rocketship on an expressway.

Poke around, take your time and you can find good examples under $15k...maybe even $10k if the dealer has sat on it for a while. These cars get a bad rap b/c they're not German or Japanese. But of the premium lux sedans, these probably have the most character and their owners (which 9 out of 10 are men) absolutely loved them. These were usually not primary cars either...keep that in mind too.

I love the depreciation these types of cars have. That makes the quite appealing. I would imagine most Jag owners are getting on a bit and can afford the maintenance. And thus logically they should be in good nick.

My friend has and '08. For two years it gave him no problems and now it's in the shop with possible transmission/differential, and suspension issues. He's not fond of the service at his dealer as they refuse to notice any potential issues.


EVERY XJ you check out either look or have someone look at the suspension. Often times a shock can begin to leak and the compressor will work extra hard to keep it inflated and then you might be without a compressor. There are after market companies that sell compressors and shocks cheaper than Jaguar, but they are usually hit or miss with the quality. Not sure if they used the same transmissions as the S-Type but if they did those can be a major concern as well, when checking out a car make sure there are good seals in the tranny/engine/air con etc. If you see any leaks or replaced seals be weary.

Apparently the CV joints on this and other European cars (and some US spec cars) are insanely expensive. I was utterly shocked looking at some of the prices.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/jaguar/xj6-xj8-xjr-2003/

Good link! Thanks. 👍

 

[Bones Brigade]

I'll be honest and tell you that I don't understand the post. Is it sarcastic or serious?

Basically, I'm trying to deter you from what I think your post may be implying.

Because, awesome as a Jag might be, I'm guessing you would miss the Focus.

So yes, the sarcasm was thick.

 

[Ardius]

All I've learnt from any Jag is that no matter how reliable they are, when something breaks its stupidly expensive. I've always heard good things reliability wise, and my brother's X-Type went well for ages (despite his abusive ways with it). But when something inevitably does, either through wear or accidents, its not the cheapest to repair.