Discussion
Hi, a newbie on here and looking for some advise
I am looking at replacing my s70 t5 with a post 2000 xj8 3.2 sport .The research ive done suggests running costs will not be drastically worse, however to my surprise I can also afford to insure and buy a good post 2000 xjr.
what are the real life running costs for a xjr compared to a 3.2 ? . for example town driving and motorway cruising at 80 ish?. I only travel about 110 miles a week to work but I can rack up a couple of hundred miles a weekend during the summer .
I am looking at replacing my s70 t5 with a post 2000 xj8 3.2 sport .The research ive done suggests running costs will not be drastically worse, however to my surprise I can also afford to insure and buy a good post 2000 xjr.
what are the real life running costs for a xjr compared to a 3.2 ? . for example town driving and motorway cruising at 80 ish?. I only travel about 110 miles a week to work but I can rack up a couple of hundred miles a weekend during the summer .
Edited by jayx73 on Sunday 2nd March 14:50
Edited by jayx73 on Sunday 2nd March 15:15
You'll use a bit more fuel in an XJR obviously, and tyres will cost more to replace.
Much, much more will depend on the condition of the car you buy - try to find Broardbean747s post on this forum, he's summed up all you need to know about the V8 XJ series.
I'd advise a very carefull inspection of any used Jaguar - especially a performance model that may potentially had a hard life. Don't forget the youngest X308 (1998 - 2003) you can buy will be 5 years old now and that's old enough for some seriously expensive problems to be lurking. Post 2000 models will still have second generation timing chain tensioners, which can fail without warning and IMO must be changed for the latest metal bodied type. Have a long test drive over mixed road surfaces, the sports suspension gives a very firm ride especially on 17 or 18 inch wheels, which might not be what you expect from an XJ. CATS suspension is a better option as you get comfort and handling combined.
The X308 is not generally considered as robust or durable as the last of the 6 cylinder cars. I've owned both and have found that although the V8 is more refined and much nicer to drive, the X300 cost me far less to run and did not need anywhere near as much TLC and cash to maintain.
I'd suggest you ignore Jaguars service schedule too and budget for a gearbox and axle oil change as well as a oil change every 5-7k if you find a car to buy.
HTH
Much, much more will depend on the condition of the car you buy - try to find Broardbean747s post on this forum, he's summed up all you need to know about the V8 XJ series.
I'd advise a very carefull inspection of any used Jaguar - especially a performance model that may potentially had a hard life. Don't forget the youngest X308 (1998 - 2003) you can buy will be 5 years old now and that's old enough for some seriously expensive problems to be lurking. Post 2000 models will still have second generation timing chain tensioners, which can fail without warning and IMO must be changed for the latest metal bodied type. Have a long test drive over mixed road surfaces, the sports suspension gives a very firm ride especially on 17 or 18 inch wheels, which might not be what you expect from an XJ. CATS suspension is a better option as you get comfort and handling combined.
The X308 is not generally considered as robust or durable as the last of the 6 cylinder cars. I've owned both and have found that although the V8 is more refined and much nicer to drive, the X300 cost me far less to run and did not need anywhere near as much TLC and cash to maintain.
I'd suggest you ignore Jaguars service schedule too and budget for a gearbox and axle oil change as well as a oil change every 5-7k if you find a car to buy.
HTH
As said, broadbean747s post is one of the most comprehensive ever!
XJR is a fabulous, fabulous car, a certain future classic, the type of which will, sadly, never be seen again.
Those ultra-low, sleek lines are a thing of incredible beauty and menace, now, alas, confined to the dustbin of history as a tragic consequence of 'elf and safety and design-by-committee.
They are not cars to run on a budget though.
Real world consumption - 18mpg, and small tank, so small range.
They eat rear tyres (avoid Pirelli).
Ride is very firm (for a Jaguar).
Handling is, paradoxically, better the more you push it.
Nevertheless, all of the above are more than worth it.
Go for it and enjoy!
XJR is a fabulous, fabulous car, a certain future classic, the type of which will, sadly, never be seen again.
Those ultra-low, sleek lines are a thing of incredible beauty and menace, now, alas, confined to the dustbin of history as a tragic consequence of 'elf and safety and design-by-committee.
They are not cars to run on a budget though.
Real world consumption - 18mpg, and small tank, so small range.
They eat rear tyres (avoid Pirelli).
Ride is very firm (for a Jaguar).
Handling is, paradoxically, better the more you push it.
Nevertheless, all of the above are more than worth it.
Go for it and enjoy!
I agree with the advice above, but I do average 24mpg on a run which isn't so bad ... very thirsty around town though. Have found the servicing to be relatively inexpensive at local Jag specialist ... "intermediate" 20k mile service £220+vat. Gearbox oil change £100 (mainly the cost of the oil!). Pirelli PZero tyres (extra load) £180 each fitted.
There is an XJR buyers guide in the April '08 edition of Practical Performance Car magazine, which just happens to feature my 2001 XJR in the pictures
Hope that helps,
Chris
There is an XJR buyers guide in the April '08 edition of Practical Performance Car magazine, which just happens to feature my 2001 XJR in the pictures
Hope that helps,
Chris
Agree with all that has been said, I've Had my 97 xjr for one year now, spent 1300 Great British pounds having the chains and tensioners done, and have had a very niggling fault with the serpentine belt running out of true, causing squeaking and knocking from the belt tensioner when cold, only by the persistence and perseverence by Kevin of Jagutek ELY does it now appear to be sorted, and I can now start to really enjoy this fabulous car, it's great value to buy, but it can cost to keep going, you just have to go with your heart in the end.
I am wondering how you will feel about the lower performance of an XJ 3.2 compared to your T5? Whilst the Jag would give a better sense of occasion if acceleration is important to you the ownership experience could become tainted. I would have thought an XJ8 would have been a more comparable replacement(?).
Unfortunately I don't know how to price the difference in running costs. Surely if you get it serviced at a specialist those costs wouldn't be too much more? If I were to guess I would say the R could be 30% more expensive to run, worst case, which you may consider too much.
Fuel is least of your worries. If you drive an R gently then it rewards with good consumption - thing is even when pressing on you dont need to take it beyond 3000 rpm on 50 to 75% throttle to make pleasingly rapid progress. I've found it's a completely different style of driving compared to ordinary cars. When it does kickdown it just goes into warp mode - very satisfying and reassuring.
The XJR is an extraordinary car. Have you driven one? That might actually make your mind up for you! (and you can always sell a kidney or a member of your family if necessary)
Unfortunately I don't know how to price the difference in running costs. Surely if you get it serviced at a specialist those costs wouldn't be too much more? If I were to guess I would say the R could be 30% more expensive to run, worst case, which you may consider too much.
Fuel is least of your worries. If you drive an R gently then it rewards with good consumption - thing is even when pressing on you dont need to take it beyond 3000 rpm on 50 to 75% throttle to make pleasingly rapid progress. I've found it's a completely different style of driving compared to ordinary cars. When it does kickdown it just goes into warp mode - very satisfying and reassuring.
The XJR is an extraordinary car. Have you driven one? That might actually make your mind up for you! (and you can always sell a kidney or a member of your family if necessary)
Thank you for the replies. Broardbean747s post is very informative
As job38 said
The XJR is a fabulous, fabulous car, a certain future classic, the type of which will, sadly, never be seen again.
Those ultra-low, sleek lines are a thing of incredible beauty and menace, now, alas, confined to the dustbin of history as a tragic consequence of 'elf and safety and design-by-committee.
I could not agree more this makes an xjr even more desirable
The posts on mpg and running costs paint a better picture than I expected, some of the maintenance I would do myself ( chains and tensioners are within my capabilities) and get the regular servicing done by a specialist to keep the resale value higher
(I am an engineer by trade and maintained my own cars for a long time)
Sunday Driver, I have driven a 3.2 sport and it is slower than my t5 and definitely no sports car but all the same still appealing. I have some spare time in the next couple of weeks so I will look through the classifieds to see what xjr,s are about
As job38 said
The XJR is a fabulous, fabulous car, a certain future classic, the type of which will, sadly, never be seen again.
Those ultra-low, sleek lines are a thing of incredible beauty and menace, now, alas, confined to the dustbin of history as a tragic consequence of 'elf and safety and design-by-committee.
I could not agree more this makes an xjr even more desirable
The posts on mpg and running costs paint a better picture than I expected, some of the maintenance I would do myself ( chains and tensioners are within my capabilities) and get the regular servicing done by a specialist to keep the resale value higher
(I am an engineer by trade and maintained my own cars for a long time)
Sunday Driver, I have driven a 3.2 sport and it is slower than my t5 and definitely no sports car but all the same still appealing. I have some spare time in the next couple of weeks so I will look through the classifieds to see what xjr,s are about
jayx73 said:
Thank you for the replies. Broardbean747s post is very informative
As job38 said
The XJR is a fabulous, fabulous car, a certain future classic, the type of which will, sadly, never be seen again.
Those ultra-low, sleek lines are a thing of incredible beauty and menace, now, alas, confined to the dustbin of history as a tragic consequence of 'elf and safety and design-by-committee.
I could not agree more this makes an xjr even more desirable
The posts on mpg and running costs paint a better picture than I expected, some of the maintenance I would do myself ( chains and tensioners are within my capabilities) and get the regular servicing done by a specialist to keep the resale value higher
(I am an engineer by trade and maintained my own cars for a long time)
Sunday Driver, I have driven a 3.2 sport and it is slower than my t5 and definitely no sports car but all the same still appealing. I have some spare time in the next couple of weeks so I will look through the classifieds to see what xjr,s are about
You can hire the crank locking peg and cam locking plates for the timing chain tensioner / chain replacment from the JEC. You'll need a long, 100mm or so 10mm ball end hex driver too. Crank pulley can be hard to remove otherwise it's quite an easy job.As job38 said
The XJR is a fabulous, fabulous car, a certain future classic, the type of which will, sadly, never be seen again.
Those ultra-low, sleek lines are a thing of incredible beauty and menace, now, alas, confined to the dustbin of history as a tragic consequence of 'elf and safety and design-by-committee.
I could not agree more this makes an xjr even more desirable
The posts on mpg and running costs paint a better picture than I expected, some of the maintenance I would do myself ( chains and tensioners are within my capabilities) and get the regular servicing done by a specialist to keep the resale value higher
(I am an engineer by trade and maintained my own cars for a long time)
Sunday Driver, I have driven a 3.2 sport and it is slower than my t5 and definitely no sports car but all the same still appealing. I have some spare time in the next couple of weeks so I will look through the classifieds to see what xjr,s are about
I ran a 2000 XJR for 3.1/2 years, changed it in December 2007 for an XJ TDVI Sovereign, 20000 miles a year at XJR economy was killing me lol + it was getting tired and starting to looking a bit rough round the edges, if I'd got the room though I'd have loved to have kept it, re-covered the seats and done some mechanical restoration especially considering what I got for it part ex on the diesel.
The XJR averaged 17mpg, rear tyres lasted 9-10 months, front maybe 12-15 months mine had the chains and tensioners replaced and needed a recon gearbox last summer, it also had the oil cooler fail ouch £1100, and the heated seats were a little temperamental the biggest problem I had was Jaguar actually diagnosing the problem first time, it had way to many return visits for the same issue.
I also used to run a T5, I had one of the original 850's, a great car but not on the same page as an XJR, they really are a potent piece of kit, sports mode turned it into a complete hooligan, there is something very cool about a big luxury saloon that can tootle along in traffic looking all pipe and slippers one minute and be embarrassing some chav in his Impreza the next.
If I was ever in a position where my annual mileage dropped I'd have another one tomorrow.
Take your time to find a good one with history and go for it
The XJR averaged 17mpg, rear tyres lasted 9-10 months, front maybe 12-15 months mine had the chains and tensioners replaced and needed a recon gearbox last summer, it also had the oil cooler fail ouch £1100, and the heated seats were a little temperamental the biggest problem I had was Jaguar actually diagnosing the problem first time, it had way to many return visits for the same issue.
I also used to run a T5, I had one of the original 850's, a great car but not on the same page as an XJR, they really are a potent piece of kit, sports mode turned it into a complete hooligan, there is something very cool about a big luxury saloon that can tootle along in traffic looking all pipe and slippers one minute and be embarrassing some chav in his Impreza the next.
If I was ever in a position where my annual mileage dropped I'd have another one tomorrow.
Take your time to find a good one with history and go for it
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