Discussion
Starting to fall into affordable price bracket, wondering what are the known issues with the alu XJR, is the ZF 6sp auto box reliable? is the CATS (or is air?) suspension good for high milage?
is the fuel consumption low 20s and high 20s on a run? servicing inline with ther old shape XKR?
i'm hopefully going to have a look a one at a dealers this afternoon along with a S-type.
any comments welcome!
is the fuel consumption low 20s and high 20s on a run? servicing inline with ther old shape XKR?
i'm hopefully going to have a look a one at a dealers this afternoon along with a S-type.
any comments welcome!
Right,
checked out a 04 XJR on 19in alloys.
first thing i notice and this is no bad thing imho, the exterior is a let down from the old X308. the 20in sepangs make the car look alot nicer.
anyway, am i impressed? well at first no! half way through the test drive i got a proper feel for the car, i relaxed and 'understood' what the XJR is all about. it is an awesome all round saloon. everything is smooth, from the gearbox to the ride. on the motorway it felt very nice, fuel consumption was considerably better than my XKR. the defining moment of the test drive was driving it around town and round abouts. the 5m long barge actually felt like a focus when cornering, it was uncanny. the alu structure really makes a difference the weighty steering wheel felt just right giving you confidence when cornering and tracking arrow straight on the motorway.
the down sides are the boot is alittle small it has a strange shape more than anything else and the rear seat space isn't what you would expect of the 5m long car. Though both those issues are show stoppers.
some people don't like the old man jag interior. i do (i'm 30 years old!), i think it gives the car character.
oh and 400bhp in a light weight car means serious over taking ability is just a toe flex alway.
I really do like it..
checked out a 04 XJR on 19in alloys.
first thing i notice and this is no bad thing imho, the exterior is a let down from the old X308. the 20in sepangs make the car look alot nicer.
anyway, am i impressed? well at first no! half way through the test drive i got a proper feel for the car, i relaxed and 'understood' what the XJR is all about. it is an awesome all round saloon. everything is smooth, from the gearbox to the ride. on the motorway it felt very nice, fuel consumption was considerably better than my XKR. the defining moment of the test drive was driving it around town and round abouts. the 5m long barge actually felt like a focus when cornering, it was uncanny. the alu structure really makes a difference the weighty steering wheel felt just right giving you confidence when cornering and tracking arrow straight on the motorway.
the down sides are the boot is alittle small it has a strange shape more than anything else and the rear seat space isn't what you would expect of the 5m long car. Though both those issues are show stoppers.
some people don't like the old man jag interior. i do (i'm 30 years old!), i think it gives the car character.
oh and 400bhp in a light weight car means serious over taking ability is just a toe flex alway.
I really do like it..
Sepangs dont look that great in my opinion 
The twin 5 spoke R 19inch wheels or 'custom' wheels make it look THE nuts though!
Everything should be good for high miles, although i think im right in saying the XJR first 'big' service is at 40k miles, while on the 6 its 60k miles. Why not try and get one with warranty still remaining, then pay the extra £1k a year to keep it within it? It sounds like alot of money, but these cars arn't the cheapest things to own, and with just a glitch or two, the warranty will pay for itself
XJR's on a steady cruise can get 27mpg i think aswell. Not bad.
Edit-If you do get one, we need pictures.
Edit2-Get one in ultravoilet.
The twin 5 spoke R 19inch wheels or 'custom' wheels make it look THE nuts though!Everything should be good for high miles, although i think im right in saying the XJR first 'big' service is at 40k miles, while on the 6 its 60k miles. Why not try and get one with warranty still remaining, then pay the extra £1k a year to keep it within it? It sounds like alot of money, but these cars arn't the cheapest things to own, and with just a glitch or two, the warranty will pay for itself
XJR's on a steady cruise can get 27mpg i think aswell. Not bad.
Edit-If you do get one, we need pictures.
Edit2-Get one in ultravoilet.
Edited by Stedman on Saturday 2nd August 00:45
NST,
Re the S-Type boot, it is like all Jag boots, smaller than you'd expect. I've had two S-Types and I know I cannot get two large suitcases into it. I also play golf and I can get everything in for two people including fold up golf carts.
In my view, the only other "weak" design point with the S-Type is the petrol tank. At 65 litres I think it's a bit small. This is not a direct reflection on my MPG, more to do with a reasonable range.
R.
Re the S-Type boot, it is like all Jag boots, smaller than you'd expect. I've had two S-Types and I know I cannot get two large suitcases into it. I also play golf and I can get everything in for two people including fold up golf carts.
In my view, the only other "weak" design point with the S-Type is the petrol tank. At 65 litres I think it's a bit small. This is not a direct reflection on my MPG, more to do with a reasonable range.
R.
i have a x350 xjr, they are fabulous cars
do the glide thing really well, have driven in it for 6 hours non stop and got out completely fresh, no aches not even tired, it's like driving along sat in a comfy yet supportive chair reading. BUt then when you want some fun it has so much power it makes over taking a piece of cake.
the press love the cars and love them on the used market, for some reason they always get s
gged off by the pub experts for looking too much like the x308, yet somehow mercedes bmw vw and audi aren't, i'm never really sure why, it looks like an xj should, It's size is deceptive, the big wheels and high bonnet and boot make it look smaller then it is, it is a big car, the fact that in the drivers seat despite being 6 3 i can;t reach the passenger door and when it comes to multi stories, you'll be very aware of it's size
the engine is hugely understressed, 80 is only 2000 revs, the gearbox claims to be sealed for live but get it and the diff oil replaced every few years depending on milage. The shift is smooth and most the time you don't realise it's changed gear
servicing is cheap, the only things to watch out for is the brakes are different from the standard xj so the generic parts are just coming on line now, but they're much cheaper then the xk or x308 brembo pads and discs. The real pain with them is the bushes in the forged ali suspension components can;t be replaced for fear of trashing them, so you have to replace the whole thing, they last 50-70k so you may well be in line to get them done, if you're down south talk to tom and tlc jags
i've found one of the places that does the limo conversion for jaguar, they can do a total front and rear seat retrim for 1k cash when the leather starts to look tired that using jaguar hides to give you an idea one front seat leather cover is 1200 from jaguar
make sure you get front parking sensors they're vital, most come with the enhanced audio and sat nav, it became standard after about a year, but there are a few cars without it, it's vital as the touch screen also controls everything, you can get ipod control as well as the ability to read usb sticks with audio files on, it's useful but the control isn't quiet there
i have a sun roof but it's pointless except to let more light in during winter, the rear entertainment package is great if you have kids, the inbuilt telephone is probably more use then the bluetooth as the bluetooth doesn't work with all phones, it can be retro fitted and the parts come up on ebay every so often
i have voice control, but never use it except when bored when i can;t remember the commands, but it does work
the adaptive cruise control is fantastic if you can get it, it's a rare option, , but works down to 30mph and can make long distances on the motorway so easy
i get around 24-25 mpg around town, and about 30 on the motorway at legal speeds the car really is at home covering long distances
the handbook is so brief if you buy one get the technical manual and read about all the systems, the air suspension adjusts to how you're driving, the stabilization will apply the brakes on different wheels to bring the car undercontrol but no light ever comes on to tell you
the 19 inch wheels are probably the best, they are the best balance of comfort and handling, i went upto 20 inch and although the handling is sharper, there is more road noise and they are very easy to kerb, i would avoid the split rims
i love it as a car, i can;t see why it hasn't been a huge success as everyone who'd either got in it or driven it wants one, i've flown across the atlantic in business class , got in the car and gone ahhhhhh that's so much better. With wrok, i've hired bmw 5,7 and x5, merc e, c, cls and s classes and none of them come close to the jag. The only thing that i'll change it for is a younger one if the road tax is the same or maybe the new xj
do the glide thing really well, have driven in it for 6 hours non stop and got out completely fresh, no aches not even tired, it's like driving along sat in a comfy yet supportive chair reading. BUt then when you want some fun it has so much power it makes over taking a piece of cake.
the press love the cars and love them on the used market, for some reason they always get s
gged off by the pub experts for looking too much like the x308, yet somehow mercedes bmw vw and audi aren't, i'm never really sure why, it looks like an xj should, It's size is deceptive, the big wheels and high bonnet and boot make it look smaller then it is, it is a big car, the fact that in the drivers seat despite being 6 3 i can;t reach the passenger door and when it comes to multi stories, you'll be very aware of it's sizethe engine is hugely understressed, 80 is only 2000 revs, the gearbox claims to be sealed for live but get it and the diff oil replaced every few years depending on milage. The shift is smooth and most the time you don't realise it's changed gear
servicing is cheap, the only things to watch out for is the brakes are different from the standard xj so the generic parts are just coming on line now, but they're much cheaper then the xk or x308 brembo pads and discs. The real pain with them is the bushes in the forged ali suspension components can;t be replaced for fear of trashing them, so you have to replace the whole thing, they last 50-70k so you may well be in line to get them done, if you're down south talk to tom and tlc jags
i've found one of the places that does the limo conversion for jaguar, they can do a total front and rear seat retrim for 1k cash when the leather starts to look tired that using jaguar hides to give you an idea one front seat leather cover is 1200 from jaguar
make sure you get front parking sensors they're vital, most come with the enhanced audio and sat nav, it became standard after about a year, but there are a few cars without it, it's vital as the touch screen also controls everything, you can get ipod control as well as the ability to read usb sticks with audio files on, it's useful but the control isn't quiet there
i have a sun roof but it's pointless except to let more light in during winter, the rear entertainment package is great if you have kids, the inbuilt telephone is probably more use then the bluetooth as the bluetooth doesn't work with all phones, it can be retro fitted and the parts come up on ebay every so often
i have voice control, but never use it except when bored when i can;t remember the commands, but it does work
the adaptive cruise control is fantastic if you can get it, it's a rare option, , but works down to 30mph and can make long distances on the motorway so easy
i get around 24-25 mpg around town, and about 30 on the motorway at legal speeds the car really is at home covering long distances
the handbook is so brief if you buy one get the technical manual and read about all the systems, the air suspension adjusts to how you're driving, the stabilization will apply the brakes on different wheels to bring the car undercontrol but no light ever comes on to tell you
the 19 inch wheels are probably the best, they are the best balance of comfort and handling, i went upto 20 inch and although the handling is sharper, there is more road noise and they are very easy to kerb, i would avoid the split rims
i love it as a car, i can;t see why it hasn't been a huge success as everyone who'd either got in it or driven it wants one, i've flown across the atlantic in business class , got in the car and gone ahhhhhh that's so much better. With wrok, i've hired bmw 5,7 and x5, merc e, c, cls and s classes and none of them come close to the jag. The only thing that i'll change it for is a younger one if the road tax is the same or maybe the new xj
I second Piquet's remarks, it is one of the best cars on the road,a magic carpet. Buy a good one and look after it well and you won't be disappointed. Make sure the timing chain tensioners are checked, it seems to be a thing with these V8's. The XJR is almost as fast as a Bentley Flying Spur and significantly more refined.
I had an X350 XJR and recently downsized to an S-Type. The S-Type is also a terrific car, though the boot is as said a bit small (and the interior is obviously smaller than an XJ.) I got 4 sets of golf clubs and a trolley in the other weekend but it wasn't easy at all. Mine is a 3 litre manual Sport model, and it goes well, sounds good, handles, is smooth and refined when you want it to be, but still gives you that 'Aaahh, I'm sitting in a Jaguar again' feeling. An S 4.2 or an R won't disappoint, but an XJR is the thing if you can stretch to it.
The XJR has the same qualities as the S Type but even better. The ally body gives it agility, and surprisingly good fuel consumption. I also appreciated the muscular Jaguar view across the bonnet. Compared with that a Merc is a taxi and a BMW is just a BMW. The current 7-series is a pudding on wheels. Though they are never a bad thing, I did not find the front sensors necessary (though they are on the S Type) because you can see the front corners. There is a whine when the supercharger is running, but this is normal. On my test drive I thought it was an engine fault, but you come to love it. I agree that Adaptive Cruise is fantastic, transforms motorway driving, but is very rare to find.
I didn't like the Sepangs on the old XKR, but personally think they look great on the XJ. The polished steel rims damage easily, though I was told (on Pistonheads) that you can get replacements. I had the 5x twin spoke alloys and they looked good, though imho the nicest ones were the bare alloy numbers on the Portfolio/Concept edition. Be patient and you will get one of these for a steal shortly. The only problem with the Portfolio edition is that most of them have aluminium dashes, which just do not look as good as wood. Unfortunately, the appearance of the very latest XJ's is spoiled a bit by the heavy front and rear bumpers they have grafted on in an attempt to look 'modern'.
As for the old fashioned interior comments which one frequently hears, they are just unoriginal jibes from ignorant smartasses. It is a lovely place to be. All that leather and wood is there for your comfort and enjoyment. Don't fret about Ivory leather, it looks good, and it doesn't mark as easily as you might think. Just look after it. I recommend that you buy a set of lambswool rugs, they are made for the car and just enhance the ambience.
I passed Taggarts in Glasgow the other day and I saw that they had an '04 in Slate/Ivory with all the options, including TV screens in the headrests, which would be a hit with the kids, 60,000 miles, at around £19k. Had me tempted again I can tell you.
I had an X350 XJR and recently downsized to an S-Type. The S-Type is also a terrific car, though the boot is as said a bit small (and the interior is obviously smaller than an XJ.) I got 4 sets of golf clubs and a trolley in the other weekend but it wasn't easy at all. Mine is a 3 litre manual Sport model, and it goes well, sounds good, handles, is smooth and refined when you want it to be, but still gives you that 'Aaahh, I'm sitting in a Jaguar again' feeling. An S 4.2 or an R won't disappoint, but an XJR is the thing if you can stretch to it.
The XJR has the same qualities as the S Type but even better. The ally body gives it agility, and surprisingly good fuel consumption. I also appreciated the muscular Jaguar view across the bonnet. Compared with that a Merc is a taxi and a BMW is just a BMW. The current 7-series is a pudding on wheels. Though they are never a bad thing, I did not find the front sensors necessary (though they are on the S Type) because you can see the front corners. There is a whine when the supercharger is running, but this is normal. On my test drive I thought it was an engine fault, but you come to love it. I agree that Adaptive Cruise is fantastic, transforms motorway driving, but is very rare to find.
I didn't like the Sepangs on the old XKR, but personally think they look great on the XJ. The polished steel rims damage easily, though I was told (on Pistonheads) that you can get replacements. I had the 5x twin spoke alloys and they looked good, though imho the nicest ones were the bare alloy numbers on the Portfolio/Concept edition. Be patient and you will get one of these for a steal shortly. The only problem with the Portfolio edition is that most of them have aluminium dashes, which just do not look as good as wood. Unfortunately, the appearance of the very latest XJ's is spoiled a bit by the heavy front and rear bumpers they have grafted on in an attempt to look 'modern'.
As for the old fashioned interior comments which one frequently hears, they are just unoriginal jibes from ignorant smartasses. It is a lovely place to be. All that leather and wood is there for your comfort and enjoyment. Don't fret about Ivory leather, it looks good, and it doesn't mark as easily as you might think. Just look after it. I recommend that you buy a set of lambswool rugs, they are made for the car and just enhance the ambience.
I passed Taggarts in Glasgow the other day and I saw that they had an '04 in Slate/Ivory with all the options, including TV screens in the headrests, which would be a hit with the kids, 60,000 miles, at around £19k. Had me tempted again I can tell you.
Edited by cardigankid on Sunday 3rd August 18:28
Thanks for all the comments. i am so suprised by how good the XJ really is, i agree it really should be a more popular car!
i was suprised by the 34mpg (@60-70mph) read out on the trip during the A road session i pretty sure that can not be correct!
Interesting comment by the salesman, his second favorite car in the XJ range is the XJ6 3.0L petrol. fast enough for everyday driving and probably the best value for money.
How much are the brakes? are they less then £1k all round?
i was suprised by the 34mpg (@60-70mph) read out on the trip during the A road session i pretty sure that can not be correct!
Interesting comment by the salesman, his second favorite car in the XJ range is the XJ6 3.0L petrol. fast enough for everyday driving and probably the best value for money.
How much are the brakes? are they less then £1k all round?
, but you are right a straight 6 would be v nice, rather than that 'orrible 3.0 V6.cardigankid said:
What, to replace the discs?
Sure the 3 litre is 'fast enough', but the 4.2 is fantastic, and the R is warp factor. Go for the R.
yes to replace the discs and pads. Sure the 3 litre is 'fast enough', but the 4.2 is fantastic, and the R is warp factor. Go for the R.
Edited by cardigankid on Monday 4th August 13:11
I see Britishparts.co.uk have front discs and pads coming in at £110. i'd imagine these are pattern parts?
cardigankid said:
I second Piquet's remarks, it is one of the best cars on the road,a magic carpet. Buy a good one and look after it well and you won't be disappointed. Make sure the timing chain tensioners are checked, it seems to be a thing with these V8's. The XJR is almost as fast as a Bentley Flying Spur and significantly more refined.
I had an X350 XJR and recently downsized to an S-Type. The S-Type is also a terrific car, though the boot is as said a bit small (and the interior is obviously smaller than an XJ.) I got 4 sets of golf clubs and a trolley in the other weekend but it wasn't easy at all. Mine is a 3 litre manual Sport model, and it goes well, sounds good, handles, is smooth and refined when you want it to be, but still gives you that 'Aaahh, I'm sitting in a Jaguar again' feeling. An S 4.2 or an R won't disappoint, but an XJR is the thing if you can stretch to it.
The XJR has the same qualities as the S Type but even better. The ally body gives it agility, and surprisingly good fuel consumption. I also appreciated the muscular Jaguar view across the bonnet. Compared with that a Merc is a taxi and a BMW is just a BMW. The current 7-series is a pudding on wheels. Though they are never a bad thing, I did not find the front sensors necessary (though they are on the S Type) because you can see the front corners. There is a whine when the supercharger is running, but this is normal. On my test drive I thought it was an engine fault, but you come to love it. I agree that Adaptive Cruise is fantastic, transforms motorway driving, but is very rare to find.
I didn't like the Sepangs on the old XKR, but personally think they look great on the XJ. The polished steel rims damage easily, though I was told (on Pistonheads) that you can get replacements. I had the 5x twin spoke alloys and they looked good, though imho the nicest ones were the bare alloy numbers on the Portfolio/Concept edition. Be patient and you will get one of these for a steal shortly. The only problem with the Portfolio edition is that most of them have aluminium dashes, which just do not look as good as wood. Unfortunately, the appearance of the very latest XJ's is spoiled a bit by the heavy front and rear bumpers they have grafted on in an attempt to look 'modern'.
As for the old fashioned interior comments which one frequently hears, they are just unoriginal jibes from ignorant smartasses. It is a lovely place to be. All that leather and wood is there for your comfort and enjoyment. Don't fret about Ivory leather, it looks good, and it doesn't mark as easily as you might think. Just look after it. I recommend that you buy a set of lambswool rugs, they are made for the car and just enhance the ambience.
I passed Taggarts in Glasgow the other day and I saw that they had an '04 in Slate/Ivory with all the options, including TV screens in the headrests, which would be a hit with the kids, 60,000 miles, at around £19k. Had me tempted again I can tell you.
Agree with all the above.I had an X350 XJR and recently downsized to an S-Type. The S-Type is also a terrific car, though the boot is as said a bit small (and the interior is obviously smaller than an XJ.) I got 4 sets of golf clubs and a trolley in the other weekend but it wasn't easy at all. Mine is a 3 litre manual Sport model, and it goes well, sounds good, handles, is smooth and refined when you want it to be, but still gives you that 'Aaahh, I'm sitting in a Jaguar again' feeling. An S 4.2 or an R won't disappoint, but an XJR is the thing if you can stretch to it.
The XJR has the same qualities as the S Type but even better. The ally body gives it agility, and surprisingly good fuel consumption. I also appreciated the muscular Jaguar view across the bonnet. Compared with that a Merc is a taxi and a BMW is just a BMW. The current 7-series is a pudding on wheels. Though they are never a bad thing, I did not find the front sensors necessary (though they are on the S Type) because you can see the front corners. There is a whine when the supercharger is running, but this is normal. On my test drive I thought it was an engine fault, but you come to love it. I agree that Adaptive Cruise is fantastic, transforms motorway driving, but is very rare to find.
I didn't like the Sepangs on the old XKR, but personally think they look great on the XJ. The polished steel rims damage easily, though I was told (on Pistonheads) that you can get replacements. I had the 5x twin spoke alloys and they looked good, though imho the nicest ones were the bare alloy numbers on the Portfolio/Concept edition. Be patient and you will get one of these for a steal shortly. The only problem with the Portfolio edition is that most of them have aluminium dashes, which just do not look as good as wood. Unfortunately, the appearance of the very latest XJ's is spoiled a bit by the heavy front and rear bumpers they have grafted on in an attempt to look 'modern'.
As for the old fashioned interior comments which one frequently hears, they are just unoriginal jibes from ignorant smartasses. It is a lovely place to be. All that leather and wood is there for your comfort and enjoyment. Don't fret about Ivory leather, it looks good, and it doesn't mark as easily as you might think. Just look after it. I recommend that you buy a set of lambswool rugs, they are made for the car and just enhance the ambience.
I passed Taggarts in Glasgow the other day and I saw that they had an '04 in Slate/Ivory with all the options, including TV screens in the headrests, which would be a hit with the kids, 60,000 miles, at around £19k. Had me tempted again I can tell you.
Edited by cardigankid on Sunday 3rd August 18:28
I had the X308 XJR and it was awesome. I think the X350 will be even better given it is lighter and more powerful and has better rear interior space.
Some people say Jags are for old men, well i had my first one when i was 22 and loved it, i have lost count of the number i have had since and loved every single one of them. All that leather and wood is a nice touch, the cabin is such a pleasant place to be.
As for the R versions, the power of them is addictive, nothing more satisfying than having all that power on tap with all the waftmatic pleasures too. I changed mine because i fancied a Range Rover. I am currently looking for a 911 cabriolet, but having problems finding a decent one. I am seriously considering going for an XKR instead now, especially as the 911's (996) can have potential horrific engine failures. I have never heard anyone own an R series Jaguar and not love it. Anyone that knocks them i would wager has never driven one.
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