1998 Jaguar XJR...convince me to buy/not to buy

[tannat]

Been a long time since I've posted here-hope all is well with all...


A 1998 Jag XJR is for sale at a car dealer not far from home. The price is right (car has 114,000 miles and is $6000) , the car looks great. I'm tempted......

Would like to hear opinions on why I should get this car, or not get this car....hopefully someone here owns or nknows someone who has owned one.

I know about Jag reliability problems-but feel free to refresh my memory...

I'd do my own work on it-so repairs not too big of an issue-unlessthere were a lot of them.

Believe these cars had Nikasil cylinder liners...so a compression test is in order..

[Starter]

I'd do my own work on it-so repairs not too big of an issue-unlessthere were a lot of them.

Believe these cars had Nikasil cylinder liners...so a compression test is in order..
Think parts prices even if you do your own work.

[Brown, Jon Brow]

I did some work experience at a Jaguar specialist garage or a short time and my dad owned an XJ40 Sovereign, so I love these cars.

A compression check is essential if it's a pre-2000 engine.

It's going to cost a bit on fuel, more than say Ford Focus, so that's something to bear in mind. But you'll love this car. Real luxury.

[Jag_Warrior]

Well, clearly I'd be the wrong one to talk you out of buying it. :D

I have a mid 2000's XK8 and a late 80's XJS. Reputation aside, I really have never had any major issues with either Jag. But as one who sets quality expectations through statistical ratings systems, when dealing with any sort of quasi-exotic or luxury car, the most important thing to do is careful homework - don't so much go by the stats. With any product that is produced in relatively low volume, you may not be able to detect its failure modes as easily as a higher volume model. But things like electricals, starters or certain engine components may show up, if the failures are common enough. The XJR is a high performance, specialty trim level within a relatively low volume/mass produced model. It probably has its own unique demons, apart from the more common XJ8 demons.

With the XJR (specifically), one of the first things I'd look at would be a compression check on the engine - just as Jon Brown said. I'd definitely find out when/if the timing belt(!!!) had been changed - and have a knowledgeable, experienced mechanic give the supercharger a good once over. Because of the increased torque and hp of that model, I'd also have the transmission and axles looked at for excessive wear or stress cracks. Things like brakes, wheel bearings, seals, sensors, etc. are just things that you'd have to deal with on any car that's over 15 years old now. It's the engine, trans and that supercharger that will empty your wallet the quickest, I would say. I like the XKR, the XJR and the S-type R from that era. I've kept my '05 XK8 for so long because I think that was the last year that the XK series had the looks of a "proper" Jaguar gran tourer - the later XK series cars resemble over-sized Mazda Miatas from the front, to my eyes. But for the older Jags, I think they're good, very stylish, though somewhat eclectic and temperamental cars, that you can enjoy for a long time if you buy the right one at the right price.

As for the price, $6000 is an average price for a '98 XJR, depending on condition. Yeah, I know that sounds odd for a car that probably rolled off the lot in '97 or '98 at $80K to $90 grand or so. But one consistently bad thing about Jags is they have atrocious depreciation. Best to buy them used (a couple of years old) than brand new.

Good luck. And seriously, let us (me) know if you decide to join the Jaguar Brotherhood.

[555-04Q2]

Been a long time since I've posted here-hope all is well with all...


A 1998 Jag XJR is for sale at a car dealer not far from home. The price is right (car has 114,000 miles and is $6000) , the car looks great. I'm tempted......

Would like to hear opinions on why I should get this car, or not get this car....hopefully someone here owns or nknows someone who has owned one.

I know about Jag reliability problems-but feel free to refresh my memory...

I'd do my own work on it-so repairs not too big of an issue-unlessthere were a lot of them.

Believe these cars had Nikasil cylinder liners...so a compression test is in order..

After the first year it will have cost you another $6000, and that's with it in the shop for 364 of the 365 days of the year.

Good idea, buy it :p :

[Gregor-y]

What's the going price for the newer aluminium ones? It should last forever if you don't hit anything.

[Jag_Warrior]

Personally, I'd love to find a good, restorable XJ-C with a 5.3 V12. I knew an older fellow years ago who had an XJ-C with the straight 6 (4.2?) - and I always lusted after that car. There were fewer than 10,000 XJ-Cs made. So that's one I would buy, restore (though not necessarily with OEM parts ;) ) and drive with a gigantic smile on my face. The people who have replaced the Jag engines in those cars with Chevy V8's ("lumping") should be put to death Henry VIII style.

As for aluminum (or as my Brit friends say, alu-minium :D ), I believe the restyled 2006 XK/Super Miata had an aluminum monocoque. And I believe the XJ models got a heavy dose of aluminum in 2003 or so - I can't remember. You can find 2003 XJRs for $8K-$10K, depending on condition.