Jaguar XJ-Series

pantheraonca

Hello, All,

I have a 1997 XJ6, bought used earlier this year. Very happy with it.

Last time it was at the dealer for regular maintenance, I asked them
to change the alarm setting to "passive"; so that it would set itself
if I forgot to do it. (My Ford Explorer does that.) I had walked away
from the Jag once or twice, and forgot that everything was open,
including the boot, if I didn't lock it.

So the dealer made the change, and everything works just fine. It sets itself after 30 or 40 seconds.

But since then, I've wanted to temporarily turn off the passive setting, such as when the car is going through the car wash, or when I'm waxing/washing it in the yard. Does anyone know if that can be
done using my remote, a sequence of buttons, or other methods?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Regards,
Jim

PS: this is a great message board; congrats to those who run it.

kittenmeow

Hello to all Cat owners! I am looking to buy a second jaguar, and this time I hope to make a better educated pricing decision. Could you possibly help me out? I am in NE of USA. Here is what I am looking for:
XJ8 (not an L)
2000- year
no CD, no NAV
24,000 miles
certified by jaguar
Dilemma: Sticker priced 39,900 almost everywhere I look. Trade-in about 10 grand less. How much should I offer the dealership and how much should I settle for? I was told once by some one that dealerships would be happy with 5% on top of dealer cost (invoice less incentives less holdbacks) for the new cars. What is a reasonable markup for the certified pre-owned? Thank you all beforehand for your help!!!

laronj

We are looking at our first Jag, a 1998 XJ8 with 99000 miles. Very very clean and nice throughout. It is at a used car dealer in Northern Cal, but has LA history. Dealer wants to unload with no warranty for about 16,900. Any thoughts as to this value??

derel2

There has been some discussion on the Jag-Lovers site the past few weeks regarding the correct oil viscosity to use in the X300 series XJs ('95-'97 XJ models). Some listers are indicating they are using 15W-40 oil instead of the 10W-30 recommended in the manual. The service department of several Jaguar dealers are also using this oil weight in these 6-cylinder engines. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Mike

[Deleted User]

Jag Lovers X350

athomas3

I am somewhat alarmed by the HOT reading on the dashboard temperature gauge; overheating is the most upsetting and bothersome annoyance for me. With the A/C in operation, the gauge seems to mount higher and higher quickly. Does anyone know how HOT is considered normal or satisfactory; I always thought that "halfway" was the desired level. Can anything be done to assure decent temperature levels when the A/C is in operation? Thank-you for consideration of this question, and thank-you for our most informative forum.

[Deleted User]

Maybe your aux fan isn't turning on with the AC. Maybe your coolant level is low. Maybe the coolant is old. (When did you change it last?) Maybe the water pump is going bad. Maybe the fan clutch is going bad. Maybe the radiator and/or the condensor is clogged up with leaves and dead bugs.

I'd start with the coolant level/age, and then I'd check the aux fan.

derel2

The temperature gauge on my '95 XJ6 stays just slightly below the center of the gauge regardless if the AC is running or not and if the Jag is in traffic or running open.I would also suggest checking that the fans are running properly.

Mike

jagone

Just run with the old rule of thumb 10w40 in the summer and 10w30 in the winter. If you live in the south (Flordia) etc just run with 10w40 all year round!

vusic

When buying my wife's VDP, we ended up at www.expomc.com and saved thousands. Chet just picked up his SC from there also (message 1425). Most dealer lots were asking 50K to 55K for a car we picked up for around 10k to 15k less than that. The savings more than paid for shipping. The warranty was the same either way (local or long distance).
I'm not sure if this info is frowned upon by the host, sorry in advance if it is, but check out their site. You'll be surprised at some of the pricing. I'd buy from them again.

dshiviskis

I have found a 9 month old 2001 XJ8 white sedan. It is in fabulous condition but with 31K miles. I negotiated the seller (a Lexus dealership) to $36,000 as the purchase price the other day which I think is pretty good, and plan to pick up the car on Saturday. It has a 4 year/50K mile warranty (I really wish that it was being purchased from a certified pre-owned Jag dealer so it would have the 6 year/60K mile warranty). In the past few days, I have been hearing about the expenses of maintainence, repairs, etc. and am now nervous. Someone please restore my confidence!!

lcohen1

What do you have to worry about. Everything is covered for 3 more years. Once you have this car the joy and compliments will over ride your fears. I have a white 1998 VP with 22000 miles which I purchased with 3500 miles on it. My bumper to bumper is now expired. Now working on 6/100,000 extended which doesn't cover very much. We love the car so much that we made a $3200. commitment to XJR wheels & tires. Read message 1426. ENJOY !!!

derel2

Yes the Jag is expensive to repair but not any more than any other luxury car such as Mercedes or Lexus. Even so, this shouldn't be an issue since you are covered under warranty for quite some time.

Mike

iameliot

I would appreciate any input from the board. I am looking at perhaps buying a 98 vdp (topaz) with around 40,000 miles, superb condition for around $28,000. (I would love to get a new one, but can't afford it and will have to finance most of this one.) The dealer offered a warranty from Warrantech for 36,000 miles or 3 years from my purchase for around $3,000. Is it worth it? Can I do better just going to Warrantech or some other warranty company myself? Is this a good price? I read in consumer reports that this was a subpar year, although they gave no detailed explanation. Would I be better off going after a 99 or else perhaps a 96 xj6. Or would I be better off just leasing a 3.0 S-Type, which I test drove and also liked. Would appreciate all opinions on any of the above.

lcohen1

Every body seems to nervous.I have a 98 vdp and love it. See message 1426.On one hand you say you have to finance most of the 98, but you are looking at 99 s. 96 is older body style, completly different dash board, smaller engine, etc, etc., but it would be "cheaper". Do you want to lease? What miles do you drive per year? Could get expensive with high mileage, dings, etc.,etc. Also a 3.0 is no 98 VDP. $3,000 is a lot for maybe something might go wrong. Is it bumper to bumper or just power train. Soul search some more.

derel2

I can't comment specifically about the '98 models relative to the other years but I would caution putting too much credence in Consumers Reports which does not generally cover luxury cars very well. Because of its limited upscale market, there just isn't enough information available for Consumers Reports to draw upon in making their conclusions.

Mike

iameliot

Just go a pre-owned vdp and couldn't be more excited. This board is really terrific. I like a soft plush ride and have always used Michelins on my prior cars (Lexus) and loved them. I see on this board that Pirelli 4000s seem to be the tires most prefer. Would Michelins be ok to use on a vdp or would that just not be a good idea for some reason. Also, with respect to polish/wax, any special favorites recommended for high gloss? And re oil, the manual says 10w30, but I see some here recommend 10w40. Any strong opinions here and how would one rate using Castrol vs using a synthetic such as Mobil 1? Finally, I see recommedations on the board for leather conditioning for both Hyde food conditioner and for Leatherique. Any opinions here as to which one works better or does it not really matter? Thanks in advance for any opinions. Can't wait to join u guys on the road.

derel2

You should not feel married to Pirelli. Others use Michelin, Bridgestone and other (high performance models) with no problem. The ride will be different with each of them. Depends on what you like. Oil weight is somewhat controversial for 1995-1997 models (You didn't say what year you have). The manual recommends 10W-30. My Jag dealer and others are reommending 15W-40 for the Jag straight six in these models.Also depends on where you live. I am in New Jersey. I use Meguiar's products including Gold Class wax with great results. Good luck with you new Jag, Enjoy!

Mike

rbrenton88

Where did Bill go? Haven't seen him post in over a month now.

vusic

JD Power used car survey is out. Jag is #3 (not that far) behind Lexus and Infinity (4 to 5 year old cars). But we all knew that, didn't we?

DC

rea98d

And ahead, BTW, of Acura, which is basically a tarted up Honda, and we've all heard how reliable Hondas are. So when you've got a car that statistically is more reliable than a Honda, I don't think you have much to worry about.

derel2

Is there a link to the JD Power survey showing the Jag as #3? The 2000 survey is the last shown on the JD Power Web site.

Mike

97vdpguy

I paid $2800 for the warrantech warranty when I bought my used VDP. To date, I have had only one repair which the warranty covered - the seat motors.

Unless your transmission or engine falls out, everything else is not covered and you'll be paying out of pocket for regular maintenanance, cracked hoses, ripped underbonnets, tire balancing, etc.

If I had banked the $2800, I would be ahead of the game.

Your mileage may vary, but I think they are pretty worthless.

[Deleted User]

You could have gotten one for half that amount that covered a lot more.

[Deleted User]

Even though he has chosen not to post here any more for whatever reason, I stumbled upon a couple recents posts that he had made to a Mustang forum, of all places.

I'm glad he's OK. I was worried he was wrapped around a pole somewhere on I-95. I know he liked to bend the floor boards with the gas peddle on his XJR.

happyinfla

I have been a Jag fan since the 50's when one of the guys in our sports car club had a D-Jag and was it hot. Me - I was young and could only afford an MGA. After owning a series of used MG's and TR's for four decades, I finally sold my last TR-7 because I was getting tired of shifting and putting up and down the top.

But even though I have gotten older, I had not lost the bug. Last week one of my ships came in in the form of sale of a piece of land I have owned a long time that had appreciated more than Microsoft.

Before the closing, I had done a lot of research on Caddys (which I have owned for some time), Lincolns, BMWs, MBs and had settled in on a Lexus LS430. Monday, my wife and I went down to the LEXUS dealer but they at no new 2002 or 2003 LS430's except for a 70K UL that was full of junk.

So we wandered over to the "pre-owned" section and found only one 430 and it was a terrible color. My wife goes for prestiege, color and distictivness. She asked the salesman what that silver car on the lot was and he told her it was a 2001 Jaguar. She fell in love with it instantly. I asked the price expecting it to be off the wall. As it turns out it was a XJR with 17K miles and all but 18 months left on a Select Warranty. It was pristine and when she got behind the wheel that was it.

The price was $43,500 which was $6,000 under the September 2002 NADA TRADE IN value!! Apparently they had just reduced the car to get it off the lot fast, I now know it was probably to keep from making the gobs of old 400s and ES300s from looking bad!

When Mama is happy then everybody is happy and she was really happy with this baby. I managed to get them down to $43,000 and they threw in a set of five new Michelins (and alignment) to replace a combination of mediocre Michelins and some really badly worn P-400s.

My wife loves the look and the luxury and "eye turning" value and I went crazy when I discovered that I had bought one great sports car. This baby has everything... and I, like other posts I have read since I bought the car, love it and rate it a 10+. It has taken me a while to figure out all the gadgets but I have the best parts mastered. I would love to take it over to Daytona and try it out on the high bank as that is definitely a place it would be comfortable.

This is truly the car of my dreams and I got it by sheer providence. I won't be letting go of this XJR for a long time which is why I guess they are hard to find. I have read several hundred of your posts and appreciate them. I have learned a lot and will be checking in here regularly.

One thing.. I can't figure out where the rear fog lamps are, or why you would need them? Do they drive in reverse as well as the wrong side of the road in the London Fog?

iameliot

bought a pre-owned (98) that has everything except a cd changer (I can't imagine what original owner was thinking). Jaguar dealer wants $1000 to install an alpine,which seems awfully high to me. Isn't the car pre-wired for a cd player even if it didn't come with one? I would have thought you could just plug one in the trunk. I visited one car audio place that said they could put one in for half that, but it would have to be a one that works off a hand held. remote (which I really don't want). They coudn't seem to find the wiring in the trunk...but maybe they didn't know where to look... Anyone have any useful info in this regard???

willimjo

Congratulations on your special "find"!! I'm envious.

The purpose of the rear fog lights is so people coming up behind you can see you in a heavy fog before they have to lay on the brakes to avoid shortening your trunk.

willimjo

Yes your '98 XJ is prewired for the CD changer. Look under the carpet in the upper left corner, the cable should be there. Jaguar continues their uniqueness with their sound system. The components are indeed made by Alpine, with Jag tagging. If you want to use your steering wheel and dash controls, you have to use a Jag, or equivalent Alpine model, changer.

We also bought a preowned '98 without the changer. I found the changer and mounting bracket from a junk yard in Wisconsin and had it shipped to me for $225. It came out of a '99 that had a crunched front end. What I didn't realize at the time, was there is also a carpeted body piece that the changer in concealed in. I ended up buying a new one from the dealer for around $150. I had the dealer install it all for around $75, so the whole thing cost me around $450. You can't tell it wasn't always there.

97vdpguy

The plug is located in the driver's side rear wheel well inside the trunk. When the unit is installed, a new trunk filler plate will cover the trunk A/C duct on the driver's side.

Bill posted a comment about the plug and some compatible brands, you'll just have to search this board message by message unless there is some way to perform a search..

97vdpguy

The overall service at this dealership has gotten really poor over the last several months. I bought my car there, but I don't want to continue to bring it in for service there. The lead-times are ridiculous, and their customer care is a joke.

Are there any alternative places in the No. VA or Gaithersburg areas where I could bring my car instead of this place? I'd give up the free loaner car for better service.

Thx.

[Deleted User]

I believe the compatible Alpine units begin with the prefix CHM, such as CHM-620. Those are compatible with their "M" bus interconnect. I believe they are up to CHM-630 or 635 now. You can save money by getting a used one or a new discontinued unit, such as the CHM-620.

jagshopper

Looking for good deals on warranty for 1998 XJ8 VDP in California. Any help on source and/or pricing is sincerely appreciated...

shehzad

I agree. It's one of the worst service departments I've ever dealt with. They're just tooo overwhelmed. Not only do they not fix the problem right the first time, sometimes they forget what I tell them and don't fix it at all. Ray and Ramses are very nice guys but basically, they're just diplomats for poor service. I have a number of other european cars, and always take them (usually after warranty) to Eurasian Service Center right on springhill road. Like you, I'm so dissapointed by Rosenthal's service department and my inability to get an appointment when I need it that I've started to take my XJ8 there as well, even though it's under warranty still. Tell Eurasian that Dr. Sheikh sent you. Best-Shehzad

derel2

I have a '95 XJ6 but I assume yours is the same set up. There is no extra fog lamp visible on the rear of the car. The rear fog is incorporated into the red rear tail lights. When in use, the red tail lights are brighter making the car more visible to someone approaching from the rear.

Mike

iameliot

Thanks guys for the info. I am following up...so far several places I contacted do not have the correct adapter, but I think someone does make one with the correct code. I also am going to see if I can find a used one. This board is great...wish Bill would return.
VDPguy--- i live in the dc metro area too...i'll let u know if I find a good repair place....have not heard the greatest things about Rosenthal, as you note, but I doubt Manhattan is better. I'm going to talk to some fellow jag owners in the area and see if I can find someone good and reasonable. Thanks again guys.

[Deleted User]

What adapter? The Alpine CHM-*** is "plug and play".

iameliot

I called three audio places today and each told me that for 92-97 they had the adapter but for 98-00 models there wasn't one and without one you need to get a factory alpine, not an aftermarket. Thanks to your post, I will call around tomorrow and see if anyone has a chm*** to plug in, but I gathered from the guys I spoke to today that it is not something that is readily available -- except from the dealer of course who wants 1000 bucks to do the job (what a ripoff).

97vdpguy

Thanks for the pointer. I think you recommended them once before too. I'm due for another interval service. I think I'll give Eurasian a try...

Mahalo!
-Ron

lindsay8

Harmon Cardon sound system, heated rear seats, heated front w/s, Jagphone. Anything else?

lindsay8

I have only one and a fob. I presume only Jaguar can cut it?

[Deleted User]

I bought a blank from jaggraveyard.com for my XJS for approx $10, and my local Jag dealer cut it FOR FREE!

You can get a new fob from motorcarsltd.com or keylessride.com. I don't know if you'll need the dealer to program it. I didn't, even though everybody said I did.

derel2

The cost of the key may depend on the model year. I paid $25.50(U.S.) at the dealer for a new key for my '95 XJ6. I have heard that the key for later models is more since it incorporates a chip as part of the security system. However, I do not know the model year the more expensive key was put into use.

Mike

lesliejoy

I also have a 1998 XJ8L. I got an extended warranty from Warrantech. Phone #1-800-577-6624.
Website www.warrantech.com
You cannot buy direct from them. Call ask who in your area sells their warranty. THEN SHOP AROUND for the cheapest price. Everyone quotes different prices. I got mine when my mileage was under 16,000 so I was able to get the 7 year, 85000 miles for $2000. There are all different breakouts so ask for different mileage prices. I think you can only get the 7 years if you have mileage under 16,000 otherwise its 5 years.

This was the same warranty my Jaguar dealer sells. I shopped around and bought the warranty from someone else as the dealers prices were really high.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

lesliejoy

Hi. My Pirellis are shot and I need new tires.
The tire dealer said the Pirellis last about 25,000 miles. I need something to last a whole lot longer as I don't want to replace tires every 3 years!

He recommended the Michelin MXV4. Said they last about 50,000 miles and will give a similar ride. Quoted $148.00 per tire.

Anyone know about these or is there another tire I can be checking out.

All help appreciated.
Thanks.
Leslie

enthusiast1

Leslie, I've got the MXV4's on my Passat GLX and have been very pleased with the combination of handling, noise and wear. I'll probably go with them on my XJ8 when the Pirelli's wear out, although I may look at what Dunlop has to offer as well.

ron

[Deleted User]

We've got the MXV4's on our CL. A little noisy for my taste, but that's what the car came with.

iameliot

Just got a 98 xj8l that was supposedly put through the select edition 140 point inspection. When I apply the brakes, they screech something awful. Dealer service guy said he'd take a look at it but that it it common and normal for European brake pads to do this. I am going to bring it in, but was wondering in advance if this is fixable -- i.e., by using a more expensive brake pad than whatever they put on, if anything, when they did the select edition check.

On the issue of Michellins, I have them on my Lexus and find the ride to be very plush, very soft and very quiet. I'd be surprised if any other tire would give a softer ride, but would appreciate any posts from those with other opinions. In my opinion, the Michellins give a softer and quieter ride than the Pirelli 4000s.

enthusiast1

That noise isn't normal with XJ8's My 1999 XJ8 went through the select edition check and ending up getting new front pads and rotors. They did miss some other minor things however, and are fixing those as we speak. Take it back and have them check it out.

ron

iameliot

thanks enthusiast1. I have only had the car for a week. I know brakes are not covered by the warranty, but I certainly hope they are not going to charge me if it needs new brake pads and rotors. Isn't this supposed to be fixed when they inspect it and deem it "select edition?" Just wondering if your problem occurred shortly after purchase, if they covered it for you, and if not what they charge for new rotors if you recall. Also, generally speaking, at what approximate mileage would one normally expect rotors to need replacement.