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Jaguar XJ-Series

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Comments

  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Yesterday morning I drove the '04 Radiance Red XJ8 with 10k on the odometer, priced at $54,995. It was very smooth over the RR tracks, however, I was surprised at the higher than expected road noise at only 50 mph. The Italian brand of tires were not to blame according to the salesman who offered the reason was due to it's aluminum body. What's your take on the level of road noise?

    As for passenger comfort, wife says our son's '99 Audi A8 is a lot more comfortable than the Jag, but I don't want a Chrysler Airflow made in Germany.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Ooooh, don't like THAT price...... I did not notice abnormal road noise, but did not take the one I tested on bad roads either at high speeds either. I did check the seat out carefully, as the passenger cabin is #1 on my checklist. It's where I live, and the seat has to fit my body and be comfy. It is. YMMV.
  • kenbinkenbin Member Posts: 1
    Hello. I have a 1998 XJ8 with 52K miles. Cruise control problem as follows: The system seems to turn on when I press the master on/off switch near the gear shift but the moment I press "set" on the controls on the steering wheel, I get a "Fail safe engine mode" message with amber warning light. The engine seems to continue running OK but no cruise control. The "Fail safe" message and warning light disappear when I turn off ignition and re-start. Has anyone had similar problem and are there any suggestions on what the cause might be? Also, the problem first occurred right after I had the following work done by dealer: 50K mile service, throttle body replacement, and replacement of the motor that powers the steering wheel telescoping adjustment. I have a suspicion that having this work done somehow contributed to the cruise control problem. Any ideas? Thanks.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    Euphonium,

    Just gotta check - assume you are musician? Got a kid who plays euphonium for 3 years now and uses euphoniumlips as his email name.

    Now, back to the Jag.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Assume you are a Texas Aggie, class of 76.

    I have a minor in Music, played college Symphonic Band, Army Band of the Pacific, Army Reserve Band, conducted a local orchestra and English hand bell choirs. Always a pleasure, never a vocation.

    When your kid gets overwhelmed with school and activities, please remind him that sticking with the horn outlasts the other items in his life and is more fun as he progresses in his musicianship.

    We checked out a preowned XJ8 last Monday and the trunk may hold two Euphoniums and squeeze in a Piccalo. Poco a poco.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    That I am - Gig'em Aggies! and a 26 yr retired Army veteran here. My boss has a gorgeous '04 XJ and I've had a chance to drive it at length. Wonderful car, unfortunately it was back in the shop this past week for that emergency brake problem, second time its happened to him. Dealership has taken care of him at no cost and done him right. I use sister dealership to his for my '04 Lexus LS430 although I have had zero issues. I like my trunk for his euphonium, daughter's bassoon & two full size golf bags.
  • dan100dan100 Member Posts: 3
    Hi to all...I am the unhappy owner of the XJ Super-8 that needed to be re-welded at 4 locations (B pillars and C connections).
    NO, The car was NEVER in an accident. It arrived like that from England. We purchased it brand new from an LA dealer. RUSNAK, the dealer, nice people, are really trying to help, but Jaguar U.S.A. is going by the book and insisting that they have the right to fix the car.
    I now have 3 dozen pictures of our new XJ-SUPER-8 in the process of being REFURBISHED. It is sickening. I might put the car on Ebay with a starting bid of $1, just to make a case out of this. (I know it will go for more, but can you tell I am pretty disgusted with Jaguar U.S.A?)
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Jaguar USA may have the right to fix the car, but that is not the bottom issue.

    Would the President of Jaguar USA drive, show, and be proud of your car after the repair was made? Ask him with a Registered Letter and if he says he would, then he can trade his company Jag for yours. Otherwise, sue. Your experience has slowed my search for the Jag to replace our Town Car.

    Coming unglued screams for a replacement vehicle as the fair solution. Anything less is egregious.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Dan: After googling Rusnak, this came to light & it is interesting about the level of professionalism of the dealership. Click onto: http://rusnakjaguar.blogspot.com/

    Sue em.
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    After being "off line" for a while, it is nice to get back in touch with so many of you.

    As the original founder of this XJ Series forum, I am so pleased to see that this continues to be one of the best attended, written, read and informative on the net.
    Of course, we are writing about a most special automobile - the venerable Jaguar.

    For those of us who have loved Jaguars for so many years and have shared so many Jag stories, it is good to see so many new additions to the Jaguar family.

    Continued best to all of you I have come to know and look forward to knowing by way of this great forum !

    Christchurch
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    Just a note to those who still own the last years of the great XJ6's [1996-1997] which are refined and the best of the XJ6's.

    I just thought it would be nice to hear if anyone has some notes to share ?

    I am amazed at the mileage some have racked up with great reliability and, as always, with so much enjoyment.

    I still look forward to driving Jaguar automobiles after all these years !

    Christchurch
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hi, it's nice to have you back! :)
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Last spring we looked at buying a new 04 XJ sedan. List price was about 61K or so and we probably could have bought one for 58K. (We didn't need/want the lwb versions.) The '04 as you know is the latest and best, new alu version. Now in the spring of '05 I see used '04s with asking prices in the low 40s. This too me is a) a tragedy that this great car has such a low resale and b) a great buying opportunity.

    Any thoughts?
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    The last one with 7500 miles sold on e bay for a little over 36k. So few are sold in any region causes one to consider there is just the national market subject to local adjustments for high pay, high employment areas i.e. King County, WA.

    Check out the following site:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4551733738&rd=1&sspagename=S- TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
  • jmabbottjmabbott Member Posts: 3
    I recently purchased a 1995 XJ6 VP. It only has 62,000 miles and is in excellent condition. I love it!!! However, the first time I pushed the button to retract the sunroof, it went back all but the last 5-6 inches and stopped. When I push the close button, it goes forward a little bit and then reverses to the open position. I have tried the manual closing procedure but it will not budge. Any suggestions?
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    I agree that the XJ6 - late models - (XJ8 replaced it in 1998) - are truly "dream
    automobiles". They drive and perform superbly !

    In regards to the sunroof:

    I just had mine repaired a couple of weeks ago for a similar malfunction !
    Actually, the sunroof is supposed to retract only to within about 5-6 in. of full open where it meets the second piece ("lid") which looks as though it too should retract, but doesn't.
    The mechanism is quite complex and if "forced" or "binds" there are small plastic pieces which will break.
    If this has happened, as it did to me and when I decided to be "fix it man", (you too) there is no other alternative than to have the parts - assembly- replaced. "Ouch"

    This is the ONLY problem I have ever had.
    Your "Jags best friend" beside yourself, of course, is fastidious routine maintance by a top flight Jag specialist mechanic. Jags are sophisticated pieces of machinery well deserving quality care.

    The XJ6 is really special. You will enjoy driving your Jag more and more each time you "put it through its paces" !

    Keep on "Jagin" !

    Christchurch
  • jmabbottjmabbott Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the advice. What was the cost of your repair?
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    Pat,
    Thanks for being with this forum from my first post . You have always overseen the site with steady good judgment. You seem to understand that
    Jaguar , owners are quite special automobile enthusiasts.

    By the way, how do I access the icons below? They are a neat addition.

    Have a nice Memorial Day weekend.

    Christchurch
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    Further, on the sunroof.....

    The repair of a wedged or broken sunroof is rather time consuming and thereby
    somewhat expensive.
    I had mine repaired at the Jaguar dealer. They have a time estimate of approx.
    4 hours of labor. Reason is the entire headliner of the car must be removed to access the sunroof mechanism.
    I don't have my invoice with me while sending this e-mail to give you an exact cost, but you can figure dealer labor and parts can and will mount up. Off hand,
    I am going give a guessestimate and say it was probably in the $500 range, but I maby be incorrect as I had some other routine items tended to at the same time.
    So, the moral to the story is that we should be less impatient and not try to do our own "repairs" which in this case probably made things worse resulting in a repair becoming more costly.

    Incidently, let me correct my last post when I said I have never had any other repair as I remember now that I did have "the famous forever-breaking cup holder" replaced. (I have seen them in disrepair in many friends Jags over the years).

    Needless to say, I treat it along with the sunroof with "utmost respect" !

    But, beyond these "character flaws" the cat has been flawless over the many miles of extraordinarily pleasurable driving.

    The Cat continues to purr !
    Christchurch
  • jmabbottjmabbott Member Posts: 3
    Thanks...I took a drive today in the beautiful sunshine and the car was as smooth as a baby's bottom. The cupholders on mine are in good shape along with most everything on the automobile.

    I will treat my Cat with the tender loving care it deserves.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Oh, thanks for the compliments! I love being here, to tell you the truth - I've been around since early 1999 in one form or another and don't intend to go anywhere anytime soon. :)

    You are asking about the emotorcons, I think? When you are typing in the post box, just click on whichever one you'd like to use. You won't see the graphic in the post box, but you will see it when you actually post your message.

    Give it a try - you've got 30 minutes to edit your message if it doesn't look like you want it to.

    Again, welcome back - what's funny is that about a month ago your name at the top as the creator of the discussion caught my eye and I wondered what had happened to you - and then you turned up! Very nice to "see" you again.
  • bern3000bern3000 Member Posts: 1
    Hello everyone.

    My father-in-law's car stalls erratically after about 50 miles (or so) of driving. A number of parts have been replaced including the mass-air flow meter, spark coil, fuel filter....gas vents have been checked, fuel pump runs, gas tanks have been cleaned, wiring and distributor checked.

    After about 5-10 minutes the car will restart and run normally.

    Any diagnostic help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    Are you absolutely sure that the fuel pump is good? Sounds familar to an old problem I once had on an old Cadillac.

    Is the "50 miles (or so)" regardless of city or highway driving, or does one type of driving make it happen sooner than the other?
  • masteryoda2masteryoda2 Member Posts: 3
    i have narrow my choices between these 2
    1997 Jaguar XJ6 has 79K and there asking $10,000
    1999 Jaguar XJ8 has 67k and there asking $15,000
    any reviews on personal ownership would be alot of help
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Master: Your final 2 are really 2 different cars. The XJ6 is the old pre-Ford Jaguar design, a fine Cat, but complete with the Lucas electronics nightmares and prone to dropping a quart of assorted fluids nightly from various places under the car. Not a low maintenance car, but a thrill to drive, to be sure - when you have her running.

    The XJ-8 is the new Ford owned Jaguar design XJ, which is not to say the car is any less Jaguar at all, but Ford had made some serious quality improvements in the company by then, and the new design of the XJ-8 proved to be much more reliable then the old XJ-6 was. Nobody liked it less that I've spoken too. The electronic nightmares were nearly gone. I think it's worth the extra money, myself.
  • sv7887sv7887 Member Posts: 351
    Hi All,
    The 99 probably has a Nikasil engine in it. I would be weary to so extent as Jaguar has replaced many of these under warranty. Apparently, high sulfur content fuel with short city driving affected the Nikasil liners in the engine. Have a blow by test done on it to see where it is at.

    SV
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,147
    A reporter with a national newspaper would like to speak with professional women who for the first time are buying a fun car or truck they have been longing to own but were not able to buy before because it wasn’t practical. This vehicle purchase is a splurge. The reporter would like to speak with first time buyers of full-size trucks, convertibles, Miatas, Porsches or Jaguars. If you fit what the reporter is looking for, please email a brief description with contact information to Kirsten Holguin at kholguin@edmunds.com as soon as possible.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    I have been thinking about the stalling you asked about.

    I would suggest a couple of things.

    First, I agree with another post that the fuel pump maybe should be replaced as it could be defective or failing and perhaps is showing this symptom when it is "stressed" (sounds familiar to the human condition - ha !) by temperature or flow volume.

    Second, I would replace the fuel filter, perhaps, once or twice. A vehicle of this age, if not driven on a frequent basis, could have developed sludge or contamination in the fuel system (picked up some bad gas). After a while, the filter will pull up enough sludge to foul the engine. The fuel system had to be cleaned.

    Third, check to the "throttle body".

    Fourth, again if not driven over a period of time you might have gas that has eroded to a gum - "shellac". If a vehicle is stored for sometime, even over the winter, it is wise to add "Stabil" to the gas to prevent this condition. A cure is to drain and purge the fuel system and clean the carberator and injectors.

    I hope some of these "thoughts" are helpful.
    Let me know what turns up.....I am curious.

    Christchurch
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    Let me "throw in some thoughts".

    I firmly believe, based on experience, that the late model XJ's >1996-1997- are the very best of the series. They represent the end point in the perfection of the in line 6 which is one of the best, if not the best, engines that Jaguar has built....a true workhorse, long lasting and very reliable.

    On the other hand, the "first editions (1998-99 maybe 2000)" of the XJ8's seem to have had some annoying "new edition launch" problems.

    Now about Lucus. They have been panned over the years and the butt of many jokes, some of which were "well deserved". But, they have been around for sometime and get blamed for some frustrating problems which as plagued other manufactures under some very good marques.

    But, I must say that my expierence over the years has been that Lucus electric in these late models (1996-1997) XJ 6's has been quite good as they perfected ie. -"worked out the bugs" - over the years.

    Bottom line is that if I were buying, I would look for and not hesitate buying a "pristine" XJ6 (1996-1997) which evidence some positive Ford influence.
    I really do love the "personality" of the XJ6 !

    If you like greater and greater Ford influence and the "newer engineering", I would look for a XJ8 in as late a model year as you can afford, preferably the last years before the new aluminium model (2004).

    Hope, these personal - "Jag Lover" - thoughts this give you some "good food for thought".

    These are really great motorcars with special personalities and demand well deserved TLC.

    Christchurch

    .
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    I was wondering, by your "jag lover" (in quotes) comment, do you frequent that website?
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    I did put "jag lover" in quotes.
    You made a sharp observation.
    Interesting site for us "Jag Lovers" !

    Christchurch
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    A questions came up the other day among us Jag owners.

    The discussion centered on the following:

    Is it wise to switch to a synthetic in older XJ 6 and XJ8 engines as the synthetics are touted as having longer life and better lubrication qualities ?

    There were conflicting opinions on this nor did anyone know if there an "official" Jaguar position?

    Anyone have an expert opinion / experience ?

    Christchurch
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    Over the years one of our best experts on XJ Jags was "Bretwood Bill"
    I am wondering if he is still around "the net".
    If so, I hope he will log on and give us his sage advice.

    Christchurch
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Not sure what happened to Bill - he hasn't been around for quite a while.

    I have a question for you. I saw a convertible Jag the other day in a parking lot that had no model name anywhere on it and didn't have the hood ornament, but it had a Jaguar badge instead. I believe it was brand new. It was gorgeous. What model was it, do you know? I haven't looked it up, just thought you might know what it was. It was really beautiful inside and out.
  • wbreaux1wbreaux1 Member Posts: 55
    Does anyone have any info on 2006 changest to the XJ? I assume they would be minor but wanted to see if anyone had heard anything. Thanks in advace.
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    paper that Jaguar came in #2, behind Lexus, in JD Power initial quality...Honda dropped to #12...what is going on here???...
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    That Initial Quality survey is so widely touted and publicized, yet it means precious little at the numbers it now represents if you break them down. Even between #2 and #12, you're not likely to see more than 1 defect in your car right off the bat, or still, maybe none. Until you get down to the Suzuki level, you'll hardly notice.
  • casetriscasetris Member Posts: 1
    Hopefully you all can help. Several months ago I bought a 2000 XK8. Unfortunately, there is no owner's manual. The "Low Engine Coolant" light has come on. What kind of engine coolant should I use?

    Thanks.
  • lsmootlsmoot Member Posts: 1
    Hi all,
    I have a 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas. I love this car! But in 3k miles it uses about 2 qts of oil. Is this normal? What might be the cause? Any advice would be great.
    Thanks :confuse:
  • pefitopefito Member Posts: 4
    I just purchased a Xj6 3.6L Sovereign, the car is in good shape and I only paid $ 3,500.00 Canadian.

    The problem is that the blower fan of the A/C Heater does not work. It was working on and off, then stop working at all and after that the push but toms for "auto", "manual" "air", etc. stop working as well.

    I read in www.alldatadiy.com that when ever this happens I should not replace the A/C panel. It says the the A/C panel malfunctions due to a faulty ECU. Control panel malfunctions are the same I previously described above.

    My question is: Does any one had the same problem and how it was solved. I would appreciate a comment of this matter.

    Today I took out the ECU (Electronic Control Unit" or computer and it has the following sticker on it: DBC 3784 and a red sticker: ABA 108 F2

    I also found a used ECU in a wreck-yard and it being held for me, the price they ask is $ 250.00 Canadian.

    If any one had a similar problem, please, help me out detailling what you did to solve it.

    Thanks,

    Jose Villafane
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    I am beginning to think that you and I surf many of the same topics...if I didn't know beter, I would think I am being stalked...:):):):):)...missing emoticons...

    Bob
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hey Bob - are you saying that you are not seeing the Emotorcons? There is some bug that hasn't been swatted yet which causes the preference to show them to turn itself off for no reason. If that's what you are talking about, go to the Preferences link on the upper left ... you'll see a place to turn them back on under Message Board Settings. They are trying to find out what's wrong, but it's so random they haven't pinned it down yet.
  • hammerdownhammerdown Member Posts: 1
    The1995-1997 XJ6 Jags were well engineered models in my opinion. They didn't have the reliability problems of prior models, however, the 1998-2003 XJ8's are the vehicles of choice. I would drive any of them, especially models after 2000. They enhanced the steering response and suspension of the 2000-2003 models that made the car even nicer to drive.

    I wouldn't touch a 2004 with a 10 foot pole. I cannot believe that Jaguar has the nerve to put a speed governor on the new models that cuts off at 121 mph. If I am going to pay 60,000 bucks for a car, it had better go faster than a Hunday Accent, even if I only go there once! A speed governor of less than 135 mph cheapens the Jag to somehing like a Ford Crown Vic.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Although I don't know where I'd drive it that fast, really, that is rather annoying....
  • reerybureerybu Member Posts: 5
    I just called my jag dealer and I have an 04 XJ8 and they said the unit is going to cost me 1,100 double the 05 cost!! What's that about? Anyone know where i can buy the unit and get my aftermarket stero guys to install it for me. I think that is crazy!
  • wbreaux1wbreaux1 Member Posts: 55
    Edmunds has the '06 XJ8 info. It's not even on jaguar.com. They now show a combo package of Bluetooth and Nav, for 2,800, the combined old prices. I wonder if you can no longer get Bluetooth separate ????
  • cgrancgran Member Posts: 1
    I've got an '87 XJ6 that I need to pass along to someone with the time & space to make it nice again. It doesn't need much...in fact it's a good car in most respects but probably needs the typical amount of mechanical & detail type tinkering you'd expect. If anyone is interested or has a recommendation of a place to post it for sale, please let me know. my email is cgranju@yahoo.com thanks
    -c
  • reerybureerybu Member Posts: 5
    Anyone know what bluetooth phone works best with the new Jag bluetooth kit?

    Thanks
  • reerybureerybu Member Posts: 5
    Ok so if i get the Jag installed bluetooth kit, does the caller ID show up on my touchscreen in the car and can you choose contact via the screen also? Is all the data on the phone down loaded the computer?
  • xkssxkss Member Posts: 722
    I wouldn't touch a 2004 with a 10 foot pole. I cannot believe that Jaguar has the nerve to put a speed governor on the new models that cuts off at 121 mph.

    The aluminum XJR and Super V8's top speed is limited to 155 mph. There isn't an autobahn in North America.
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