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Jaguar XJ-Series

1474850525355

Comments

  • quemfalaquemfala Member Posts: 107
    I couldn't believe my eyes! In our move up to NC from South Florida, my wife drove the 2006 "Leaper", while I drove, like the Clampetts, an overloaded Aviator pulling a U-Haul trailer. The Aviator achieved an underwhelming 13.0 MPG on the trip, but -- and this is what is hard to believe, the Jag's trip computer showed and astounding 31.1 MPG. I know that my wife doesn't have a "heavy" foot, but we were traveling at a steady 75 miles per hour for the 1st 450 miles. There's either something wrong with the computer or there was one helluva tail wind blowing north. I'm going to measure the gasoline input vs the mileage driven, then calculate it the old fashioned way. If the numbers hold, this is the best "economy" car we've ever had.

    More, later.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Remembering it is an English motorcar, perhaps you confuse KPG with MPG. 31.1 KPG = 18.66 MPG. Then again ..... with the 6 speed, double overdrive, perhaps MPG is 31.1 ;)
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Light weight all aluminium chassis too.

    31.1 MPG with the trip computer is probably more like 28-29 MPG real world mileage which is reasonable.
  • edkunkeledkunkel Member Posts: 26
    So, how do I add my IPod and satellite to an 04 XJR w/o giving up my CD changer in the trunk?

    Ever other car in the world has adapters that plug into the head unit, you throw Ipod in the glovebox, sight unseen, same with sat radio.

    Whats up? I know the 05s on were different, I believe they have some direct connect. But I am not willing to change cars over it, I think.
  • quemfalaquemfala Member Posts: 107
    That's O.K., I'll take it anyway I can get it. But, I do enjoy the acceleration when I drive it! I'll just have to hold down my enthusiasm.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    "Additional Fees and Taxes
    $399 Dealer DOC Fee on EVERY car sold."

    The above is cut and pasted from the dealer's website.

    It discourages us from traveling 3300 miles to buy the car.

    Is this charge customary, mandatory, or legal in FL? It's bad enough to pay a 7.7% Sales Tax when arriving home.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    A reporter with a national newspaper is hoping to talk with consumers who have received or are giving a luxury car as a gift for Christmas. Please reply to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Friday, December 8, 2006 with your daytime contact info.

    Thanks,

    Chintan Talati
    Corporate Communications
    Edmunds Inc.
  • quemfalaquemfala Member Posts: 107
    Like all things in life, the DOC is negotiable. Everybody just loves "fees" because it's easy to blame the cost on something or somebody else. Pay the "DOC" just pay less for something else.
    Good luck! And, if the salesman is too arrogant, go elsewhere!
  • sebeticsebetic Member Posts: 4
    I am having a lot of problems with reception with my Sirius Satellite Radio installed by Jaguar. Is anybody else having these problems? Sirius tells me the antenna is installed in the incorrect place. Jaguar has been of no help, and is unwilling to try moving the antenna.
  • iwantanxjiwantanxj Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know of any good private mechanics in teh Charlotte area? I am looking to purchase a 1997 xj6, but I want to get it inspected by a private mechanic, preferable, one that would be able to perform all work on the vehicle, thanks in advance. Feel free to private message me.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Please share your experience including what you purchased and how the unit has been since you've owned it. Thanks.
  • clarkt69clarkt69 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2004 VDP that get's 30 on the road.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Just before Christmas I looked at an '05 XJL in BRG with CPO for 43K asking at a local Jag dealer. I then located an 04 XJ in Black with 20K miles for 31K asking at another Jag dealer. Supposedly they would certify the '04 also. Given the 12K disparity in asking prices and differnce in wheel bases, the crush of the holiday season, and the fact that it is bonus time (I pay them, not receive one), I couldn't pull the trigger.

    I did do a little research, though. Thinking that what I really wanted was an AWD sedan, I checked out pricing on both an E Class and a 5 Series. (The 7 Series doesn't offer AWD and the S Class, while available in AWD, is more money and more pompousness than I want to put up with.) It looked to me like that when a year or two old, these mid size sedans sell for very close to the same price as the larger XJ.

    Incidentally, as I think has been said before, almost all '04 XJs , even the Vandeplas, are short wheelbase XJs and almost all '05s are long wheel base cars, either as a base car, the XJL, or a Vandeplas.

    Now, if I could just find an '05 Vandeplas in black for well under 40K......
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Now, if I could just find an '05 Vandeplas in black for well under 40K......

    Should you find such a deal, it would be a "Katrina" car. ;)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    As before, I still suggest you get the '05 XJL or better yet the '05 Vanden Plas.

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Sirius tells me the antenna is installed in the incorrect place.

    Where is it installed? I understand that it's supposed to be installed at the very back and center of the roof just above the top of the rear window molding. Is yours not in that location?

    Also... I believe that the dealer-installed and/or port-installed Sirius unit is an FM modulator. This means that the modulator receives the satellite signal, but then re-broadcasts it to your FM radio at a specific frequency. Have you checked that your FM is properly and precisely tuned in to the frequency required?

    TagMan
  • lcohen1lcohen1 Member Posts: 6
    In response to your Sirius reception problem. You say you have a reception problem. Do you have static or does it just cut out and then come back on? I have an 05 Pacifica with an antenna mounted on the rear of the roof. It always has great reception except on occasion it cuts out when I go under heavy tree cover and some road crossings and comes right back on. Since we are dealing with a satellite I consider this normal. I don't have sirius on my 98VP.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Tagman, I hear that. The Christmas craziness just was too much for me. As an analytical guy I didn't want to be rushed into the wrong car/deal etc. I am in full agreement with you on the '05 as being the way to go and I now know that I want one in Ebony with a beige interior.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Excellent. Good luck. Just don't pass up on a real-life terrific deal because you were hoping for the imaginary perfect deal.

    TagMan
  • jeffkjeffk Member Posts: 1
    Just bought a 2000 XJ8 two months ago. Have had intermittent electrical issues. The major issue is:

    When attempt to start, when ignition is moved forward to the position just prior to cranking (i.e. where all the indicator lights are tested), it generates, then cycles through the following lights:

    Major Engine Failure
    ASC Fault
    Transmission Fault
    Low Brake Fluid

    When the problem occurs, it won't allow the engine to crank over (not a lower battery condition) so it's not drivable. After an hour or two, the problem goes away. I've taking it to the dealer twice and to another mechanic once. There are no relevant codes stored.

    The first time, the dealer couldn't duplicate the issue, had no codes, and changed the battery. Issue not resolved.

    The second time, the dealer couldn't duplicate the issue, had no codes, and the dealer recommended changing the inst pack (best guess).

    We seldom drive the car because it's not reliable. Anyone every heard of this? Any suggestions? I'm thinking of just selling it to get rid of it. BTW, it went out of warranty right before my purchase 67,000 miles.

    Thanks for any help!
  • sebeticsebetic Member Posts: 4
    It definitely happens under tree cover. It cuts out entirely. The problem is that in a typical 30 minute trip to work, it will cut out 20 times, anywhere from 1-7 seconds.
  • sebeticsebetic Member Posts: 4
    Having FM properly tuned is what Jaguar recommended as the fix. It didn't help. The location of the antenna appears to be the issue. Jaguar installs it as you suggest. That is the way it is installed on my car. Sirius says it should be at least 6-8 inches from glass to get proper reception. Jaguar is unwilling to move the antenna for me because they cannot locate weather stripping to protect the antenna wire. I have not been able to track this item down either. My big issue is that Jaguar has left me hanging. I thought it might help to hear if other owners where experiencing similar problems.
  • tocapallatocapalla Member Posts: 16
    Hello. I have always thought Jags are the most beautiful cars on the road and have always wanted one, but was afraid of their reliabilty and cost of ownership. Most of what I have researched says they are much more reliable than in the past. Anyway, now there is an'04 Vanden Plas on E-bay from a dealer who has excellent feedback and crediantials. The car has about 43,000 miles and he's asking $29,995. After running a history report, I found this car had a collision in '04, with damage to the left side and pillar. The report does not say how extensive the damage was, but dealer says was minor, fixed at authhorized Jaguar dealer while still in possession of original Leasee. I recently test drove a '03 XJ-8 with only 17,000 miles, but the wind noise was horrible and the dealer would take no less the $27K. I have been pricing other Jags for over a month now, and this seems to be the best deal. What does everyone think? I certainly would appreciate any advice I can get. THANKS in advance? P.S. What is a pillar?
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Don't touch this car! No wonder the price is so low. There are enough good deals on '04's that you should not need to get a car thats been in a collision, particularly one that's serious enough to damage one of the pillars. Since you ask, the pillars are the upright supports for the windshield and roof. The A pillar is the front upright at the windshield in front of the front doors, the B between front and rear doors, C-Pillar behind rear doors usually at rear window, etc. They generally provide structural strength as well as design functionality.

    Also, you are correct about the '04 and forward being much more reliable. The '05's and forward are even better than the '04, but the price will be higher. If the price range for you is better on the '04 than that's the ticket for yu. But be patient enough to get a clean one, not one that's been in a freakin' wreck! Good luck.

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    With all due respect, I don't think the location of the antenna is the issue. The location at the back of the roof near the rear window is more than adequate to get good reception. Perhaps there is another problem. Perhaps there is a loose or frayed wire, or defective part, or some other issue. I would explore other issues, and simply tell Jaguar that the reception is not proper and let them figure it out. If the dealer refuses to help, contact Jaguar headquarters and see if they will help you.

    TagMan
  • tocapallatocapalla Member Posts: 16
    THANKS tagman for the reply. I was hoping you would say "run, don't walk and get that car!", but I was afraid the price was too good to be true. Guess I'll keep looking. I'm go ing to get one of these gorgeous cars--a clean one--one of these days. THANKS again!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Keep us posted on your search!
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Tagman is objective and correct. When in heat to buy, emotions can steer you away from common sense. texascarsdirect.com has an interesting array of gently used 04 XJ8' from time to time. "Autotrader.com" is another shopping agenda. It has been my impression the market is FL, Right Coast, & TX. The further West, the higher the price. Good luck in hunting & let us know what you bag. :)
  • k2usak2usa Member Posts: 5
    Any ideas on how to improve very weak reception (AM & FM)? Dealer says there is a optic fiber link from rear window antena. Any ideas on what to ahve them check? Thanks, :)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    First thing, make sure you are talking about poor reception and not interference. Interference is handled differently than poor reception.

    Assuming you are correct and it is weak reception, and it is not due to your geographic location, but is actually due to the car's equipment... then, on the surface, it would seem logical that there is a problem with the connection to the antenna. Certainly check that out first. After that, it quickly gets mysterious, and you should probably consult with the dealer (if you have any warranty) or, if available, a good local car radio specialist... the specialist being my recommendation. Keep us posted.

    TagMan
  • socal_stevesocal_steve Member Posts: 11
    Seeing many new 2006 XJ8L on market want to lease in the last month.
    Q: Am I better off purchasing 2006 or 2007? Anyone know money factor (most important buy rate) on lease? What about residual percentage?

    I am in Southern California.

    Thanks,
    Steve
  • sebeticsebetic Member Posts: 4
    You are better off leasing a 2007, assuming there are no lease deals on a 2006. The residual value on a 2007 is higher than a 2006, so the actual amount of the car you are leasing is less. If you are purchasing the car and intend to keep it for a long period of time(ie resale not an issue) then you can get a better purchase price on a left over 2006
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    his 2002 XJ, beautiful car, deep blue with cream interior...even at just 5'3", I have to duck when I get into the car or I hit my head...is the Jag roof so much lower than any other car I ever got into???...it seems that this would be an annoying car if I had to crouch down just to get in and out of it...

    BTW...this guy has had a few MBs in the past and had only headaches with them, would never buy another Benz...seems that every month the car would spend a week at the dealer for some repair...said that his Jag only had routine maintenance in 100K miles, and was bulletproof...just thought you might want some unsolicited feedback...
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Interesting fit. How well do you enter the 04's and later?

    I still covet the new aluminum XJ8, but can't pull the trigger due to the wonderful running and performance of my 4.6 in the old Lincoln. :)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    2002 XJ, beautiful car, deep blue with cream interior...even at just 5'3", I have to duck when I get into the car or I hit my head...is the Jag roof so much lower than any other car I ever got into???...it seems that this would be an annoying car if I had to crouch down just to get in and out of it...

    Frankly, the headroom in the 2003 and prior XJs is nearly impossible for most men. In addition, the handbrake location is also an issue.

    The 2004 new generation of XJ brought an entirely new car, even though the appearance was deliberately retained. The headroom is roomy for men well over 6', myself included at 6'1", and the handbrake is a small knob, electronically controlled. The all-aluminum vehicle weighs in at only a little more than a 3-Series BMW. With that light weight and its standard 300 hp engine it is very spirited, and yet delivers gas mileage rated at 27 EPA Hwy. Some have argued that the design should have been updated, given the window of opportunity for the '04 and forward XJs, but regardless, the latest XJs have proven themselves to be superior in every way to the older ones, and their reliability has particularly been impressive... even making the JD Powers list in top or near-top positions for a number of years.

    TagMan
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    The 2002 was the first, and only, Jag I ever entered...considering that this was the design of the XJ8 going back a number of years, I am just surprised that a small guy like me would have to duck to get into the front seat...the rear seat I almost have to crouch down to get in...beautiful car, tho, beautiful lines, and anything with a hand brake is something I just like...foor brakes are just a pain, to me, no "character"...

    All four of my Hondas had hand brakes, which I sorely missed after I started buying American.....
  • lcohen1lcohen1 Member Posts: 6
    I have heard this access complaint many times. All the complainers can't grasp the fact that this is a "Jaguar", not some boxy SUV. Would you complain if by chance you won a Lamborgini. How would you get into it. Give me a break. We own a mint 98 VDP with 18" 7 spoke asteroid wheels. It sparkles just the way I bought it. Only 50,000 miles and garage kept. My wife drives it every day. Not once have I heard her complain about getting into or out of this fantastic car. By the way, she is 5'6" and in her mid 60s. I am 5'10" and 67 years old. It's a tiny bit tight but driving this car is pure joy. We constantly have people rubbernecking to look at this car. The secret is, keep it spotless. If you want a boxy car, don't buy it. If you want a car with style, don't hesitate. You won't be sorry.
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    style, it IS a beautful car with timeless lines...it is just that since it is a 4 door sedan, I was surprised that I felt like I was entering a little 2 door sport coupe...
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    I must say, with the new ( 2004+ ) XJ doesn't suffer from this in the least. I'm one of those guys who always has problems with headroom, and the new XJ has a lot.
  • jagmasterjagmaster Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 xj8l, the battery drains overnight. Is there a common problem?. I have gone through 3 batteries. the yellow engine light is on. the alt. charges the bat.but there is something draining the battery. could this be a module that is stuck open or somthing like that? the wireing is like new and the fans do not keep running after the key is turned off
  • bkarabkara Member Posts: 1
    This would be my first Jag. I would use this as a second car to drive in to work. Know of conflicting quality issues regarding Jags generally and this model's electrical problems. Any feedback would be appreciated and would probably save my marriage:) Thank you all in advance.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Just returned from an 800 mile round trip to Whistler, B.C. on I-5 and 99. We did not see any 04 to 07 XJ8's on the road. Is it just Nu yawkeh's in FL that buy them? :confuse:
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    They're out here in California... in surprising numbers... adding beauty to our highways. ;)

    TagMan
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Thought for sure we would see many in British Columbia, but no and the Sea to Sky highway has beautiful scenery, but the road itself is still very ugly, thus a few Jags on it would be of promotional benefit for the 2010 Winter Olympics. :confuse:
  • robbo222robbo222 Member Posts: 1
    The boot won't open, it doesn't seem to be releasing the catch enough. There is movement but it just won't release..Is there any way to access the boot manually ??
    Many thanks for any ideas...cheers
  • hofiiihofiii Member Posts: 16
    I also have a 98 XJ Vanden Plas that sticks intermittently when I try to disengage from Park to Reverse or Drive. It happens generally after the car has been sitting after being driven for awhile. I noticed that you can hear a 'click' sound from the console that indicates that the lever will then disengage. I just think to myself that she's just not ready to go yet, but know this shouldn't happen. I haven't had anyone look at it though.

    I would appreciate any info as to why this occurs also and what can be done to eliminate it. Thanks so much!
  • hofiiihofiii Member Posts: 16
    This is in conjunction with MSG# 1896. I've reviewed the discussions and haven't seen any response to this situation with the Shift Lever sticking. Has this happened to anyone else and what did they do about it? Any advice is much appreciated.
  • hofiiihofiii Member Posts: 16
    It may be the brake light switch under the brake pedal is failing...it doesn't know that your foot is on the brake so it will not allow the shifter to move... This was suggested by Jagbits.com
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    I see very few high end cars in Canada regardless of whether in the maritimes or BC. I have never, ever seen a late model S Class, 7 Series or XJ in Montreal, for example. I think that the Canadians have a very high tax structure AND a culture that doesn't encourage conspicuous consumption.
  • tibimakaitibimakai Member Posts: 5
    I have an 95' XJ6 VDP and today I drove an 2004 XJ8. Thinking to replace the XJ6 with the new XJ, but after driving it today I'm not sure about it any more.
    From outside it looks bigger but from inside, I can swear that is no different(in size) that my old XJ6. It fills that I sit taller. The trunk is definitely bigger(deeper) since they relocated the gas tank.
    It fills fast, but I didn't fill that way faster filling that I was expected after my XJ6.
    The direction switch has a bad location(way to high).
    Other then these observations it's a great car, but after driving it today I think I will stick more to my old XJ6. I don't see that much difference to worth spending that much.
    For the previous poster, maybe the solenoid needs to be replaced. The shifter has a solenoid. I'm not familiar with the XJ8 but on my XJ6 I have a star head screw on the J-gate which if I remove and stick something down it would disengage the shifter.
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