Used 1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Consumer Reviews
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A Good Car for the Money
Brett , 08/08/2006
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
For years, Jaguar has had a poor reputation for mechanical quality. However, in my experience, that has not been the case. I bought my 1998 Jaguar XJ8 as-is for about $11,000 with 72K miles. So far I have not had unexpected mechanichal problems, just routine work. I really enjoy the vehicle. The rapid depreciation of these vehicles, in large part due to Jaguars mechanical problems of the past, makes them very affordable for your average person. Just a couple of suggestions: 1) Buy 1998 or after- thats when electrical system was replaced by Ford, 2) Make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection, and 3) if you need to buy parts, go on ebay, since the Jaguar dealer markup is huge.
Super Vehicle
cwiningar, 03/12/2012
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
This was my first Jaguar and has always been my dream car. I always joked that when I retired I would get a jaguar and guess what, I got one!! It has met every expectation I could of had. I have never driven a car so smooth and beautiful. I sure do get the looks and love every minute of it. I am averaging 26-28 MPG on the highway. I could not ask for a better car and I love love this one.
Always wanted a '98 Jaguar Vanden Plas
HOF III, 12/01/2006
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
When Ford bought Jag in the mid 90s and made the improvements that had been a concern for previous Jag owners, I really got excited! I remember going to the dealership and seeing the '98 Vanden Plas in Pewter with oyster interior and thought it was the most beautiful car available at the time. I was fortunate to have some friends in the auto industry that go to auctions regularly and they came across a beauty in the Cabernet color with the oyster interior with all the options that had been immaculately cared for. I bought it from them and have had nothing but PURE enjoyment since. Rolls Royce is the only car that compares to the ride and comfort experience in my mind!
A lot of car for the money.
Jeff Webster, 04/23/2004
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I like this car very much. It's smooth, comfortable and reliable (unlike previous Jags I've owned). It's very thirsty returning only about 15mpg around town but somewhat better, maybe 22mpg on a run. Trunk space is limited for such a large car. Should have a 'pass- through' where the back seat, or rear center center armrest folds down to allow long items like golf clubs and skis etc. to be carried in the trunk.
I will never buy another type of car
Iostream, 03/06/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I have wanted a Jaguar for quite some time, and finally broke down and bought one. There is really nothing to dislike about the Vanden Plas. I am sold, I will never own another brand of car again.
Don't even think about it!!
Don't even go there!, 04/30/2004
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought 'certified Jag' hoping to get a good reliable car, no such luck. The car has a tendancy to loose all power, I mean ALL POWER while traveling down the freeway at 70mph. Not a good thing. Has been in the shop 9 times for problems ranging from the rear view mirror dripping chemicals, to replacing the front ball joints (3 times) and rod ends, to replacing the throttle assembly (twice - the cause of the freeway melt down). Fun to drive when it is up and running. Havn't had a problem in 7 months. Fingers crossed!
Always Loved the Vanden Plas
HOFIII, 06/12/2007
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Always wanted a Vanden Plas and was finally able to purchase one and have throughly enjoyed it. No other car drives like it. The quiet smoothness and overall feel of luxury surrounds you. The Harman Kardon audio is suberb. I haven't experienced another car like this big Jag. The car has 89,500 miles and drives like new. With proper maintenance in regular intervals, I expect it to perform for years. When driving the Jag, you really feel heads above the rest and receive compliments on its appearrance on a regular basis. I just love it!
One Killer Kat
shakur10011, 02/23/2010
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
13 of 16 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1998 xj8vdp 500 miles away from my home. it was a one owner car and she kept the car very well maintained. all manufacturer suggested maintenance have been performed and documented and every other little thing she had done as well. needless to say, my 5oo mile trip went by too fast and left me wanting to bypass my home to enjoy the ride even more. I had an oil service done the next day and with only 71,000 miles on this "Killer Kat" i know i will be leaping onto the highway soon. so if you live on the east coast you are sure to catch me prowling and growling pass all the other so called luxury sport sedans (bmw, lexus, mercedes), they don't compare.
A lot of car for a little cash.
sleep2much, 01/28/2008
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
So many people like to put down Jaguars, the car not the cat, I would bet good money few of them have owned one or even sat in one, I know my car is knocking on the door of it's 10th year, but you couldn't tell by driving it, the interior is still pretty fresh and I like to look at the car too. I feel like I'm driving an $80,000 car, I know it's only $6000 now, but the luxury feel does not fly away as quick as the forecourt price.
Least reliable car I ever owned
worst car ever, 08/04/2006
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
At 53,000 miles my engine failed $12,000 replacement. Jaguar offered no help, said my case was rare, but 6 mechanics said engine failures were common because of timing chain failures in engines from 1998-2002. 3 water pump failures (plastic parts). Transmission failed at 98,000. This car had 8 mechanical break downs. Maintence was $27,000. Plastic used where metal was needed.
great but know the faults
Joseph Obuchowski, 02/26/2009
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
21 of 31 people found this review helpful
This is one of the sexiest cars on the road. I have seen other cars trying to race me, and I do not want to race , I just want to cruise and enjoy the ride. Beware when you drive this model, it is a head turner and some people get angry. At the same time some people approach me and say, wow that is a great auto, it happens. I have two 1998 Jags one black and one white, the white one is the "L" version. Do not ask me why but the stereo sound is better in the "L" version, most likely due to the added interior.
Not too bad
Dirk5, 07/31/2006
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my XJ8 in May of 2002 (44,000 miles) for $25,000 ($34,000 was average resale at that time) delivered to me from Houston wholesaler. Really no trouble at all until 110,000 miles. Brake calipers rebuilt, front end balljoints replaced, new belts and hoses (normal after 100,000 miles), new water pump, thermostat replaced. About $4,000 in repairs, however some of this is expected after 100,000 miles. The fit, finish, exterior and interior, electronics, handling, and overall reliability has been good. Super classy car that I will keep for very long time. Will put another 40,000 miles on this car and then put into the garage and buy another everyday car. This car is 8 years old and still runs and looks great.
1998 Jag XJL
JB Leport, 12/29/2006
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is the 3rd Jag I have owned and it is the best so far. The V8 engine is actually no better than the 4 liter 6 cyl eng, but it has a better reliability factor. Change oil at 4-5000 miles, rotate tires every 5000, wash and wax regularly. Wonderful family car with LOTS of room.
Beware
courageous, 05/09/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased a "select edition" 1998 XJ8, which means that the car was thoroughly inspected and certified. I don't think so. In less than a year's time I have had the car in the dealership 10 times! After tiring of driving a loaner almost as often and the Jag, I was informed by the dealer that my car had lost more than $10,000 of its value in just eight months. "You can buy them at auction for $22,000." So, even though these cars are supposedly select models, you can still wind up with a cat that's a real dog - and don't expect the dealer to do anything for you.
$12K In Repairs and Still Counting
Lee, 03/25/2005
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Beautiful car, great ride, wonderful handling, expensive to maintain. Between 55K and 75K miles - fuel pump, transmission, brakes, shocks, timing chain, water pump. Replaced all the plastic timing chain tension parts with new metal parts. A simple seal is $80. Same seal with my Infiniti is $15. Jag must figure if you can afford the car, then you will be willing to pay through the nose for their parts. I keep saying what else can go wrong with this car? And, something expensive always does.
1998 vanden plas
steve, 06/02/2006
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My second Jaguar, and I love it even more than my first (a 1988 XJ6). The classiest, most beautiful car on the road, it handles perfectly (with the right brand of tires--Goodrich; Perelli and Michelein don't work well in wet or snow conditions) and has instant power. Extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Very comfortable for passengers front and back. Up-keep is expensive unless there is an extended warantee.
What a bargain.
Ethree, 06/14/2004
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Let's not forget the original asking price of this piece of art....and now let's be quite happy that a very nice '98 VDP (with less than 40k miles on the ticker) can be had for about 20k. Absolutely stunning. Smooth running. Took it on a 650 mile trip-- unbelievable ride. Driven Mercedes (E series) and they are not even in the same ball park as far as comfort level. Enough power to get you in trouble.
XJ8: Premier Flagship Luxury Sedan
W.L. 1, 04/13/2007
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Wow!! I love my XJ8. Good mileage. Great performance. This is true one of the best luxury sedans from europe. I also love the S-class. The XJ-Series has better styling, performance, & reliability. The S-class W121 is a competitor. The 7-series however is not as luxurious as these two.
Wonder car
Thom, 05/05/2008
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Lucky to find a car of this quality with such low mileage. A dream to drive and gets many looks by other drivers. While the off the line performance is less dramatic than expected it accelerates quickly once in second. Road noise is fantastically quiet. Comfort is luxurious and pleasing.
great used car for comfort
Jules, 02/16/2017
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Excellent car for everyday driving. Safe, large and extremely comfortable. Very low to the ground, so not for the elders or disabled. Beautiful classic design in so many ways. Safe - Safe - Safe!
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Most Handsome Car - Beware of Gremlins
Hardware Mike, 06/02/2019
updated 12/30/2020
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought a mint condition 1998 Vanden Plas in Mederia Red - beautiful vehicle - with 48,000 miles on it. Fast, stuck like glue and gorgeous inside and out. Issues - the HK stereo was horrible (big surprise on Vanden Plas) - plastic cam chain tensioners (design flaw corrected with metal ones a few years later) cost me $3,800 to replace - recurring electrical gremlins that sometimes shut the car off with no warning just driving down the road. I owned it for 10 years and only put about 15,000 miles on it but sold it as I got tired of the random issues. Very poor resale value. If you're mechanically inclined buy one - my own opinion is that these 1998 Jags and the 1973 Triumph TR6's are the most handsome cars ever made.
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!998 Jaguar XJ8L, best car I've owned.
TJM, 04/07/2022
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car rode smoothly at every speed. It was classy and well appointed. It was a true luxury car. The only issue I had with it was my overweight friends, all of whom are about my age: 70's-80's, had trouble getting in because it was so low to the ground and the front seats were more than comfortable for me but my 250lb+ friends felt confined. It carried 2 sets of clubs to the golf course easily and I drove it twice to and from NV to NC and about 4 times a year to and from NC to GA. It was a delight. I bought it new in Dec 1997 and drove it till the present. I am selling it because I purchased a bigger (not better) Mercedes.
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Great Jag
Ralph, 11/19/2007
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a great and very classy car. Silky smooth as advertised. This is the first Jaguar I have owned and am open to a second Jag, a drop-top XK. The only precaution for shoppers of 1997-2003 XJ8 models is the requirement for timing chain tensioners at about 75000 miles. This is a spendy repair that is a must. There are update kits available. My car is drop dead gorgeous and a thrill to drive. You turn it on... it turns you on!!!
Good looking and well made vehicle
Larry Massey, 09/22/2016
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Costly to maintain and not real comfortable on longer trips for tall people( I'm 6'5"). More of a sports car drive and feel with 4 doors.
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DO NOT BUY A JAGUAR
bones, 12/12/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
THE WATER PUMP IS PLASTIC AND COST ABOUT $500 DOLLARS AND LABOR TO INSTALL IS ABOUT $200. THIS IS A RIP OFF. JAGUAR IS A PART OF FORD. SO I SAY DO NOT BUY A JAGUAR.
1998 xj8L
gdb, 12/28/2004
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Excellent car. Bought used the week of 9/11/01 and had to drive daughter 16 hours to school (no planes flying) and turn around and drive back 16 hours next day. Couldn't have survived that trip with anything less than this car. Smooth, quiet, better gas mileage than my 94 XJ6, with loads more power. Heated seats and traction control very nice on cold and/or slippery mornings. No major mechanical issues. Trunk is limited - hard to do golf bag and suitcases ...
Jag Makes Cents to CPA
michael T, 04/08/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was able to purchase a 98 Jag XJ8L with 19k miles for 50% of original cost and it still had all warranties. Great styling, performance and it has not broken down or had any mechanical problems. Jags have a bad reputation and that hurts their resale value. However, Ford has improved reliability and purchasers can get a hell of a deal and drive a great car.
What a great car
shs, 12/03/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'd admired the Jaguar for years, but was always hesitant because of the mechanical/electrical reputation. Bought one used, with the extended warranty and at a great price. Have been driving it for two years, what a great pleasure. I find myself driving it a lot more than any other car I've owned, and will find any excuse to do so.
A Classic Automobile
Robert Williams, 04/11/2004
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased used with low mileage, my Vanden Plas has been a superb experience. Excellent in every category, classic styling and none of the mechanical drawbacks frequently (and unfairly) mentioned by Jag detractors. A wonderful experience and certainly a worthwhile investment.
LOVE it!
Jean C., 06/02/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My '98 VDP is the most beautiful car on the road. With 49,000 miles on the odo, it looks and drives like new. All service is done by my Jag dealer (who is First Class), and the car has never had a major mechanical problem. This car is a feast for the eyes as its Anthracite paint sparkles and dances in the sun, and a thrill for the soul when I call on its immense power and maneuverability. The interior creature comforts are absolutely superb and can't be touched by those boxy German machines. The 1998 Jaguar VDP is a CLASS ACT.
Disappointed with this vehicle
Mac Attack, 05/08/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The dealer and the factory representative have indicated that the rumbling noise and vibrations is a 4th order engine vibration being transmitted through the exhaust system. "This is a characteristic of the vehicle as it ages, which will only occcur in the normal drive mode. Engineering is aware of the problem, but there is no fix at this time." The vehicle is 48 months old, has been babied. What happens when it is 60 months old, will it sound and ride like a Nova? What a pathetic excuse, does anyone have this problem? , time to trade for a Mercedes
10/10/02
PDT1468, 10/10/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent car. The fit and finish on the interior and exterior are superb. The 8 cyl. engine is a vast improvement over the 6 cyl
Excellent XJ8
rsheahan, 07/11/2003
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the XJ8 after test driving the volvo, Mercedes C Class, and the Lexus GS400. The GS 400 was quicker off the line but the Jaguar made up for it in overall speed, comfort and style. Although it is a very expensive car when purchased new, a 3 year old Jaguar is one of the best values out there. Thinking of adding a second Jaguar--the XK8 to the stable.
1998XJ8ExceedsExpectations
FirstTimeJagOwner, 01/12/2004
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, an excellent car. Essentially no service other than routine maintenance. Dealer will pick up and deliver the car for service.
1998 XJ8L
Ron 9424, 02/22/2004
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car was purchased used as a 3 year old Select Edition with 28,000 miles in 2001. In the past 3 years the only repairs were a wheel bearing replacement and adjustment of the sn roof. A very dependable car.
Jaguar 1998
Joyce Rietveld, 03/07/2003
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles great. Smooth ride Easy to drive. Everyone comments about how sharp it is and how sleek it looks.
We Looooove It!
Geoff, 05/11/2005
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchase this car about four days ago, and I am already in love with it. It has such a smooth ride, and it is a very quiet car. The XJ8 is a b-e-a-u-tiful car to see and to be seen in.
Ahh, the cat!
al, 02/15/2007
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always stared and the uniqueness of the Jaguars, no other car matches it in the looks department. I upgraded to this model and it has been a pleasure. Contrary to the famed mechanical problems, this car has been rather good. Sure it requires maintenance and it ain't cheap but hey, it is not an economy car!! To drive a luxury car and complain about fuel consumption and maintenance does not make sense. The car has now 80,000 miles and I intend to keep it.
My Jag
shadow, 05/13/2003
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a few fit and finish problems early on ,but that was about it. The dealer fixed ever problem that I brought up and some that they found. This is my first Jaguar and my experience has been better than when I owned a lexus and Acura. I love my car for its power and style. Nothing says beauty like the Jaguar xj8
Classic looks and performance
dnwdfw, 06/08/2003
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Picked up a 98 XJ8 with less than 35k miles thinking it would be a fun car for a few years. Honestly, I got much more car than I thought at first. I hope to keep it alive for many years to come as it's an incredible piece of workmanship. The 4.0L V8 is as strong as most could handle and the ride is way beyond the Lexus/Infiniti/Cadillac breeds. I'm hooked for life. One additional benefit to buying an old Jag - the styles change so slowly that only a dealer can tell what year your car is.
Raised from the dead
Dale, 02/26/2021
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '98 XJ8 from a shop, whose owner didn't want to proceed with repairs. It had a broken secondary timing chain, the most common failure on this engine. It had 153k on the odo, with no apparent major repairs. The oil pan was full of pieces from the chain tensioners! I did the work in my garage (got lucky because no valve damage), replacing front chains and tensioners, water pump, t-stat and tower, expansion tank/sensor, spark plugs and most hoses. Due to "runs hot" complaints I had the rad. flushed and tested. The car had several codes on the dash, so it's now at a shop to read and address them. It starts and runs beautifully, except for an occasional blip that puts it into an electrical mode of just 4 cylinders! That's the main reason it's in the shop, plus to service tyranny. I've driven it up to 30 miles w/o issue and it rides like new. It was worth the $800 purchase price (with great interior and exterior!), plus $550 parts.
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Classic
Big Ed, 05/24/2023
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Does not look like a 25 year old auto. Very happy with classic.
Jaguar
Martin H. Evans, 07/28/2003
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Ergonomicsis- very poor. Dealer backing when paint defect materialized was terrible. Had to sue Jaguar to get satisfaction.Nice car but doesn't drive the way a Juguar is expected to drive. Would not consider buying another and definitely not another Ray Catena car.
Threw a rod at 52k miles
Marie, 06/04/2002
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My dream car-a Jaguar.In 3/01, I bought a USED one, which had 40k. miles on it. At 52,000 miles (2000 over the warranty and my 50k mile maintenance), it threw a rod- damage ~$6,300! Jag engineer said it was something internal (the engine was defective - and said "too bad" - you have too many miles over the over the warr.mileage (4%) and the time- warr. ended a month). She said"If anything, it would be a good will gesture, but they wouldn't offer me ANY help. My lifelong dream crumbled, and JAGUAR is a sorry company. I am buying a BMW. I'll let everyone know how Jaguar treated me, someone who had planned to buy Jaguar after Jaguar...
Amazing Car
DaveL, 09/02/2005
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
From the exterior design to the comfort and performance this car is A+++++ Just make sure you service it by a qualified mechanic and update the cooling system with a new water pump and hoses and you shouldn't have a problem. Also, buy parts ONLINE only; save you a ton of money!
overall all Good...
cong ho, 05/25/2016
1998 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
definitely good vehicle really!
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