Used 1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Mike Marshall, 02/21/2016
updated 08/23/2018
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
50 of 53 people found this review helpful
If you can't afford to drive a $70K car then don't and this applies to used/older ones. I'm 55, a car nut since a kid and buy cars based on looks but that can be expensive. If you want reliability you'll have to buy an ugly Japanese car but if you want something "cool" well this Red 1999 Jaguar XJ8 with chrome wheels is gorgeous BUT buy one from someone else who has already spent thousands of dollars on the many repairs that come with "being cool". I bought this car around 2012 from Orig owner with 61K miles in San Diego in show room condition but was APPALLED to see all of the repair receipts from the original owner on a car with only 61K miles. The receipts totaled well over $12,000 and YES you will replace those plastic timing belt tensioners (orig. owner paid for that thankfully!) The only reason I bought this is because I'm retired so don't drive much and have only put 5,000 miles on it and hoping for now more expensive repairs but have had one of the 8 expensive coils replaced, windshield wiper reservoir leaks, oil pan gasket just replaced, smog issue fixed. Potential head gasket leak as of now. Front shock blown. All that in Just the 5000 miles that I've driven it. SO on the positive side, it is a classic beautiful car, drives and handles like a Corvette, great power esp. when sport mode is set. Quiet and nice to drive, took it up to 110 mph thru Camp Pendleton one night late with no traffic around and was quiet, felt safe, stable, solid and was very impressed. Interior is nice quality except cheap cup holders and no storage space. Tight back seat on this short wheel base model. If I bought one again I'd def. have gotten the XJR after seeing the almost 400Hp and foot lbs of torque and 0-60 in 5.2 seconds (better than my former 1999 Mercedes S600 V-12 by a full second!) Those are even worse in reliability/repairs (NEVER touch a Mercedes built after 1991!) So, like anything in life, "you get what you paid for" and got a great buy at only $5000 BUT can see why these cars are so cheap because of terrible reliability but will enjoy occasionally driving it and it gets TONS of compliments from both old and young people as it really stands out on the road. Ford improved it in 1997 but would not recommend this car to anyone on a "budget" as "it pay$ to be cool" but for $5K in this mint condition I do love the car and I've owned 60+cars. Remember, if you buy...........look for orig owner WITH ALL REPAIR RECEIPTS AND MAKE SURE TENSIONERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS IT IS "DNA" DEFECT AND WILL COST YOU SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR. The last receipt I got from the old guy/orig owner was for $4900 for misc stuff that should NOT break! **My mechanic says best to get a 2000+model as it works better with the newer computer analytic repair tools that mechanics use. Also, helpful hint, if your message center comes up with "Stability control/ABS" not working, don't automatically assume you need the expensive main computer module, mechanic says each 4 wheels has a single monitor and even just one going out will give out this message BUT way cheaper to replace just the 1 or 2 individual wheel sensors VS main computer module which may NOT be the problem. Also just disconnecting the battery to "reset" it works often. As mentioned, electronic issues are one of the main problems on these cars. ON the good side, car saved my life when I swerved harder than I ever have to avoid a car of the freeway that cut out of bumper to bumper traffic right in front of me as I was going by at approx 50mph, this Jag handled like a "go cart" and handled beautifully and went right around that car with no squeeling, leaning, rolling over. IT DID EXACTLY WHAT MY EMERGENCY REFLECTS TOLD IT TO DO AND AVOIDED A HEAD ON COLLISION!! THANK YOU JAGUAR!! (and I still look cool in it!!!) I get offers to buy this car often!
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Superb British Luxury Automibile!
1999 Jaguar VDP, 12/15/2008
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
Very awesome car - exceeded my expectations! The best luxury vehicle I have driven - quiet, smooth & comfortable! I have owned few Cadillac & BMW cars in the past, this Jag is more reliable than either one. Not as fun to drive as BMW, but this VDP gives you a feeling of driving Rolls Royce with its elegance, comfort & smooth ride. 1998-2003 VDP models are the best, when Ford bought them - quality & reliability got worse! I personally would not buy any car new - but even 10 year old, with low miles & well taken care of - Vanden Plas is an awesome car! It matters a lot who owns this car - if you take care of it (drive it normally & maintain regularly) - it will drive well for a long time!
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series for sale near you
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- Vanden Plas SedanMSRP: $3,295274 mi away
- XJ8 SedanMSRP: $8,975632 mi away
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A perfect beast
phil, 06/12/2009
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
After a little over 5 months with this car I can say that my 1999 Jaguar XJ8 is the best car I've ever owned. I was lucky enough to get a one owner, dealer serviced car that was owned by a single male. The back seat was never even sat in. The power is impressive for a 4,100 pound car, but the biggest surprise was the cornering ability and overall road feel of the car. This is not like my Cadillac of old which was a living room on wheels. This car lets you "feel" the driving experience. My friends always want to take my car, despite one owning a 5 series BMW and the other driving a convertible Mustang GT. Who wants to drive a car you see every day...this car is full of character.
My 99 VDP... AWESOME
Jim Spin, 11/19/2008
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased my first jag, a 99 VDP about a month ago. It was a high mileage car, 124000. Had my mechanic check it out. Absolutely perfect. I've driven it about 3000 miles so far. I absolutely love EVERYTHING about this car. I don't think I'll ever buy anything but a Jag from now on. I've owned MB and BMW and about 25 other cars. This one is the best overall.
Not very reliable
Jimmy, 09/16/2009
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
18 of 22 people found this review helpful
I have had this car almost 2 years now without much luck. Unless you have plenty of money to put into it look elsewhere. You can bet you will need a new timing chain kit somewhere starting at 60,000. Poor, poor design on the chain and guides. This is an expensive fix!! Very!! Fixes...Power antenna (of course), driver seat power switch, rear view mirror, vacuum lines, brakes (warped rotors). The check engine light is always coming on, different problem each time. Transmission fluid is $65.00 a quart. No owner service. The car is good looking and very nice to drive, but the problems with it are horrible. There are a lot of nice looking cars out there...I would choose one of them!!
As good as you can get
Classic Jag-saloon guy, 10/22/2019
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought a 99 XJ8 that was 3 years old at the time and am still driving it everyday, 17 years later. I went to 85K before the valve cover gasket and sparkplug rings needed replacement due to oil seepage misfiring one of the coils. I took the opportunity to replace the tensioners and water pump proactively at the same time, but my cheap plastic tensioners never failed up to the 20th birthday. I also replaced the front main/crankcase gasket. Aside from that, I have replaced the thermostat and one of the ABS wheel sensors. ZF transmission has been untouched for 85K miles. So, yes, I have finally dealt all the typically discussed XJ8 components issues. Now that I have next generation replacements, I am hoping I get another 10 years and really take this automobile into true classic status.
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Wow
rainere, 04/15/2013
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've had my xj8 for about 6 months now and it just got past 1000 miles that I put on since I bought it. What can I say? It's an absolute amazing car, just got in a wreck with a Jeep and held up like a champ, I felt completely safe and secure in that car and believe me the same can't be said for the Jeep. The car is a tank, I love it, it's peppy and fast and sexy on the inside. So happy with the results of my purchase. I'm sad that the car was hit, but she is being repaired by the best shop I know specializing in British imports. Love my car, she's the best. Never getting rid of her.
My Priceless Vanden Plas
Dodson's, 01/20/2006
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
We absolutely love this car. We have had it for over 6 years now, and besides for a leaking water pump that was replaced under warranty, it has been an excellent car. The ride is second to none, and what more can someone say about the Rolls Royce interior... doesn't get much better. We have since purchase a BMW 7 series, and although this is a nice car, it is no where near as reliable as her Kitty, and both my wife and I still prefer the Vanden Plas ride. It's amazing after 6 years, and 85,000 miles this car still grabs attention everywhere we go... and that the car with just regular maintenance and detailing still looks and drives like the day we drove it off the lot!
Overheating Issue, but still Bulletproof
Mikefrom Orlando, 12/12/2002
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My 99 XJ8 at 51000 just had its first issue, which is the only know problem for this vehicle to occur..Overheating...My XJ8 at 51000 had a defective themostat which my extended warranty paid full for. The water pump was recommended to be replaced as well, as Jaguar did redesign both parts. I recommend you get both changed to the new design, just in case....Other than that, its a Bulletproof engine and I'm very pleased....still get head turns like just a few vehicles can do:)
Best Jag Yet
Howells, 04/07/2003
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is the second Jag we have owned and can honestly say the best. In fact we still own the first, 1989 XJ6, though they are reported to have a few problems, we have been spared. Another nice thing about the Jag is that it is distinctive in appearance. If you want to reward your hard efforts of life and not be a "me too-er", the Jag is the way to go.
Still Loving It
Sue Ray, 09/07/2008
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am still loving my Jaguar XJ8L. I purchased it after 12 years of "mom- mobiles" ... Taurus station wagons. I had always dreamed of owning a Jag but never thought it would be possible. It has given me no trouble over the years and is completely cool to drive :) One year remained on the original warranty when purchased at 22,000 miles and there were a few issues, mostly cosmetic and the radio was replaced twice, that Jaguar gladly repaired under warranty. The Jaguar dealership in Greenville, SC was a delight to deal with. I now have 122,000 miles on it and am looking forward to more. It gets better than 25 miles to the gallon (premium) on the highway always and about 18.5 around town.
Wonderful to drive, when it works :(
andy, 06/26/2008
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
I cannot believe how many 10s I see for reliability. After 2.5 yrs and 40k mileage, I replaced several motor mounts, an entire motor, a transmission rebuild, throttle body, window/skylight, buggy gas gauge, engine coolant leak, cup holders, paint is going despite regular waxing (monthly), SOO MANY MOTOR MOUNTS, brakes, I spend minimum $10,000/year in maintenance. Bad choice for a college student other than I can bounce from San Diego to Sac easily, comfortably, and super fast! Super smooth, powerful, elegant, get lots of looks and girls FIEND for it. You will spend more in maintenance than gas tho, and it costs me about 850/month in gas. Don't buy it unless your rich!
1999 XJ8L Solid Car
George, 03/27/2009
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Car was purchased in 2003 just turned four years old with 28,000 miles, interior and exterior were in perfect shape and remain so today even after being driven all through the winters in Buffalo NY, the last six years. Only problem with the car in all that time was a timing chain tensioner went bad and was expensive to repair. All told it has been the best car I have ever owned and with only 81,000 miles it still has a long way to go.
1999 Jaguar
geco38, 05/01/2004
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have in the past 20 years owned 14 vehicles mostly cars,and a few suv's and pickup trucks. I have owned a few American cars,and the others, imports from either Japan, Germany, and now England(UK). The Jaguar is by far the finest,in it's boldly elequent body design, and equally handsome leather interior.The performance is second to none with power in reserve at all ranges,and the ride and cornering are perfectly suited for a premium sedan. Surely the Very Best of the best.
Buying an old XJ8L
Gerry Acquilano, 07/01/2007
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Buying an old 1999 Jaguar XJ8L can be very dangerous, however this one is superb. The leather on the driver's seat edge is a bit worn, needs re-dyeing, but that said, the car is gorgeous both outside and inside for such an older one. It drives dead silent at any speed like a Jaguar should. I was impressed by the great gas mileage for a car this large, 24 mpg. Lots of room in the rear as it is a long wheelbase "L" version, and I highly recommend buying this model over the standard sedan. It is fun to drive, very comfortable, and has that timeless Jaguar styling. Highly recommended for the money, you simply can't beat it. Buy one for around $11,500 in great condition, you'll love it.
MY 1999 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS
J Clark, 05/29/2003
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My experience with the 99 Jag has been excellent. No major problems, few minor ones. Service always good. It has been what I think a classic auto should be in all respects.
Love to drive it
sansui, 02/21/2015
updated 02/26/2018
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Jag in Sept and knew it had problems, but was going to take that in stride. It had a bad ignition coil and when I got that fixed it purred like a kitten with a power meal. I still have a couple of problems to take care of then it's off for some long drives. It drives like a luxury vehicle it is, and at 75 it just barely hums along the interstate. It averaged 23 mph, which I thought was a little poor until I l read the specs. I don't like the way the brake and gas pedal are so close to each other in that I can't get my right foot in between them while on cruise. The seat sets a little bit low for me, in that I have to almost pull myself into the seat. All said, I love it. Now, after more than three years, it is starting to show lots of stuff that are needing repaired. I am thinking the previous owner(s) only had one thing in mind when they purchased it. To drive and have fun. I drove it to British Columbia, 3000 miles plus, having faith it would take me and bring me back. One small problem came up, but with the help of a repair shop along the way, I made it. It averaged 24 at interstate speed, and a little better on the highways. I have replaced the seats, front and back, installed new speakers in the doors, put on Pirelli's, of which I love, and have bought some small items of which I think I can replace. Right now the sunroof went out on me, and along with that, the felt liner has become loose. Also, upon furhter inspection, I was told that the valve cover gasket's are leaking. So, I have yet another problem. Or two. I can't seem to find anyone that can tell me if the accessory lights in the luggage compartment are supposed to be there or if someone added them on later. The lights are just dangling there, and they don't work. So, as you can read, it's been a very frustrating time for me. If I had known back then, what I know now, I would have spent that money into a sport, like an XKE. Well, wish me luck in getting it back on the road...
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Never thought I'd own a Jaguar
Francois, 12/19/2005
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Wife has always wanted a Jaguar. So, for her birthday we found a single owner Jaguar of sale. He had all of the service records from day one. Fun to drive and handles great. Mileage is OK, around 23 on the hwy and 19 around town. Price? Less then $16k, for a car that cost $61000.00. It doesn't look like every other car on the road. Body styling is what makes this car turn heads.
best car to buy
yvonne, 01/07/2009
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Jaguar in 2006. One of the best decision I have made, the car is perfect, hundred of compliments, little or no problems. My next car will also be a Jaguar.
26 Days of pure enjoyment
bconno2003, 02/08/2013
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My First Jag I had gotten the '99 XJ8 late Sept. 2012 with 109,000 miles on it and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately financed it (separate issue altogether) and got plates about a week before the temps expired. 26 days later exactly on my Cousins wedding on my way to there a deer was hunting me and ran out in front and messed up the driver side fender and totaling it out. pretty much had a 26 day test drive on the vehicle since I got a check after the deductible and loan paid off lol. Gave me a taste of the big cats and my replacement is going to be another Jag this time paid for with CASH! Whoo Hoo! Here Kitty Kitty! PS I'm in my mid to late 20s
A Complete Luxury Car
vusic, 01/26/2003
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have driven our VDP for nearly two years. No disapointments. The best ride on the planet and a very capable cruiser (especially if your going through Montana). Everything you interact with says "quality".
31,000 mile report
J. Comstock, 03/07/2004
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been spendid to own. I have had very little go wrong with the car and the two times I had a proble, the dealer fixed it without an appointment
Dream Car
Jim Bolton, 12/29/2004
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Ive owned over 30 vehicles in my day and I purchased my XJ8 used approximately 2 years ago. It has honestly been one of the best cars that Ive owned. Sleek elegance with dependability! Im in the process of purchasing an XK8 convertible just so my XJ wont get lonely in the garage. I highly recommend Jaguar to all my friends!
My First Jag - won't be the last either!
Tim C, 01/16/2006
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased my car with 61,000 miles. I've put 10,000 on it relatively quickly. It's been very reliable with the excpeption of a coil gone bad. Ext. warranty paid for it. I had the timing belt tensioners replaced as this came HIGHLY recommended by Jag mechanic. Valve cover gaskets replaced. Most things covered under warranty... overall, this car is great. Powerful when you need it to be, fuel efficient on long trips. I'm tempted to pick up an XJR in the next year or so. What a luxurious ride this car is and it does turn heads....
oldy but goody
Walter, 02/13/2019
1999 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
found it on old car lot, not driven for 1.5 yrs so took an effort to get it running, my mech still diagnosing its problems which so far are check engine lite, door locks, shocks, pvc valve, unlabeled fuses( I do not have owners manual), paint needs redo....think will clean up eventually but can see it will cost abit$$, luckily did not pay much
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