Used 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Best Luxury Car Value You'll Find
Mark Olsen, 10/25/2015
updated 11/04/2019
2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
62 of 62 people found this review helpful
Go to any website and look up the reliability and handling of the 2004+ Jaguar Xj8 and you'll find owners LOVE these cars. For the money they are the most luxurious, best handling, greatest looking, and distinctive luxury cars on the planet. The 2004+ models were the result of over a billion dollars spent by FORD in improvements to the Jaguar range. These cars are never mistaken for anything but a Jaguar. I have owned two of the 2004 models (and drive one currently) and they both provide outstanding handling, value, and the kind of driving experience that gets your heart beating when you turn the key. As far as I'm concerned, when friends ask me if I like my Jaguar luxury/performance car, I just say there is NO OTHER CAR. I just can't say enough about the experience of owning a Jaguar. It is a singular pleasure unmatched in the motoring world. Update: Two years later not a single problem. Car is a dream. Buy one. Update after two years: Car is fantastic. Still no issues whatsoever. Only maintenance is changing fluids. The 2004-2009 Jaguar XJ8 (350) are the last, repeat last, of the traditional Jaguars in terms of styling and traditional luxury interiors. I'm convinced these cars will or are becoming modern classics. A 3004-2006 with under 45000 miles can still be had for under $15k and probably will never depreciate any lower than that. Care for one and drive it sparingly and you'll probably see an actual increase in what you paid in about 5 years from now. That fact pales in comparison to the smiles on your face as you turn the key in this magnificent motoring machine...as Sir William Lyons said, "The closest machine you can get to something that's actually alive." The 350's are like rare fine wine, meant to age well and be enjoyed for years to come. UPDATE AS OF 7/2019: In July 2019 I purchased a 2008 XJ Vanden Plas from a dealer in Palm Springs. Car had 29k miles and I paid $17.8k for a car that originally sold for $84k at Desert European Jaguar in Rancho Mirage. This further backs my claim that these are one of if not THE best luxury car value to be found. As stated before, the ride, handling and luxury amenities of the XJ8 (X350) series cars is superb. The 2008 and 2009 models feature restyled front and rear elements, and were the last years of the 1968-2009 XJ series cars. For specific research on these cars I highly recommend "The Essential Buyer's Guide" by Nigel Thorley. Good luck searching. It took me about three years to find this car but well worth the dilligence!
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My 7th Jaguar
ruyg7, 07/15/2013
2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
58 of 59 people found this review helpful
I have never owned more than three of any brand in succesion, but my Jaguars have been an exception. My current 2004 XJ 8 was purchased with 73000 miles 18 months ago, it now has 114000 miles on the odometer It is the MOST dependable used car i have ever owned, except for my new Dodge trucks. This Jaguar routinely gets 28-30 mpg at highway speeds, and 20 mpg in city driving. It has been a dream to own, and has never let me down. The car is dead reliable, a pleasure to drive , and very quick. The interior is very plush, and is resistant to wear and tear. Dont believe the nay sayers about Jaguar reliability, I have owned BMW's and Mercedes cars that were a lot more problamatic than my Jaguars.
A Gem
orjohn, 12/07/2013
2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
I have owned my XJ8 2004 for 3 years and I still love every time I drive this car. It is truley a wonderful design and very well built and for me has been one light bulb reliable. I may get another one for my family, its that good. Price is almost too good to comprehend. The aluminum chassis and body makes it great on gas with 28-30 on the highway. For a V8 - really? - yes it is true. A gem of a car, now almost 10 years new...
I was hesitant for years
Jeff K, 10/01/2017
2004 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
I was the guy that always admired these cars for years when I'd see them on the road. Friends thought I was crazy, that it was an old man’s car. So, I would just end up leasing a new BMW 5 Series every 3 years. I got so bored of the 5 and all the other new European sedans I'd see on the road here in LA. Finally, I said 'that's it!', when the next pristine 2004-2007 XJ comes up for sale locally I'm gonna jump on it and throw my 5 Series up on Swap-A-Lease. That day came in August of last year and found myself an 04 Vanden Plas with 41k miles on it. Paid a little over $13k for it. Just like most used cars, especially ones this old, you have to expect to do a little sorting in the beginning. I spent about $1500 in the first few months and it’s been smooth sailing ever since, just routine maintenance. The car is an absolute joy to drive. Quiet, comfortable, plush, luxurious but also light on its feet and handles amazingly well. I thought I would miss all the latest technology and convenience of a new car. I don't at all. Find an awesome independent mechanic that specializes in these cars. The dealers are way overpriced and are used to working on the modern cars. For anybody that's on the fence don't be. Just get a good one and you'll never look back. Oh, my friends that used to make fun of me now love it as much as I do
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Love hate relationship
whart12, 08/18/2011
2004 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
55 of 58 people found this review helpful
Bought XJ8 VDP used with 60000 reading on the odometer. Love the comfort speed and styling of this big cat but been disappointed with its quality. If you are the type that can fix little things on your own then this wouldnt be a bad buy. The XJ has not left me stranded but have had little things go wrong. List of problem that I was able to fix myself: 1. All lock mechanism stopped working- found used parts on Ebay for 200 for all 4 doors. New price for each door is 300+. 2. Interior blower motor stop working- found control module on Ebay for 120. New part 300+ 3. Trunk latch stopped working- found trunk latch on Ebay for 50. New part 400+ 4. Radio amp stopped working- found used part on Ebay for 100. New part 1500+ Again, if you dont have a personal mechanic or you are not able to turn a wrench do yourself a favor stay away ..