Used 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJR Consumer Reviews
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Nice Kitty
I have now owned my 2004 XJ8 for 9 years. It has proved to be a very satisfying car to drive and to own. The reliability so far has been excellent. I have presently approximately 90 K miles. I do not drive it in snow as it has very poor traction and I don't want to expose it to salted roads. The comfort on long trips is exemplary except that it is slightly cramped in comparison with other sedans of this level. Trunk space is also limited-better than the older model but still fairly small. The gas mileage on highway driving is very, very good. The seats are very firm which means they are comfortable on long drives. I recently drove mine from New England to South Carolina (about 850 miles) and was impressed with the long haul comfort of this cat. Resale value is unfortunately pretty dismal but if you are buying one you can buy one cheap. They always turn heads with their classic looks. Update: the Kitty is still going strong now in 2016. No major repairs-just routine maintenance-brakes, tires, oil and scheduled adjustments. Update: 12/01/2016-the Cat is still going strong. The only repair since my last post was a blower fan for heat/AC. Reason: mice got in and made nest-and fan got ruined in the process. So still going strong and no reason to change my previous glowing review. Update:12/2018. My Jaguar is still running strong. The headliner, of course, is sagging now and I am probably going to address it in the spring but other than that no issues. The car still runs and feels as new. I am appreciative of the classic look more and more as I see all the cookie cutter cars out there. Update: 12/02/19-nothing new to report -the car is still running strong and continues to be a comfortable, sporty, reliable daily driver. I replaced the thermostat during routine oil change and radiator flush. I do not run it in snowy conditions which Helps keep it in good condition. The brake lines are still original and undercarriage looks clean. I think the air suspension will be needing attention but still not throwing warnings other than severely cold days( which is par). Update: 6/2020: Still driving and enjoying this lovely car. Oil changes and new thermostat since last update. Car showing check engine light but starts and runs normally-I will bring it in shortly to check and get oil change. I drive the car all winter other than a few days as we had no real snow after December. Still love this car-it will be a family heirloom. Update: 6/2/23: The XJ8 is doing duty as our available car at our vacation home out of state in order to avoid the high cost of rental cars. Update: 12/05/23: the Jag is our car away from home at our vacation condo in SC and is still giving us good service. Due for oil change service and new tires soon.
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My 8th Jaguar
I wrote a review for Edmunds on my 7th Jaguar which was a 2004 XJ8 a few years back. My , how i lOVED that car, always dependable, reliable , incredible gas mileage, comfortable , and so exclusive. But i always wanted a XJR, so i sold my XJ8 and bought my XJR, took me 2 years to find the Jaguar Racing Green / oatmeal interior combination with low miles . Wow, talk about power !!!!!!!! 0-60 in 5 seconds and 13 second quarter miles times, back in 04 , that was pretty impressive for a 4 door sedan, even now , that is pretty respectable for a 12 year old car. I want to choke people when they say that Jaguars are not dependable, they have been THE most dependable cars i have ever owned . Yes , i have owned BMW ( the Ultimate maintenance machine ) and Mercedes Benz, ( expensive to repair ) Just look at the reviews of Jaguar owners, and see what they say about their cars. I bought mine used with 70K miles, the only problem was a part in the A/C unit, my mechanic fixed it with a Genuine jaguar part , that cost much less than an after market part. I take mine on long journeys, and get anywhere from 27-29 MPG at 75 MPH, and that is with a 400HP Supercharged V8. In town, typical mileage is 22MPG. Take care of your Jaguar, do the required maintenance , and your jaguar will take care of you for many years, with a wonderful driving experience. The 04 -08 Jaguars are the last of the traditional Jaguar design models , before they were changed. They are an incredible bargain for a classic, dependable automobile.
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Remarkable value. Exceptional car
This car has to be the best value on the market. It get a respectable 24 MPG with 400 horses under the hood. This is not your dad's jag. It feels light and responsive. When you hit the sport button the throttle is very responsive and you feel extremely fast. The interior is perfect. Everything that looks like leather IS leather and everything that look like metal IS metal. Things you expect when your original sticker is $90k. Ridiculous depreciation that is mostly due to the sins of the past make this car a remarkable value. Currently the car has 85,000 miles and I've had it for 3 years. Buy an extended waranty and pat yourself on the back for buying one of the greatest cars ever.
The Best of the Lot
I am a CPA from Tampa and have used the XJR for business and pleasure. I have owned Caddy STS, MB CLK/AMG, a host of Vettes thru C5, and currently a 911/997 Porsche Carrera S. Aside from the 911, a very different car, the 2004 XJR is, overall, the best car I have driven. In 3.5 years, I have had no problems aside from one visit for front brake scuffing and two recalls. I did have the heat element disconnected from the steering wheel - it was too hot to hold! The supercharged performance is top notch and the exterior style is fitting of its market as is its interior. I cannot understand the problems/ratings that several other posts have made. It is certainly not my experience.
sexy lady
well well i have driven many bmw mb lexuses and infiniti and i have now owned this xjr for 3 mths and i must say without a doubt this is truly one of the best vehicles i have driven.i think my fellow jag lovers we should really keep this one as our secret weapon,few cars can really hang with it.
One of the best cars I ever bought.
Bought my 04 jaguar xjr about four years ago, I got a super bargain for a extremely clean car, the seller just wanted it gone and dropped the price substantially. I bought it with 112k miles on it and ran perfect and has ran flawless since. From time of purchase I have only had to replace the radiator overflow bottle, installed struts to replace air shocks, EGR valve, and a squeaky idler pulley, all reasonably cheap stuff. Its a second car for me, but its been a blast to have a car with some good performance as an alternative to driving my boring truck. I have no regrets buying this car, and I plan to hang on to it for a while longer.
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The best car I have ever owned
This is my third Jag, I started with a 89 XJ6, a 99 XJR and now the 04 XJR. I have always been pleased with Jags and have never had any problems in the past. The 04 is beyond superb from its power to its class and comfort. At high speeds it just glides, what a pick up in acceleration. The technology that comprises this car is just amazing, it has a leveling suspension, drives itself with the cruise, heated steering wheel etc.. I ordered mine with every option possible, wow, I feel spoiled. I've had everything from Rolls, BMW, Mercedez, Audi, Lotus, Cadillac etc.. this is by far the best. Thanks Jag for a fabulous car.
So much fun!
This car is so much fun for the money. Many people will say its ok or why a Jag , but you always can see they really like it in there face. The car would seem high priced to own but it is very reasonable. Big brembo brakes , all aluminum body and chassis and 400 hp it packs a punch! It rides on air bags, it has covette like handling, and style like royality. You slide into that rich leather and find its really a drivers car. I was looking at BMW, Camaro ,and other cars and the XJR BEETS THEM ALL HANDS DOWN. You will love it.
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POWER SURGE
Explosive acceleration caught me by surprise; I had traded in a 1998 S420 Mercedes and therefor was not used to the Jaguar 390 horsepower quickness. The ride on the low profile 19 inch tires is firm and smooth. I'm especially fond of the internal DVD Navigation system which covers all the USA and Canada. The Cruise Control allows you to select a "following" spacing behind any vehicle in front and if you have selected a higher speed than the vehicle in front, it will slow your speed to maintain the spacing you have selected.
not the purest of cats
Have had 7 and still have my first 1973 XKE.The last a 2002 XJR, the new 2004 is a much better car as far as ride, speed, tightness, better quality,less outside noise and they have added some high tech to compete with the Mercedes and BMW. Xenon self leveling lights, radar cruise control, folding mirrors,auto pull down trunk great sound system, Brembo brakes and Nav. system.Nice badging to tell it's a XJR and more.
Best Jag there ever was
2004-2007 XJR Best classy looking Jag they ever made in my opinion. Extremely fast.... Love it. Parts and maintenance can be expensive but its well worth it. This model is becoming very rare and hard to find.
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Excellent value
The 2004 Jaguar XJ's is a must have for anyone looking for true class in a high end luxury automobile. This vehicle is built to last for many years to come. The 1st thing is that it does not rust, with an aluminum body and top paint sealers with fine grain quality paint the vehicle will be preserved looking new externally with little detailing efforts. The top quality interior leather and wood trims is double stitched with long lasting threads which again preserves its original luster from day one off the showroom floor of the dealership. The bottom line, the car was built to last and it will become an icon representing the last few years of the the original iconic Jaguar design. The 8 cylinder V8 4.2L engine gives you all the power you would ever need on the highway, over 400 horsepower if you have the XJR models with their supercharger built in. It can compete with today's Mercedes, BMW's, Cadillac, Lexus, etc. in every areas even in acceleration with its impressive 0-60 mph in a mere 5 seconds. Any owner of this vehicle not want any of the others mentioned because the do not possess the legacy of the Jaguar class. You become the envy on the road owning a classic Jaguar.
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Beauty and Power
This car is so understated - it is incredibly powerful (supercharged 4.2L with 400HP, 0-60 in under 5 seconds), smooth and looks amazing. Terrific quality also - nothing like the old Jags... This is based on the X350 frame and is made of aluminum so the car is much lighter from 2004 onwards.
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Be careful with what you are expecting here
The car is pretty to look at, has a fantastic engine, and rides like a dream. These were the things I was looking for in a car. I was hoping that Ford's $3 billion investment several years before this car would resolve reliability issues. Nope. This car had a number of advancements that didn't quite work and are expensive to fix: 1) electric parking break, 2) air suspension, 3) aluminum unibody (rust), 4) transmission leaks. I've dropped $11K on my $18K car thus far. It has 50K miles. Also, the handling isn't quite on par with the German cars; it does't love curves and corners. In short, be careful with your expectations on this one.
Black XJR
The performance of this car is incredible. It feels like a Porsche on steroids! It rides very smoothly and handles like a dream, withouth being harsh or jumpy. I dont like the ignition key, I keep blowing the horn when putting it away. The interior is finally the right size and I like the fact that they did not go overboard with the electronic gadgets.
Great Car.
Great Car, Proforance Great,handling better than my new corvette,and the ride is the best i,ve even driven.
Nice new size Jaguar
This new size is terrific for my husband. Old old Jaguar was lacking in head room. This new car is roomy, front and back, and it gets unbelievably good gas mileage, even in town. On the highway, it is fast and gets up to 28mpg.
Drives Nicely But Unreliable and Shoddy
My 2004 XJR is a lovely car to drive, but it has the most atrocious reliability I have ever experienced. The car has numerous malfunctions and flaws and Jaguar customer service is unconcerned and callous. This car has been in the shop for every problem imagineable. This has been a horrible experience with respect to service and reliability
XJR: a sports car in a sedan's body
This car has been a wonderful driving experience for my first few days of ownership. It is fast, quiet, smooth, and very responsive. It is a very slick, attractive vehicle, but it is clean, elegant and understated. The supercharger offers the power when you want it, but it is very driveable in normal city driving. I am getting about 17 mpg on the first few tanks of gas---- which seems good for a 390 HP V8 in city driving!
Drives Nicely, but a piece of junk!!
The XJR drives nicely and is very quick. However, it is a poorly built hunk of junk. My car spends almost as much time at the dealership as it does in my garage. The quality is very poor, and it is unreliable.
Bigger But Better
At first I was not crazy about the larger and taller exterior size but am now happier about it. The car is faster, quieter, handles much better, and is more comfortable than my 1999 XJR. Don't hit my head when entering anymore. Fuel consumption excellent for a car this powerful - average 17.4 so far, mostly in town. Easier to wash and wax with fewer sharp corners and seams. with fewer seams and sharp corners.
one dentist's second jaguaar
This is the most relaxing car I have ever driven. It also is such an inconspicuous luxury car that you feel incognito. Powerful sedan, smooth power delivery. Beautiful inside and out. Could not wish for a more complete package.
No Less than brilliant!
XJR is very low key and understated and yet..WOW..faster than my Porsche 911 which I traded it in for!!The acceleration is awsome and combined with the road handling and braking make this a one of the fastest cars of its kind on the road. It is easy and fun, fast and safe, quiet and yet has a performance that few people get to experience. Jag need to promote it a little more!
Jaguar XJ-R 4.2L Supercharge
The swift executive. Poise and handling- just as one would expect from an all aluminium rivited body and over 220lb lighter than the X308 4.0L SC.
xjr
this car is very stylish.. very fast for a big sedan.. all aluminum gives it better performance.. turns heads.. supercharged engine sounds nice at high rpms.. great overall vehicle..
THIS CAR ROCKS!
I feel the overall review of this car is excellent! It is a classy looking car but yet portrays the characteristics of a sports car. I feel the build quality is far superior to any American brand luxury car. Although the car is 7-10 thousand dollars cheaper than comparable sedans from Mercedes & BMW, I feel it still gives the customer a bang for his or her buck! I feel this car has a nicer interior compared to the German cars. Jaguar I feel has landed right on the spot when they introdused this car last year (2003).
xjr 2004
Perfection, need say nothing else
What a wonderful machine
This car is without a doubt a truly wonderful machine to drive and to own. It's styling is exquisitely Jaguar and it's performance/handling is amazing. You can take Mercedes and BMW and show them the door - Jaguar has done it's job superbly with this car. I LOVE it.
NOT THE SAME OLD JAG
HAVING SPENT A LOT OF TIME LOOKING FOR A LUXURY AUTO THE LAST CAR I THOUGHT I WOULD END UP WITH WAS THE 04 XJR BUT AFTER DRIVING IT THATS ALL I NEEDED AND I WAS READY TO WRITE THE CHECK I ENJOY POWER AND COMFORT AND IT PROVIDES BOTH AND FORD OWNERSHIP HAS MADE THE RELIABILITY ISSUE A NON ISSUE IF YOU ENYOY DRIVING THIS IS CAR IS THE BEST OF THE LOT
the bet xjr i've owned yet
Be ia log time Jguar ownerwith the last be XJR's, there is NO question that this automobile rate vert high marks - A wonderfu drivers car. Eash yime hat I get into it the thrill is the same as the first test drive - "I LOVE THIS R!" Performance, weight to power ratio, handleing all are top notch...
hott
This car is a beast. I swear there is a nuke under the hood. If you buy the car the 20" are a must.
Fast and Luxurious
At first I wasn't sure I liked the taller and wider exterior styling but now am getting used to it. Not as sleek as my 99 XJR but a whole lot better car. Ride is noticably better and handling much more precise. Faster too and is much quieter, both inside and from outside. Easier to wash and wax with fewer sharp corners and edges. Shifts too quickly from 1st to 2nd gear but is better in sport mode. The seats are now very comfortable and deep enough to support thighs properly. The wide tires take a set when cold and bump until warmed up.
In A Class Of Its Own
Best car I have owned !! Mercedes-s seris and BMW-7 seris cannot compare. Smooth and elegant and a great car to drive. Corners like no other car I have owned
KABOOCH
You have to drive one to understand the appeal of this automobile. Ultra beautiful interior. Braking and power superb. Great fit and finish. Quiet.
shaguar
Sexiest car I will ever own, drives like a dream! I would recommend this car to anyone. Driven German cars for a few years now and I will never look back, I fancy an XJR one day!
aluminum road going spitfire
The "I Love to Walk Up to It, Get In, Drive it Everywhere All the Time And No Longer Rent To Cut Mileage On Frequent Cross-State Trips" factor is overwhelming! It is the World's Best Car, for me. It has dramatically ameliorated if not erased my life long "Bently Thing" (the dash especially is that fine --and fun). I took a leap of faith they have, in this ground-up new vehicle, erased the incontrovertable Jag demons; with 12,800 HARD miles in 7 months and nothing of consequence wrong, I believe they have. Its brilliant, tough, fun, luxurious, complex yet intuitive; and blisteringly fast! An Aston Martin with a baby seat next to the rear door!
Only a Jag can be this good
The fit and finish are unlike any other manufacture, if you want luxury with performance the XJR is the way to go. Fun to drive and comfortable.