Jaguar XJ, XJ8, Vanden Plas Reliability Issues, Maintenance, Repair Cost (Should I Buy or Avoid?)

Some of you asked me "Should I Buy Used Jaguar XJ8 or Vanden Plas?" I will answer that question in this video.

You can buy the parts and oil to keep your Jaguar in a tip top shape through my affiliate links below:

1. Castrol 06244 EDGE A3/B4 0W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 1 Quart, 6 Pack (You need to buy 2)

2. Castrol 03101 EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 quart, 1 pack

3. Castrol 03129C EDGE High Mileage 10W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Black, 5 quart

4. Dorman 65324 AutoGrade Oil Drain Plug

5. Mann-Filter W 719/7 Spin-on Oil Filter or OE Oil Filter by Jaguar Part EAZ1354

6. Mann-Filter C 31 130 Air Filter

7. Liqui Moly 2009 Anti-Friction Oil Treatment -pk6

8. Liqui Moly 2020 Motor Oil Saver (Pack of 6)

9. Liqui Moly 2037 Pro-Line Engine Flush - 500 Milliliters

10. Liqui Moly Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner-pk6

11. TEKTON 5866 12-Inch Oil Filter Pliers

12. DEWALT 200 Piece Mechanics

13. Race Ramps RR-56-2 56" Race Ramp - 2 Piece

14. RAVENOL J1B1045 Power Steering Fluid - PSF-Y Full Synthetic Hydraulic Fluid (1 Liter)

[ejsgarage]

You can buy the parts and oil to keep your Jaguar in a tip top shape through my affiliate links below:

1. Castrol 06244 EDGE A3/B4 0W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 1 Quart, 6 Pack (You need to buy 2)


2. Castrol 03101 EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 quart, 1 pack


3. Castrol 03129C EDGE High Mileage 10W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Black, 5 quart


4. Dorman 65324 AutoGrade Oil Drain Plug



5. Mann-Filter W 719/7 Spin-on Oil Filter or OE Oil Filter by Jaguar Part EAZ1354



6. Mann-Filter C 31 130 Air Filter


7. Liqui Moly 2009 Anti-Friction Oil Treatment -pk6


8. Liqui Moly 2020 Motor Oil Saver (Pack of 6)


9. Liqui Moly 2037 Pro-Line Engine Flush - 500 Milliliters


10. Liqui Moly Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner-pk6


11. TEKTON 5866 12-Inch Oil Filter Pliers


12. DEWALT 200 Piece Mechanics

13. Race Ramps RR-56-2 56" Race Ramp - 2 Piece


14. RAVENOL J1B1045 Power Steering Fluid - PSF-Y Full Synthetic Hydraulic Fluid (1 Liter)

[longdukdon]

You know what you’re talking about, you obviously have great passion for what you talk about, and you’re a very entertaining, down to earth person
Great video man, checked it out because there’s a Vanden Plas I’m going to check out today. Thanks for the video man

[skyballs]

I’m at 195, 000 on mine! Still drives like a dream!

[janettedisalvo]

How am I just now discovering this guy? Awesome!

[TheNortheastAl]

EJ, I like seeing you enjoy cars that are fun to drive. Showing us how to maintain them helps keep down the cost of ownership. I can’t wait to see how the FIAT works out. I had one back in the early 80s, it was a used 124 Sport. I worked on it many weekends to keep it on the road, but it was fun to drive. By far it was the easiest car to change front brake pads on. The only wrench you needed was one to get the wheel off. The caliper was held on by Cotter Pins on the slide block. A screwdrivers was all you needed and in 10 minutes you had new pads. With a Monza muffler they would sound awesome. I miss that car. Keep up the good work.

[mennodehaas]

Bought a low mileage 2003 Jaguar XJR (X350) a few months ago. Only 42, 000 miles. Still, had some maintenance. New oil and filter in the transmission, new pressure valve for the airconditioning, reconditioning of the suspension compressor (the seller paid for it), new hood lock, regular maintenance (oil flush, oil filter and new air filters) and a set of Michelin tires. Also had the front lights polished. At this point, the car is almost in mint condition.

[taxmanabii]

Hey EJ. Just got a 2003 XJ vanden Plas with 225, 000 miles. I see you are usually Around the VA/MD area. Would love to meet up sometime. Great job with the video's 👍

[Jim-fegl]

Great review! I bought my 1999 XJ8L new and been using it as my daily commute car even now. It has an abusive 121k miles stuck in commute traffic. When I first saw the XJ8L, I had to get it. Reminded me too much of a limo. Finally luxury sedan will overkill leg room in the back. Timing chain tensioners, yes changed that myself. Was not fun. ATF fluid, yes I change them. Thanks ZF for misleading everyone that it's good for life. Overall, still runs well. Had it repainted the same color and it still turns alot of heads. Classic design.

[murraykriner]

Always adored the XJ-8's and their brethren for their finesse with auto design. Considering selling one of my 64' Galaxie 500 to purchase a Vanden Plas that's very near here, but was frightened off when they were new by a 9, 000 USD annual maintenance cost. Now that I've owned a few European Make's, I haven't the fear of the past. The only major woe mentioned has been the timing chain/guides & tensioner's that have plagued the 4- liter, V-8 engines. The owner drove it till it died, and can't or won't say much about its service history, so I'm expecting the worst, but at $900 usd, I'm only getting a parts car with a title anyways. Thanks for your time and experiences.

[josephesposito]

Lol ej I love your enthusiasm for jaguar. Jaguar need to make you the face of there advertising. I just bought a 2004 jaguar xtype manual 2.5 for $300 bucks. Has a salvage title which I don't care. It drives really nice. I will do oil change and coils and plugs. Cannot wait to take care of it like you.

[leodannyportal]

Hey! I love these Jags, if you are ever in the Saint Louis area, come by and I'll show you my Jaguar collection and maybe you can make a video out of it. I have 1992 XJS Coupe, 1996 XJ6 VDP, 1996 XJR, 2000 XKR Coupe, 2000 XJR VDP... I have over 6 Jaguars Pre 2002. Let me know.

[Hungry]

Got a 09 NA I love it. N there’s a rear shock conversion. But I’m sticking with the air. Got it with 48k

[Jwdude]

Beautiful elegant cars paradigms of luxury and style but good luck finding one that isn’t tore up to hell.

[gemcointl]

Go for the 2005 - 2009 XJ8's... ALL aluminum bodys shed 500 lbs from the Steel 2004's and the 4.3 V8 doesnt have the Timing tensioner issue to blow up on you. Better Trannys too. You wouldn't believe me if I tell you I avg. 24 -26 mpg Town/ Hwy. with a V8 !
Bought mine 6 yrs ago from Palm Beach with 42k on it and I"m 3rd owner. I live in NY and the N.E roads have torn up that beautiful British suspension ( designed for better European roads!) SO yes.. a few repairs here and there but not difficult to work on if your a backyard mechanic. Converted Air ( 90k) to Coil springs, and New Radiator / ALternator but she still runs beautifully at 130k now. IMPORTANT. You'll hear the ZF transmissions are sealed for life BUT you can still drain / FLush the tranny's and replace the Oil pan /Filter ! THIS IS highly recommended before you reach 100k.. .which I did.. shifts beautifully still.

Good luck to all... I've owned 29 cars over the years and this is Still my fave. MAKE SURE you join a Jag CLub or Forum if you take the plunge. The Advice on them is worth its weight in GOLD. cheers Geo G

[kendandav]

Just bought a 1999 Jaguar XJ8 69, 000 miles can’t wait to upgrade it

[redpillrage]

I have a xj8 2007 and it's fast as hell but it is pricey but I love my car and I keep my oil changed and I changed the plugs and coils put new air shocks in the front and new fuel pump and it is super and it's my every day car I can't see my self with out it and I named him Tony

[timothythomas]

It is the Timing Tensioners that need changed. Change it before it goes bad.

[js]

EJ is incorrect about the 2004-2008 jaguar. In fairness, it is true that if you went to a dealer to change all 4 air shocks with OEM Bilstein air springs, it would cost roughly that amount. However, this video came out only a year ago and there are coil-conversion kits for the 2004-2008 that are $1000 for all 4 shocks (I converted mine).

Other than that, the 2004-2008 V8s are VASTLY more reliable and less risky than the 4.0L V8 from 1998-2003 which are known to be ticking time bombs - they had nikasil-lined cylinder walls which would deteriorate, cause the car to lose compression, not to mention the flimsy timing-chain tensioners which would inevitably fail and mechanically total the car - that’s why this generation are cheap - people who know, avoid these cars. On the other hand, XJ6 from 1995-1997 are much more highly sought after because they are one of the most bulletproof drivetrains ever built. If you want a jag…avoid the 98-03 XJ8 but by all means, invest in a 2004-2008 or a 95-97 XJ6

[fabsauce]

Theres a beautiful 98 xjr in blue with the light leather dark wood accent interior, really like the combo, had the tensioners done, 139,000 mi, should I buy or avoid?

[arlandzacharias]

AJ another fantastic video from you.. just a query since you changed your air suspensions to regular struts.. do you experience the drive to be rough compared to air suspension? Or there’s no difference?