Should You Buy a JAGUAR XJR? (Test Drive & Review X308 XJR)

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Today, I'm in my very own 1998 Jaguar XJR. Let's fire up its Supercharged V8 and see what it's like.

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[alextilson]

Most reliable car I've owned, I have clocked up 231 thousand miles in the 15 years I've owned it with just routine services. The best journey I had in it was a trip to Germany a few years ago, and had the chance to let it stretch its horses on the autobahn it just touched 150mph and maintained it for miles.

[gaffnaldo]

I served my time on these. I never ever got tired of 308's. This is iconic, ageless and genuinely the last of the real Jaguars.

[MatchboxGarage]

I had a 1989 jaguar sovereign at the age of 19. Friends drove fiestas and I felt like a king 🤴

[johnsampey]

Love it, so ! Being an older man I went out & bought a pristine 2007 XJ Sovereign on Friday.
The steering wheel is electricly adjustable & automatically gets out of the way when you switch off. It has 4 cup holders & since it's the 2.7 TDVi 6 speed model, I'm getting 45mpg Around Town.
On top of that there's a special place to put the Cocodcomol & Werthers Originals.

[VoloKinProject]

I like people like you who can buy any car but intentionally chose this British icon and keep it on the road as long as possible. X308 proud owner here.

[CaptainThirdGen]

very nicely made video. I like the host, no yelling and talking super fast like many channels do. Very professional

[andrewhaywood]

I'm happy to see another X308 XJR is preserved. I have a 1999 XJR and I agree the electrical gremlins are annoying but if you replaced all the ground straps and battery leads most issues go away. However you are right, you need to drive these 1-2 times a week, VERY sensitive to voltage.

[Alan_Mac]

"I love the long bonnet or 'hood' if you don't like using English" - very naughty but I like it!

[twozerouk]

I have a similar era XJ8 with most of the bugs sorted in the Ford days. It certainly gets the looks and I like the no compromise low driving position and the cupboard sized boot. No supercharger on mine but 4 litres is enough for National Trust visits!

[melindacoombs]

Here in the great wild state of Wyoming I have my horse, my dog, my old 76 GMC pick up..and my 98 XJ8L...I am delighted you also love them. I saved mine from a reckless fellow in Colorado who had no idea the class of car it was..nor how to drive or care for it. Yes..we put money in..yes I found an excellent mechanic and he is tied up in the barn. My black jag and I took a 3200mi walkabout in 5 states this last summer..now theres a love affair..camped out of the trunk, saw beautiful places and always brought smiles...Yes...a one of a kind automobile💞🔥💞

[theowlknows]

An excellent review by someone who truly understands the car. Since I was 17 I've owned almost every model Jaguar from the 1950s on up to 1999. Currently have a 98 XJ-R, a 99 XJ-R and a 99 XK-8. I totally agree that the X308 is the absolute most beautiful of the last 40 years or so. My 72 XJ-6 short w.b. would be a close second to me. One other maintenance item that is very important (from personal experience): The rubber oil cooler lines. I strongly suggest changing them pre-emptively, as that failure could easily destroy the engine just like the tensioners. I couldn't find new lines, so I had a hydraulics outfit remove the old rubber hoses and replace them, held on very securely with hose clamps instead of crimp fittings. Cost only $40 after r & r'ing them.


Every moment driving any of mine is a moment to smile and actually feel at one with the automobile. That applies to every Jaguar I've ever owned (10 and counting).

[spoons]

Nice to find someone who loves Jags.... my dad must have had a lot of Jags but wen he retired he still has the XJR and like you he's spent my inheritance on it.... lol but its a lovely, smooth car to drive and very quite for a V8

[christianolssontravels]

Fantastic job on keeping a timeless Classic on the road!! Did the same with a S-type 3.0 that needed new subframe and new sills. The rest was great condition. I did RVS treatment on it in the engine, gearbox, diff and Servo so now it averages 30+ and nearly 40 on a run. There’s something about Jaguar that is very special, soft and comfy but still sporty, fantastic in the bends. I wish style and class went into fashion again.

[astrnr]

My dream car as a teenager, I was able to afford a 3.2 V8 on my 27th birthday, back in 2006. I sold it in 2011 and I miss it to this day.. A great, great car!

[davidwells]

I can relate to your article. Our first Jag was a black 2000 XJR, wow. But after a couple of years and at 134K miles, I thought we would have to invest in upgrades, or best bet might be to buy a newer and low mileage XJR. Found a silver 2003 XJR in Dallas, TX with 27K miles. Flew to Dallas, drove it home to New Hampshire - March of 2013. Still have it, and a '96 XJ12, and a 2008 XKR Portfolio. Love them all, and all are different. Vanity license plates are very popular here so the XJR was, and now the XKR is 'BADKTTY'. We get lots of comments on the Jag. I've owned a lot of cars, the '08 XKR is easily the best car ever, and the 2003 XJR is right behind it - and it has heated seats, cupholders, and steering wheel moves in and out as well as up and down.

[jinkazamamonkey]

I had one, the most amazing thing about it to me that never ceased to amaze me is how it went round corners, you'd think it would be a big wallowy barge but it corners on rails. It broke down once outside Buckingham palace, armed guards all over us, I like to think it picked its moments.

[arnasambrasas]

Amazing car and a great video! You are one of the few reviewers who dont spit shout scream or wobble. Love your content. Keep it up!

[tailift]

I’ve owned mine since it was 3 years old (15 years and counting). Not only the best car I’ve ever owned, but one of the best cars ever made IMO. Comments at the fuel station include “that’s a beautiful car” from men and women. Thank you Jaguar, you made a diamond.

[hughjarce]

That interior looks stunning ! The leather looks immaculate 👏🏻

[ivanking]

Brought my 01' XJR in 2005 and I absolutely still love my car. Its stylish, powerful yet still refined.