Jaguar XJR LS Review

Overall Rating

One word describes this beautiful machine....PHENOMENAL! Short of a Ferrari or a Lamborghini; I doubt any newer car gets as many envious glances.
My car is a 1999 XJR, in a flawless British Racing Green, with (at time of pickup) 37,334 miles) One owner and it came with near perfect records. To date, I am so happy with it, I have considered divorcing my wife to marry it!

The car is a near perfect blend of sports and luxury. The interior is cozy, not too big, but again not small and cramped. In my eyes, they hit the nail on the head. The fit and finish inside the car is pure English class. Everything is tastefully done, elegant and feels extremely rich in quality, without being overdone and obtrusive. Even at 100+ mph, the interior is startlingly quiet.

The exterior of the car, has an independent personality. NO ONE will confuse it for an overpriced Toyota...the lean, muscular lines and the chrome leaper on the hood ensure that exceptionally well. This car does very little in the exterior to give away the secret that nearly 400hp is lurking under that classically sculpted hood.

The suspension does an outstanding job of road holding and soaking up imperfections in the roadway. It is NOT a Corvette, it is a high performance luxury car. If you expect a car to handle like a Corvette...you pay the price in ride quality and road noise. Trust me. I have owned 3 Corvettes, and as a matter of fact still own one of them.

The Jag is a serious long distance tourer. Highway driving is refined, elegant and nearly effortless. Too bad we have too many whiners (and lousy drivers) hear in the US to have an Autobahn to stretch the cat's legs, that is what she was born for.

Gas milage is not that great...but it is 6 years old, weighs nearly 2 tons and packs 370 horsepower. What did I really expect? News flash, mileage on SUV's isn't all that great either. I have only noticed a couple of EXTREMELY minor points that I do not like.

I am 5 ft 9 inches tall, why do my keys bang on my leg?

Lack of Leather smell. I expected this car to reek of that wonderful smell of Connolly leather. Nope. Now why would someone go and do that?

My car is not equipped with powerfold mirrors. (That one is on me I suppose, I could have bought a different machine)

No window tint. Okay..easily fixable. However on a car of this caliber, should one actually have to add anything? They should have had standard Privacy Glass... or the dealers should include legal tint ESPECIALLY here in AZ.

Wheels get dirty VERY FAST from Brake Dust.

That's it. Told you they were exceptionally minor.

I searched several websites for reviews prior to buying this car. I have shied away from Jags after a horrible experience with a 1986. (Beautiful car...but the Mechanic saw her more than I did.)

I found VERY LITTLE negatives about this series of vehicles. No extreme maintenance worries (do be a smart person and have a Diagnostic run PRIOR to buying any car). If she does break it is going to be a bit pricey...but um what isn't? I pay 90/hr for a competent Vette mechanic...so the rate is about the same.
Shop around for Parts. The Dealer here wanted to charge me $42.95 for an Oil Filter! (Not to mention $14.95 PER QUART for oil) Now come on! I got a Fram Oil Filter ($12.95) and Mobil 1 Synthetic ($ 5.99 per quart) Be smart. Ebay and knowing how to shop for pieces and parts will be immensely helpful.

The Bottom Line.
If can get one.. DO IT. You will not be sorry! Great car, wonderful environment...plus you feel like a millionaire rolling around in one. I paid $22,000 for mine...NO OTHER CAR ON THE PLANET gives you all of this for such a small price. Think about it...What is in the 22K price bracket...Hyundai? Kia? A bunch of Base model cookie cutter cars that won't be worth half of what you paid for them? I don't think this big kitty will have that problem. As an added bonus....you get to look into the garage and say..."That's my Jag." Then give a self-satisfied smile and think about all the suckers who do not know about one of the best kept secrets of the automotive world.

Members' Comments ondpanzerman's Review

• SirTerence on 16th Jun 2008

  I just have to thank dpanzerman for his articulately, well written review on the Jaguar XJR. I am a new XJR owner and I find myself continually smiling to the point where I am sure some may say I am demented. These are serious cars and not for the faint of heart. The writer aforementioned assisted me to decide upon the XJR despite the hideous costs of insurance. I am relocating to AZ so I'll keep an eye out for his 1999 Cat. I also appreciate his tips on avoiding those overpriced services that dealers seem to make bundles on. More power to the reviewer (not that it would be needed!).