2003 XJ8 Soverein seeking input

[jbmason]

Just turned back a 2004 BMW 545 following a three-peat of problems with active steering and have set a purchase on a 2003 XJ8 Sovereign with 16,000 miles. I am seeking some input on this car as it is only the second Jaguar I have ever owned and is so totally different than the old MK IX (9) I had some 25 years ago. This Sovereign was pretty much everything I was looking for in a "road car". It looks good, sounds good, and has the complete MFGR warranty as a certified dealer auto. I have some lingering concerns about the overall reliability. Appreciate any input.

 

[Steve]

My father has a '95 XJ6 Sovereign, and it has been stone reliable. In fact he is keeping it and getting rid of his BMW next month for a VW Toureg. The XJ8 is supposed to be even better than the XJ6, so you may be on to a winner. The navigation system in the Jaguar is reputed to be far more user-friendly than the BMW's too.

 

[Basil]

The earlier XJs had definite reliability issues, (like the 76 I had), but I have heard that the newer models are much better in the reliability department.

Welcome to the forum by the way,

Basil

 

[Steve]

Oh yes, welcome to the forum!!! I hadn't noticed that you were posting for the first time. Doh!!!!!!!!!!

 

[John S Farrington]

The 2003 XJ8 is an excellent choice. It should give you many miles of service. Since the advent of the XJ6, Jaguar has progressively gotten great in the reliability department. They always were a great handling car. I service the later model Jaguars and the XK8 makes me feel like the Maytag washing machine repairman.

 

[jbmason]

Picked up my 2003 XJ8 Sovereign yesterday in Santa Monica and drove to Fresno, Ca. Very good road car! Smooth accelleration and shifting. A real difference in ride and drive as conmpared to my past two 740/745s and most especially the 545 sport that BMW just bought back from me.

Although the XJ8 has sufficient power, it does not have the overall highend kick of the 545. I like the way it handled the highways and am pleased with the purchase. It looks great and has such distinctive pleasing lines. Truly "old school".