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2002 Jaguar XJ8 consumer reviews

$56,330 starting MSRP
side view of 2002 XJ8 Jaguar
(12 reviews)
75% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.2
  • Value 3.9
  • Exterior 4.9
  • Reliability 3.6
Explore the 2002 Jaguar XJ8

BESTEDT EVER

I bought XJ8VDP in 2004 at 23,000 miles. I still own it in 2024 with 192000+ miles. Chain tensioners failed but after repairs, the motor has never failed. Burns no oil, leaks nothing. The coach is still the most beautiful design ever, timeless. Fit and finish in the interior remains perfect. I had to replace the headliner and front seat skins. The rear doorlock actuators also failed but these things can't go forever. A little fiddling and it's perfect, again. It's really my favorite car .. others are 2014 Porsche, 1996 Dodge Viper, 1959 Jaguar XK150. THIS ONE (and the 59) turns heads at gas stations every time.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Not your average daily driver

Bought used 3 years ago at 60,000 miles for short money. Had all the fears of a breakdown costing thousands, it did not happen until a couple months ago. At 80,000 miles the plastic internal timing chain guides needed replacement. $2,500 and new plugs, the car runs great again. A beautiful car I will never regret buying. Used as a daily driver at my second residence, it is true you must be able to pay a big repair bill.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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still a junk,big wallet on very expensive repairs,

nice design,still a junk,need a big wallet on very often repairs not to mention cost of parts and labor on this crap,therefore stay away.just my advise

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
7 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Most beautiful car I've owned

My first Jaguar. BRG with Saddle interior. First problem was heated seats. Driver's side did not work. Repaired under warranty. Second problem was sun/moon roof. Stuck open. Was able to get it closed then repaired under warranty. Third problem, eats tires. Regardless of brand or type 25-30K was average mileage. Fourth problem was CD magazine changer. Replaced under warranty. Power to weight ratio is not great. 290HP vs steel frame/body meant good handling but not excellent performance. 2004 X350 at 300HP and aluminum frame/body is excellent, but body lacks panache and low, sleek styling of X308.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Smooth, comfortable and beautiful

This is the last truly beautiful Jaguar design. In the past 20 years the bodies got bulkier and less slick. The car is gorgeous, sits low and drives like a dream. If you take care of it it won't let you down!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Bay for the Money

This car will make you feel special every time you sit down and drive . Its fast ,smooth its a head turner . Its not a car you want to drive in the snow conditions .Its a perfect spring ,summer car and I just love it !!! It has that old style charm and its drive great

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Huge value for the $$$

For under $10,000, you can have a wonderful performance luxury sedan. Best value for your hard earned money anywhere!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Cars

I have had several of these XJ8 series cars. No problems, superior good styling, excellent blend of comfort, luxury and sportiness - something the Germans haven't figured out to this day - except maybe Audi, and they cost $5000 more at least for less in the performance domain. You should know that the pre-2004 versions need to look at timing chain tensioners, but other than that they are practically bullet proof other than normal maintenance. You should ALWAYS have one inspected by someone with Jaguar experieince before buying.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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DO NOT BUY JAGUAR XJ8

I purchased 1 2 years ago with 70k miles, it now has 88k and the transmission is dead.A new transmission is 6500, and even a rebuilt or used you'd have to still take to them so they could open it up and program it. I researched online and found out that the transmission failure is common and other jaguars have had their transmissions die by 45k, one even had 3 die by 40k. DO NOT BUY, beautiful car, but even a fiat is superior when considering its lifespan.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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best bang for buck!

excellent made auto w/all quirks removed. Prices have never been any better for a high line car such as this. Who wants or needs a Honda/Toy??? Best design up to 2005 ....still very classy and looks just right!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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