The CAR WIZARD shares the top JAGUARS TO Buy & NOT to Buy 

Can I just say as a Jag X Type owner, they are cheap to own and reasonably reliable. I know they are basically a ford but they have a much better ride quality and they are nice inside. One of the better cheap cars I have ever bought.

I have a 2007 S-Type. And it's been dead reliable! Absolutely the most reliable, dependable, everyday driver car, I've ever owned. & I'm 74.

I`ve worked for Jaguar & have owned them (XJ`s, SIII to X308) consistently for the last 25 years & can say that from experience, Jaguars are generally very reliable cars that rarely fail mechanically. Occasional electrical issues, maybe (fewer issues than their German equivalents), but the mechanicals themselves are sturdy. The biggest problem is that, because they have a "reputation", they suffer huge depreciation, so as a result you get people buying them cheap, then skimping on maintenance. Parts can be expensive & there's very few aftermarket alternatives, so people will ignore things that need replacing too long. Suspension is sophisticated & has many bushes that do need to be replaced throughout the cars life. They aren't cheap, & can be complex to fit. So if buy one owned by the kind of person who skips maintenance & you`ll soon regret it..

Car Wizard, thank you for the excellent video. I own already for 12 years, my daily driver a 1996 Jaguar XJ 6 and I do the mechanical work myself. I am at 290,000 original miles on its engine, transmission, and differential. I learned the X 300 model by myself while spending hours on the junk yard and dismantling the old X 300 cars for years.. I learned a lot and it takes patience. Every weekend, I do pre-check on the engine, transmission, colling system, rack and pinion and if I see a leak I fix it immediately. I spent about $1,000 per year on original Jag parts and preventatively replace only these components that require immediate attention. The car paid itself over and over. It is not a money pit, if you are a car enthusiast. This is the only car I ever bought after high school so I will keep driving it for as long as the drive train allows me. I am determined to hit 400,000 miles before open the AJ 16 engine, and replace the head gasket and check the valves and timing chain guides. The video was great, Car Wizard. Thank you for being honest about owning a classic Jaguar.

Here's my current list of every car The Wizard has covered so far typed out. I hope this helps some of you looking for a Used Car. **Cars that are reliable** Ford: 11-18 Focus Stay away from 94-97 Aspire 06-12 Fusion Stay away from 96-99 Taurus 98-12 Crown Victoria Stay away from Police Vic's & 80-91 Crown Victoria 06-10 Explorer Stay away from Edge & Ford 3.5 V6 05-09 Mustang Gt or V6 Stay away from 74-78 Mustang 2 Stay away from any Ford with 5.4 3Valve V8 Chevy: 00-05 Cavalier Stay away from 05-10 Cobalt 00-05 Impala Stay away from 10-19 Malibu 00-06 Tahoe Stay away from All Traverse's 00-04 Corvette Stay away from 00-02 Camaro Stay away from Equinox Asian Cars: Toyota Corolla Stay away from Nissan Altima Toyota Camry Stay away from Nissan Maxima Honda Civic Stay away from Mazda Rx-8 12-19 Subaru Outback Stay away from Daewoo Laganza Mercedes-Benz: 08-11 SL550 Stay away from 89-02 SL Series 08-14 C-300 Stay away from 00-07 C-230 03-06 E-500 Stay away from 07-09 E-550 09-13 S-550 Stay away from 98-03 S-430 11-19 ML-350 or ML-550 Stay away from 07-10 GL-550 Volkswagen/VW: 08-12 Golf or Beatle Stay away from 08-12 Golf with TDi 95-05 Jetta or Wagon and TDi Stay away from 06-11 Jetta or Wagon 06-12 Phaeton Stay away from 06-19 Passat specifically ones with TDi 07-17 Tiguan 2.0 Tsi 4-cyl Stay away from 02-07 Touareg TDi V10 03-08 VW GTi Stay away from old VW sport cars Land Rover Vehicles: 11-18 Range Rover Evoque Stay away from 97-06 LR Freelander 89-98 LR Discovery 1 Stay away from 02-04 LR Discovery 2 09-16 LR-4 Stay away from 02-06 Range Rover 06-09 Full Size Range Rover SC Stay away from 02-06 Range Rover Dodge: 95-99 Neon Stay away from 77-90 Omni 08-14 Dodge Avenger 3.6L not 4-cyl Stay away from 07-12 Caliber 07-19 Challenger (RT recommended) Stay away from 93-04 Intrepid 98-03 Durango 5.2 V8 93-95 Viper Stay away from 90-96 Stealth BMW: 75-83 E21 Stay away from 97-06 E46 87-96 E34 5-Series Stay away from 03-10 E60 5-Series 94-01 E38 7-Series Stay away from 01-08 E65 7-Series 03-10 E83 X3 Stay away from 99-06 E53 X5 92-99 E36 M3 Stay away from 05-10 E60 M5 Cadillac: 03-07 CTS w/o 3.6l Stay away from 81-88 Cimarron 04-11 STS w/o 3.6l Stay away from 79-85 Seville 16-19 CT6 w/o 3.6l Stay away from 00-05 DeVille 07-14 Escalade Stay away from 04-09 SRX Any year XLR Stay away from 87-93 Allante Nissan: 00-06 Sentra 1.8l or 2.0l v4 Stay away from 00-06 Sentra 2.5l v4 02-06 Altima 3.5l v6 w/ Plain Jane Auto Stay away from 02-06 Altima 2.5l v4 00-03 Maxima 3.5l v6 Stay away from 04-08 Maxima CVT Stay away from any CVT from Nissan 96-04 Pathfinder 3.5l v6 Stay away from 04-16 Armada 5.6 v8 07-20 GTR Stay away from 79-83 Nissan 280z Buick: 97-04 Regal Stay away from 97-05 Century 97-05 Park Avenue 3.8 v6 (specifically Ultra) Stay away from 05-09 LaCrosse 3.6 v6 04-07 Rainier (5.3 v8 vortex) Stay away from 02-07 Rendezvous 88-91 Reatta Honda: 07-11 Civic Stay away from 01,02,06 Civic 13-20 Accord Stay away from 03-08 Accord 08-11 CRV Stay away from 03-05 Pilot 12-20 Odyssey Stay away from 04-11 Odyssey Trucks Full Size, 1/2 ton: [ ] Chevy: Or GMC 99-06 1500 Stay away from 07-12 1500 [ ] Ford: 97-03 F-150 Stay away from 04-10 F-150 (3 valve 5.4) [ ] Dodge: 94-03 RAM 1500 Stay away from 06-18 RAM 1500 Stay away from 4.7l Dodge engine [ ] Nissan 16-20 Titan Stay away from 03-15 Titan 5.6l [ ] Toyota Any of them Jaguar 07-15 XF Stay away from 01-09 X-Type 97-03 Xj8 Xjr Stay away from 86-94 xj6 97-03 Xk8 Xkr Stay away from any year Xjs

I never considered myself a Jaguar guy. During the economic crash in 2008 I sold my Mercedes and bought a 1998 Jaguar Vanden Plas on the side of the freeway in Phoenix, Az. I'm mechanically enabled enough to know what is good or bad in a car, and the first drive in this Jaguar was a revelation! What amazing cars! Being in real estate, I drove this car to over 150K miles before any major problems. The transmission is still bulletproof. I have since purchased a 1997 Xk8 convertible which is one of the most incredibly reliable cars I have ever owned, and finally a 1999 Vanden Plas owned by a close friend I was able to buy. It cost more than the first two I owned combined. The market is growing on these cars, so please find a good example and keep it forever. Most people cannot believe these classics are more than 20 years old. Love you car Wizard!!

I bought a 2005 X Type, and absolutely love it. Yes, it does require periodic maintenance and a bit of money. I lucked out and purchased one that was well maintained. No car is cheap to fix anymore, so my philosophy is why not buy a Jaguar? BTW, love the channel Wizard. You are a cut above when it comes to Mechanics.

That advice he gives about buying used European luxury cars is gold, and every young folk who's about to buy their first car should hear it. I bought a BMW with V8 engine in my early twenties, and even though I could afford to repair it, the repair costs of that thing definitely motivated me to learn how to do basic maintenance and repairs myself. I still loved it, and still have it, though not as a daily driver anymore. I'd definitely love to own a Jaguar someday, especially that supercharged XJR sound phenomenal!

Next episode of hoovies garage “ I bought the cheapest jaguar xjs v12!”

I had an X-Type 2.5 manual. never had an issue... sold it and got an Audi A4 automatic...wish i never did.

I picked up an 05 XK8 convertible a few months ago. It is fantastic. The suspension work I had done definitely was not cheap, but what a rewarding driving experience. I love it.

Hi there Mr Wizard, correction: at 6:04 You mention the 1986-1994 was not an X300. Those years with the Square Headlamps were known as the "XJ40". The X300 was the successor to the XJ40. I love your videos and wish I became a mechanic and had a shop like yours. Its my dream. Thank you.

I have had XJS's for the past 30 years, have driven hundreds of thousands of miles in them all over Europe and the US! I love them! I even raced them back in the day! I have driven everything and as a classic GT nothing will beat it. I am of average size and build so the interior is perfect for me, it's like wearing a back pack! I love working on them, yes the V12 is a challenge, yes you have to know what you are doing but you get used to it and it's extremely reliable!! You change the oil regularly, service it regularly and NEVER over heat it and it will last until the end of time. I do all of my own work on my XJS's and have a large supply of R12 for the AC systems :-D . Yes they are a challenge but the reward for me is well worth it!

My neighbor had a Xjs with the v12 parked outside his garage for years 😂 I always thought the styling was great.

I've owned 6 Jags ( from mid-sixties to 88) and some unreliable but I loved them all. My last one was an XJ12 just like the one in this video. I did a ton of work to it- became very familiar with the V12 motor and ancilliaries ( electrics) and loved it more than any other car I have ever owned but stupidly, I sold it to a guy who was after it. They are complex and fiddly to work on but the main reason that they have such a bad rep in n.america is because people don't understand them and do some horrible things to them. The v12 engine when running well is a gem and capable of some incredible mileages (a reported million miles plus for one in the UK) . Even the chief design engineer at Mercedes once described the v12 as the best engine ever built. I love em.

Thank you for this video. I am just starting to buy my first "fun car" and a jag is at the top of my list. This video really gave me a good starting point.

I refer to the XKR as "the poor man's Aston Martin. It's the single best value for a modern luxury sports car. They are gorgeous and a blast to drive. Very reliable and fairly easy to work on as well

I was expecting WEEZARD when the jag pulled up

No mentioning 2004 to 2009 XJ-series?? as well as S type??

Really like your reviews and stories... as a TV producer myself I can say that Hoovie has coached you well over the last few years... you make a great team. I've had four Jaguars over the past four decades and the one I have now a 2006 Vanden Plas is simply the best. The elegance of the design and the driving experience is so much better than a BMW or a Mercedes . Yes I agree you need to maintain it... I change oil and inspect it every 3,000 miles and it has been a pleasure to own. I would highly recommend the X350's when as you say... well looked after.

Never change the awesome guitar riff at the beginning. Keeps the feeling of a small RU-vid channel.

Owned an '04 X-Type 3.0 AWD for a couple of years about 4 years ago. The Brits know how to do interiors because this car was really nice inside. I did a fair amount of work on it but had it fairly decently sorted when we let it go. Took it on a 2,000 mile road trip and it was very comfortable, with large trunk space and very good fuel mileage. Biggest improvement I made was changing out the transmission fluid - another example of manufacturer making bogus "Lifetime Fill" recommendation. AWD transfer case fluid service is a nightmare, likewise rear differential that has no drain plug. If fuel pump fails you have to drop tank or cut a hole in body underneath rear seat. Still, it was a great little car if you can find a decent one and keep after it. Lots of good tips and help available on Jag forum and YT as the issues with this car are well known.

I am passionate about Jaguars and I own two, a Jaguar XJ 358 and an XJS straight six convertible. I agree with you in most things but not with everything. These cars are not expensive at all to maintain: what is REALLY expensive is to fix them when they break because of poor maintenance. My two Jaguars have been the most reliable cars I have ever had (and I came from a Mercedes W124, so my standards for reliability were very high) because I am very strict with maintenance. My XJS straight six is extremely reliable, and an XJS V12 well maintained can be also as reliable as any other car, but I agree with you that the maintenance on those engines is extremely time consuming. My advice to people willing to get one of those cars: 1- Do a rigorous homework and learn as much as you can about their strengts and weaknesses, so you can identify immediately a good unit from a one that may look pristine but is a real lemon. 2- Buy the best maintained one you can afford and do not expect bargains: cheap Jaguars end up being VERY expensive. 3- DO NOT take them to an official dealer. Find a local mechanic specialised in classic cars, preferably English ones. He/she will do a much better job than the dealer at a much more reasonable cost. Your reward will be driving a car like no other, because those classic Jaguars DO have something special. Do not ask me what it is, but it is there. And the older they are, the more beautiful they look and the more heads they turn on. Great, GREAT cars........if well maintained.

Xtype owner, UK based but it's the greatest car I've ever owned! Paid £600 and it's so comfortable and handling is incredible!

Wizard you messed up with the numbers, 86-94 is the “XJ40”. The 40 stands for Volvo 240 because that’s what they look like. If you get one, avoid the very early models with digital dashboard and self leveling suspension. 99% of them on the road are in some shade of beige, don’t know why. 1995-1997 “X300” XJ6s look almost identical to the 97-03s you recommended. 4.0 six motors and 4-speed auto (ZF 4-speed on the NA, 4L80E on the supercharged) are absolutely bulletproof. Most reliable jag ever made, would take it any day of the week over a same year 7 series or S Class. If you get an “X308” V8 car, get the XJR because it has a Benz 5 speed auto and not the garbage ZF 5 that you can find in broken down Audis and BMWs. If you buy the naturally aspirated version, I can guarantee you’re up for a $2000 transmission rebuild or your money back. The R also has the same supercharger as the Lightning and Cobra, who can say no to that?

Thank you Wizard for keeping XJS prices low. I want to own one again before they get expensive. 🤣

How about the 2004-09 XJ8? Ford actually helped iron-out (or alum-out) many of the quirks and unreliabilities. My experience with this range (X350) has been very positive. Strong, smooth, dependable - and the last of the classic Jaguar look.

I get sick of hearing people shittingbon the X Type I've had two (2.0 diesel) they've both been brilliant second hand buys I can't understand why they get all the negativity which seems more snobbery than anything just because it's based on a Ford Mondeo.

91-96 XJS wasn't too bad after Ford bought them and sorted them out. The 4.0 six was used instead of the V12 and they were much more reliable and desirable in my book. The V12 was a very scary motor after it ages !

I’m one of the least mechanical people out there yet I love to watch these videos. I’m happy to see you on Oversteer! Congrats!

Well done Mr Wizzard, and well said in the end. The day I had 30 thousand dollars to spend on a (used)car I bought one for 20 thousand to leave some spare cash for the inevitable repairs. Its a Range Rover Sport and I am very happy with the car, but one has to be realistic and know what you're getting yourself into. Thanks again.

I. have an 2015 Jaguar XJL - the extra long saloon cars, and I love it. I have had ZERO problems with it.The amemites are wonderful. The leather inside is creamy. The interior room is spacious. The only thing that need improvement is the computer screen. Sometimes it is a little difficult to navigate through, bet the looks and style of the XJL is magnificent.

At 19 I had a Black 1989 Jaguar Sovereign 3.6 and I thought I was a PIMP 👍🏼💪🏼😎😉😂🤔

Where are all my jaguar x308 xjr owners at?! Lol (love mine!) --- bottom line, i never bought mine as a daily; just a sunday n there cruser (5-10x a year local drive) Ive had it for 6 plus years and yes ive put alot of money into it...but once i go for a drive in it, i remeber why i love it so much. Eaton Supercharged 4.0L with exhaust and a mercedes transmission. Its purely for the drive locally.

I like that Mrs. Wizzard ask the exact questions that popp up in my mind .

I had a 98 XJ8. Beautiful car. Finally had to get rid of it due to overheating issues. Had other issues with suspension wear, leaking valve cover gaskets. Rust problems front fenders. Loved driving the car. Nice power & ride. Beautiful inside. Nice leather & wood grain interior.

A friend had a 2000 XK8. Its acceleration was like a soft push in the back and it whooshed along. Very comfortable seats. Beautiful inside. Still a head turner

Keep up the good work Wizard!

did i tell you about mr brown, the dry cleaner over on jamaica avenue? my father was close friends with him. mr brown was successful. in the mid 70s, he celebrated by buying himself a brand new XJ12. for its maiden voyage, he took us into "the city" with it. we hit traffic in central park. the thing overheated like crazy. then couldn't start it. we were stuck on a hot summer day in the middle of the park! all i could think was "he could have gotten a cadillac like everybody else and none of this mess would have happened" mr brown the dry cleaner, not mr brown the cab driver, who got himself banned from the club for getting really drunk and choking one of the waitresses east side. west side. all around the town :)

Your honesty is Golden.

There's just a provenance around classic jags, just beautiful styling!

Ive personally had decent relability for my x type had it for 7 years now

Great vid, with which I largely agree. I’ve a ‘95 XJ12 X300, which is wonderful but dead expensive to fix, and, as you rightly say, always needs something; but boy is it lovely drive, fast, comfortable, different!

Great review, CW. Appreciate the time. You could've spent this time making money. But you're a decent man, and a good teacher.

X-type not Jaguars finest hour, but they're not that bad.

The X300 you showed was actually an XJ40, the square 'fishtank' headlamps were standard on the North American cars, but all except the Sovereigns and Daimlers came with quad round headlamps in other markets. The 2.9 AJ6 is underpowered and junk, but they were replaced with 3.2 and 4.0 versions in 1990 which are excellent, very few issues with the drivetrain in general with those cars (I own one), can easily get 200k+ miles without major work if looked after, some late XJS' had those engines too. The AJ16 found in the X300 was basically the same engine but with coil packs instead of a distributor, again very reliable, the drivetrains more often outlive the body. The later 6.0 V12 they put in the XJ81 (XJ40) and X305 (X300) were paired to the GM4L80 trans and again are incredibly powerful and smooth to drive, can be bought for very little money.

I drive a Jaguar X- Type - the car runs excellent!

Great video! Thanks for all the time you spend sharing your knowledge and experience! Please do Lexus! I love my ES350 but am always eyeing the older LS's.

Mrs Wizard always asks the right questions.

Please do Volvos; I'm in the market for one for my kid;s first car.

I had a friend that did a small block Chevy/Turbo 350 swap on an XJ6. The engine was a 350HO crate motor and had plenty of power. He actually did the conversion with parts from JTR (Jags that run). He was able to keep most of the car original. He had to fabricate quite a few brackets/hoses/exhaust, etc but did it right. Best of both worlds-great styling and beautiful leather interior and dependable.

My father used to say to me if you can't afford a new Jaguar you can't afford a secondhand one!

X300 was the model designation for the 1995-1997 xj6. They had almost identical styling to the 98-03 x308 model jags. They were very reliable and had the best version of the 4.0L inline 6

I've got a jaaaaag.

I have a 2000 XJR and I love it! Little things here and there go wrong but they aren’t bad to work on and you can beat the styling

I own an 2005 XJ8L and agree, the styling is magnificent and in 15 years, it has few problems. It is iconic

Surprised you didn't mention Lucas, the Prince of Darkness. When I worked at the Jag/Rover dealership the joke was the reason that British people drink warm beer is because Lucas built all of the refrigerators 😆

That intro! 😂🤣 You are the boss Wiz

I have a range rover P38 and this brings up one other avenue for people who want an interesting car - if it's a cult car with a big following online, like a Landcruiser or a P38 or a Saab - if you are willing to learn how to fix it yourself, the internet will help you. Most cars do not have a cult following. Make sure that particular car has a vibrant internet community with lots of how-to videos. Wizard solid advice in that vid, great vid.

I'm a car guy, I've owned a couple of hundred and I'm a jag guy and so was my dad and everything you said is spot on! If you want reliability, you get a Japanese car, if you want a driving experience, you get a Jag, Porsche, Ferrari or whatever you fancy and just know, they're not going to be reliable, they're going to be fun and exciting! Great video, man!

I really like the XK-140. My dad bought one new in 1957 on a teacher's pay. Sold it in the mid 1980s and paid off the house mortgage. It was not all that unreliable, but it sure was freaking cool. Old school badass.

I had an 83 xjs that I converted to a chevy 350 with a 700r4 transmission and loved it !! I had all of the factory gauges working and never had any problems after that !!

You have a very sensible, down-to-earth opinion when it comes to cars and car repair. You know what you're talking about, and it shows.

I had both the 12 and 6 cylinder XJS. Preferred the 6 cylinder as it was lighter and more nimble in the curves not to mention less complicated. Having said that, the 12 had a sublime acceleration that just pulled you back in your seat, from 0 to 70 mph, without a roaring engine!

Looks likes the wizzard has spent too much time on them Xj6’s judging by lack of hair 🤣

1991-1996 you could get an XJS with a inline 6 cylinder like the XJ6 sedans and they were not bad cars

A couple of corrective notes about the XJS models, too. Beginning in '93 MY, Jaguar did come out with an optional straight 6 engine (4.0, same AJ6 engine as in the XJ40s and, later on, in the X-300s w. the AJ16 engine). Much simpler, easier and cheaper to work on, and reliable than the V-12 engines. If you want an XJS, those are the ones you want to own. Funny thing is that, despite the difference in cylinder #s, the top speed and 0-60 speeds are about the same with both engines. The big thing about the V-12 though is that it runs so SMOOTH, if that's what you're into. Also, although the '92-'94 Jags did not come with OBD II diagnostic systems, Jaguar, a forerunner in their marque, did develop their own "JDS" system to help diagnose electrical issues in their cars. The only problem is that the available list of trouble codes with JDS is only a couple of dozen or so, compared with 100s for the OBD II system. However, no need to plug in a meter with the JDS - the codes read out right on the trip computer dial. Jaguar also developed other systems to allow for diagnosis of ABS issues and a few others, using their own plug-in ports on the car and a "blinking light" system on the dash. You just have to know how to use these systems and, in some cases, have the right Jag facgtory diagnostic tools to utilize them.

I had the same problem you did with an XJS with regard to interior headroom. Beginning in 1994, the seats were redesigned and I was able to fit without issue. Also by 1994, most of those cars came with the 4.0L I6. And thanks to Ford's influence, the electrical systems improved greatly. My 1996 XJS is a wonderful car, (buying the last year for a model has its advantages).

"There is nothing more expensive than a cheap European car." --Old Proverb

I had an 07 s type with the 4.2 same engine in the xjr but without the supercharger. It was very reliable. Drove it to over 150k miles and a trip across the country at that mileage without any major issues. I got rid of it due to the real wheel drive and living in a snowy climate. To this day I wish I would have kept that car.

I've owner a 2006 X-type and a '98 XJ8. I liked the XJ better because of the ride, etc. They are expensive to fix, but I have a friend who's a Jag master mechanic so it wasn't bad for me. The X-type was fine for a daily driver for me. I had no problems with the engine or electrical. My issue with it is that like a lot of mid-size cars, the road noise was more than I prefer.

Thank you for the video, it was informative for me

When I lived in the UK for a few months,I was surprised to see Jaguars in lower middle-class neighbourhoods with people tinkering in them; there is also plenty of DIY literature about them. I suppose that spares are easy to get and cheap and you'll find independent mechanics who know these well enough. So driving an older Jag might be an option there - it's a bit like with older Mercs in my native Germany...

I had a 2004 XJ8 (X350 i think) for quite a few years. Put an Arnott coilover conversion on it, and had to replace the throttle body, but besides that, I loved that car.

So easy to listen to. A real smart guy. Definitely found your niche ;)

Excellent video. I'm watching this from the UK and really enjoyed this.

Watching wizard say 2007-2015 XF is fairly reliable. That’s a win for me today.

Great video. Do love a Jag. Their reliability was pretty good in later years in JD Surveys.

Thank you Car Wizard for doing this segment as requested. I’ve got the ‘07 XJ8 tho that was not in your range of review and a ‘86 XJ6 which looked like the model in your back drop (kinda). I’ll echo your words on being prepared for $$$ oh but the ride and the beauty...♥️

One thing worth mentioning is that 1997-2002 X308 XJs had plastic timing chain tensioners which were prone to failure. They finally swapped them to a metal tensioner for the 2003 model, but if you are in the market for a 97-02, it would be ideal if the tensioners have already been replaced.

X type. The most reliable jag ever built!. Had one since new, good to work on. Cheap enough. Great to drive. This guy doesn't know what he's talking about!..

Thank you mr Wizard, the info on Jags was awesome!!!!!!

Excellent advice. I have the 02 XJR. Got it for 6 grand, and it immediately needed 4 grand of work (I knew that going in). It's a great car only because I know how, and have the time. to fix a lot of stuff. However, it it's not easy to work on because there is very little space around the engine. It's a great, fun, beautiful, and cool car that gets lots of compliments, and I do love it. But as you said, it's not for the faint of heart. Most of them on the road look totally trashed out.

The AJ-V8 was a Jaguar designed engine. It was however built at Ford Bridgend on an independent production line for Jaguar. The AJ-V6 is a Ford designed engine though.

X type deserves more respect. Blah blah Ford. It’s an interesting car. Every car company shares parts

Just bought a 2012 3.0 jaguar xf so I thought I would come back to this video, glad you recommended it. I love the styling of the front, I'm 23 so what you said makes perfect sense. 😁

Mr. CarWizard is sitting like a KING with all the beautiful beasts (cars) around you! ❤

The rectangular headlamps on the high spec XJ40s make the car look so classy, especially when combined with the earlier digitized instrument binnacle.

Thanks for making this video, I was hoping you would lead into the Later XK XKR with the 4.2 V8 maybe even the 5.0 and its concerns.

If you have an XJ8 1998-2001 I’ve had my 2001 XJ8 for 12 years and it is reliable. But I am in the Jaguar owners club. there are certain must dos. 1. Replace timing chain tensioners as they are plastic. Use the new metal tensioners. 2. Essential you replace gear box oil with correct oil at 80,000 miles 3. Replace plastic water pump. 4. Replace thermostat and housing. 5 waxoil the car to stop rust

Thank you for this post! I agree completely with your learned assessment of the Jaguar years and models to buy, and not to buy! A Jag is a Jag is a Jag... and is sometimes a drag! When they're running right, they're out of sight! :)

When you did the video on the 82 XJ-S, I just rolled my eyes and let it be. This time, I can’t. You really shouldn’t give buying advise on Jaguars if you really don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m hearing “I had this 1 come in 1 time” that’s not experience, it was “a” job. I’ve owned 6 over the last 30 years (in the UK and USA) and worked for a Jag dealership so I do know what I’m talking about. If I can enjoy learning how to work on a V12 for fun, anyone can, they really aren’t that difficult. People are normally scared about what they don’t know so it’s easier to say, put a V8 in it because they know V8’s, but as you said, they cock it up! THEN you have a bad car that sits the wrong height, won’t shift and the electrics are shot to sh*t. I didn’t hear you mention if you don’t like the V12 there was a lighter straight 6 version with a bullet proof engine, or any mention of the XJ6 versions. It was probably also worth saying bad previous owners letting the car go to hell, like any other brand will indeed end up in a bad car/dog/anything used. Granted, older jags do have their issues like ANY car brand out of warranty. It’s expected. But it doesn’t cost $1000’s every time you get anything fixed with a jag. The price of parts are no more expensive than any reputable car brand. Maybe a tad more if you’re looking for interior parts that are becoming hard to find pushing the price up. Especially older models with chrome. If your Jag does cost $1000’s, either A, the shop saw you coming and assumed you didn’t know better. Or B, shop didn’t know what they were doing and the man hrs racked up the cost while they figured it out. The only place you can really take an older jag for a proper service is a Jaguar dealer and then that’s ONLY if they have a seasoned, older mechanic that hasn’t retired. A new mechanic even if he has 10 years experience only really know newer models. I know, I’ve worked at one. I’ll let you have the X-type. That wasn’t a great car and didn’t deserve a leaper on the front, that was jags attempt through Ford to tap into the small car market. Same with the later S-types only built for the USA market and will never be a remembered model. And finally you can’t give buying advice on a car you haven’t driven/worked on as it’s too new. That’s not advice, that’s an opinion with no real merit or real experience.

I have a 2011 XFR 5L V8 supercharged and it's been very reliable. The power is awesome and as my 3rd Jag, I can say don't buy any Jaguar after 2015. I had a 2016 new XF and it was terrible. They skimped on quality materials and mechanically it broke down twice. The ac stopped working and luckily warranty paid for the repairs, but the stabilizer bar bushings after just 10,000 miles was the final straw. Got rid of it and bought an older XF again and again it's proven SO reliable. Ford designed, it really is the Jag to go for.

I always heard that the X type was based on the Ford Mondeo platform (which might double for the Mystique and its domestic sibling). In any event the Car Wizard is right about the '95 to '03 Jags. I have two: a 2001 and 2002, both VandenPlas V8 sedans and they're terrific, IF you have a great mechanic, which I do. Properly sorted, they're as reliable as any other good car of the same vintage. Always makes me happy driving them!

This is why I like the Wiz. Unbiased, even for a car make like Jaguar that doesn’t make particularly reliable cars he still had genuine advice for those who actually want to own one. I’m looking forward to a buy/not to buy episode for Volvo and Toyota.

LINCOLN BUY THIS NOT THAT

Got to disagree about the “XJ6” 1986-1994 (actually XJ40). Definitely one of the most reliable if taken care of. Secondly, those square headlights which are hideous were firstly available on Daimler’s only and there were quad headlights (which look really good) as an option. The engine and gearbox on the XJ40s are bulletproof. My Jaguar mechanic says those engines won’t die as long as they have oil and water. Seen a few that have got 600000kms on them and are running strong. Biggest things to look out for on some XJ40s (I think European spec) is the oil cooler. Definitely a good idea to install an external oil cooler cause the euro spec XJ40s had theirs in the radiator and if they blow it will fill the gearbox with water.

Mr. CAR WIZARD, keep up the good work!, super informative and u definitely have ur stripes in the Automotive industry. A request (if your taking them?) Can you do more indepth of 2009-14 jaguar xf, xf supercharge, xf-r along with the XE.

I have a 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas and love it. did have a couple of things to do to it but nothing major. and as with any used car I by, first thing is change the fluids. I have an 1984 XJS, but bought it knowing it will need work and some more work, a Hobby car to keep me busy, I will now drive that car coast to coast, but I went thru the electric, full lines, ejectors: well you get the picture. any how, US cars did not have OBD port until about early to mid 90,s, that is why I am so glad I learned old school, I am 65

I had a 2014 XF until last year, really nice car, loved the rotating air vents. it was pretty reliable overall never broke down, all the problems where minor things like the folding mirrors not working and one of rear door locks broke but it was all covered under the extended warranty anyway.