First off, this is what a JAGUER of the Great Britainnia should always be. The current Jag, I mean the full collection is so disappointing. Obviously Audi took over the Jag which used to be one of the big three besides Mercedes & BMW. Hope sometime later, the company would bring back the classic design.
I love many makes and models , but this one sits right at the top. Another great video giving an Excellent description of the pros and cons, with a dash of sarcasm, a touch of irony, and a good splash of humor. Well done !
Hmm… more pros than cons. Love the blokes delivery and knowledge but ultimately he’s showcasing his stock so hardly unbiased. Shame but for that reason I’m out. Unsubscribed!
@@herrfister1477 Oh no! You're missing out. Bill is a treasure and he DOES indeed review cars that he doesn't like, including some that are actually for sale. The best of these videos is probably the BMW i3, which he positively hated with a passion. I believe he genuinely does love the XJ and on the whole is pretty honest about what he does and doesn't like about a car.
I just bought a 2004 Jaguar XJ8. It has only 59k miles on it. It's my first Jag and I must say the car is very beautiful, luxurious, and supremely comfortable. 👌🏽
Hi. I am based in South Africa. I bought a 2007 Super V8 a year ago. This model type is referred to as X350. The Super V8 has a 4.2 litre supercharged engine and is the combination of the long wheel Van den Plas interior and sport engine of the XJR. In addition, it includes a rear entertainment system coupled with an Alpine sound (young guys won't remember this make like Bekker :). Best of both worlds. The Super V8's were finally retired after a limited "Portfolio" edition was released in limited numbers between 2008-2009. The difference between the Portfolio and Super V8 were cosmetic changes like mags, certain interior bits and only came in 2 colors. My car had 77000kms when I had purchased it and was black in color. So naturally I had to make the license plate BLAK KAT haha. It's a "SUPER" to drive and be driven in. Super reliable and makes a statement where ever you go. It will always be classic.
I've always loved and admired Jaguars, but only recently bought myself an early 2003 SWB X350 with the 3.0 litre 240bhp V6. Still has the same amazing 6 speed auto box, 0-60 in 7.8 seconds and tops out at 145mph, which compares well with older V12 engined Jaguar XJ models. Don't believe that was available in Canada or the USA, but in the UK our fuels work out around $5.50 USD per US gallon. Many Jag fans will mourn the loss of real Jaguar straight 6 engines, though to me, there is something reassuring about the interchangeability/affordability of many Ford parts. That in combination with the Aluminium structure and traditional styling really appealed to me, in the UK climate where rust is a major issue of the older generations. You mentioned the quality of everything, but not the incredible adjustability of the front seats. Maybe that is typical of the class of car, but it blew my mind.
I want this car so bad. I want the supercharged version. They simply don't make vehicles like they used to... I had a 2019 F-150 for a while. Traded it in for a 2012 Lincoln Navigator L. Best decision I've ever made. Love that old 5.4 V8 and all the beautifully stitched interior.
Just watched the X350 review it was well informed well presented accurate balanced and overall excellent .This guy knows his stuff . 1ST RATE .He deserves great credit and a high profile presenting role
My XJ is almost identical to this. Same year, same color, same wheels, just black interior. Don't get my wrong I love my BMWs but there is something so special about the XJ. It turns just as many heads now as my new Maserati. Not as much tech or features but it has a superb ride and is just such old school luxury.
@@rohanbadve9456 Yes I know. They are two different types of luxury. Germans are cutting edge on technology, precise, and logical luxury. Jaguar and Maserati play more on emotions and elegance. Both are amazing in their own ways.
I own this exact car, with the same factory ordered chromed parts, except mine has the black interior with light gray head-liner. I'm thinking on getting the windows tinted medium dark, not completely blacked-out.I love the car and would not sell it, although I've had a few enticing offers, she's a keeper. 😊
I have this model. The power E-Brake automatically goes off when you put it in drive, so there's no need to hit the button. I've heard some reviewers say it doesn't "feel" like a big car, but to me it does when compared to my Audi. The Audi is a better daily driver, but the Jag is pure luxury and puts a lot of other cars in the same class to shame.
Spent 4 months looking for a low mileage full service history 2009 XJ-sovereign-X358 (UK), and eventually got what I was looking for sub 40K miles and from a good home (private sale), it's a dream to drive and own (went through it's 10 year service ) without any issue, going on a little road trip around the Scottish highlands next week and really looking forward that. the last of the classic jags (beautiful, elegant and that individuality the newer Jags lack) for me well worth the wait after owning an S type for 8 years...
I own a 1995 Sapphire Blue XJ12 and a 2007 XJ8L and I love them. The current Jaguar Saloons look like the rest of the amorphic crap on the road today. These Jaguars look special, but the newer ones look ordinary and sterile inside. I love these cars. BTW you need to feature that 1954 Sunbeam in a video.
My 94 XJ12 is a little thirsty but that engine is probably as smooth as any engine in any car I've ever driven. If I ever scrap the car I think I'll have to pull the engine first.
@@MarkSparks-xd9yy I feel the same way. It can sit for weeks but always fires right up smooth as silk. The best fuel economy I ever got was 16.5 miles per US gal. The same drive train in the XJS gets 20 mpg hwy. Obviously the aerodynamics make a difference.
This was good timing with the announcement of the XJ being discontinued this week. No wonder as the decade-old current model is fugly compared to this beauty.
I have an 08 Vanden Plas in Indigo Blue. Still get compliments whenever I drive it. The model designation is x350. If you don’t want the parking brake applied just push the button, turn off car and remove the key with button depressed. Your windshield was foggy because you didn’t have the system on auto. Cars that did not have the quad zone heating have a much deeper center console. The wheels are called Sabre by Jaguar. Wonderful auto
9mm? 9mm? We British we don't do a 9mm pistol, in our cars! It is 2 off .50 cals behind each of the spots and .30 cals in the economy models. I can't believe you haven't found the big switch for them under the centre armrest yet ;-) Oh by the way the correct British pronunciation of Jaguar is not Jagwaar, it is Jag-you-are. Thank you for the video the styling they use historically comes from the British coachmakers (who were not part of the motor company) who would buy any completed chassis and engine assembly, then add the body-work and upholster the interior. Now the premium UK brands do it all in house it is very rare to find one with a someone else's bodywork and upholstery on them.
It's funny how I used to think that this car was old and outdated looking when it came out and now 12 years later I think it's one of the most beautiful designs. Cars have become too cookie cutter (Audi) and only now can I really appreciate timeless styling versus modern minimalist style.
Stunning Jag definitely one of the best models by far. The only thing I didn't like is the fact that the wood used on the steering wheel does not match the wood used on the dash
The entire Jaguar veneer interior minus the wheel, was constructed in the Jaguar Briwns Lane veneer shop from Californian walnut burr veneer. The wheel was constructed by an italian manufacturer of steering wheels.
Very entertaining commentary I agree with the comments about the last classically styled jagwar .I've got the Sovereign version in dark blue there's a few round Wakefield in West Yorks Only had the car since January and so far so good just had service and new cambelt it's a pleasure to drive and gets so many comments when I'm out n about .Keep up the great reviews you could do a great one on the old Mark 10 Jagwar what a car that was !
Great review and a great car, especially as it is 'Hand grenade' friendly. Also love the way you pronounce it Jag-Warr, here in the UK we pronounce it Jag-U-are! Indecently this type of Jag would be regarded as a luxury saloon rather than a sports car.
You did really well explaining some details. You seem to know and love Jaguars but perhaps not necessarily an expert on the marque. Nor am I, though my brother and I are avid collectors. Just a couple of finer points, nitpicking if you will. This car shares NOTHING with the XJ40, as in 0% shared parts and components. The comments you mad at the beginning are more applicable to the X300, and X308. THEY shared quite a bit with the XJ40, replacing the from and rear clips with more traditional styling. My Brother had THE very last XJ12 (X300) imported to the US by Jaguar, and I had ONE OF the first X308's. Jaguar got a lot of grief with the X350 variants -they had created a world class, all-aluminum monocoque with multiple displacement engines (outside the US) and even a diesel, which seems odd to us yanks but opened up European sales quite a bit. Jaguar did just the opposite of restyling a car with an older platform and drivetrain. Utilizing a "continuation style", they delivered the car in a similar way to what had worked for "half a century" . The 2004 XJ Series aluminum structure, at 400-600 lbs less than Audi A8's Space frame construction, in a bigger car. Weight savings were amazing, with body-in white being 40% lighter than steel construction. The LWB body, with a 5 inch stretch to the wheelbase was only 45 lbs heavier than the SWB body. Ford made a huge investment at the Castle Bromwich Aluminum Pressing plant (Aluminium to the Brits!) Unfortunately, sales never met expectations, with customers not realizing the was an all new vehicle. Note that the new X351 is based on the same platform, though engine size and output have come up (along with the competition) Some call it a failure. Perhaps, if you discount the fact that EVERY current model is now utilizing the aluminum construction introduced with the X350. Jaguar and parent co Tata are certainly recouping on Fords huge investment, even if Ford didn't hand around to. Then again with decisions like the S-Type and X-Type, its no wonder Ford never turned a profit. They were not terrible cars, they were just terrible Jaguars. I still get pissy at the devaluation that the X-Type inflicted in the XJ with it's Mini-me style, but Ford Cousin Dupree engineering. There are two distinct schools of thought on Jaguar XJ. The folks that panned the X350/X356 (07/07 model year) and X358 probably love the new car. As do I, but I just don't think of it as an XJ. They should have named it something different, in all it's wow factor, it just doesn't say "XJ" IIf sales were stronger they could have overlapped the new and old models, selling both for several years. These 2004-2009 last of the traditional XJ's are starting to catch peoples eye, and they always will since there will be no more. They may be no more XJ period, Jaguar sold 1579 XJ's last year in the US. And they depreciate faster than I can type. Which makes them the best used Luxury car you can buy. Consider: You can get a 2012-14 Supercharged X351 for less than a 4 Cylinder Toyota Camry. A high end V6 Camry will run substantially MORE than the 470 HP Jaguar that was $89k new. Don't need that much insanity? A 380 HP "base model" can be had for thousands less than a Base Honda Civic. These cars are superb values, especially for DIY types that do most of their own maintenance. In fact the only time owning one requires "rich man" funds are if you rely in the Jaguar dealer, who will quote a 4 wheel brake job at $1200 with a straight face. Parts are no more expensive than ANY modern car, these are EXTREMELY reliable and well engineered, and uder the right conditions are inexpensive to own and drive. My 07 Vanden Plas see's 28-30 MPG highway mileage, if you keep it below 70. So yes, these cars are basically NOTHING like people "have heard" them to be. I personally am not a huge fan of the 08-09 facelift, since it feels at cross purposes; they were trying to "modernize" the look to overcome criticism and nudge sales until the new model could be released. Some people love it; it's a subjective thing. I don't care for the bladeless blocky bumpers and that huge chrome plinth on the trunk - Sir William would have gagged at that. Last thought (I promise, lol) The non functional "Blade" on the fenders looks better, more integrated when painted body color with just the small horizontal "cross piece" in chrome. Only the 06 Portfolios had a functional vent, and there was only 145 of them brought to US. THOSE are worth scooping up if you can grab a nice, low mileage example. Good luck finding a new owner for this beautiful car! They will be very happy!
Totally agree John, though I only just recently got a 358 it was one of those I wanted, here in the UK there are very few compared to the 350 and obviously the 351 are plentiful with 10 years production under its belt, the more aggressive 358 front is not to a all tastes and the more elegant 350 looking front end is classic Jaguar, but I want the 358 for a few reasons, I do like the front end styling but also wanted that exclusivity rare feel and the last of the classic XJ, in the end up I got the 2.7 Diesel I did want a low milage V8 but very quite difficult to find, seems most hold onto them, and getting 35 miles to the gallon up to 40 on a good run was something I didn't even consider, the car is a dream to drive (again not everyones taste with that air suspension) and hope to have it for many years, and after a few months of ownership I've only seen 1 other x358 and about 10 x350, really comes down to they are all beautiful cars and will always have the elegance and presence that Jaguar had till about 2009!..
Maybe someone else called this out, but the last year for the XJR in this body stylewas 2009. However I absolutely love this body style. Very timeless and beautiful in and out. This video is also nicely done ..very fluid and entertaining .
Agree with Mr. Blair in all respects. I owned a 2006 XJ Super V8 (a Vanden Plas with the supercharged motor) and it was lovely to look at and to drive. Every time behind the wheel was an occasion. Put 160,000 miles on it trouble free over 9 years. Replaced it with a S600, which by that time was, on paper, a better car-but it isn’t fun. And actually doesn’t handle as competently as the Jag. The Jag felt like it was magnetically attached to the road. I’d buy a new XJ, but they are no more. Sad.
@@garysandiego ahh memories... I remember writing that novelette length comment with typos galore with the same passion I still have (as I still have my 07 VDP. Always wanted a Super V8, where Jaguar put everything they had into a LWB masterpiece. I console myself with the knowledge that most of that luxury was doled out to rear seat passengers, a place I almost never am in my car. I do have the 4 zone climate control & lidar cruise control, and DVD/Headrest monitors so all I'm missing is the reclining rear seat and the glorious 400HP SC engine. Ahh well, the NA engine's a bit easier/cheaper to keep up with and my Licence probably wouldn't survive the temptation of surprising people who don't know what it is.
I first fell in love with the Jag xj design/looks (with all its mechanical faults and defects) due to a British 70's early 80's TV series called "Minder," and "Arthur Daley," the shady co-protagonist, drove an xj6 I believe.
15:07 well now bill, you have to compare this infotainment system with the Lexus system of the same year. Lexus used to have a touch screen only infotainment system, from 1998 to 2012 (refreshed in 2007) which was super easy to use and really ahead of its time. Voice nav, and also had service reminders for the most obscure things, like air filters lol. It was very comparable to this infotainment system in this beautiful jaguar
It uses a lot of elements from Volvo/Ford of this era. Ford the automatic brake, and the mirors (identical) no issues at Volvo, so shoudn't be a problem. (you'll still have problems) What a great looking sedan.
You mentioned the fog lights, but right below the fog light switch is a rear fog light switch. European cars (not sure which countries mandate it, but for sure the northern ones) have rear foglights for safety in inclement weather. They light up brighter than the regular rear lights.
Protrusion like the leaping cat, the Rolls Royce Spirit, Mercedes star were not fitted in the U.K. unless they were retractable in impact. I do not believe that any XJ had the leaping cat at any time in the U.K. from 1968 onwards except as an aftermarket fit whereas the Mk 2 Jags had them fitted as standard
Correction: You don’t have to manually release the e-parking brake before driving. When you shift from P to D, the e-parking brake should automatically disengage on its own.
Beautiful car bill. I like the older ones best but these are starting to grow on me I like the aluminum bodies because the older ones are bad for frame rails and floor pans rust.
Great find, I have one, 2008 Vanden Plas same color with 106k mi, and the break automatically shuts off once in drive and you press the gas. It's an assistive drive feature that's nice to have on a hill and I also have it on my 2012 XKR. Does this have built in XM?
