![Jaguar XJ - all generations 1968-2018](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/images/2018/07/25/TELEMMGLPICT000170126391_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqFZhihuoQaCcF1kwsUTduSCCsiW9NpUEcAwkBXn03NhA.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Jaguar XJ: how to buy a modern classic
![Jaguar XJ - all generations 1968-2018](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/images/2018/07/25/TELEMMGLPICT000170126391_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqFZhihuoQaCcF1kwsUTduSCCsiW9NpUEcAwkBXn03NhA.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Hands up anyone who has ever looked through the used car classifieds and, upon seeing a Jaguar XJ advertised for little over £1,000, considered taking the plunge? I know I have, for not only does Jaguar’s flagship saloon, which turns 50 this year, look superb in any of its eight generations, but it also promises a level of luxury and refinement that is surely unmatched at this price.
To give you an example, a quick search at the time of writing unearthed a 1998 4.0-litre XJ8 with 160,000 miles and a full service history for £2,000. Or, for the same sum, how about a 2001 XJ Executive with only 85,000 miles?
Surely they can’t be any good, can they?
“It’s like any used car. You could pay a lot and end up with a money pit, or you could pay very little for a car that’s no trouble at all,” says Rob Jenner, serial XJ owner and director of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club.
Among Jenner’s collection are 15 of the XJ40-generation of cars that were sold from 1986 to 1994. Indeed, it is precisely this era of XJ that he believes is turning into an “emerging classic”, combining Eighties styling with modern electronics and features such as ABS brakes, air-conditioning and, on later cars, airbags.
![Jaguar XJ40 - 1986-1994](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/images/2018/07/30/TELEMMGLPICT000170125110_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqGVspQf-4BFg7Zrg4iz7_JLP3VxqVl2122vuEf1Yp1Eg.jpeg?imwidth=350)
With more than 200,000 XJ40s built in its eight-year production run, there’s certainly plenty to choose from, and while the angular styling (including rectangular headlights) marked a break from XJ tradition it might just finally be finding its time. Prices start from a few hundred pounds, with really good examples fetching upwards of £4,000 (the sum, incidentally, recently paid for a 25,000-mile XJ40 sold at auction).
David Marks, who runs Jaguar specialist David Marks Garages in Nottingham, also champions the XJ40, but for something more modern that could be used on a daily basis says the ultimate XJ is the later X350, built between 2003 and 2007. “They are very underrated cars, all aluminium, and even the 4.2-litre V8 will do more than 30mpg if driven gently. They are reliable, too; just keep the oil and coolant topped up and don’t abuse them. Then they’ll last forever.”
The same applies to the 3.0-litre V6 engine, which will return around 36mpg on a run and with proper care will “go to the moon and back twice,” says Marks, who has seen a few with 400,000 miles on the clock. In terms of budget, allow about £4,000 for a good example.
![Jaguar X350 - 2003-2007](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/images/2018/07/30/TELEMMGLPICT000170126381_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqCYOa2gBSmV4lkd5QGVK8gk719RGnB6nT1aE_dfVyvJo.jpeg?imwidth=350)
For performance junkies, meanwhile, it’s well worth taking a look at an XJR, whether it’s an earlier six-cylinder model or the later and more powerful V8. Both are supercharged to deliver startling performance, have a superb ride and handling balance and, if properly maintained, will run and run. If that appeals, budget about £9,000.
Anybody who covers a particularly high mileage might also be interested in the 2.7-litre V6 diesel engine, particularly if they read contemporary road tests which lauded its performance. However, they are no good for low-mileage drivers, and don’t have the same reputation for reliability as the petrol models – and that’s before you even start to consider possible future taxation on older diesel cars.
Running costs for any XJ bar the V12 models need not be exorbitant, largely thanks to there being a healthy network of Jaguar specialists who are well-versed in the cars, and can carry out a basic service for between £400 and £500.
![Jaguar XJ X300 - 1994-1997](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/images/2018/07/30/TELEMMGLPICT000170126371_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqeb8bHmqgN4B33_9lIBcwRRQi6PRqJHjRdAebnXUZhlU.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Models up to and including the X300 generation cars from 1994 to 1997 can also be maintained by a competent DIY mechanic – if you’re prepared to do just that then there could be some logic to buying an XJ for £2,000 or less.
The caveat with all of them is to make sure there’s no rust, or at least as little of it as possible. “Generally with Jaguars it’s not the mechanicals that cost a lot to fix, but the bodywork,” advises Marks, who will scan a car’s online MoT record for any mentions of corrosion before going to see it.
Following simple steps such as this, as well as making use of the friendly and knowledgeable owners’ clubs, will drastically increase your chances of choosing wisely. Do so and a cheap XJ really does have the potential to be every bit as good as you’d hoped.
Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club: jec.org.uk
For tips and advice, visit our Advice section, or sign up to our newsletter here