| The Jaguar XJR, especially 1997-2003, is the best | | | | gorgeous Jaguar to keep it running would never |
| performance car value on the market today. On the | | | | believe these are the same cars. Truth be told, they |
| private, secondary market, cars in good condition can | | | | aren't the same because Ford bought Jaguar in 1989 |
| be had for well below comparative market value. | | | | and they have thrown all of their resources at making |
| What makes the Jaguar XJR an exceptional deal is | | | | the Jaguar extremely reliable. Ford has done an |
| the same thing that has made Jaguar incomparable- | | | | outstanding job. However, it tends to be European |
| the mystique, the level of class and luxury and an | | | | performance cars in general that require perspective |
| intangible quality that has no rival on the used car | | | | buyers to pay attention to 3 critical things; |
| market. | | | | 1. Timing chains or tensioners- common with all |
| Putting those intangibles aside, look at performance | | | | multi-valve, overhead motors |
| first. The Jaguar XJ sedan was the unchallenged | | | | 2. Water pumps and thermostats- European cars rev |
| fastest 4 door sedan in the world for years, but | | | | more that American counterparts so they tend to |
| recently, the XJR raised the bar and forced BMW and | | | | wear quicker |
| Mercedes to step up their game. Today, the Jaguar | | | | 3. Nikasil cylinders- only tends to be an issue |
| XJR is still in the top ten, posting 0-60 times of 5.3 | | | | infrequently, but the gas you use is a major factor, use |
| seconds and the current generation can do it in 4.7 | | | | the best, the cars deserve it. |
| seconds. To be in the top ten in anything is noteworthy, | | | | Even today, with the facts in and tallied, the Jaguar |
| to do it in one of the most competitive market | | | | XJR seems to be the forgotten of the lot when it |
| segments of production cars going up against the best | | | | comes to performance cars but some of this may be |
| in the world is quite another. A second generation | | | | due to the fact that the Jaguar brand has never been |
| Jaguar XJR can cover the quarter mile in mid 13's | | | | about being ostentatious, rather as the founder |
| stock, easily slipping into the 12's with minor bolt on | | | | Mr.Lyons would say, "Grace, Pace and Space." |
| goodies. That's quick, ask Mr. Corvette. The Jaguar | | | | Speaking of space, one of the knocks on the XJ and |
| XJR gets that performance from a brilliant 4.0 to 4.2 | | | | XJR has always been about the lack of rear |
| liter, all aluminum, 32 valve V8, supercharged to | | | | passenger room. It's a valid concern, but if you're |
| produce 370-400hp and more than 380ft lbs of torque. | | | | looking for express transit for 5 adults or more, get a |
| Weighing in at just under 4,000lbs that much power | | | | Porsche Cayenne. However, kids make the best |
| can only be described as grinning, good fun. | | | | gigglers anyway and to this end, the Jaguar XJR will |
| Performance might be what gets your attention, but to | | | | suit the purpose like no other because of it's stealth |
| hold the title of 'Best Of' anything requires a | | | | quality avoiding 'black and white' attention which can be |
| satisfactory running cost to go along with it. Today's | | | | embarrassing to explain to the kids. |
| performance automotive consumer will accept nothing | | | | In closing, the point is, if you are in the market for a high |
| less and it is here that the Jaguar XJR defies logic. | | | | performance sedan, the Jaguar XJR is a car that not |
| Logic because if you ask anyone about Jaguars, two | | | | only should not be ignored, but should be put at the top |
| things will pass their lips; beautiful cars, hope you can | | | | of your list and compared all others to it. The Jaguar |
| keep it running. Surprisingly, Jaguars have been ranked | | | | XJR in any pound for pound, dollar for dollar |
| in the top 5-6 by J.D. Power and Associates year | | | | comparison, will come out on top. Buy now before the |
| after year for reliability. Yep, the old man down the | | | | rest of the market figures it out. |
| street who you see constantly fiddling with his | | | | |