USED Jaguar XJ Saloon (03 - 09)

My car

After years of German dominance in this market, it is good to see that they have been matched and overtaken by this British car. It is so revolutionary to drive, being agile and predictable on the road.

The passenger experience is also good, with more legroom in the back, and a ride which is very good indeed.

Overall, after 10 months ownership, it will be another one next new car, as the reliability has been first class.

My car

Not worth the money. This one has been in the garage for modifications more then 15 times in two years. I've found Jaguar customer service to be poor and getting worse. I have driven Jaguar for 7 years and owned three including my latest one, a 52-plate XJ8. I got better service from Ford.

My car

Was worried that the 3.0-litre engine would not be powerful enough. But in the event, it has been a revelation. And the added bonus of 25mpg-27mpg is remarkable in a luxury car of this size.

Although Jaguar has been criticised for the unadventurous styling of the new XJ series, the car has been greatly admired and I happen to park quite often next to a new BMW 730 - talk about beauty and the beast!!

If carefully packed, the admittedly shallow boot will take two electric carts and two full-size golf bags, which was a pleasant surprise. I would say the feature that I like least (and it has been Jaguar's weakest point for some time) is the "J" gate automatic changer - which is a pity because the 6-speed box is a pleasure to use - but it's best left to do its own thing in the fully automatic mode.

My car

Ride, handling and performance are thoroughly respectable; fit and finish as good as BMW and Mercedes Benz, but not nearly as good as Audi.

Issues are minor, but bothersome nonetheless - trunk lid should open perpendicular to the body; dash and instruments are completely unimpressive.

The seat heaters are inadequate and a waste of time and effort.