Used Jaguar XJ Saloon 1997 - 2003 reliability review
It's refined and comfortable, but possibly a little 'old hat' for some people
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What's the used Jaguar XJ like?
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Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
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What should I look for in a used Jaguar XJ?
It's vital to buy a car with a service history, as there have been a number of recalls. 1998 XJs had problems with throttles not opening properly, and some 1999 cars had transmission glitches that caused them to lock up.
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You should also check - or get someone else to check - that the throttle is not fouling the underbonnet liner and that the power steering pipe is not chafing the alternator terminals. Be aware that the front suspension bushes need replacing every 25,000 miles and, on an XJR, make sure the brakes are in good order.
Despite all that - and, you'd be forgiven for having second thoughts about the big Jag - XJs have actually proved generally pretty sound an reliable. In a recent JD Power survey, Jaguar was the top British marque, and it fared well in the Warranty Direct reliability league
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About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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