I've got a '99 XJ8 in FL...different mill but the same basic platform and mechanical bits. Only has 43k miles on it but has a hot start issue that has made it more unreliable than my 182k-mile '00 Passat (also in FL). I'm not down there enough to diagnose it, nor do I have the tools to repair it. Even if I did, I'm not going down to FL for a 3- or 4-day weekend to wrench on it.
I am still a big fan of Jaguars because:
- They are dirt cheap. In SW Florida XJ40 and X300 Jags are like Honda Civics in price.
- The profile is still (and always will be, IMHO) one of the prettiest and distinguishable designs.
- They cruise like none other.
- Upscale image. Always nice for the "Fake-it-'til-ya-make-it" types.
- After MY 1995, Ford definitely improved the electronics and made the price for used parts come way down. Great if you want a unique 3rd or 4th car.
Downside:
- Maintenance is still a pain. Not difficult to wrench on for preventative maintenance, but I'd hate to have specialty components go bad.
- Interiors/paint (at least in FL) don't hold up as well as I hoped.
- I've driven I6, V8, and 12-cyl Jags...the 4.0L V8 isn't worth any sort of price premium. I'd only buy another Jag if it was an inline-6 or a V12. Straight-line performance is weak.