Jaguar xj8 - bitterblue
I am thinking of buying a circa 2000 - W or X reg - Jaguar xj8. I have test driven the 3.2 but have not tried a 4.0 yet. I do not think an xjr is realistic due to running/service costs and insurance.

Does anyone have experience of these cars and have an opinion on whether the 4.0 will perform significantly better than the 3.2 and also whether it will cost a lot more. Anything I should look out for when viewing (other than the obvious).
Jaguar xj8 - bitterblue
I'll take that as a 'no' then!!
Jaguar xj8 - Dynamic Dave
Patience not one of your strong points then?
Jaguar xj8 - Vincent de Marco
Surely the 4.0 will perform better - 237 horse vs. 284 though I suspect that the box would be the same. I don't think buying the 4.0 would cost a lot more, keeping it in shape is a different story, but you probably already know it.
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I am the only Pole over here.
Jaguar xj8 - Roger Jones
I venture a generalization: with the same body, larger engines will deliver performance with less effort and often the same or greater economy. They will be less stressed and, therefore, perhaps less prone to failure. Having said that, I have to confess to having purchased a 300 SE W126 Mercedes, and I was influenced by the fact that parts are much cheaper than for its V8 420, 500 and 560 siblings; I also listened to my experienced mechanic, who reckoned the 300 to be much easier to live with. However, that's more to do with differences between straight-six and V8 than simply with cubic capacity, and Jaguars may be completely different in that respect.
Jaguar xj8 - Vincent de Marco
Exactly - besides they're both V8s.
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I am the only Pole over here.
Jaguar xj8 - Kevin
OK,

The 4.0L is slightly faster than the 3.2L and has slightly better fuel consumption but to be honest, I doubt that you'll notice the difference in day to day driving whichever you choose. If you're like me, you'll find that your driving style changes to suit the car and your blood-pressure drops likewise.

Running cost are about the same for both. Major service for '99MY onwards is at 70K and costs about £500 at a main dealer. Interim 10K services are around £250. Tyres for the standard 16" wheels (Pirelli P6000s) are approx £100 each. Brake pads all round £260. Fuel consumption for my 3.2 Exec. on a daily commute of urban, A-road and dual-carriageway is about 22mpg.

Independent Jag specialists are significantly cheaper if you have one nearby.

The advantage with used 4.0L models is that they are usually higher spec. so you get more toys. If you can get a 4.0L with the colour and spec that you are looking for then go for it but don't pay much of a premium over a 3.2L with similar spec.

The XJR and Daimler Super-V are considerably quicker but cost more in fuel, servicing and insurance.

Kevin...
Jaguar xj8 - Collos25
Petrol consumption round town can be pretty frightning at around 14 ,I looked long and hard at buying a 4.0 Jag as I believe they are one of the nicest looking cars on the road but settled for a 2001 E200k which averages 31 overall according to its computer ,just quiet and comfy fast enough low maintainancec 4 cylinder motor which also helps with the insurance.