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Used 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
38 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

I was hesitant for years

Jeff K, Los Angeles, CA, 10/01/2017
Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful

I was the guy that always admired these cars for years when I'd see them on the road. Friends thought I was crazy, that it was an old man’s car. So, I would just end up leasing a new BMW 5 Series every 3 years. I got so bored of the 5 and all the other new European sedans I'd see on the road here in LA. Finally, I said 'that's it!', when the next pristine 2004-2007 XJ comes up for sale locally I'm gonna jump on it and throw my 5 Series up on Swap-A-Lease. That day came in August of last year and found myself an 04 Vanden Plas with 41k miles on it. Paid a little over $13k for it. Just like most used cars, especially ones this old, you have to expect to do a little sorting in the beginning. I spent about $1500 in the first few months and it’s been smooth sailing ever since, just routine maintenance. The car is an absolute joy to drive. Quiet, comfortable, plush, luxurious but also light on its feet and handles amazingly well. I thought I would miss all the latest technology and convenience of a new car. I don't at all. Find an awesome independent mechanic that specializes in these cars. The dealers are way overpriced and are used to working on the modern cars. For anybody that's on the fence don't be. Just get a good one and you'll never look back. Oh, my friends that used to make fun of me now love it as much as I do

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

Love hate relationship

whart12, Towson, MD, 08/18/2011
Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
55 of 58 people found this review helpful

Bought XJ8 VDP used with 60000 reading on the odometer. Love the comfort speed and styling of this big cat but been disappointed with its quality. If you are the type that can fix little things on your own then this wouldn’t be a bad buy. The XJ has not left me stranded but have had little things go wrong. List of problem that I was able to fix myself: 1. All lock mechanism stopped working- found used parts on Ebay for 200 for all 4 doors. New price for each door is 300+. 2. Interior blower motor stop working- found control module on Ebay for 120. New part 300+ 3. Trunk latch stopped working- found trunk latch on Ebay for 50. New part 400+ 4. Radio amp stopped working- found used part on Ebay for 100. New part 1500+ Again, if you don’t have a personal mechanic or you are not able to turn a wrench do yourself a favor stay away…..

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4.25 out of 5 stars

1 Week Into Jaguar Ownership

mherbst, Denver, CO, 03/14/2013
Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
33 of 37 people found this review helpful

12k a 40k mile car was a steal. I purchased this car knowing something would break. You have to have that mindset for all Jaguars and plan accordingly. This car was below my budget for a used car, and I put my savings from the purchase into an account for future repairs. I'm now very glad I did. 1 week in and the sunroof is broken, air suspension has visible leaks, who knows what else. Just the parts for the sunroof are $800, rear air suspension is $1500 for one shock. If you don't mind working on a car yourself (which I don't) this is a decent buy, also for air suspension issues arnott makes better than factory suspension. 4 shocks for the price of a jag one.

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5 out of 5 stars

WOW!

welchct4, Farmington, CT, 04/22/2011
Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

I have owned my, low-mileage (23k), 2004 XJ Vanden Plas for a little over a month now. This automobile is without question the finest automobile that I have ever owned. The quality of the interior blows away anything from Germany or Japan. The electronics (Alpine stereo, Nav, Rear DVD, etc.) are simple, logical and easy to operate. The exterior is a timeless classic and the aluminum body make the MPG's incredible (18-20 city/28-31 hwy). In fact, I've averaged 27.3 mpg (80% Hwy./20% City) for the first 1,300 miles that I've owned the car! Ridiculous depreciation, based upon sins of the past, make this without question the best value in the used luxury car market.

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5 out of 5 stars

Jack's Jag

Jack, 12/07/2008
Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

My 2004 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas is the finest motorcar that I have ever owned. The quality of the fit and finish is superb. The performance of the vehicle on all types of road surfaces is excellent, and it is fun to drive. The seats are very supportive and serve to enhance the driving experience. Fuel economy is exceptional, with over 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The cabin is quiet and comfortable at cruising speed. I only wish that I had purchased such a fine vehicle sooner.

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