2000 Jaguar XJ8 Sedan
From the 2000 Jaguar dealer brochure: "After decades of racing and rallying victories, a new era in Jaguar's history has begun. Jaguar chose the all-aluminum "V" design for the latest generation of production engines because it combines rigidity with lightweight. Everything you want from a high performance saloon, and more. Extraordinary refinement and ride comfort. Technology in harmony with the wood and leather. Beautiful, in every sense."
For consignment, the embodiment of those lofty words. A fairly rare long wheelbase 2000 XJ8-L that's been well maintained and has been the recipient of some recent maintenance items and a full detail and displaying 75,237 title verified actual miles. Jaguar's notorious focus on luxury and offering of a broad array of standard features, make this car a standout among thousands of others on the road.
Exterior
Our car is bathed in Sapphire Metallic, a two-stage paint and given the rarity of the "L" model and this uncommon color, there are likely very few in this spec in the United States. The wonderful body colored fascia and bumper are enhanced by the upper chrome trim on the bumper. The oval marker lights differentiate the car from previous generations and integrated fog lights are standard. It almost wouldn't be a Jaguar without the leaper hood ornament and the signature grille. The exterior condition belies the 75,237 miles this car has traveled thus far, but does show just a handful of scuffs and scratches on the front. The windows are all framed with substantial chrome pieces and the B-pillar is part of that reflective design detail. The wrap-around tail lights introduced in 1997 continue here and the rear bumper gets the same chrome trim and body coloring treatment of the front. We note a few scratches on the rear bumper paint as well. The factory 16-inch wheels are in very good condition and carry 225/60/15's on all corners.
Interior
Jaguar does interiors right and that is immediately evident from the door cards which are honestly some of the most attractive door panels we've seen. Warm tones of Oatmeal leather mix with a mocha brown plastic and burl applique in a sweeping, organic design that is sculpted to perfection. The Oatmeal leather continues to the bucket seats where inserts are stitched in symmetrical rows surrounded by padded bolsters. We note wear on the driver's seat, but no tears. The pattern continues to the back seats which have bucket style design for two and room in the middle for a third passenger. Before we leave the backseat, we must note that this is where the extra five inches of stretch is felt most. It is said that adults can cross their legs in the back with the added room. Even with the front seats back, it is indeed comfortable in the rear seats. The steering wheel is modern, which means nothing special when you compare it to vintage Jaguars, but air bags take up the middle. A simple, functional dash with burl surround features three gauges flanked by multiple buttons cut in the shape of a circle. The center stack houses vents sculpted over a button heavy control center that operates the climate control, AM/FM/Cassette radio, seat heaters, traction control and others. The consignor notes that four new speakers have been installed. The J shaped automatic shift gate is unique and attractive in its leather coated base. The mocha carpet is plush, and the headliner surrounds a sunroof controlled by switches on an overhead console where you'll also find map lights and memory/garage buttons. The trunk is lined with gray flannel panels and houses a CD changer, all very tidy!
Drivetrain
Under the hood is the venerable 4.0 liter V8 of this period with double overhead cams and rated at 290 horsepower, drawing its atomized energy from electronic fuel injection. The ZF transmission is a 5-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels and 3.06 gears. Naturally, the car is equipped with power disc brakes. In the engine bay, the V8 is a good looking piece of machinery with black plastic covers and multi tunneled intake that looks like a line of dancing snakes. Maintenance points such as the dipstick and filler caps are clearly marked.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen sporadically, reserved for the untreated steel components and much of the exhaust system, but otherwise we see solid structural underpinnings and clean floor pans. Independent coil spring suspension on all four corners is noted. We noted new rear Bilstein shocks, new front brakes, rotors and calipers, lines and right front upper ball joint while the car was up on the lift. Three mufflers and two resonators assure a quiet ride and are likely bolstered by other sound deadening measures. A quiet car is a nice place to be.
Drive-Ability
And quiet it is. The leather clad interior is like a cocoon once you shut the door and the engine is barely audible. Down the J-gate we go into drive and direct this lofty ride out of the stable. There's something unique about the low roofline, long hood and refined interior that makes for a very pleasant ride. The car shifts so smoothly it's almost indetectable, but the power is quite noticeable. Everything functions as intended including the new brakes which we utilized after pulling the cat back into the garage.
With service records back to this car's 14,000 mile mark, you'll have the confidence of a well-documented and well maintained luxury car in a unique color and rare platform. These are refined and sophisticated cars that also have a loyal fan base and network of owners who communicate through clubs, forums, and Facebook groups.
SAJDA23C5YLF00587
S-Great Britain
AJ-Jaguar Passenger Car
D-Manual Belts Front Airbags
A-Automatic, Left Hand Drive
23-XJ-L Sedan
C-XJ8
5-Check Digit
Y-2000
L-Coventry, England Assy Plant
F-4.0 Liter 290hp V8
00587-Sequential Unit Number
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