Jaguar XJ8 (X350) Review - The best cheap luxury car on the market? - BEARDS n CARS

The X350 and X358 generation Jaguar XJ is easily one of my favourite Jag platforms I've driven, especially in supercharged 400 horsepower XJR form. But even in this more modest - and even more affordable - XJ8 trim, there is still a plethora of things to love about these XJ's.
From acres of space in the cabin and boot, to a superb air cushioned ride, to a clean and classy retro-modern design, and of course effortless performance, they really are fantastic cars for the money. But with this kind of bang for buck value, they are bound to start going up in price soon enough...
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[@HSGAutomotive]

Correction to the video: I mentioned the facelifted 2007 model being the X351. I should have said X358, as the X351 is the 2010 and onward car. Also, you can take a peek through the catalogue of other cars which I've featured in Beards 'n Cars here: kzbin.info/aero/PLli-l3TTlwDO_6yAJuczuC7IDDcTr6L9m

[@mathijsdevries728]

Have been driving x350’s for four years now. I’m a gearhead that owned about 35 different cars in my 50 year old life, but after stumbling upon my first x350 XJ8 3.5l I instantly knew I had been missing out on something. What a car! About everything you mention in your video is precisely what I experienced as well... After owning the 3.5l for a little over 3 years, I traded her up for a Super V8 LWB, which is the luxury version with 400 HP supercharged engine. Although both cars NEVER left me stranded, they do need their attention and maintenance. But parts not expensive and way cheaper than for instance for my 1998 Saab 9-3 convertible... Go figure. 🤷🏻‍♂️ So, they are beautiful cars with amazing road presence, great handling and comfort, lots of room, relatively cheap to maintain and relatively economical. And other people like them as well! Since I moved from a 2004 BMW 735 to the XJ, I feel much more relaxed behind the wheel! No more road rage (although 400 HP does help with outrunning cars... 😉) and mainly friendly gestures. I am a fan. 😊

[@goingundersground]

I live in the US and owned a 2006 XJ VDP (4.2V8) from 2011 to 2019 taking it from 11K miles to 113K. A great car, with very few niggles. I did my own oil changes and brakes and the parts here were not that expensive. The leather and paint held up extremely well and despite being aluminum, I never suffered a single door ding in 8 years. The car was very well made. I had a few suspension components changed under warranty and that can be expensive, but overall it was great experience. A point to note is that electrical gremlins can often be traced to the battery; so replace when needed.

[@pete3198]

Big fan of these X350 XJ's (and the generation before it). I have always loved that classic/iconic Jaguar look both on the inside and the outside, and was extremely dissapointed when Jaguar decided to go in a new design direction - I feel they really gave away much of that timeless charm that made the brand stand out.

[@oliverfernyhough-martin9525]

The first time I came across the x350 XJ was when I was about 4 years old and my uncle bought one. He had a 3.5 V8 SE and he always used to pick me up from school in it. He sold that in 2011 to buy an early XF. He never get on with it that well and in 2018 bought a XJ Super V8, one below the Daimler specification. I've always loved them and so glad that at twenty years old I have one of the best specced 3 litre SE cars in the country with nearly every option ticked. My car is high mileage but I trust that with regular service and care + attention it will give me many tens of thousands of happy motoring.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one!

[@richardclark7579]

Have an XJ diesel (yeah yeah) for 2 years so far. Great experience so far. Sat for 4 months, woke up & did 1000 miles in 10 days. No problems whatsoever; 46mpg Newquy - Worthing & back twice. So nice to drive. Gives me a semi.

[@stephenwarren6392]

I have 2004 Jaguar 3.5 V8 and it's been fantastic. I would say in common with most prestigious cars, look for a one with service history rather than cheapest on the market. The independent Jag dealer in Birmingham look after mine and I have it regularly serviced. Fantastic cars, effortless comfort and it's been very reliable.👍

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice 👌

[@lifeonwheels9874]

I own an early X350 XJ8 4.2 in black, 45k miles. Its had a full gearbox service and i keep on top of oul and filter changed. It truly is an amazing car, very comfortable and almost brutally quick when required. In my mind the best looking of all tge XJ's and even has adaptive cruise control !! Incredible car, beautiful inside and out combined with the best engineering from Ford at the time, designed and built with no budget restrictions - a true classic. Mines in close to mint condition and I would not part with her for any price!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, great motor

[@nicholasvouis7287]

05 XJR, Most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. The brake disc warping is true, aftermarket brakes help, but they still do warp easy.

[@RingerRacing]

i wonder if custom brake cooling ducts or little air diverters going to the rotor/hub might help ..

[@jamescameron314]

I owned a silver XJ with pale leather and half woodrim steering wheel. I drove it for 10 years and wish I had kept it. Its 3.6 V8 engine was very economical. I've owned many dozens of cars but this was the best car ever!!

[@ernanidimassa4968]

I have had four XJ's going back to the early 80's when Lucas Electronics (sometimes referred to as the Prince of Darkness) created a constant problem. I have always loved the way they drive and handle (best bumper sticker I saw on an early 80's model simply said 'OH BUT WHEN IT RUNS...') . The elegance and look of 90's and early 2000's Jaguars is beyond comparison. I currently have a 2006 Vanden Plas and really love this car. It's fun to drive and easy to maintain. A few years back I was invited to meet the design team behind the current Jaguar re-design and I could not hold back in expressing my feelings in terms of how ugly and 'Un-Jaguar-Like' the current design is. It simply looks like a Toyota or a Kia or tens of other cars with not one distinctive Jaguar design element. They even tried to convince me that the XJ tail lights are an interpretation of a Jaguar claw reaching up over the rear... really?... looks nothing like that to me There is nothing else that compares to driving a 'classic' well maintained Jaguar. You can't drive any better vehicle hands down.

[@HSGAutomotive]

I do find Jaguar's more recent work to be more 'Euro' styled than British. The rear of the X351 reminds me quite a bit of a Maserati in fact.

[@schonique]

I have a the 2006 XJ8L which is so much faster than my 2008 Vaden Plas, but this one looks better. The ‘06 needs Computer Fault, Windows, Moonroof & a small repair on the front (Bonnet, Ballast (Light) & Fog Light. The ‘08 the tank doesn’t completely fill. If my love for these weren’t obsessive, who I still own them? Yes!

[@jonathanwright9269]

Great vid ..love the red interior...that's rare

[@oliverfernyhough-martin9525]

Just came across you today and your reviewing my favourite cars ace

[@HSGAutomotive]

Haha, glad you enjoy them. Plenty of Jags here already that's for sure, lol

[@markf.langenauer1985]

Great comments and I sure miss my V12SIIIHE. Will buy one again.

[@slicksebring]

Excellent video. Doing research as I’m considering buying one from this generation or the one before.

[@The70s80scollection]

I've owned Jags for around the last 10 years, an S Type (2004) then a XJ sovereign X358 (2009) I purposely looked for one of the last production version and managed to find low mileage May 2009 registered car (flew down from Scotland then drove it back up from Oxford), to me these versions represent the last of the Jaguar classic styling and I believe will go on the be a more of a desirable classic in the future than the new generation, and while the new styling may be more appealing and modern trend following (not wanting to sound disrespectful to Ian Callum) , that modern styling won't age as gracefully as the Sir William Lyons XJ classic lines did.... And excellent filmed videos, these would take some time to produce..

[@HSGAutomotive]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@TheSoupdragon1968]

I bought a X350 V6, with an LPG conversion on it. It was just a stop gap car tbh. I paid a grand for it, it had done 120 k and had a stuffed front bumper and a small car park knock on a door. What a fantastic car, the driving position is so adjustable I can't imagine anyone not getting comfortable... It was silver with black leather, and the same wood as yours on test. When I bought it some of the options never worked heated front screen rear screen. Heated seats. One very cold morning I got in fired it up, hey presto everything sprang into life! I did have a few issues, a few months into ownership and it began to misfire just now and then, on gas or petrol. The fix in the end after a pair of very experienced mechanics, tore there hair out for two weeks! Was the top engine wiring loom was shorting out,. £ 370 all in. Running on LPG made it silly cheep to run on my commute to work, and oh so relaxing.... I booked it in for an MOT, and at the test station the main front to rear brake pipe burst, Its a big job as the axel apparently has to be dropped down. So I sold it on to be fixed by the new owner... The V6 is a lovely Smooth engine, thrives on revs and sounds great. I'd love another... I really bonded with it, that takes a lot for me.... Recommended!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice. Thanks for your experiences with it

[@theflyingsteamerstoke8534]

We love all XJ models but the X300/308/350 really offer the best value in classic, luxury cruising at fantastic value for money. It can often be tricky explaining these cars to non Jag enthusiasts but the way we see it is the X308 is nowadays cheap as chips but is much more old school than the car here and there are plenty of examples that have been neglected, with high miles and plenty of terminal corrosion but in good condition is still an utterly sublime cruiser. We have an X308 and find it nothing less than enjoyable, smooth and a shear joy to drive for long distances. But where the 308 and 350 are ideal 'hobby' cars is that there are plenty of good, clean examples on the market at very reasonable prices with probably plenty more of these coming onto the market over the next couple of years or so. Great video and a good down-to-earth explanation of the 350.... despite those red seats!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Haha, red doesn’t seem too popular with traditional Jag lovers 😂 glad you enjoyed the review

[@dominicgray7833]

I have an X330 1996 LWB,straight six Daimler here in France.The best most reliable kilomètre gobbler you could wish for.Parts painfully difficult to source here but everthing available in the UK if you hunt and if specifically left hand drive all available in the USA. Mine has 295600 km on the clock and still gallops like a skalded stallion,to mix métaphores

[@setter501]

Cheers mate from old Pom in OZ! Fantastic review! I love your enthusiasm for these beautiful machines!, 2 years ago i bought my dream finally at 67 yoa!, id been waiting since 1968!, Well im glad it took so long!, this incarnation is the Best!! I purchased a 2003 XJ 4.2 normally aspirated standarc wheelbase, the only girl i love more is my Labrador! What can i say but the old Jag slogan, "Pace with Grace!, its got enough grunt for modern city traffic and is just the most wonderful place to be!, i l test drove beemers and mercs and XFs, 351s(2010 on), (just to make sure!), this is the best! It has everything, ive even updated to Jagdroid, 360 camera!, bluetooth etc etc, i used to dream about Vicarage upgrade rebuilds of old mk 2s with all mod cons (what 350+ grand aus at least dunno!), but i reckon this baby shits all over em! It has the retro style us true Jagpersons Love! plus all mod cons especially some of great tech ive added, she's BRG, 100,000ks (85000 at purchase) and is showroom immaculate!, (1 fastidious previouse enthusiast owner) had to give it up age 94 cos of eyesight!, i genuinely have compassion for the old boy, it would have been like loosing the love of your life!, i keep in touch and send him photos of his bub to show shes still loved!, at 25000 AUS, an absolute give a away!, i paid him his asking price!, theyre going up here, i have her insured for 37k AUS!, ridiculously underrated! Oh btw, apart from normal servicing which in Cairns is pretty reasonable at Independent Jag specialist, shes cost me bugger all so far, 200 bux on a new plastic cw tank and 50 bux for a micro switch for the boot lock! Previouse owner did suspension upgrade at 80k kms, so should be great for anothe 100 at least, Best Jag Sedan ever! 💖💖💖

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, glad you're enjoying it

[@tonywilliams2517]

I've owned my X350 3.5 sport fort over five years. It cost me £4,500 and after fixing a few time related issues it has been fantastic, used as an everyday car and utterly reliable over my 35,000 miles of use. I've had XJ 6's and XJ40 in the past but this one is the tops.

[@1995RangeRover]

Love the Jag review!! Lexus has great resale value in the US.

[@dococc5480]

I have had a 2004 XJR 4.2 liter that now has 147,000 km. I have replaced the brakes at 110,000 km and the water pump seal after the first 2 years but apart from that only oil changes and tires. Love driving it. Still looks brand new. Has been the best car I have ever owned.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one 👍

[@ianjackson4011]

I previously owned a 1979 Daimler 4.2 Sovereign and an S type 3.0 and loved them both for different reasons. I have still to ride in a car more comfortable than the '79 Daimler, like a magic carpet ride! I think my next car might be an x350, so beautiful.

[@VishalGupta-od5mf]

This is an excellent review. I want a Jag XJ even more now.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Ahah, nice one. There's a lot to love depending on which generation you choose

[@VishalGupta-od5mf]

@@HSGAutomotive I love the styling of the XF and reckon it will suit me. I always admire them when I see them on the road. My neighbour has 3.0d Portfolio S and I'm very likely to buy it from him. Hopefully within 12 monymyhs I'll be driving a Jag.

[@driverslineocsz4418]

Awesome coverage, I never knew that this Jag had a self adjusting suspension system. I know some cars had them such as the GMC Denali and Lincoln Navigator had this feature, here in the states. I believe the RX7 FD3S Type R Bathurst had this, but makes sense since it’s a sports car. Very informative vid!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah it works well in practice, very smooth. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mathijsdevries728]

Springs are incapable of dealing with the difference between unloaded and maximum load. The body is too light for heavy springs, so self levelling air-suspension was introduced as a solution.

[@waynepower766]

Got to say mate you know your. Stuff great vid keep them comeing first class deffo will cone find you before i buy one...thanks for all your content

[@Paul-lg4gg]

" When people think of a Jag, they think XJ" . Very correct.

[@skelejp9982]

My Garage Wizard owns a CLS 500 AMG, he said my XJ X308 drives smoother. Compared to the X350, the predecessors XJ's were lower, The only Super Sedan were U sit a low as a Sports Car ! Please do a Video on a X308 XJR and compare it to the X350 ! Thanks for this nice Video ! Keep these Classic XJ's Rollin !

[@HSGAutomotive]

I actually delivered an X308 XJR recently, wasn't able to review it unfortunately, but I can see the appeal. The headroom wasn't ideal for me, as you'd expect from a much more squat profile. It reminded me more of traditional Jag values for sure, but also with a generous helping of hot rod feel to it. Overall the X350 is still my favourite XJ so far, even over the newer X351. The best headroom, superb handling and slightly updated looks do it for me. Hopefully I'll get my hands on another X308 for a vid. Also, I am very keen on driving a CLS 55 AMG, and even wondered about getting one as another option, but ultimately went for my XKR. I doubt the Mercedes would have made me as happy.

[@biroldjoshan3745]

Nicely explained.... Thankyou

[@richieakram]

I had a 2006 XJ TDVI and definately alot of car for the money. Even the headrests and pedals are electrically adjustable. Also the engine had a little burble to it, you wouldn't think you were driving a diesel and pretty damn quick too with good handling. I drove this for 6 years (the longest I've ever owned a car)

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one

[@philippowis3169]

I’ve got the face lift XJ known as the x358 it’s brill and in mint condition best car I’ve ever had only done 55k and get lot of people come and have a look at it when I park up it’s grey with cream interior

[@richardstedman223]

Warped discs are misdiagnosed enormously. Often the pistons get sticky in the brembo caliper instead. had mine for 8 years and never warped a disc.

[@robertcomella8486]

New jags look like Buicks...this is classic Jag...nothing looks like it and it looks awesome

[@AT-vq9ss]

I have the same model as in the video. Its a great car to drive,. Mechanically reliable, thought I've had to replace the air compressor (not a biggie). But I feel the aftermarket is not up to looking after these cars. I've tried two Jaguar independants, and they are either don't actually know the cars that well, or look at customers as cash cows. Currently my Jag has a rear window that I daren't lower in case it won't go up (Jag Indie says new regulator, that will be £700 please) a front window that every few months will go on strike for a while (Jag Indie says that will be a new regulator, £700 please). The alarm goes off randomly in hot weather. Now the front passenger door won't unlock from the fob. And the front/rear parking sensors that a Jag Indie replaced 2 years ago for £500 (including rattle can painted sensors, complete with runs) no longer work most of the time. And now the headlining has fallen down, further reinforcing the feeling that a lovely sophisticated car is rapidly going down hill. So feelings are mixed, though the Jag is a better car than the Germans of the same vintage. Now if only the Indies charged a bit less than main dealer rates (I haven't had a bill from these garages of less than £1000), I might be happier.

[@richardgraty4684]

Good review

[@HSGAutomotive]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it

[@christopherstorey8326]

Hi have you ever review a jaguar x type.i have a 2005 2litre desiel and love it.whats your view on them.

[@HSGAutomotive]

No I haven’t driven an X-Type yet, I am keen to though

[@warishussain82]

Beautiful car's!!! I own a sovereign 4.2 v8 2006 model love driving up and down the m4!!!!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one

[@warishussain82]

@@HSGAutomotive keep up the good work!!!, would you mind doing a video comparing the various models of the xj?? . For example what's the difference between a xj6, xj8, xj sovereign etc. Why does a xj8 look and sound a little bit better then my sovereign?????!!!!!!!! I must know!!!!!! Thank you for keeping us entertained keep safe!!!!!!

[@HSGAutomotive]

haha, possibly. I'll have to get around to driving enough variants to make the video

[@warishussain82]

@@HSGAutomotive more then welcome to drive mine!!!!!!!

[@neilhobson3624]

I have had a 3 litre XJ6 for nine months now. It’s fifteen years old but it’s the best car I’ve ever had. I don’t think that it’s underpowered so I bet those 4.2s must be awesome 👍👍.

[@ibramguirguis]

I own the X358 TDVI :)

[@davidbennettracing538]

Hey up... Purchase number four coming up..! 😝👍🏻

[@HSGAutomotive]

Hah, not quite yet :P

[@johncatesby3994]

Having owned an X308 (2002 Sport) and currently owning an X358, they feel the same when driving but my personal opinion is that the X308 was a prettier car, X358 silver with black upholstery and diesel powered, X308 green flecked with ivory upholstery 3.2 V8 which also sounded better

[@grantgrove6800]

Ford money finally sorted the XJ, then the world changed..real shame.

[@apolo4275]

Please ,review an XJR as soon as you can.

[@HSGAutomotive]

I'm hoping to, just a case of finding one, lol

[@ThriftMachine]

Thanks to this review I will soon be a JAAAAAAAAAAG man.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, haha

[@steventhornton4716]

Already a jag man started on the s type v6 now got the xjr575 in grey with white ivory it still does 36mpg around down and 57mpg on a run 5.0 v8 is really quite economic especially if you have cruise control on lol

[@steventhornton4716]

It's insanity with wheel on very under stated and often overlooked because of its reliability problems of yester year, the x350 and 351 were and still are phenomenal motors

[@petemcclelland9067]

Like my x300 daimlers ride better, but my x350 v8 is next level!

[@jaisabai4155]

Was there enough headroom? 🙄

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah excellent headroom in this X350 generation. I drove the older X358 and it was much more cramped. The X350 is even better than the newest X351 in fact.

[@tonyblackie3277]

6:56 x300 more like 1.8 tonne.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Interesting, there’s a conflict of quoted specs online. Either way a significant weight saving thanks to aluminium

[@peternchlls9]

No aux cable lol

[@HSGAutomotive]

You really think early 2000's Jaguar XJ owners use aux cables

[@Nodiceprice]

Rover

[@applemad]

No definitely 100% Ford lol I had an XJR Sport in the 90's and its electrics were bloody awful, I drive a 2008 facelift X-Type Jag now (I'll wait for all the Mondeo jokes and then tell you it only has 17% parts shared with one!) and the clear thing from this period of time is that Ford spent an absolute fortune designing these cars and sorting out the electrics, giving them phenomenal handling and also improving the build quality making Friday cars a thing of the past. This was a great review and its clearly a far better car than my old XJR Sport.

[@ofsetcontemporaryflatroofl5339]

the facelift models are prettier....I don't do red leather with jags...looks shit....got a 4.2 2007.....its awesome. u feel a million dollars when driving.....£73,000 new....paid £5500.....cars never missed a beat and its got 140k on the clock.....its a ford engine so bullet proof if u look after it and use it regularly, which I do...15,000 miles this year and counting.....new pads and a battery in the last 14,000 miles....nothing major.... and looks far nice than those new ones...which don't really look like jags !!! get one before prices go up !!!

[@juanpedroglez-murrieta5222]

What a fuck way to drive in the right seat, in the left side of the road. I hope if someday i get to drive in the UK, does't get confusing as it is now watching this video. Great car though

[@HSGAutomotive]

As opposed to sitting in the left seat on the right hand side of the road I presume...

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

The front killed it for me, not a fan!

[@craigme2583]

Women hate jaguars they look like old man's cars which is one of the reasons for depreciation. But you don't buy a jaguar to impress women. What do they know about cars

[@reecehodgson1600]

Not the best looking Jag out there.

[@user-bv1gq8jj6b]

In my opinion, this jaguar is quite ugly compared to other models

[@generalgrievous5952]

It's true

[@oliverfernyhough-martin9525]

Why do you think that?

[@ginateresepettersen8395]

The x350 from 2003-2006 is the last of the classic big Jaguars. It`s a very nice and lovely car, which gives you a feeling of luxery, still after all these years:-)

[@user-bv1gq8jj6b]

@@ginateresepettersen8395 maybe, I do have to say that I love the fact that Jaguar always tries new things with their cars, but their best cars are and will always be their classic sports cars

[@ginateresepettersen8395]

You are right, the classic Jaguar sportscars are very nice. Still to me the XJ from 1968 to 2006 are some of the most beautiful cars ever made. They are timeless, elegant and there is something about them which gives me a special feeling. A good thing then, that we are free to choose;-)