The Jaguar Super nameplate, applied across various models over the years, signifies enhanced performance and luxury. Understanding the nuances of these models is crucial for enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike. This guide aims to provide a detailed overview of the best and worst years for Jaguar Super models, helping you make an informed decision when considering a purchase or simply expanding your knowledge.

Jaguar Super Model Years: A Quick Reference

Model Year & Sub-Model Notable Strengths Potential Weaknesses
1966-1967 Jaguar S-Type 3.8S Powerful XK engine, independent rear suspension, luxurious interior. Rust susceptibility, complex Lucas electrics, challenging to maintain.
1968-1969 Jaguar XJ6 Series 1 4.2 Refined ride, smooth engine, elegant styling. Potential for rust, early Lucas fuel injection issues, cooling system vulnerability.
1998-2003 Jaguar XJR (X308) Supercharged V8 power, sharp handling, modern features. Nikasil engine liner issues (early models), potential for timing chain tensioner failure, air suspension maintenance.
2004-2009 Jaguar XJR (X350) Supercharged V8 power, aluminum body, improved reliability. Air suspension maintenance (although more reliable than X308), potential for electronic gremlins, slightly less engaging driving experience than X308.
2010-2015 Jaguar XFR (X250) Supercharged V8 power, aggressive styling, advanced technology. Potential for water pump failure, electronic complexity, higher running costs.
2013-2017 Jaguar XFR-S (X250) Highest performance XFR variant, track-focused modifications, distinctive styling. Very firm ride, higher running costs, can be challenging to live with daily.
2016-2019 Jaguar XJR (X351) Supercharged V8 power, long wheelbase luxury, sophisticated technology. Potential for electronic issues, higher running costs, depreciation.
2018-2020 Jaguar XJ50 (X351) Limited edition XJ celebrating 50 years, unique styling cues, luxurious interior. Potential for electronic issues, higher running costs, depreciation.

Detailed Explanations

1966-1967 Jaguar S-Type 3.8S: The S-Type 3.8S boasted a powerful 3.8-liter XK engine, providing ample performance for its time. Its independent rear suspension offered a comfortable and controlled ride, while the luxurious interior featured leather and wood trim. However, these models are prone to rust, particularly in the sills and wheel arches. The Lucas electrical system can be temperamental, and finding qualified mechanics to maintain these classics can be challenging.

1968-1969 Jaguar XJ6 Series 1 4.2: The XJ6 Series 1 established Jaguar's reputation for combining luxury and performance. Its 4.2-liter engine delivered smooth power, and the refined ride quality was a hallmark of the brand. Despite its virtues, the XJ6 Series 1 is susceptible to rust, especially in the floors and around the windows. Early models with Lucas fuel injection could experience reliability issues, and the cooling system required careful maintenance.

1998-2003 Jaguar XJR (X308): The X308 XJR brought supercharged V8 power to the Jaguar lineup, offering exhilarating performance. Its sharp handling and modern features made it a desirable sports sedan. Early models, however, were plagued by Nikasil engine liner issues, leading to premature engine wear. The timing chain tensioners were also a known weak point, and the air suspension required regular maintenance.

2004-2009 Jaguar XJR (X350): The X350 XJR featured an aluminum body, making it lighter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. The supercharged V8 engine continued to deliver impressive performance, and reliability was generally improved. While the air suspension was more robust than on the X308, it still required periodic attention. Some owners reported occasional electronic gremlins. Although competent, some felt the X350 lost some of the raw driving feel of the X308.

2010-2015 Jaguar XFR (X250): The X250 XFR represented a significant step forward in terms of performance and technology. Its supercharged V8 engine produced even more power, and the aggressive styling gave it a distinctive presence. However, the water pump was a potential failure point, and the car's complex electronics could be problematic. Running costs were also higher due to the car's performance capabilities.

2013-2017 Jaguar XFR-S (X250): The XFR-S was the ultimate performance version of the X250 XF. It featured numerous track-focused modifications, resulting in improved handling and acceleration. The distinctive styling set it apart from the standard XFR. The ride was very firm, making it less comfortable for daily driving. Running costs were significantly higher due to increased wear and tear on components. The car's aggressive nature made it less forgiving to drive.

2016-2019 Jaguar XJR (X351): The X351 XJR offered a combination of supercharged V8 power, long wheelbase luxury, and sophisticated technology. It was a flagship model that represented the pinnacle of Jaguar's sedan lineup. Like other modern Jaguars, it could be susceptible to electronic issues. Higher running costs were inherent in its performance and luxury positioning. Depreciation was a factor to consider, as with most high-end luxury vehicles.

2018-2020 Jaguar XJ50 (X351): The XJ50 was a limited-edition XJ celebrating 50 years of the model. It featured unique styling cues and a luxurious interior, making it a collectible item. Potential electronic issues and higher running costs remained considerations. As a limited edition, its value might hold up better than a standard XJR, but depreciation was still a factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which Jaguar Super is the most reliable? The 2004-2009 Jaguar XJR (X350) is generally considered the most reliable due to its aluminum body and improved engineering.

  • Which Jaguar Super offers the best performance? The 2013-2017 Jaguar XFR-S (X250) provides the most exhilarating performance with its track-focused modifications and powerful supercharged engine.

  • Are older Jaguar Supers prone to rust? Yes, models from the 1960s and 1970s, such as the S-Type and early XJ6, are known to be susceptible to rust.

  • What are the common problems with the X308 XJR? Common issues include Nikasil engine liner problems (early models) and timing chain tensioner failures.

  • Is the air suspension on Jaguar Supers reliable? While air suspension offers a comfortable ride, it requires regular maintenance and can be expensive to repair.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Jaguar Super depends on your priorities. For a blend of performance and relative reliability, the 2004-2009 XJR (X350) is a strong contender. However, if you seek the ultimate performance experience, the XFR-S (X250) is unmatched, but be prepared for higher running costs and a firmer ride. Consider your budget, maintenance capabilities, and desired driving experience when making your decision.