2004 Jaguar XJ8

We sold ‘LJ04 ZOU’ back in October 2023, and the seller’s enjoyed his two years with it, telling us that it’s still a “lovely car”.

In fact, he was so pleased with the transaction that he’s just bought another car from us and doesn’t have the space to keep both, hence this listing. 

He’s kept it well serviced too, and has even replaced the front grille with the sports version – and you’re not going to do that if you haven’t fallen in love with it, are you? 

And there is a lot to love: Finished in Radiance Red with a cream interior, it’s had just two previous keepers, has only 49,000 miles on the clock, and is stuffed with toys. 

It spent most of its life in Japan too, arriving here in 2023 and being treated to all the UK-spec goodies that means it’s indistinguishable from a British model – apart from the marked absence of rust and corrosion underneath, obviously.

Of course, the aluminium monocoque means rust isn’t an issue on the coachwork but even that doesn’t account for the razor-sharp shutlines and mm-accurate alignment. No, for that you need to look first towards Jaguar’s manufacturing excellence – and then to Japan, because no country curates its cars better.

With no dents, dinks, or ripples, the coachwork is very nearly as good today as it was when it left Coventry for distant shores back in 2004, which is quite a feat.

But then it has clearly been cherished over the years as the new-and-upgraded Sport radiator grille demonstrates. And the iconic chrome mesh design draws your eye, as does its condition; like the rest of the brightwork, it is free of tarnishing, pitting, and rust. The extensive chrome trim also adds a welcome sparkle to that regal coachwork.

This dedicated curation extends to smaller details like the lamp lenses, glazing, door mirrors, and badges, all of which are beyond reproach. 

The 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with three Continental Premium Contact 6 tyres, with a Continental Premium Contact 7 on the nearside front – and experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

Being a Jaguar, you’d expect some sporting flourishes and these arrive via a carefully-calibrated stance, twin exhaust tailpipes, and a subtle front spoiler. Discrete to the nth degree, they whisper their warning because Big Cats don’t need to shout. 

As for its flaws the wheels have collected a few kerbing marks, the nearside corner of the rear bumper has a faint scuff on it, there’s a small scratch on the nearside rear wing, and the sidewall of the nearside rear tyre is so badly abraded it will need to be replaced.

The SE-spec brings with it electrical adjustment for the steering column (which also features an easy entry/exit mode), foot pedals, windows, and powerfold mirrors in addition to 16-way electrically adjustable front seats.

And we’re not done there either because the driver and front passenger also get to enjoy variable heating and a central armrest with cupholders; if you can’t get comfortable in here then there’s no hope…

Not that those sitting behind you have cause to feel neglected because they too can enjoy warm bums. Plenty of legroom too and plush leather seats that will accommodate two in luxury and three in comfort.  

The driver gets access to automatic lights and rain-sensitive wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power-wash headlamps, and front and rear parking sensors. 

And all four warning/puddle lights in the doors work, which is a good sign because who but a meticulous owner would monitor them? 

Still reassuringly analogue – and with a V8 under the bonnet you really wouldn’t want autonomous driving anyway – if you ever get tired of listening to that sonorous engine then you’ll appreciate the RDS headunit that includes CD player and multi-changer – and if you get lost, you’ll be able to rely on a touch-screen satellite navigation system with UK mapping.

As it’s spent the first 19 years of its life in Japan, you’ll be able to guess at the condition of the cream hide cabin – and if you can’t then let your eyes wander across all 85 photographs and see for yourself why we prize cars from that country so highly.

The previous seller brought things like the radio, sat-nav, and speedometer to full UK-spec as part of the importation process, and also fitted a new headlining, thus rectifying one of the X350’s few inherent weaknesses.

The boot is vast and contains the space-saver spare wheel. The original radiator grille is in there too in the unlikely event you prefer the look of the original. 

That said, there is a little work to do. 

The steering wheel is starting to show its age, so the winning bidder might like to stage an intervention given how good the rest of the cabin is. Maybe source a hazard warning triangle to replace the missing one, and refix the missing top tether covers on the parcel shelf. 

Maybe pop the overmats in the washing machine too.

Oh, and the temporary phone holder that you can see Blu-Tack’d in front of the speedo has been peeled off and isn’t there anymore!

The current owner has covered around 11,000 miles in it over the two years it’s been in his hands and has continued to look after it in the manner to which it has become accustomed. 

Julian Ferraro replaced the rear brake discs and pads along with the front brake pads in October of this year, running up a bill for £500 in the process. This builds on a transmission service he carried out in November 2024, which was for a similar amount. 

Replacing the rear antiroll bar drop links in April 2024 was a slightly cheaper undertaking, and the receipts for all this work are on file for you to inspect. 

The previous seller, who imported the car, assured us the suspension now comprises “standard but adjustable coil springs and shock absorbers”, which should guarantee future longevity and reliability. 

The underside features a few scuffs and splits to the black plastic protection but is otherwise in good order. 

The engine bay is a little dusty but nothing more and, as the video demonstrates, it the engine starts, idles, and revs as discreetly and reliably as Jeeves. No warning lights on the dashboard either, but you’d guessed that, hadn’t you?

The Jaguar’s MoT is valid until May 2026.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the import marker, and the history file includes a UK V5 registration document, the importation paperwork that shows all UK duty and VAT has been paid, and a couple of recent invoices.

However, because the Japanese take their obligations under GDPR seriously, they are meticulous in removing all paperwork when a car is exported, which is what’s happened here. 

With an estimate of between £6,000 and £9,000 this XJ8 offers an awful lot of car for the money, not least because it is ULEZ-compliant, something that’s likely to become ever-more important in the future.

Still woefully underappreciated in the UK, the fact the seller is so confident in the quality of his car as to offer it with no reserve speaks volumes as to how good it is. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET, HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.