There are two cars in the world that I would buy just for their engines. One is a BMW M3, the other a Jaguar XJ8.

Introduced in September 1997 the Jag is fitted with an aluminium V8. Even the smallest 3.2 litre version produces 240bhp, and the standard 4 litre has 290bhp boosted to a whopping 390bhp in the supercharged XJR. Whichever engine you choose, a discreet but glorious burble comes as standard.

Jaguar suffered a poor reputation for quality in the early 1990s but the later V8 XJs were on a par with any German marque. Today dashboards and trim will be tight and rattle-free, and cabins decorated with beautifully polished wood and soft leather give the driver and passengers a sense of occasion on every journey.

Jaguar is renowned for the superior quality of its cars’ ride comfort and even the Sport models’ tauter suspension won’t disappoint. The flagship XJR boasts a computer-controlled adaptive system that can stiffen the suspension for flat, stable cornering in A-road blasts or relax its settings for motorway wafting.

Despite its luxury pretensions, space inside is at a premium. Shorter than a Mercedes-Benz S-class or an Audi A8, rear accommodation is undeniably tight, although 4 litre models offer a solution with their long-wheelbase option that adds a full 4in of much-needed legroom.

The XJ’s equipment levels are high, leather upholstery, electronic climate control and wood trim coming as standard. Choose a top-spec Sovereign or Daimler and you’ll also get electric memory front seats and cruise control. Compare a used Mercedes C-class with a similarly priced XJ8 and the Jaguar looks a lot of car for your money.

All XJ8s have a five-speed automatic gearbox, a Mercedes-Benz unit being employed to handle the extra power of the XJR.

New Jaguars used to come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, but this was extended to three years with unlimited mileage in January 2002. Remember, though, that the warranty is subject to the car being maintained by an official dealer, so check the service history carefully.

Mechanically all XJ8s are reliable and servicing is every 10,000 miles or 12 months, with major attention due at 60,000 miles. The 3.2 and 4 litre cars will average about 23mpg but this drops to 16mpg in the XJR.

Buying a second-hand XJ8 from a Jaguar main dealer will guarantee a full service history and a minimum 12-month warranty. To view a list of national stock visit www.Jaguar.com.

Jaguar has just unveiled its new XJ, a technically advanced all-aluminium car that’s lighter, cleaner, faster and more economical. Equally important in my view, though, is that you can still get one with that fabulous engine, arguably the finest V8 in the world.

CHECK IT OUT

Audio Six-disc CD changer was a popular option
Comfort Front driver's seat had electric height adjustment on all models
Interior Sport version had dark maple wood trim, others lighter walnut panels
Telephone Some cars had a factory-fitted system; ensure it's compatible with your existing service
Bumpers Prone to scuffs - reverse parking sensor not standard until September 2000
Brakes Front pads and discs can wear heavily
Spare wheel Space-saver was an option
Insurance Despite its performance, XJR is in group 19 not 20
Security Alarm and immobiliser standard across the range
Tyres Check for wear on the inside of the front pair
Wheels 16in alloys on the 3.2, 17in on 4 litre, XJR had massive 18in wheels as standard

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Jaguar XJ8 3.2 Sport
Engine V8, 3,248cc
Power 240bhp @ 6350rpm
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Fuel 23.5mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 8.1sec
Top speed 140mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Jaguar XJ8 3.2 Sport in metallic silver with black leather. 2001 W-plate with 30,000 miles. Pay £17,795 at a main dealer or £16,000 privately<!-- Beginfunction Start(page) {OpenWin = this.open(page, "CtrlWindow", "toolbar=yes,menubar=yes,location=yes,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes");}// End -->

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY ...

2001 Y-reg BMW 728i Sport
1999 S-reg Mercedes-Benz S 280
2002 52-reg Vauxhall Omega 3.2 Elite
2000 V-reg Audi A8 3.7 Sport
2001 51-reg Volvo S80 2.9 Executive

VALUES: Jaguar XJ8 3.2 Sport

Mileage 20,000
1999 V Trade £14,850; Retail £17,350
2000 W Trade £16,150; Retail £18,695
2001 X Trade £17,495; Retail £20,250

Mileage 30,000
1999 V Trade £14,050; Retail £16,550
2000 W Trade £15,250; Retail £17,795
2001 X Trade £16,400; Retail £19,150

Mileage 60,000
1999 V Trade £11,750; Retail £14,195
2000 W Trade £12,600; Retail £15,150
2001 X Trade £14,050; Retail £16,795

4 litre fetches about £1,000 more than a 3.2. Long-wheelbase models worth £250 more than standard cars Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer