The back cat-alogue: the best used Jaguars from £1500

The name, the heritage, the promise of discreet-and sometimes not so discreet- performance: who doesn't love a new Jag? But how about those with an eye on the pennies? For them, a used one has long been the road to happiness, although if it's a cheap pre-reg example you're after, the last time a Jag rolled off the production line was December 2025 (it was an F-Pace). Things are no better if a nearly new one is more to your taste. You could have a year-old F-Pace, of course, but production of the E-Pace, XE and XF ended in 2024 – and the last XJ was built in 2019. All of which means it's open season for lovers of used Jaguars. Here are a few options to mull over. XE, 2015-2024 Price range £1500-£26,000 Jaguar's alternative to the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 bested both for refinement and handling and we ranked it as the class-leading compact executive car when it was launched. Its maker's failure to capitalise on the model's positive reception with spin-offs hobbled it but few could deny that the XE remained a class act, especially from 2019, when the cabin's material quality and technology improved. The only diesel we'd recommend is the mild-hybrid D200. Otherwise, choose one of the smooth, gutsy and more reliable 2.0-litre petrols. We found: Jaguar XE 2.01 P250 R-Dynamic S auto, 2019/19, 47,000 miles, £14,995 XJ, 2003-2009 Price range £2000-£15,000 The familiar styling of the 'X350' XJ suggested little had changed between it and the previous generation, but under the skin the model was based around an advanced aluminium monocoque. There was a 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel and 3.0-litre V6 and 4.2-litre V8 petrols. However, the one you want is the 390bhp 4.2-litre supercharged V8 in the XJR, which is capable of propelling this sports saloon from 0-62mph in 5.0sec. On all models, beware failing suspension and galvanic corrosion where steel and aluminium make contact. Cherished cars shrug off high mileage. We found: Jaguar XJR 4.2 V8, 2007/07, 103,000 miles, £9995 E-Pace, 2017-2024 Price range £6000-£28,000 Not Jaguar's finest hour-when this compact SUV was new, we criticised its sub-par handling fluency and balance and lacklustre D180 diesel engine - but with strong echoes of the F-Type, it's certainly pretty. Avoid the Ingenium diesel engines (they can suffer a worn timing chain, a clogged DPF and AdBlue leaks) and go petrol instead. Even then, make sure the automatic gearbox is behaving itself. Facelifted cars (from 2021 onwards) benefited from improved software. We found: Jaguar E-Pace 2.0 P250 R-Dynamic HSE auto, 2018/18, 59,000 miles, £15,250 XJ, 2010-2019 Price range £1500-£25,000 Car designs don't come much bolder than Ian Callum's successful 'X351' reimagining of the fabled Jaguar XJ series during his time as the marque's design director. There were facelifts in 2014 and 2015 but the fundamentals-a spacious and well-appointed cabin, a choice of large-capacity petrol and diesel engines and excellent body control-remained intact. Diesels can suffer crankshaft bearing failure. On all versions, check the rear air suspension is sound and the infotainment system operates glitch-free. We found: Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 Portfolio, 2015/15, 78,000 miles, £11,700 XF, 2015-2024 Price range £1500-£34,000 It may have looked similar to its predecessor but the Mk2 XF was all-new-and it certainly felt like it. But for a slightly cramped rear cabin and questionable diesel engines, it was pretty much the equal of any premium rival. Handsome, exceptionally comfortable and great to drive, it was also great value for money. Our pick is one of the potent petrols, a line-up that includes the rare 3.0 V6 supercharged S. Whichever you choose, make sure the auto selector rises as it should on start-up, the aluminium body panels aren't dented and the infotainment system isn't playing up. We found: Jaguar XF 2.01 250 Portfolio, 2020/20, 39,000 miles, £15,995 I-Pace, 2018-2024 Price range £9000-£35,000 Jaguar's first electric car deserves better than being relegated to an autonomous development chariot on Waymo's London trials. True, it has a poor reputation for reliability but those still running will have benefited from software updates and, in terms of expertise and parts back-up, the wider aftermarket is better prepared. Its spacious and comfortable cabin exudes a premium ambience and it has the performance to match some of the quickest Jags, so it's worth a punt. Optional air suspension adds complexity but is worth seeking out. We found: Jaguar I-Pace 400 90kWh R-Dynamic HSE Black, 2023/23, 31,000 miles, £24,000 F-Pace 2016-2025 Price range £5750-£55,000 Jaguar's first attempt at an SUV was a success, both the press and buyers praising the F-Pace's looks, roomy cabin and crisp dynamics. What's more, it was offered with a wide range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, all the way to a supercharged 5.0-litre V8, so the model has all bases covered. The aluminium body can be a devil to repair and the diesel engines need a good run to clear their DPFs. Note also that cars up to 2021-reg still attract luxury car tax. We found: Jaguar F-Pace 3.0 V6 S AWD auto, 2018/18, 58,000 miles, £18,995 XJ220, 1992-1994 Price range £550,000 and above Since the new Type 01 is Jaguar's first foray into the ultra-luxury sector, it's only fair that we include its first foray into the production supercar class. Until the McLaren F1 claimed the title, the XJ220 was the world's fastest car for one amazing year with a top speed of 217mph thanks to its slippery shape, relatively light weight and 542bhp twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6. Being a Jaguar, it was surprisingly comfortable, having been designed as a fast grand tourer rather than a track weapon. If you're seriously considering buying one of these cars and would like advice, email XJ220 expert Don Law at donlaw@donlawracing.com. We found: Jaguar XJ220 3.5 V6 (RHD), 1992/K, 2600 miles, £549,950

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The back cat-alogue: the best used Jaguars from £1500

New era dawns with the Type 01 – but you don't need to spend £150k to get a Jag on your driveway

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