The Jaguar XJR has long been the poster child of high-priced luxury cars, and in many ways it’s easy to see why. With its snarling look, its elegant interior, and its excellent performance on the road, the Jaguar XJR is well worth the money. However, before you fork over your hard-earned cash for this car, there are some things you need to know about it and whether or not it will be worth your investment.

Why are Jaguars so Expensive?

Jaguar is a luxury brand. Luxury cars often cost more than their competitors because they’re not just transportation, but also an object of status. In other words, buyers pay extra for what they believe to be better quality and exclusivity—the same reason people pay more for hand-crafted goods or top-shelf liquor instead of less expensive alternatives. Luxury brands are made in smaller quantities and are more durable than mass-produced products, so owners have a stronger emotional connection to them. Ultimately, if you buy a luxury vehicle like a Jaguar XJR, you’re buying into its legacy. But before you do that, make sure it’s worth your hard-earned money!

What Are My Options in Terms of Jaguars?

The Jaguar XJR might be your best option if you want a big car. While there are some other decent options, such as BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes, Jaguar makes fewer of its vehicles than those two companies do. Not only does that mean you can get more personal attention from a Jag dealer, but it also means you’re more likely to find a good deal. The only problem is finding an affordable one; while they can offer good deals on their vehicles, they don’t often advertise them, so you have to spend time asking around and researching prices to figure out what’s right for you.

How Safe is the Car, Overall?

The Jaguar XJR is a solid choice for families. This sedan has been awarded five stars in every National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test. The car also earned a perfect score of 100 in every category and sub-category, thanks to an optional advanced safety feature called autonomous emergency braking. In addition, all trim levels come with antilock brakes and an electronic stability control system as standard features. However, there are no airbags located on either side of the front seat (where you sit), so be sure to wear your seatbelt for extra protection.

Is it Good on Gas Mileage?

The Jaguar is at home on both city streets and highways. The gas mileage for a four-door sedan like this one hovers between 21 and 22 miles per gallon, which is slightly above average for its class. For a luxury car, that’s pretty impressive. If you want to save money at the pump, you can also opt for a two-door model; they typically get higher ratings in terms of gas mileage because they are lighter and sport smaller engines. However, all three models—four door sedan, two door coupe and two door convertible—have great ratings when it comes to fuel efficiency.

How Important is Style to Jaguar Drivers?

Jaguar car owners care about style more than any other luxury vehicle drivers, but importance is a relative term. A good rule of thumb for drivers looking at Jaguar vs. other luxury vehicles is that no one’s going to like their purchase as much as they do, so finding what’s important to you and your lifestyle is essential. If comfort and safety are your top priorities, Jaguar isn’t a great fit—but if sportiness or style top your list, it may be worth checking out. The biggest issue with luxury cars like Jaguar are their price tags: not everyone can afford one, especially since it seems most of us already have a few nice vehicles in our garage!

What Features Can I Expect on This Model (And Which Ones Do I Need)?

No car comes fully loaded and for $90,000, you’d expect every bell and whistle. But if you’re looking for full leather seats (versus ones with partial leather), a backseat that folds flat into a bed or a V8 engine instead of one with only six cylinders, it’s going to cost you. If those aren’t must-haves, save yourself some money on your Jaguar XJR by opting for what it has standard as opposed to buying all of its available extras. In terms of features, though, you get just about everything when you buy an XJR aside from heated armrests.