This is a very quick car, but you would have to be a fool to hot rod this car (nothing implied). The Jaguar is quickly becoming a super collectible and is highly valuable if it's in mint condition. My recommendation, buy the car, but baby it. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1995-2000-jaguar-xjr.htm
so what if your friends have fast cars ; that don't mean you have to join them. In my opinion get a car that is your speed. If you are a beginner driver a fast car is not for you because of experience.