[RVC]

I know the inherent problems with the X308 (I think) but my wife wants o e of these so bad for a weekend car so I am now on the hunt for one for a good price. I am willing to put in the wrench time to replace timing chain tentioners, water pump, and t-stat housing. Does anyone have any personal experience with the big cat or have a well sorted one for sale? Thanks.

 

[orconn]

I have owned many Jaguars over the years, several of which were XJ's and was the Viginia Jaguar Club's JCNA Concours d'Elegance Chairman for three years here in Virginia. While the year XJ* that you are interested in is not among my favorite Jags, they are very attractive. I would suggest that you Google the Jaguar Club of Virginia and talk to some of their members who are familiar with these newer Jags. Someone in the Club may know of one that is for sale, or maybe willing to go with you to look at one you may find. There are members down in your area.

 

[Submariner409]

Just got off the 'phone with a friend whose wife owns a 2003 XJ8. 73,000 miles, white with camel leather, garaged since new. 12 miles from here. He says that, other than a set of brakes/rotors and a belt tensioner, the car has been reliable - BUT he has the Jag dealership in Annapolis do ALL the service, so I imagine even his normal maintenance bill isn't cheap. He had thoughts about trading it on another newer Jag but the trade-in value was so ridiculously low they decided to keep it.

 

[RVC]

Hey guys I appreciate all the comments. I am bidding on a 2001 with 56k miles and full service records but I think it's gonna go higher than I'm willing to pay. This will not be a daily driver for her, just a fun weekend car.

 

[vfaninva]

Good luck! Are you going to thin your collection to make room in the driveway for it?

 

[RVC]

Ha ha nope! Still have the Tacoma, Celica, and wife's Jeep!

 

[Jesda]

Timing chain tensioners are an issue and they are not cheap to service.

Electronic suspension.

To a lesser degree, cooling systems.


Budget a grand or two a year for repairs as it ages and enjoy.

 

[Submariner409]

OK, Here's another XJ8 - early 2004, 88,000 miles. Friend close-by. She has hers maintained by a good, local foreign Mom&Pop shop. Basically reliable, but beginning to have messages and codes for some sort (she was a bit fuzzy on this) of problem with the ??? air suspension ???. The shop says wait and see because the fix won't be cheap. She likes the car and will continue to repair/maintain and keep it. The car is a sort of champagne metallic with a beige leather interior. Elegant looking car.

EDIT at 1045 - This is sort of germane; another Jaguar thread.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...-model-why/122930-04-jag-xj8-vanden-plas.html

 

[RVC]

I picked up a 2001 XJ8 with a new transmission. I ordered the 3rd Gen timing chain tentioners, water pump, thermostat housing, ball joints. Everything else should be good to go it's in really good condition.

 

[orconn]

Best of luck with your Jag!

 

[brandondeleo]

Pictures! I absolutely love the look of that era XJ. I want one terribly.

 

[RVC]

Here it is. I gave $2700 for it.

 

[vfaninva]

Nice!

 

[Aron9000]

Here it is. I gave $2700 for it.

How many miles are on it and what's wrong with it???? $2700 is a steal.

 

[RVC]

It's got some mileage, 146k but it's in great shape. It had a coolant leak, the transmission was acting up. I fixed the leak and topped off the trans fluid and it shifts smooth as butter. I'm doing the thermostat housing, water pump, timing chain tensioners, and ball joints. Interior is really nice too. All electrics work as of now.

 

[orconn]

There is no such thing as a cheap Jaguar! Again best of luck with you Jag!

 

[talismandave]

Gorgeous car.
One of the few distinctive designs of it's day.
A design that from any angle, at a good distance, can be identified as a Jaguar.
Have fun.