Hi, I’ve just stumbled upon this community and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I’ve found a 98 Jag XJR for sale near me for 2000 dollars and I’m rather interested in buying it. Im a little bit wary however due to the rather low price, with the only major issue known is there being fuel pumps that need to be replaced. I’ve watched a video on how to do so and am fairly confident I can complete said task with the help of a mechanically minded friend. Is there anything else I need to worry about that’s the reason behind the 2k price tag? Thanks so much!

P.S. Mileage is 156k, it will likely need a coat of paint, interior is nearly flawless.

 

Welcome to the forums Luke,

The three weaknesses on the early XK8 are:
1. Engine: plastic tensioners can fail destroying the engine. At 156K miles it's likely these have been replaced with later metal ones but never make assumptions!
2. Cooling System: lot of plastic components which can fail with age. Check for evidence of replacement parts and any signs of leaks.
3. Transmission: Jaguar don't include fluid and filter changes in the maintenance schedules but doing this at around 70K mile interavls greatly increases unit life. Rebuild is expensive.

Painting a Jaguar to original factory standard is expensive which could account for the apparently low asking price.

A well maintained Jaguar is a pleasure to own and drive but a neglected example can be a serious money pit. The golden rule is - if in doubt, walk away.

Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk-xkr-x150-33/ to the XK8/XKR forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues. You can also use the US Northeast Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/us-northeast-35/ to find other members in your region.

Please read the guidance for new members ( https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/n...ned-up-241802/ ) which answers many of the most frequent questions about getting started.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Thanks for the advice! The cooling systems and transmission are fine according to the owner, though he does not currently know if the tensioners were ever redone as he is the second owner. I’m hoping to at some point attempt to schedule a viewing of the car where I’ll see if I can determine whether or not the tensioners are factory. I’ll keep the forum posted as I gather funds and hopefully purchase the car.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Luke,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

Welcome to the Forums.

 

Welcome aboard Luke.

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!

 

Hello, Luke,
I wish you well in your investigation of this XJR.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Luke,

The cam covers have to be removed to check the tensioners and an owner is likely to be reluctant to allow this amount of dismantling. Discussion on the forum is generally of the opinion that if a vendor can't absolutely prove they've been changed, assume they haven't and factor this into the price negotiation.

Graham

 

Good point. Supposedly the previous owner took meticulous care of the car and they haven’t broken yet so I’m hoping they’ve been replaced.

Luke

 

At 156K you are very likely to be right about that ...... but failure is an engine wrecker.

Graham