Hello,
I've been drawn to Jags for some time. I'm now ready to make the leap to buy one. I've narrowed the car I want to, specifically, an XJ8, Vanden Plas.
I have a lot of questions, I'll list a few here:

1) Can a 6-1, 230 pounder easily fit into this model?
2) What year did the aluminum frame/body begin?
3) What year did Ford build the car and when did it go to India?
4) What years did the timing chain tensioners give the owner problems?
5) I'm retired and travel from one end of the country to the other every
six months, is a later model XJ make a good road car?
6) Overall length of the XJ VDP?

Thank you, I'm looking forward to continue my search for THE Jag,

Jim

 

Welcome to the forum Detshowfly,

Good to have you here with us at Jaguar forums.

Your questions suggest you are interested in the aluminium bodied X350 produced from 2003 to 2009? If so, follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj-x350-x358-xj6-xj8-xjr-28/ to the X350 section for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for info on regular issues.

Enjoy the search for 'your' Jaguar and enjoy the forum.

Graham

 

Hi Jim:

Welcome to the forum and greetings from the Midwest Region. I'm just a tad over 6' and my '98 is perfect for my length. I'm somewhat thinner, though. The timing chain problems depends on the VIN, having been fixed around the year 2001. I got my car and did the update right away. Most folks think you can get away with only doing the upper tensioners - which should only be about $800 if you hire it out and a lot less if you do it yourself. The aluminum cars beginning in '04 are bigger and might be a better fit. Others will undoubtedly chime in and offer plenty of opinions. (We all love our cars!)

Cheers and good luck on your decision!
Scott

 

welcome to the forum and good luck in your search

 

Welcome to the forum Detshoefly,

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.

 

Graham, Scott, and Steve, thanks for the responses, they'll help me quite a bit. Still having problems navigating this site, but I'll learn.

Thanks again,

Jim
63 Riviera
90 Reatta convert.
98 Regal GS

 

Welcome!

 

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