I been lurking the last few weeks , i saw a 2000 XJ8 for $400.00, no motor. I always wanted a luxury car ot eh cheap so here was my opportunity but there was a catch, the car has no motor. I been calling around and i had a few leads but i always wonder when buying a used motor ,its a huge risk . There is an opportunity to buy a motor from a shop that will install for $3k, 50k miles, 6 months warranty, belts, tensioner replaced, changed, etc. what do you guy think or buy a motor and go through it and replace all the seals, since i am new its a matter of cost . I plan to keep this car for 10 years or more , i come bore you all seeking your wisdom as i begin my journey

 

Welcome to the forum ACharles,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

A used Jaguar V8 engine is a gamble but so is buying a complete running XJ8. I'd be asking a few questions about how they came by it but new tensioners and 6 months warranty is reassuring.

As you've been lurking, there's no need for a link from me to the X308 forum. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also visit the US Western Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/western-us-ak-ca-nv-ut-hi-wa-id-38/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Welcome to the forums.
Enjoy the drive.

 

Besides the engine, what else is missing from this vehicle and why?

How long has it been stored in this condition? What condition is the gearbox in? Has the fuel system been drained?

It would be far less costly, and much simpler, to just purchase a running, well maintained X308.

 

The transmission is in the car, according to the owner in good condition . The car has been sitting for 2 years, if you have a lead on an X308 motor I would be more than happy to jump on that, as you can tell I am not looking to get something that ends up being a money pit. Sine my post , I have found a motor with 50 k miles but it needs a head work. Can you guys recommend a shop locally or maybe one of you have a motor laying around that's in decent shape. I don't know how much the head work will cost but I figure at 50k its very fresh, thoughts?

Also what would you suggest I do as part of basic maintenance as the car has been sitting so long?

 

I thought you had already purchased the car and were now looking for an engine?

A Jaguar V8 that 'needs head work' usually means it has been overheated and this is rarely recoverable. If you're not yet into this deal for the vehicle, I would walk. There is absolutely no way of assessing how much work and money a non runner apparently only needing an engine is going to cost to fix but I'm confident it wil be more than sourcing a complete good running example.

Graham

 

Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

welcome to the forum

 

Welcome to the forums.

 

Welcome.

I am with Graham etc 100%.

An overheated V8 is all gone and done. The trans usually suffers also from that same overheating.

Buy one you can at least test drive, and sleep much better.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums ACharles,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

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