Always wanted to own a Jaguar, reliability reputation notwithstanding. Got the opportunity to pick up a 44,660 mile 1998 XJ8 zero-option car for the right money to make it a risk I felt reasonably confident in taking. Great car, very comfortable, needs some attention. It had been owned by a senior couple; he passed, she backed it into the garage door frame, put white paint on the green bumper and was afraid to drive "such a big car" anymore and so traded it in on a Chevrolet.

It now has 45,714 miles on it.

Original rotors and pads were howling more than stopping despite plenty of material left (40% or so on the pads, rotors were glazed and worn but no irregularities or grooves). Those were the first parts to be replaced.

So now I own a BRG over Oatmeal Jaguar with a sagging headliner, auto-dip mirror that just puked, memory seats that won't program (use the key and not the remote or everything moves for a 5 foot nothing old lady's driving position), stability and abs failure lights, in need of a complete re-bushing (just got all the shock bushings in UPS today, subframe bushings will be the next project once it's running again), and on Monday morning it started, stumbled, then quit with the dash reading "engine stalled." See thread for more: 'cat wouldn't start'

Either I'm going to be emotionally bonded with the car by the time it is sorted, or it's going to be a money pit that I resent. Not sure yet. Hoping I fall for it as it really is one of my favorite designs.

Oh, NY suburban area. There's a good local European car specialist 9W Motor Werks nearby, and Marota's is 5 minutes from where I work... hopefully I can diagnose and get back on the road before farming it out to the pros.

 

The right up front money and a bit more money can make this the right car for you. More of a hobby car than a daily driver? At least you are finally living the Jag dream. This is a great place to get help sorting things.

 

Welcome to the forum Highlander64,

Great Intro. The emotional bonding is essential - a Jaguar is more than just transport - but picking up on lack of use is a lot easier than picking up on misuse.

I can see you've found your way to X308 section so no need for a link.

Remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User ID 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 North East US Region section by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/north-east-us-me-nh-vt-ma-ri-ct-nj-ny-pa-35/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forum.

Graham

 

Welcome to the forum.

Once you get those items fixed, there is no reason that it could not be a DD and cover long trips as well.

Ran my XJ40 for 8 years as a commuter car, only conked once (FP problem).

Enjoy the forums.

 

Welcome to this friendly Forum and thanks for a great intro.
Looks as if you've got a pretty trouble free car there - especially if you can open the bonnet without the use of an angle grinder.

 

Welcome to the forum Highlander64,

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.

 

Thanks for the welcome. The forum has already provided a wealth of troubleshooting and diagnostic information that all seems to point to... ECM failure! Hooray!

 

Hey Highlander & welcome aboard, good to have you here with us here at JF

Nice intro, thanks for sharing.
Really hope we can help with your issues ........

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