Hi Everyone

Hello from Vermont, where everything rusts and off-beat cars are a way of life. For close to 40 years, I had a SAAB in the garage (and usually another in the driveway). In 2020 my wife finally convinced me it was time to move on. What did I buy? A Buick TourX........ which GM immediately cancelled. Hopefully interest in Jaguar doesn't portend the same fate for this historic brand!

I'm currently on the hunt for a second "fun" car - something for the summer use that more engaging. My little town hosts a British car festival each fall and it was that that I first noticed a car that I now know is a 2006 XJ Super 8 Portfolio. That car is probably where the Jaguar idea started. I chased a couple of Portfolios on the normal auction sites but could never commit to the rapid escalation in the final 10 minutes. I've set aside the idea of a Portfolio for now and have moved on to other XJs (X308 & X350 base/VP/S8) and XKs from the late 90's and early 2000's. That seems to be my sweet-spot: cars that have some technology but are still approachable for someone with decent mechanical knowledge/skill, the necessary space and the willingness to give it a try.

I look forward to the search and eventually contributing to the community.

Greg

 

Welcome aboard Greg.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Greg,

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 Greg,

Good to have you with us.

I suggest with X308 and XK8/XKR avoiding models from the late 90's and early 2000's as the first of the V8 engines had a few issues. You will read about Nikasil coated cylinder bores (not too risky for those that have survived this long) and plastic tensioners which are still a source of serious trouble. Perhaps add X300 to your list of potential candidates. This was the last of the straight six engine vehicles and has a good reputation for longevity.

Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/j...els-modern-77/ to the Jaguar Models ( Modern ) section for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' threads at the top of each model forum are 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 and good luck in the search for your first Jaguar.

Graham

 

Welcome to the Forums.

I am with Graham here.

The X300 would be my preferred, followed closely by the X308, after that, NAH.

Good luck.

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!

 

Hello, Greg,
I wish you success in your hunt for the Puuurrrfect Jaguar.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Thank you for the guidance. I've spent the last 2 months lurking and reading the pinned FAQ/known issue threads and the guidance posts. The tensioner issue is obviously a concern with AJ26/27. I would be looking for service records to prove replacement or a significant discount if considering anything MY2002 or earlier. My understanding is that any Nikasil engines still out there shouldn't be a concern because the root cause of the degradation was high sulfur fuels. Remove the sulfur (required for current blends of gas/petrol) and the problem no longer occurs. Is that correct?

I haven't considered the X300 so I will add it to the list and do some research. I also love the look and ride of the Series III but the 3 speed automatic leaves me cold. Thanks again!

 

YES - high sulphur content in the fuel was the cause of failure of the nikasil coating and blends were modified at the time to eliminate this. Any nikasil engine surviving this long without wear issues is extremely unlikely to develop them now.

Graham