You Guys have me all upset about the purchase of my 98 XK8 Convert. I know EVERY used car has it's problems, and I guess a Jag is no exception. I'm hearing nothing but problems with timing chain and tensioners, oil leackage, bad strut mounts, cooling problems, etc, etc. Don't know much about mine because it was bought from a Dealer with one owner and 59K miles. The car is spotless in and out. Of course the Dealer can't/won't tell you anything about the last owner, so all I have to go by is the 'CarFax' Report which says...
@5,235 miles shifter gasket replaced & brake light switch replaced
@9,239 miles thermostat housing/gasket replaced & lower control arm bushings replaced
@23,130 miles battery replaced
@29,230 miles throttle body replaced
the rest is oil changes and inspection exempts due to low mileage with less then 2700 miles per year. I don't have deep pockets, and want to enjoy this ride, but I guess I'm asking is there anyway to tell when this stuff is ready to go especially the timing chain and tensioners, and why can't these Dealers tell you name of the trade in owner?
Thanks for your ear.

 

Welcome to the forums 1lowufoo,

I'll leave it to US members to explain why the dealer won't tell you the name of the previous owner. Here in the UK, the name and address of the last owner appears on the front of the vehicle registration document so we never have that problem..

If timing chain tensioner replacement is not listed then assume it hasn't been done and have them checked/changed. Failure is an engine killer.

Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17/ 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 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.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums 1lowufoo,

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.

 

Its the same premise as the hypochondriac should never research his medical condition online because the people who went to the doctor, got treated, got better, went on about their lives and forgot about it. The only thing you find online is the desperate posts of those with chronic, undiagnosable problems. Most people come to an automotive forum seeking answers after their car has experienced some sort of problem. Plus those of us who still hang around these forums long-term tend to be perfectionist, DIY'ers with obsessive-compulsive disorder. We like to fix everything "before" it breaks. The only two things that are very likely catastrophic are the secondary timing chain tensioners and the worn main pressure valve in the transmission. It'd be a good idea to do preventative maintenance on those items, but beyond that, just drive it and don't worry if it leaks a drip here or there or squeaks going over bumps. Its an old car despite the low mileage. If you want it be like new again, then you have to succumb to the same obsessive-compulsiveness that afflicts the rest of us on the forum.

 

Hello,
As Phil mentions above, this place is populated by the extremes of Jaguar ownership; Those who have problems, are unhappy and make sure everyone knows it, and those of us who have conquered and resolved those same problems and are glad to help others do the same with theirs.

Very seldom do people fall by forums like this, of Any brand, just to say how trouble-free their car has been and how glad are they bought it. If that does happen, it's a "Thank You for the help" and we never hear from then again. On a place like this the saying definitely applies, No News Is Good News.

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

 

Welcome to the forums.

 

Sorry to hear about your misadventures, but this is the reality of ownership of any aging luxury car. I would love to tell you it would be all reliable from now on, but it unlikely to be true long-term. You either pay someone to do the work or have to learn to do it yourself. You won't be able to own an old Jaguar on the cheap without doing the work yourself. You can contain costs by servicing it at a good independent mechanic, as dealership charge a large premium on all work and parts.

Yes, in most circumstances it is possible to tell when the timing chain about to go. You can listen for telltale ticking and sewing machine noise. Experienced mechanic can easily tell it just by listening.

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!!!

 

@1lowufoo, the simplest way to tell if the secondary timing chain tensioners have been changed to the latest metal-bodied version is to remove the cam cover(s) and inspect them. If the primary and secondary timing chains, tensioners and guides have not been replaced, they should be updated as quickly as possible to avoid catastrophic engine damage.

Regardless of the low miles, the vehicle is now twenty-two years old and all the plastic parts can only withstand a finite number of cold to hot to cold cycles before failing.

 

All car forums are doom and gloom.
Go back outside and look at your car.
It's the reason you bought it.
Now enjoy.