I previously owned a 96 XJ6 VDP and loved the car. I held onto it for 2 years before I (reluctantly) traded it in. It was a solid and agile cat that loved the open stretches!

Recently I spotted an immaculate blue 2000 XJ8 VDP (80k miles) on a BMW Dealer's lot and started investigating. It was listed for $9800 but the price dropped a week later to $8500 (it had been on the lot for over a month). I took a test drive and just loved it (like fitting into a comfortable old shoe again!). I showed interest, but not too much. I (impatiently) waited another week and took another test drive (different salesman) and kicked the tires a little more. He told me there was a sale going on this weekend and I might be able to pick it up for less. It was a 1 owner car (with the original window sticker in the glove box).

I went to my bank and got a pre-approved blank check for $8500, and went to the dealer. Yet another salesman greeted me and we talked, drove, snooped, looked, and kicked some more. I asked what out-the-door would be and he asked me to name a price. I said $8k and he said he didn't think it would be a problem, till I hit the sales manager who almost flipped. Good thing it's considered a "niche" car, and not many came by to look. My stance: "It's been on your lot for XX days, you reduced the price several times, and no buyers. You got it on a trade in, and I'm here to buy!"

I finally won out, at $8k out the door, and love it! I did come across a bad alternator (gave out 2 months after buying, and since I got no warranty, it was an easy fix), and preventave maint of replacing the water pump, it drives like a dream! So $300 in parts, and an awareness of other things to watch out for (thanks to this site), I'm confident this will be with me for a very LONG time!

Looking through the forums, I'm requesting the service records from Jag (it was maticulously maintained) to see if the tranny, engine, or tensioners have been worked on. Since the DIY section images are still locked out, I'll wait till I have a full visual grasp before doing any of that work.

San Diego, Ca

 

Nice pick up. Might want to take a look at the tensioners as 00 was a plastic year I think.

 

Well done, I love a buying tale. 2nd what Ben says on the tensioners, prevention is the key to sound sleep!

 

I'm not sure if the tensioners are an issue, my VIN is SAJDA12C7YLS01142, so if anyone can tell, it would be appreciated. Where is the engine code located?

I have always loved the X308 style and look, and found with my last one the leg room is a must in the back. Still can't believe it when I see an 04 VDP (and beyond) with no leg room!

 

nice intro full of info and a great "buy" tale....nice one and welcome to the site.
FFA granted so go check out what you want / need and remeber to post up some pics too

 

Welcome, I trust you will have a good enjoyment with your choice

 

And a welcome from me. It will be good when you get hold of those records.

 

Correction to the VIN, my son read it to me over the phone and got a letter wrong. It's SAJDA12C7YLF01142. Still like to know where engine number comes from.

Thx

 

Welcome,

It's good when a plan comes together.

 

Update for the record:

Since purchase, there are 2 issues:
1. Alternaor died. Was driving down the freeway at 4 am and all the gauges went wacky, radio cut out, and lights went out. Car went into limp mode and I was able to get it the 7 miles back home, no lights, and very scary. I followed the procedures listed here on the forum and also noted a slight wobble in the water pump, so replaced that as well. $350 and a couple days work (had to wait for the alternator to come in), and she's back up.
2. I was hoping to get the service history, but Kearny Mesa Jaguar closed and Carlsbad Jaguar didnt get any service history from the closing store, so their lost!!

The car runs like a gem but I need to make sure I have replacement secondary tensioners before I feel better.