Hello!
I just joined this evening, and thought I should introduce myself. I'm located in Wisconsin and just bought my first Jaguar. Actually... I haven't even taken possession of it yet. The seller will be delivering it on a flat-bed tow truck next Friday (insert jokes now).

The car is a 1999 XJR. Yes, I am already aware of the timing chain, Nikasol, and throttle body problems. This X308 was originally built with the Gen 1 tensioner and therefore failed and destroyed the engine. This occurred in 2004 and the engine was therefore replaced with a factory remanufactured engine by Elmhurst Jaguar in September, 2004 when the odometer showed 98,000 miles. The dealer has confirmed they did this work. I haven't yet figured out if they replaced it with a steel-lined engine, but they did give it the updated throttle body. The odometer now shows about 150,000 miles so the engine only has about 50k on it.

The transmission is another story. It's stuck in 1st gear. Gonna have to take it in and get it checked out, but got a quote from the local tranny shop to do a trans swap for about $2k. Tires are bald, so that will be another $1k.

Ended up paying $2250 for the car. Everything else seems to work (A/C, Heat, power everything, etc.) and the price included delivery to my driveway on a flatbed.

So... how'd I do? I'm pretty happy. Looking forward to doing some minor mods here and there, and enjoying this as a summer cruiser.

Oh, and I love projects... probably to a fault. I'm currently in the middle of some metal work with a mill and lathe, woodworking, replacing flooring in my house, and building a 4 person airplane. :-) Needless to say I have a very patient wife!

Glad to be here and thankful for this website!

 

I should have seen the airplane coming, given your location! Sounds like you got a good deal there. Let us know how it works out

 

Welcome to the forum, and what a low price for such a car, I even have to pay more tax per year just so it is allowed on the road overhere.

You may want to check your secondairy tensioners, as in that year you would still get the 2nd generation ones. They are much better then that 1st gen, but as you have a patient wife, it might be a nice job to swap them for the 3rd gen ones ;-).

 

Hello and welcome,

You've clearly researched this vehicle very well and know exactly what's needed.
The XJR will make a superb summer cruiser.

Graham

 

Welcome to the forum,

Good to have you with us.
Sounds like you have done your homework, maybe the dealer can confirm which tensioners are in there.
Enjoy the car.

 

Hey, does your wife ever see you ! I always tell mine there are only two types of men in the world, (1) those with a roving eye, and (2) those with hobbies.