Classic XJ8 inquiry from a novice.
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Classic XJ8 inquiry from a novice.
I figured this was the correct place to ask this question before pulling the trigger.
It has been a long time dream to own a classic XJ8. I don’t think there is another motor car that has the characteristics of the classic XJ8. I have always wanted to own the old body style and I’m now thinking of making a purchase.
I hope I came to the correct forum. So give me the lowdown. How bad “expense” wise is the risk of purchasing a classic XJ8 between the year of 2004 and 2008 with high mileage. Somewhere between 120 and 150k.
I realize it will most likely require some work and updated maintenance. On average, how many miles do these vehicles have in them? Would this require a compete engine rebuild? The only pitfall I’m aware of is the express of replacing all 4 air shocks. Other then that, I’m walking in a tunnel with no light.
I would like to hear from the enthusiasts in what they think about a purchase of this vehicle and if it can even be considered a daily driver?
It has been a long time dream to own a classic XJ8. I don’t think there is another motor car that has the characteristics of the classic XJ8. I have always wanted to own the old body style and I’m now thinking of making a purchase.
I hope I came to the correct forum. So give me the lowdown. How bad “expense” wise is the risk of purchasing a classic XJ8 between the year of 2004 and 2008 with high mileage. Somewhere between 120 and 150k.
I realize it will most likely require some work and updated maintenance. On average, how many miles do these vehicles have in them? Would this require a compete engine rebuild? The only pitfall I’m aware of is the express of replacing all 4 air shocks. Other then that, I’m walking in a tunnel with no light.
I would like to hear from the enthusiasts in what they think about a purchase of this vehicle and if it can even be considered a daily driver?
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From: Great Mills, MD
IndigoMike, first off, welcome to the Forums. Lots of good people here and tons of helpful tidbits to be had. With that being said, we do ask that you stop by the New Member Section and introduce yourself. There, you will learn who the movers and shakers are here. We pride ourselves in being a better car group and I think you will see that it makes this place special.
On a second note, you are close, but not in the correct group. We have the group broken up by current body styles and then by past body styles. While you are in the XJ section, this is for the new body style (2010-2019). What you are looking for is the X350 and X358 section. This area will have more details on what you need to know about the car you are looking at then you will know what to do with. They will also help you avoid the pitfalls of this generation of car.
As for what you are wanting. Of course it can be a daily driver. With proper maintenance, these cars can go out to over 300K miles before needing serious repairs (ie, new tranny, new motor, etc). Now, like you point out, the air suspension is your problem child. But, you do it once, you should be good for 100K miles or so. If you can turn the wrenches, then the repair is quasi tolerable on the wallet. The other thing that I think you are going to find out that people will talk about is the timing chains. These tend to go/get noisy at about 100K miles. So, maybe you will get a car that has had them replaced already, then you may find a car that is in need of having them done. I seem to recall that doing this job is not hard, but will set you back about $300 for the parts and a good afternoon of wrenching (takes 4-5 hours to do the work). After that, you are going to experience a lot of the same issues that every other car is going to have with that many miles on them.
On a second note, you are close, but not in the correct group. We have the group broken up by current body styles and then by past body styles. While you are in the XJ section, this is for the new body style (2010-2019). What you are looking for is the X350 and X358 section. This area will have more details on what you need to know about the car you are looking at then you will know what to do with. They will also help you avoid the pitfalls of this generation of car.
As for what you are wanting. Of course it can be a daily driver. With proper maintenance, these cars can go out to over 300K miles before needing serious repairs (ie, new tranny, new motor, etc). Now, like you point out, the air suspension is your problem child. But, you do it once, you should be good for 100K miles or so. If you can turn the wrenches, then the repair is quasi tolerable on the wallet. The other thing that I think you are going to find out that people will talk about is the timing chains. These tend to go/get noisy at about 100K miles. So, maybe you will get a car that has had them replaced already, then you may find a car that is in need of having them done. I seem to recall that doing this job is not hard, but will set you back about $300 for the parts and a good afternoon of wrenching (takes 4-5 hours to do the work). After that, you are going to experience a lot of the same issues that every other car is going to have with that many miles on them.
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IndigoMike, first off, welcome to the Forums. Lots of good people here and tons of helpful tidbits to be had. With that being said, we do ask that you stop by the New Member Section and introduce yourself. There, you will learn who the movers and shakers are here. We pride ourselves in being a better car group and I think you will see that it makes this place special.
On a second note, you are close, but not in the correct group. We have the group broken up by current body styles and then by past body styles. While you are in the XJ section, this is for the new body style (2010-2019). What you are looking for is the X350 and X358 section. This area will have more details on what you need to know about the car you are looking at then you will know what to do with. They will also help you avoid the pitfalls of this generation of car.
As for what you are wanting. Of course it can be a daily driver. With proper maintenance, these cars can go out to over 300K miles before needing serious repairs (ie, new tranny, new motor, etc). Now, like you point out, the air suspension is your problem child. But, you do it once, you should be good for 100K miles or so. If you can turn the wrenches, then the repair is quasi tolerable on the wallet. The other thing that I think you are going to find out that people will talk about is the timing chains. These tend to go/get noisy at about 100K miles. So, maybe you will get a car that has had them replaced already, then you may find a car that is in need of having them done. I seem to recall that doing this job is not hard, but will set you back about $300 for the parts and a good afternoon of wrenching (takes 4-5 hours to do the work). After that, you are going to experience a lot of the same issues that every other car is going to have with that many miles on them.
On a second note, you are close, but not in the correct group. We have the group broken up by current body styles and then by past body styles. While you are in the XJ section, this is for the new body style (2010-2019). What you are looking for is the X350 and X358 section. This area will have more details on what you need to know about the car you are looking at then you will know what to do with. They will also help you avoid the pitfalls of this generation of car.
As for what you are wanting. Of course it can be a daily driver. With proper maintenance, these cars can go out to over 300K miles before needing serious repairs (ie, new tranny, new motor, etc). Now, like you point out, the air suspension is your problem child. But, you do it once, you should be good for 100K miles or so. If you can turn the wrenches, then the repair is quasi tolerable on the wallet. The other thing that I think you are going to find out that people will talk about is the timing chains. These tend to go/get noisy at about 100K miles. So, maybe you will get a car that has had them replaced already, then you may find a car that is in need of having them done. I seem to recall that doing this job is not hard, but will set you back about $300 for the parts and a good afternoon of wrenching (takes 4-5 hours to do the work). After that, you are going to experience a lot of the same issues that every other car is going to have with that many miles on them.
Thank you so much for the reply. Shall I copy and paste this question in the other group?
Yes, I have been a long time owner of many Mercedes Benz, Audi and other German cars. I have had no issues with taking a classic Mercedes over 200k. But I do understand that prior ownership in terms of maintenance makes a big difference. I can say I had a 1999 M3 back in the day that never had an issue. In 2014 I bought a 2010 M3 and the car needed 7k of injectors and more right off the bat. So I do understand the variance.
The XJ8 between 2002 and 2009 have been my favorite for a long time. It’s only the old body style I really like. However all the mechanics I speak with laugh at me when I mention a Jaguar or Land Rover.
I did a lot of research and I did learn about the air shocks as well as the timing chain issues. I thought it was corrected after a specific year when they replaced the plastic part with metal.
Lots of online auto deals asking 5 to 8k for these cars and I’m thinking it will be fun! However didn’t want to spend another 5 or 8k just to keep it driving.
I am not at all concerned with air cond and other components that wear with age. The only thing I worry about with the vehicle is the engine, oil leaks and transmission. All the other little things that can go wrong are minor.
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Yes post in the correct forum to get better answers. But get the latest year possible as many running changes were made. The 4.2L V-8 and 6 Speed ZF are pretty rock solid and yes the tensioners were improved as the years went by. BUT the air suspension is and will continue to be a problem. I swapped to coils on a friends car and it was a wonderful change. The complete kit is not too hard to install. It's such a problem you might very well find one with the conversion already done too.
But my best piece of advice is can you DIY the repairs? It was an expensive car new and it gets no cheaper to repair as it's value drops.
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But my best piece of advice is can you DIY the repairs? It was an expensive car new and it gets no cheaper to repair as it's value drops.
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