Hi guys,

My old man is looking to pick up a black 2008 XJ8 with 38,000 km (23,750 miles) for $36k from a local Jag dealer. The car is in beautiful condition and he loves it, however, he is concerned because there is no warranty. Are there any common problems we should look out for? How is the overall reliability of these vehicles?

 

I am surprise the dealer offers no warranty at all, as these are normally supplied by 3rd party specialist warranty companies, at least that is the case here in the UK. Of course, most dealers will be reluctant to offer a guarantee of their own, some offer a month, some three, but these are in all probability part of a financing deal for stocking etc

Anyway, if the service documents are available, and the car checks out OK including test drive, it should be OK. Make sure it is not an insurance write-off, though.

Overall, these are reliable and well-built cars, and some owners have taken them over 200k miles, but some components can wear out and cost significant sums to replace. However, worry not because the after-market is very active, so the costs have come down significantly. Your dad should prudently budget for an air suspension compressor as these dont last long. more from years rather than miles; service exchange (or even new) units are available at around $300 to purchase on the internet.

 

We put 100k miles on our 2004 XJ8L in five years, with nothing but scheduled maintenance. One of the best cars we've ever owned.

 

Thanks, guys!

He ended up buying it after negotiating for a 3rd party warranty and the Jag dealer will do the repairs. I drove it yesterday to get it tinted and it's a dream to drive. I love it!

 

I thought the basic warranty was for 50K miles. He also can buy an extended warranty through Jag.

 

Well done, and I hope your dad enjoys driving his "aircraft fuselage on wheels" car !!

Y'know, it's hard to list the steel parts there are on these cars. Anybody ?

 

The strut tower(or is it shock tower) bar is definitely steel.

 

Front and rear sub frames are steel.

 

No, it is an aluminium casting - try a magnet on it.

However the front and rear subframes are steel, and of course there are lots of steel bits in the engine and transmission, plus the prop-shaft too.

Sorry, didn't intend to hijack this thread. I think I'll create a new one on this subject.

 

Standard items that affect some of us are the leaks in the air-shocks, air suspension compressor failure, radiator leak, radiator overflow bottle (cracks), and in tropical conditions, all rubber hoses and anti-roll bar / suspension arm bushes and throttle body failure. I've had them all, but I still have the car.... still nicer to drive than a Benz/BM/Audi/Lexus.

 

Look into getting an extended warranty with a company like Carchex. I got one for my '04, used it once for my compressor. Paid $100 and it was fixed at the dealership...

 

The warranty was up due to the mileage, it was due to the age. It's an '08, bought in '07. He did end up getting a warranty through a company similar to Carchex.