Hi everyone, new member here.

I am currently shopping for jaguars.
So far I have seen three, and they all have their pros - cons.
I would appreciate your help!

1. 2004 XJ8 Vanden Plas, 120k miles, everything looking great, has been serviced consistently. 6000$
2. 2005 XJ8 L, 105k miles, perfect condition, has only been serviced once. 6000$
3. 1998 XJ8 Vanden Plas, 78k miles, perfect condition, private party seller, the car has been driven by an older woman for the past 10 years. 5400$

I am leaning towards the 1998 VDP because of low mileage and better interior design to my liking.
I don't know much about reliability, and would appreciate any advice/ what to look for.

Thanks!

 

With any Jaguar; service history is key. Properly maintained these cars can easily give you 200k miles.

1998 has 4.0 engine which is known to have timing chain tensioner problems. If those have been upgraded; then it is also another workhorse.

 

I'm sorry, what do you mean by "then it is also another workhorse"?
I am planning on replacing the timing chain tensioners in case they haven't been upgraded.

 

I meant that the powertrain is considered very reliable and can easily last 200+k miles with fluid changes.

 

For any '98 the timing chain tensioner update is needed, and the transmission A drum failure due to pressure valve are the key big dollar items I would fix right away If I bought one.

 

I'd probably be inclined towards the 04, unless T P O did his own work, and was serious about it. Do all my own work, except the alignment's, which seem to always need done, when the front tie rod ends, along with tie rods in rear are done. Always a least little out of alignment, no matter how hard i try to measure, and duplicate the old measurements, their off at least a little. Believe the 98 is not aluminum, so its not an option in my book, fluid changes, with maintenance, are paramount for long life in anything, or anyone, for that matter.

 

The 98 is the last of the steel-bodied XJs and will need careful checking to make sure the timing chain tensioners are updated. I'm not sure if a 98 has the steel cylinder liners, but even if it is Nikasil, it is here now and running in 2017, so these are probably OK. The suspension is the older design, and totally unlike the aluminium saloon that came out in 2003. The 98 will probably ride better, because Jaguar have completely lost their way on this in recent years. Having said that, I'm on my 2nd X350 (an X358) so I'm happy and just put up with the inferior ride. OF course for those "wheel spin to wheel lock" merchants the current cars are fine, I'm just too old to appreciate it !!

I suspect Car 2 has been serviced but maybe not at a main agent. What tells you it has only been serviced once? If it really was only once the oil will be like tar now, so you need to check it. If it has been serviced then this is a good buy.

 

 

Can you send us links to the cars in question on cars.com or autotrader? Also what is your budget?

IMHO, they are both great bargains assuming everything is in good condition

 

I stayed away 1998 to 2001 XJ8 year.

You should test drive both X308 and X350. Pound for pound X350 is a much better car. $6,000.00 is very reasonable price for a used low miles luxury car. You are ahead since air suspensions are ready replaced. You also live in LA which is aplus. Jaguar 's suspension prones to fail in extrem cole weather. Go fo it. you won't regret.

 

2004 XJ8:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...455386723.html

2000 VDP:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...467338289.html

My budget is 6-7k!

 

The 2004 xj8 is a trap. Never buy a car with a rebuilt title. The hood isn't lining up and wouldn't be surprised if its frame is damaged.

 

this isnt always true. if you know your way around cars and how to determine if something is wrong (frame mainly with these cars) then you can have a good deal. IF YOURE CAREFUL. that being said, i agree that the 04 isnt the best choice. i would wait a little longer (or widen area search, use the option to include nearby areas). the current ones available arent the best.

im in the la area and was looking at CL for cars. they will pop up but you have to wait! key is waiting.

 

The 2000 VDP interior is beat to hell and back. Not a good deal if I have to look at that every day (for me personally). No way my wife or friends would sit inside it.

Also, just not a fan of the line "A/C blows Ice cold". If that's the top selling point, you can buy a newer Toyota for the same $.

I wouldn't run from the salvage 04 just yet. There has to be pics of the vehicle from the accident and the repair shop probably has every detail. I'd want to see the pics, determine what was damaged etc. You also want to ask yourself how long do you plan to own? Salvage cars can be tough to sell but it's priced low and if you're going to keep it until she don't run no more, it doesn't matter that it's a salvage. I like the 04 to dig deeper. I'd steer clear of the 00.
My opinions only. GL

 

Sounds like good advice, I am going to keep my eyes open

 

I do plan on reselling. But I will take that into consideration. The owner does "seem" very trustworthy. I told him that I'm pursuing other opportunities but that I would come back to him if nothing turned out well.

Again, thanks all

 

I bought a 2005 XJR from a guy in Aneheim Hills with 75k for 9K, flew to LA from Denver picked it up and drove home. It has been a great car. It has needed some wear maintance and the air shocks have started leaking but I am going to buy another Jag to sit next to it in the garage, this time an XKR.

I say this to tell you to take your time, do a PPI for a couple of hundred bucks before you purchase and budget for a little repair. These cars are just awesome.

Here is a link to a board member that is selling an XJR. Looks pretty good. I was going to call him but decided on going with the 2 door, see what he says.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-maybe-195417/

Griff

 

Hi guys,

I'm doing it! Buying the 1998 vdp with 78k miles. 3rd gen timing chain tensioners are already on (I checked!)
Service history is prestine, I am very excited and will post a pic when I get it.

Thank you all for your help!

 

Enjoy your new ride...

 

Enjoy. You'll want to introduce yourself over on the X308 page to match your new ride. Cheers mate.