Is there a list of X300 scheduled maintenance online? I'd like to get an estimate on maintenance costs for a 174k mile 97 I am considering purchasing for my wife.

How well does the climate control system hold up? How about the automatic transmission and differential?

 

I'll try to find an on-line schedule but the owners manual will list the services and intervals. That won't mean much, though,unless you have proof that everything has been done and done according to schedule. If any doubt your best bet is to start from square one and do a FULL major service. Change ALL oils/fluids/filters, new plugs, repack front wheel bearings, etc. You'll be looking at several hundred dollars at most shops. You might wanna drive the car for a couple weeks to make sure its fundamentally OK before spending that kind of money on routine servicing.

Engine, trans, differential are all very long lasting on these cars if given good care. But, let's face it, 174k miles is a lot. You'll probably get a lot more life out of them but at that mileage "anything can happen"

Climate control systems are generally reliable

Good luck !

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks for the reply.

I don't take cars to the shop, so it is mainly parts prices that concern me.

 

No worries. Jaguar parts, in general and relatively speaking, are reasonably priced. Routine maintenance parts border on downright cheap.

Cheers
DD

 

In addition to Doug's reccomendations, spend $300.00 or so for a water pump, belts and all new coolant hoses. Enjoy a leisurely weekend of home repair changing them, it will be a severe bonding experience.

And don't foget a box of straight pins for the headliner. Never mind about the clock, spend another $300.00 for a new one or ignore it.

In the U.S., that is a $3K car if the paint is good and the interior isn't ravaged in my opinion. if you're spending more than that, we should have a word off line.

 

The ad is at $2900. Right in line then.

I do appreciate it.

 

Assuming no major defects you'll never buy more car for less money

Cheers
DD

 

I received more info from the seller.

 

About what I'd expect for a used car in that price range.

Jag Tech Ohio can fix you up with good used headlight and door latch. Hoses are no biggie. Shocks are $75-100 each, I think. Headliner-$250 at a trim shop? Dents-??? Tires??? Iassume any cheap used car is gonna need new tires.....

Or step up into the $5000 range and buy a car with fewer issues and miles.

Cheers
DD

 

I'm not afraid of fixing those things at all. As long as it doesn't sell by the end of next week when I am able to buy, it will be mine.

 

The one bald tire concerns me. Unless it is the same corner with the rattling shock. Are alignment problems common?

 

More likely, it had two bald tires and only one good spare to install. The shock can cause some cupping, but this does not commonly occur on X300 and won't make the tire bald. You might want to start running a tab, this could turn into not such a great deal with a few more deferred maintenance items added on.

 

It is likely only the top bushing, these tend to wear out long before the shock.
Just do yourself a favour and change all four shocks and consider replacing the wheel bearings. The front wheel bearings need to be torqued properly and many places do not do it properly.

Check the steering rack for leaks and flush that system adding a conditioner, sealer. The steering rack tends to be a weak link and usually the power steering pump wears out at the same time. Only replace them in pairs, but in the mean time, just flush the system.

 

My right front shock rattled and the lower bush was shot. $3.50 part, 2 hours to replace.