Thinking about looking at a 2000 XJ8. The ad reads2000 JAGUAR XJ8 SEDAN,MINT CONDITION THROUGHOUT,BURGANDY/BEIGE LEATHER,ALL OPTIONS,114K LOW MILES,LIKE NEW TIRES,MAINTAINED,GARAGED,MUST SEE TO APPREIATE-------$4,500/FIRM,CASH

What do I need to look for? I know I need records for the timing chain. What about the tranission if it has made it that far should it be ok or shouldfactor in replacing the forward drum. What else should I ask about and look at?

Thanks !

 

The only common major things that I can think of are the gearbox front drum and the fuel pump for that mileage if the secondary tensioners have already been replaced.

bob gauff

 

Is the 4.0 a good motor and what are real world mpg for that year I see 22 to 24 mpg it would be my daily drive to and from work 27 miles each way. Does it have to have premium fuel or can it survive on regular . Just asking.

Thanks

 

Premium Gas only.

Here is PDF file where I keep updating our service history for our 2001 XJ8 since purchase ( has just over 10 years of information):

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bsu4horx49...20XJ8%20sp.pdf

Jim Lombardi

 

Several owners, including test point, I think run regular. I have done so in both of my cars, but usually use mid-grade. The loss of power is not noticeable unless you are drag racing from the stop lights, and in that case the transmission a-drum is liable to be more of a problem.

 

Wow, Jim. And I thought my records were fastidious! Actually, that helps paint a very real and, perhaps, sobering picture about the care of these aging beauties.

Shouldn't Phantom also be concerned about the water pump, etc.? Or were the better ones put in by then?

Phantom, I have money put aside for the transmission if/when it goes - in answer to your question. Also, realistically, I get little better than 14 mpg in town and 22.5 on the highway. That might be some better where you live because of our cold temps.

Good luck!
Scott

 

Since when 114K is LOW miles???????????

 

I was wondering about the miles myself but I had a 2001 DTS cadillac with 138,000 when I sold it and the neighbor is still driving it with no problems. It would get around 24 on the road with regular and had a lot of power for a heavy car.
Should I be looking at a 2003 and above?

I was going to call the guy today it is located near by so I could look and see if he had records.

 

Well I called the car is in the shop. Used car salesman he bought for his wife but she wants a something else So....no history he bought it at auction goes over about how clean and almost new tires. He said call back tuesday I may go look but with no history and those miles I'm thinking no right off the bat.

 

if it doesn't sound right it usually isn't - you've genned up on the known issues and know the faults/questions to ask so keep looking. There must be a good number of these in Florida and within a well cared for car. The only thing I can suggest is 2 phone calls or drop in's -
get the vin
and ask the local Jaguar dealer (service dept) if they can give you their history of it (dealer service/recall's are stored in the car's individual 'passport') it may have even had a steel liner replacement being of nikasil vintage.
hope this helps