Hello, fellow enthusiasts,
I am thinking of buying a 2001 XJ8 from a local man, but the car has transmission issues. I have not yet seen the car. He says it will drive in reverse, but the forward gears are shot.
Is this more of a problem to fix, than it's worth? Can you please tell me if this is a common issue with these cars, and what is the most common cure for the problem? Will it require a complete transmission replacement?
Also, at what time /VIN number were the timing chain tensioners upgraded in this series?
Thank you for any info you can offer.

 

You will need to inspect the tensioners -- they would need to be updated -- as would inspection of the Tstat housing (plastic)

It may or may not have the water pump issue. Plan on a rebuilt transmission -- it has the ZF box .. how many miles?

If the car is a low mile car with a good history and in good physical shape -- worth fixing. The transmission is always the expensive unknown on the non SC cars -- if you buy one with a bad trans and the cost of the rebuilt box is factored into the purchase price -- you have eliminated the biggest concern.

 

Dear yeldogt,
The car has 127,000 miles on her clock, according to the owner. She's a 2001, he's owned her since 2002. Adult-owned and driven.

 

It would have to be in exceptional condition inside and out to be worth more than $1000. There is bound to be suspension updates required unless he can document them very recently.

 

Dear RJ327,
Thank you for the information. I've only seen pictures so far, but it looks like the exterior paint is in good shape.
Starting price is $1,500. I'll factor all of the repairs into the total cost of buying the car (or NOT buying the car!).
Thanks again!

 

Time takes it's toll as does miles. Sounds like the original owner or he bought it off lease -- Jaguar had short term lease deals back when the X308's were new.

All depends on condition -- there is no value in trying to bring up the cosmetic condition -- you have to buy them in the condition you want. You have to factor in a transmission .. and whatever else may be needed. Almost any X308 you buy will need something.

If the car is in great shape with stack of receipts. Is it better to buy one for 1k knowing it needs a 3k transmission -- or 5k with a working one at 127k .. and then have it fail? The ZF's often fail around that mile.

 

Dear yeldogt,
You bring up a very good point: I would rather know that from when I buy the car and replace the transmission, I can have the expectation that she will drive for another X-number of miles before having to worry over the transmission again.
A bad paint job that drives reliably is better than shiny paint that remains stalled in the driveway.
I have seen different versions, or number schemes, for the ZF transmissions. For a 2001 XJ8, standard wheelbase car, not supercharged, am I looking for the ZF5HP24 transmission?
Thank you.

 

My 98 had a ZF .. but it was totaled when new ... I don't have much direct knowledge ... most of my friends with X308's have XJR's. Do a search ... I believe a member ..bdboyle had his ZF rebuilt. He is in Eastern PA ...

The non SC cars have the ZF box. Often the A drum fails ... But my memory is that the car will fail to go into reverse. With 127k -- you want to fix it once .. sounds like it lost 1st.

The engines are fine as long as you maintain the cooling system -- don't neglect any hint of coolant smell. And the tensioners ... so many cars are killed not maintaining the coolant properly or cheating on something as simple as the Tstat. With this being a long term owner -- it could be a well maintained car.

 

All non SC X308's have the 5HP24, and when the A drum fails they will go into reverse, but usually not forward gears. A rebuilt transmission with improved A drum and main pressure valve is available from many sources or is a reasonable DIY for the average mechanic with help from the forum.

 

What the issue when they will not reverse? It's a common problem .. we have had a bunch of people get stuck in our parking lot -- not able to back out.

The drum can be reinforced .. and the valves updated. Or upgraded parts installed .. once it actually fails I believe more damage is typical. With 127k I don't think you would get a recommendation to only fix the drum

 

I have keep updating the repair/maint history of our 2001 xj8 - covers all its issues back to when we purchased it (11/5/03).

I use the excel file as the master file for updating purposes and then I create the PDF file to provide the information to the forum.

Excel worksheet file:
2001 Jaguar XJ8 sp2.xls

PDF file:
2001 Jaguar XJ8 sp2.pdf

 

Jim -- I forgot you had one done. That gives a good price guide


I'm surprised at all the work needed Twice the miles of mine

 

I'm pretty sure this is the same transmission that was used in the Audi S8 and is prone to complete failure around those miles (100-130K). The below website has some good info too.

B.A Transmissions ZF5HP24 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Page