Hello, newbie here been looking for an xj for a long while and finally think I've found one that's not too bad a deal it's a 99 Vdp with 74000 miles on it however I'm scared to death of the nikasil / cam chain tensioner problems that the earlier v8's had , anyone have any words of wisdoms or advice on what to look for ? Thanks .

 

Kingofvandalia,

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Cheers!

Don

 

Welcome to the forum. A new member posts the same questions every week or so. If you use the forum search with those topics you will find many hours of discussion.
My opinion is that neither should be a major concern. If you are reasonably handy with tools, can follow instructions and have a place to work, the tensioners can be changed for a little over $200 and a weekend of work. If you do not feel competent to do this, it would probably be wise to stay away from older Jags, as the cost of having a professional repair and maintain the car will quickly drive the cost of ownership to the point where a newer car with a warranty will probably cost the same.
If a nikasil engine engine has good compression, it will probably outlast a steel lined engine, if it isn't overheated. It would be wise to invest in a gauge that monitors the temp. accurately, like the Realgauge. The Jag. gauge reads midpoint until it's almost too late.

 

check for rusted floorboards. These cars are getting old and ones that have been driven in salt aren't worth the effort. You have to be willing to do a lot of work yourself or have lots of $$$$. Ebay parts are cheap and plentiful. Expect to spend $3,000 a year even doing a lot yourself.