99 XJR 73k with blown head gasket purchase?
 

Currently own an 07 XKR coupe and love it. I surfed CL and found a really nice 99 XJR with 73k miles for $3500. I'm not afraid of tearing apart an engine and realistically I'll probably just pull it to make life easy. The question is, is it worth it? Nikasil engine? Looking for comfy reliable transportation to and from work as my pride (XKR) stays in the garage. I work at the airport and I leave my car out for 4 days at a time so the XKR stays home. What am I looking at in parts cost? Otherwise are these things at least as reliable as the 4.2 SC? I already know about the cam chain stuff which will get done when the heads come off.

I tried the "search" button but couldn't really find anything definitive.

Should I jump or run?

Thanks.

Nikasil should not be an issue.

Without knowledge of potential issues associated with head gasket such as severe overheating I would make the assumption of a complete engine replacement when negotiating sales price. The $3500 seems a little high with that in mind. Your ability to DIY is your advantage not the seller's.

There is almost no way to give you a parts estimate until the engine is disassembled and see the damage done. Just an example the heads maybe warped beyond machining and need replaced. You'll not know until it's apart what you'll need.

Seller states the radiator failed hence the overheating. I guess I should pass on this one.

I bought my 98 XJR in id say average condition; mint wheels in immaculate shape, excellent paint with no dings, dents or scratches, but the interior was way dark from smoking, the sunroof didnt work, one speaker was broke, one armrest in door panel was partially detached, several backlight bulbs on dash were burnt out, the headliner sagged badly, and the leather was in nice but very dirty condition (and needed two spots dyed to cover up scuffs).

It had 80k miles and I paid $4100. It ran like a top, and I have replaced the WP, Tstat and done secondary tensioners. It's been great.

There are better deals than this one.

I don't envy what you guys pay for X308's over in USA.....a 99 with a blown head gasket would be lucky to make $1000 over here in UK.....but if you are going to do it I would go the route of finding a 4.2 from an XKR....this is a good read if you haven't already found it


http://www.eapj.com/Elite%20XJR%20proof.pdf


and a few other threads to match on search


plus in my personal opinion you would have a one of a kind X308 4.2 XJR which would be worth more at the end of the day than the 4.0 rebuild


try to beat the price down

Pretty much sums it up! If I knew it was just a gasket replacement it might be worth it but if I have to drop $1500 or more in parts it's a no go. I'd certainly invest a grand and my time as the car seems pretty mint otherwise. I'd just like to have some sweat equity in it when I'm done. Sounds like it's a $1500 car...

$1500 in parts and machine shop labor assumes that the car doesn't need other stuff in addition to engine work! When I buy cars with mechanical trouble my goal is to get the car fixed and be about 50-60% cost to resale. That way if things go to pot, I can still break even.

To me, a nice 99 with 73k is worth about 8k. You might see better for more, worse for less, but I feel that's a fair price. Because you might get stuck putting an engine in, doing regular jaguar fixes and such, I'd want to be in the car no more than $2k to buy. That's if its a very nice car other than the obvious.

I've bought cars that I ended up total being only 25% of value in, and I've bought cars that I ended up barely breaking even after busting my hump to make them right. I haven't lost money doing my numbers, so I'm sticking with this!

He's probably be insulted if I offered $1500 since the ad is new. I let it sit for a while. Maybe I'll get lucky. If it is just a simple gasket replacement It would be sweet.