Finally getting back on track regarding my move to the U.K. I want a 2001 Daimler... the question is... a Daimler Eight has no turbo, and the Super Eight does.. I really like the interior options on the Super Eight, but will the turbo be problematic... I hope to pay top dollar for a low mileage turn key car... I'm past buying a fixer upper😄

 

1. supercharger
2. go for the super 8 if you can

The SC models get a bit more complicated cooling, but you get a much more robust transmission as well, over the NA. Super V8's are rare and tend to be more expensive. If you're ok with the short wheelbase and want more power, get the XJR, if you really want the legroom and squish, and don't need the extra power, get the vanden plas (aka daimler).

One of my favorite notes from Jag's marketing of the XJR was that the supercharged V8 has as much torque at 1500 RPM as the naturally aspirated makes at peak torque.

 

So you're in the UK now? A Daimler Super 8 shouldn't be too difficult to locate - if you need help let me know. Bare in mind the UK cars offer other issues, like rust....so you need to know where to look as this problem leads to MOT test failure, their yearly fitness check with the DVLA.

 

I'd definitely go turbo if you can swing it.

 

The super Eight is what I want, but if I can find a nice one with about 40K or so, do I still need to worry about changing timing chain and tensioners just because of age? The SC is fine as long as it won't be problematic VS the non SC version...

 

Tensioners are an issue no matter which model, or age. No matter what you get you'll want to have them checked, and upgraded to the metal ones if they haven't been done already.

Other than the eventually needing to replace the coolant hoses under the supercharger, almost all common problems with these cars are the same across all models. They're not related to being supercharged or not.

 

Of course you would as you are Addicted2boost.

bob

 

You got that right!
3 out of 3 of my cars are pressurized.
1986 Buick Grand National (turbo)
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4 cylinder that I bought new and was NA and is now turbo'd.
The 98' XJR needs no explanation other than I resurrected it and is going strong at 242K miles. The funny thing about this car is that the wife named it bob for bobcat. Her 00' XJ8 she named kitty.

Anyways, back on topic. You won't have to worry about tensioners as long as the last 6 of the vin is F41862 and higher. I believe that is an 02 model and up. I'd go on an 02'-03' XJR search and have fun shopping. Even a low mileage car will need maintenance seeing as the newest X308 is 14 years old. Changing all the fluids would be a minimum. There's going to be some sort of leakage somewhere also. Remember, it's not just mileage, it's age also that seals deteriorate. Good luck on your hunt!

 

SC suits me fine - no turbo lag.

 

Too much power is wasted turning a charger and it's not very tunable. At least it's consistent though.

 

As long as it runs dead quiet and Daimler smooth, that's all I care about... I won't be racing it thru the streets of Bromley

 

For the price, you might find it easier to just get a standard Daimler or VDP, rather than a super

 

Only the Super V8 comes with the most options, LWB and power rear seats in the U.K... I want to find the most loaded lower mileage car I can find.. HP and power and top speed are not as critical as having All the options

 

Thanks for all of the input... I've decided to go for the best low mileage Super V Eight that I can find, and have tensioners, chain and cooling system serviced and then just enjoy the luxury and power on the British motorways.. Again, thanks to all who chimed in😄

 

Good Luck with that, with the constant road works, accidents and average speed checks. The constant targeting of the motorist by the police, the councils and government. Then there's the cost of the fuel, fluids, road tax and insurance. Why on earth would anyone want to move to the UK? I live here and I can't think of any reason why I'd recommend it to anyone else.

 

America was once a great place to live.. about 38 years ago... Now we are being over run by the rest of the world... by comparing item for item, it is vastly cheaper to live in London than it is to live in San Francisco's east bay... my one bedroom apartment is more costly than a 3 bedroom flat in Bromley. Food costs much less there as do taxes and utilities... many people there speak English... Here it has become a third language... I can't wait to get out of here...

 

"America was once a great place to live.. about 38 years ago... Now we are being over run by the rest of the world"

It's what the native Americans ( Indians) must have say when the white man came

 

I'll have to pay thousands to become a British citizen and actually get a drivers licence, pay insurance and register my car there.... Here, you hop the fence for free, get all the social benefits for free and just buy a car with current tags.. no need to pay for all the pesky extras... In an accident?? Just get out and run... well, I've had enough, thanks

 

We should end this line of discussion before we go any farther down an unhappy road😜

 

A car forum is certainly not the place to talk about politic, so I will refrain from doing so