Yeah, I agree the price is too high. The original ad said $4500 OBO but they had posted another saying $4000. Even that is higher than I would like to pay given the problems, and I'm not going to buy it if the charging issue is anything other than needing a new battery, unless it is a reasonably priced fix. I found a reputable Jag mechanic who is going to do a pre-purchase inspection on whatever car I do end up wanting.

 

Look at post#17 again. The not charging light is on so the alternator may be bad in addition to the battery. The only way to be certain is to have the mechanic you said you are taking it to check it out.

 

thanks. That one ended up being crappy, so I gave up on my search. But today got the urge to look again.. found a '99 with 108k miles for $2500 that has had the tensioners replaced to metal, as well as a new fuel pump, fuel tank, head gasket, and cam shaft. Its not cosmetically perfect but that can be changed much more easily than the engine work. I might take a look at it. I also found an '01 XJ8 VDP for the same price with 81k miles.

 

I guess for some folks cosmetic work is "more easy" than engine work. I have found the opposite to be the truth both for me and having the work done by others.

 

Mis0036. IMO the car to look for would be a 02-03 XJR. Fine one with excellent cosmetics and 80k. With one or two owners and paperwork -- they are around. In the long run the cheapest way into a Jaguar.

The later cars did not have the water pump issues that caused so many problems -- no nikasil issues .. and many other rolling improvement that took place. The XJR benefits include the much more robust Mercedes transmission -- no VVT and improved cooling system piping at the thermostate. More power.

The supercharger has proven to be very reliable -- the XJR's are just better cars.

Getting an early non-SC car with 104k is asking for trouble. 3k to start and then a host of problems over a couple of years and you are now over the cost of a perfect later year XJR that you could have enjoyed. And the "R" will still be worth something. The early cars will be worth less then the original 3k .. if you are lucky.