I am looking at a 2003 XJ8 wiith 147K on it. The car is amazing inside and out but there is no service history and Car Fax is not something I really trust.

They want $5995. for the car. It is Black with Beige inside that is like new.

I think it is highway miles, not around town mileage. the car is to clean.

I am concerned however that It could turn into a real nightmare with Big dollar repairs ( Timing chains, Transmission, rear, etc) due to mileage.

I have been told 2001 and above are really good cars they really hold up without alot of problems.

Opinions?

 

Drive it, really put it through it's paces with your eyes and ears and every other sense organ open wide. Make sure it shifts good, doesn't tick on startup, accelerates smoothly and through all gears. And take it to a mechanic who will be able to spot obvious and not-so-obvious problems. Look at the what to look for list in this forum.

Other than that -- for $6k, what could go wrong? You might ask for a slight cost reduction, like $5k.

Good luck.

 

your right, except i think it was 2002 and up, that they updated the tensioners to the metal ones, so that problem is taken care of, the other thing is the transmission, dont know if that was addressed in 2002

 

I agree with all above and expect with the mileage, tranny will be an issue. I was just out 3800 on mine after owning it only 7 days. Love the car but for that, would not have bought it. My 2 cents.

I got a good deal too! PO dumped a wad into it but it still bit me.

 

What was the cost to repair the trans? Was it the A drum? and would this be an issue with a 2003?

I was thinking that with the miles, it may have already been done. Plus the car is a one owner

 

It was the A drum and cost me $3800. I don't know if an issue with 2003. I expect the life on most trans are limited. The guys here have helped me tremendously.

My thread...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...d-80637/page4/

 

I have had cars that had 200k on them and not a major part was replaced. They weren't English or German cars maybe thats why.

 

I've had more transmission problems with Honda/Acura vehicles than any others. I am very concerned about transmission issues because of that -- I wouldn't buy a vehicle with 150K on it without expecting some kind of problem (unless the transmission has already been replaced). You might consider having a transmission expert take a look at it.