Long ago I had an XJ-6 that had been lovingly kept by it's first owner who proudly handed over a HUGE service file with it the day I purchased it. I was soon to discover I'd be adding to that file in a significant way. Enough so that combined with the extremely difficult task of then selling it on when the time came that I swore off the brand, forever.
"Never say never" and fast forward to almost three years ago when a gorgeous XJ8L presents itself locally with a dead transmission. I'm pretty handy with a wrench and familiar with the afflicted ZF box used in these cars and contemporary BMWs. Figuring to swap in a good used box and flip a very pretty car for a quick buck I bought it.
Finding a proven good used box was a challenge so I forked up for a complete overhaul and update of the original to a local trans builder.
THEN the litany of other things began to mount up.
Fuel pump went out (actually the measly connections that were thought sufficient to handle the load) and that ugly job was undertaken. Thanks to the knowledgeable bunch here I learned that the timing chain tensioners are a ticking time bomb, another large job and parts bill.
Soon after it is running well a wheel bearing starts protesting. It's a good thing I do my own service and am only out a few bucks for a bearing, lunch for a local mechanic who agrees to let me use his press and an afternoon's labor.
Boy, she runs nice now I ought to keep her. No sooner do these thoughts enter my mind when a very ominous sound from the nether regions of the engine compartment are heard. A rod knock? No, it doesn't behave like one. T-chain tensioners? Nah, I know I did it correctly. Up on the lift a stethoscope reveals the right side catalyst to be the offender. The "brick" inside has become loose and is banging around with the exhaust pulses.
I am able to repair it without breaking the bank, with used part from a donor who's failed T-chain tensioners put it to the breaker with under 80k miles. Much thanks to another member here and the good old AJ26.
See my airbag light thread for the last straw.
I'm done.
The members here have been great, have taught me, tolerated a rant once in a while and saved me from the greedy Jag parts man on more than one occasion.
Comparing this with other marques I can't justify the attention it needs. A pretty face? Certainly, but on close inspection the "lumber and hides" is mostly plastic and vinyl, even Japanese electrics have been rendered unreliable in Coventry.


I still "like" this car, it has charms but too many built in issues. Sort of like a super model with venereal disease.
I should add that the time frame here is compressed, illness intervened to make all this happen over roughly three years but only 4k miles, one thousand of which just accumulated on a trip.


It's been fun participating here and learning from the true lovers of the marque, I just ain't one of you.
Cheers and best regards to all,
Ross

 

I have had the reverse experience- Even the worst situations were preferable work-wise to BMW's and my daughter's Jetta.

I wish you the best, but Jaguar has been very very good to me.

 

Yep cars are a passion, you get it or you don't. I've owned just over 50 cars so far and each one had their own jekyll & hyde.

If you don't feel the draw then it's time to move on.

 

Ross,

Sorry your experience with the '98 has been so rough. For the record, the most reliable car we ever owned was a 1988 Honda Accord, which we bought new and drove for 10 years and 255,000 miles. The first thing to fail was the AC Delco battery at 72,000 miles. Aside from regular maintenance and 5 sets of Michelins, the only repairs I had to do were the water pump, EGR valve, timing belt twice (100K miles apart), and the CV shafts. When I traded the car in, it still had its original shocks. So if you can find one of those in good shape...

Cheers,

Don

 

liking the 'supermodel with clap' analogy Ross, shame she gave you a dose, Jaguar used copious engineering antibiotics and by 2002 the supermodel was clear of all her warts! lol!

It's sod's law you picked a 98' - not the finest vintage I must admit, anyway onwards and upwards. What next in the driveway is the question

 

Well said Sean B...still laughing.

 

Ross:
Thanks for the post. For those of us in love with our Jags, it is easy to forget the snigglies that come up fairly regularly. Time and again someone comes here for advice and is told "yeah, my XJ8 has only cost me $250. for maintenance in the last year". Then later they post something that makes you realize they only drove the car 4,000 in that time! I drive my Jags nearly that much in some weeks, and I really like the drive. But, they are not trouble free. And parts are expensive, not to mention labor if you choose to have others work on your car.

 

See my signature.
Vector

 

Ross:
Thank you for your time amongst us. As you know, I especially followed and deeply appreciated that airbag light thread. Funny, in many ways I think you have demonstrated yourself to be the perfect 'jag man' - persistent, industrious, and generous with your experience. I totally understand, however, the balance between work and reward; and that sometimes one just needs to move on. So again, thank you for your time. Your return will always be most welcome!

Cheers,
Scott

 

Ross1, you ARE one of us. More than once I have decided to give up on my 98
XJ8 with 194,000 miles on it. I know about the airbag light . Took me a used clock spring, a new clock $pring and removing the seat twice, a $500 obd2 reader......
Good luck with whatever new car you wind up with next. Thanks for sharing on the
Forum.

 

TG HTML5 Player

 

This thing ain't no E type! For THAT I'd gladly(and certainly) suffer.

 

I knew you where a Jag guy!!!! Rather than wish for one XKE, wish for 3 or 4, then you might have one that runs long enough to last until one of the
other 3 are out of the shop. XJ220 would be a close second.


I am only driving my old XJ8 until I win the lottery.

 

Here she is for those so inclined; Jaguar XJ8L low miles, looks like new
Mods delete if this is verboten

 

That is pretty. I was just up in your neck of the woods last Thurdsay at your cruise night.

I wouldn't mind another especially in white to join my Texas born XJR

Chris

 

Thank you for the compliment. Cars always seem to look good in pictures, this one also gets the compliments in person, quite often. You are welcome to have a look if are serious.
Why they persist in characterizing a parking lot show as "cruise night" baffles me however that is a nice little gathering.
Did I miss the British car night?

 

You are welcome and depending on what happens, I may take a look at your car. Who did your tensioners?

Yes pictures can be deceiving. I too feel my car represents as well in person as it does in photos.

Yes it was British car night, but I can't say you missed a lot.

Chris

 

I did

 

Sorry you had the experience -- the trans at that low miles is annoying -- as is the catalyst.

One wonders if something was up with the car?


Unfortunately, the 1998 does suffer more then the later x308's