Hey all,
Looking at perhaps picking up an XJ8 for a DD. I see a lot of late-90's early 00-01s for sale.

I've just started looking really -- Is there a good/bad model/year/motor/tranny etc. to get or stay away from as I go look?

I searched a bit and didn't find any general posts.

Thanks
Pete

 

Check here under 'I'm buying a used . . . .'

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=29800

It is on the XK8/R forum but the cars are the same mechanically. The biggest jump in reliability occurred with the introduction of the 4.2L engine and 6 speed transmission with the '03 MY. You will see a corresponding jump in the average sale prices.

Read the two threads listed and then come back to discuss.

 

The x308 sedans (steel-bodied XJ) never received the 4.2L V8 or 6-speed transmission, they kept the 4.0L and either 5-speed (ZF or Mercedes) all the way through 2003. Only the XK series got the improved drivetrains in 2003.

The x350 cars (2004 and up for the US market, the aluminum-bodied cars) got 4.2L's.

TTYL
David

 

From what I understand, you should stick with 01-03 if you want the steel bodied XJR. Anything before 01 had a belt issue (I forget which belt, I think its the timing belt) and when that belt goes, it can take out the whole engine. You can get it replaced, but they will be around $200. Mine is a 2002 and I love it!!! And yes, they only made a 4.0L w/ a 5 speed until 2004. But they also changed the body style and interior in the 04. Plus, 2004+ are much more expensive.

 

See this post for information on the cam chains and tensioners.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=4747

Cost is about $200 DIY, $800 Indy, $1200 to $2000 at the dealer.

 

Hey thanks gang. I checked out the links/threads.

I have no issue with DIY -- I've got an E coupe. Ha - that should be a standard joke... "How are you with tools? Oh, you maintain an E-type? Ok, I think you should be ok."

Thanks for the links -- looks like the Nikasil, belts and tensioners are the key items. Perhaps I'll look 2004+ if that gets me away from all of these issues and gets me a better drivetrain. Otherwise it looks like Aug 2000 production on gets rid of Nikasil, but still has tensioner issues.

Any drawbacks to the 04+ aluminum monocoque body? Any reason to stay with the earlier steel? I will likely be buying a car from up here in salt-country.

Great info, thanks!
Pete

 

Yeah . . . . you should be OK!

 

I echo petebuehler's comments. I too just bought a '99 XJR. I decided on the '99 through '03 x308 series. I would prefer to have some of the features of the '01-'03 models like park assist, but the deal was so good on my '99 that I couldn't refuse. This is the best car I have ever owned and I will probably buy a '03 XJR in about three years when I put too many miles on this one. I am also a self wrencher when needed and the issues didn't really look too bad to deal with, and my local tech has indicated that he can handle the bigger jobs for me.

 

A further note: After build date aug 2001, the primary chain was changed to a morse style silent chain, presumably without tensioner issues. And it had metal secondary tensioners.