Hi Everyone.
Great forum! I really have learned a lot so far. Been going through the faq's and reading up on Nikasil, tensioners, etc. Lots of good stuff.

Anyhow, I found a beautiful 98 XJR today with about 110,000 km on it that is in beautiful condition inside and out. Seems to have been well looked after. Cosmetically pristine. Mechanically only issue I could find on my test drive was a bit of a pull to the left and a small vibration through the wheel at highway speeds (alignment and balance?). Steered well. Shifted well. Brakes seemed good, if the pedal seemed a little soft initially, but stopped hard and true when I got on them. Pedal stayed consistant and did not sink when pressed hard.

Did not get to try it from a cold start to see what it did there. Everything I tried inside seemed to work just fine. Seat heaters, wheel controls, radio, heat, seat heaters, sunroof, etc.

Why is say "sort of" is because the deal is pending a mechanical inspection. I am more than happy to spend a couple of hundred to have it inspected before buying - seller is good with that.

Now, what should I get it checked out for? I was thinking the following:

1) compression/leak down test - Not too freaked out by Nikasil at this point, but better safe
2) Cam tensioners - Any good way to check them?
3) Suspension issues - Check for the pulling. Make sure rubber is good in suspension. Nothing bent or banged up.

What else should I have them check for? I know the 100K (60K mile) service was done. Recently tuned as well.

Any good recommendations as to where to take it in the Toronto area?

I am planning to make this my daily driver, but I am trying to be realistic about it. Don't expect Camry level maintenance costs (or fuel costs). Putting aside $500 a month into a special bank account for car related expenses. I am hoping that should be sufficient. Will try to do the basics myself, but not really in a place to do serious wrenching myself. I do have a second car.

Any thoughts are highly appreciated.
Thanks
Erik

 

There are a couple of posts on buying/inspecting a potential new car at the top of the FAQ sticky on the XK8/R forum. All the drivetrain/suspension discussions would apply. Here is the link: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=29800

I think it is discussed but take out the owner handbook and go through all the operational features of the car, ie; seat movement, mirror movement, heat/air, etc. A heating system problem can cost as much as a suspension problem. If the current owner does not have the book you can find it here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=10579

Good luck and hopefully you will join us in the wonderful world of Jaguars.

 

Thanks for the tips.

The owner does have the books, so I will take a look there. Certainly seemed to be blowing out lots of heat, but your point is certainly well taken. I will make sure I play with every feature possible.

The checklist is a wonderful thing. I will certainly go through that is some detail.

Erik

 

Been doing some research and things are looking good. First owner was a big time Jaguar fan and was very **** about maintenance. No engine work in the warranty period. Oddly, had a subframe swapped.

 

Any reason given for that? Collision? Check for dash wood grain match, sign of air bag deployment.

 

Apparently, a nut got seized/stripped in place and had to be cut lose, damaging the subframe and requiring it's replacement. This from a dealer reading the warranty claim in the system with no interest in the purchase or sale.

 

The top cam chain tensioners with plastic bodies (one each bank for the exhaust cam chains) are the engine wrecker par excellence. The little part with the big Kick !! Recommendation here in the UK in the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club magazine is unless you KNOW the latest metal-bodied items have been fitted, then lift the cam-covers and replace; they are not expensive. Even if the plastic-bodied tensioners look OK they invariably are not, because the cracking can be hidden. When one lets go you are only SECONDS away from disaster. Money well spent for your car as it sounds a beaut from your description.

Nikasil is unlikely to be a problem now, as there is no longer sulfur in petrol, (or at least not enough to matter).

There are few other issues although the throttle bodies were troublesome at one time, but maybe not on the supercharged model like yours.

 

Great info from the home of RR.

Number one on my inspection list is now the tensioners. The more I read about Nikasil, the less worried I am. Will be careful and have it checked, but less freaked out.
I found out the throttle body was changed under warranty about 2003 or so. Hope that looked after it.
Thanks again for the input. It is much appreciated.

 

Off to visit the mechanic now. Will report back this evening how things go.

Keep our fingers crossed!!!

 

As said before if the tensioner arent changed change them.

The trailng is probably worn out A-arms bushes. You can have polyurethane bushes to replace them and that will make a bit harsher drive absolutely not much but improves the handling very much and your tires will most certanly last longer