I am currently exiting a 2001 740i Sport at 226k miles, and as much as I love her, I am done putting money into her. I am new to the board as a member, but have done a significant amount of research here. I am a part-time DIYer (oil changes, brakes, audio and other electronics, some minor engine stuff), and want to know what I'm getting into. I've always had love for the XJR's, and think it's about that time.

I am looking at two '01 XJR's right now, both in SoCal (I live up near SF, CA), and want to get some guidance from you guys on which trigger to pull. First is a private single owner, 89k miles for $9990, and the other is small dealer 3 owner, 94k @ $7600. Both are non-Nikasil engines, and appear to be in decent cosmetic shape. I went through the "HOW TO" checklist, but wanted to find out if there are any other items I need to be on the lookout for. Anything you can offer is helpful before I jump on a plane! Thanks, in advance!

 

My 2001 has a nikasil engine. Are you saying you know they are both non-nikasil because of the engine number, or that they have been replaced ? In any event, I don't think that should be an issue. As to the choices, I would go with a one owner private party and try to get him down a little on the price unless there is a clear advantage to the dealer car. But good luck, you'll get hooked for sure.

 

Absolutely the first one. Price is high, but you can make him an offer he can't refuse. People are not exactly lining up to buy these cars. Leave the three owner, small dealer car alone. Price is attractive, but there IS a reason why.

With Jags, it's "pay now, or pay later". As far as what are you getting yourself into,.......luxury pleasure, with a kick. Nothing to worry about. Check tensioners when you get it, check all service records, run the VIN through the dealer network,.....the usual stuff.

I bought my 98 VDP a year ago, and my friends told me that I must be nuts. I haven't had a SINGLE issue so far, aside from regular maintenance. NOTHING. 87K on the clock now, and what a ride!

 

Welcome to the Forum j020c.
I made the change from a '98 740iL to an '01XJR and have had it for a year. My car was a one owner, originally bought in So, Cal and always dealer serviced. I chose an '01 specifically because I did not want the CATS suspension (at least for my first XJR) This is my second Jag; I also had a '75 XJ6 Sovereign that came to me with 50K original miles. While the Jag seems like it would be a little more fragile than the 740, it is a world class premium car, and I think designed and built well for the most part. It obviously will need care and feeding to keep it up to snuff.

Comparing it to the 740, I think there is more that the shade tree mechanic can do on the Jag than on the 740, and at a lower cost overall. I work most of the time, but like you prefer to do the small things on the car myself, and trust the major services to a local independent Jag specialist.

In looking at prospective cars, I would spend the most time evaluating the engine and tensioners. IMHO It doesn't matter if it is nikasil or not, if the engine uses oil, has blow-by, etc. It will be expensive to fix. If you don't know what to look for - have someone Jag knowledgeable evaluate it. This is important. Make sure (especially in California) that the car you are liking passes smog. I had to replace the catalytic converters and O2 sensors on my car. I still would have bought the car, but had I known I would have negotiated harder.

Next would be suspension. At this mileage and age shocks and bushings will probably need attention if not already replaced. I am going through this one now. Mine aren't bad, but I don't like even an occasional clunk. The shocks need to be replaced, so I am going to do all of them.

As you have most likely read, the transmissions are Mercedes, and fairly bullet-proof.

Rear end - listen for any noises. Drive at speed on the freeway and listen.

Checking to make sure everything works, for aesthetics, prior body repair etc. is straight forward.

Take your time and Good luck!

 

Came from a slightly modified 00' 740i sport, Re-did the vanos/timing and everything... The car just kept wanting more money to get it to act right... Sold it and got back into something with boost (was into turbo cars for awhile, still have a project I need to finish) But I needed a daddy car that was fun... found my XJR.. got it pretty cheap, but it's been a little needy with stuff that should have been done by previous owners.... but, I don't mind.. I like building cars and taking on projects/making build threads... my escape from work.

Can't really say I miss the 7 much... I love the jag more. You'll be happy with a low mile version for sure.

 

I'm a big fan of the E38, I love the proportions and the look.
The 4.4 V8s have a good sound to them and the cars have a
luxurious interior.

1st car sounds like a much better option. The small lots have
a lot of XJRs for sale, and having records associated with a
non-dealer car (crappy dealers always have missing floormats
for some reason, and no maintenance records ever. They
purposely remove them. Also, manuals are often missing) and
there is no way to know if it will need a diff, what has been done
To the engine, etc. Of course, if the first owner was like many
luxury car customers, he may have been one of those 8000 mile
oil change workaholics who runs cars into the ground and only
drives it to his job every day.

The XJR is a very satisfying vehicle, I remember Burmaz saying
That at an autocross he pitted his Vanden Plas 4.0 against a
740iL and was quite a bit quicker. The XJR will be a huge step
up in reliability and driving pleasure I think.

Good luck with the decision. be sure to check out our threads on
Difference between 03, 02, 01, 00, etc model years.

Ian