XK8 owner here with no XJ knowledge.
I've got the chance to buy a truly mint condition '99 VDP with new tires and 70,000 mi for 8,000 from the origional owner. Dealer maintained since new with records (which I have not reviewed yet).
I have a few questions and would be grateful for some guidance.

Would a dealer be able to pull up records for the VIN # and tell whether the timing chain tensioners have been replaced (assuming it was done by a dealer)?

What would the cost be to replace the tensioners?

How does 8,000 sound as a price?

It is offered by a friend of mine's relative so I will not be negotiating. I will either pay the 8,000 or decline.
Thanks for any input your group might provide.
2X

$8000 is right around the private party Kelley Blue Book value, so if the car is in good or better shape, that's what you can expect to pay for it... not a deal, but you're not getting ripped off, either.

The paper trail, beautiful condition and your knowledge of the owner likely makes it worth somewhat more to you.

The dealer can tell you whatever has been done to it by dealers if the original owner gives his approval - otherwise some dealers treat this a private information.

No help for you,but that car in Australia would cost around $20,000 - $25,000. But you sit on the wrong side. Wish I could buy one for that!! Go for it,you'll love it!

Unless the owner can prove to you that the secondary tensioners have been replaced you should assume that they have not and adjust the purchase price downward accordingly

Agree with rockland. When I went to look at my current Jag at a used car dealer, the dude looked at me like I was some kind of nut when I asked about the secondary cam chain tensioners. Needless to say, they had not been replaced. Fortunately, I caught them in time.

See if you find another car as similar as possible that has actually sold for that price and see if you can find more than one occurrence. I only write this because I was willing to pay what I did for my VDP but when it came time to sell I couldn't give the car away. I typically keep a car only about a year to a year and a half at the most and I pretty much gave my Jaguar away when I traded it in.

Sounds pretty good. I have found very similar car several times lately for friends at a lower price. The best advise has been given above { shop around to find comparable} and compare. Good luck!

Thank you all for the responses. The car is beautiful but I have decided I'm going to look for a good buy on a 4.2 liter car. I'm not in a hurry and I guess the right one will come on the market at the right price.
Thanks again,
2X

FWIW, the dealership wouldn't do a damn thing for me when I was interested in purchasing the XJ8. The previous owner was nice enough to personally request all service and maintenance records. Then the dealership furnished the reports without issue. The dealership told me the reports were "personal property belonging to the current owner."