I've seen an XJ8 for sale..once listed for £3000, someone bought it and three months later listed it for £2000 as it has a 'gearbox fault' error.
It has 113k on the clock.

It has FSH. I did ask the owner to use an OBD code reader to see the problem because my thinking is if it's something small i.e needing a new battery/sensor, I could potentially pick up a bargain when haggling.

The owner has responded
"Car drive but its shake and Jerks but once up and running car drives smoothly. But when you stop and try to move on that times cars shakes and jerks"

I'm thinking it could be a knackered gearbox and may require a replacement. Any rough ideas of what the issue could be?

 

We have seen a faulty wheel sensors causing the gearbox fault. The car has no idea what the wheel is doing so it goes into safe mode.
The usual chain of events in such a case an abs/dsc code. Shaking and jerking could just be a misfire issue. In short, you would need
to personally inspect to see if it is worth your time.

 

step 1: remove radiator cap
step 2: buy an xjr
step 3: reinstall radiator cap

 

I suppose I can diagnose the issue once I drive the car home but it’s the very drive that may concern me. I’ve to drive 120miles back home. Let’s hope it doesn’t die on me on the motorway.

 

I don't know how are prices of those cars in uk today, but when i was living there, £3000 would get you one in nice condition.
You are taking the risk and 2000 is not an great offer for something that may cost you another 3000 to fix down the road.
Maybe try to be an indian and offer 500 for it?
>be indian - shamelessly offer outrageously low price for something<

 

haggling is an art, so I don’t think it’s necessarily linked to a specific ethnicity but yes, I did just that.

I offered £500, but have agreed on £750. If I buy the car and get it inspected only to find out it’s ruined, I can sell the wheels for £300-£500 (Asteroid) and scrap the car for £490, so I’ve broken even (fuel, insurance, tax for the drive back)

If the gearbox needs replacing, £750 for the car (will still attempt to haggle), £800 for the gearbox + labour, we’re looking at £1550 which is a very reasonable price. It’s an XJ Sport with the XJR body kit (wheels, mesh grille)

As per my above comment, my concern is the gearbox dying on the drive back.

 

well, you did a good job setting the price. Metaphysically, If you like that car and it is for you it will let you drive home and die at your driveway at most. If your insurance covers lorry than you have nothing to worry about just drive home and play with you new toy there, if not than try to arrange something cheaply beforehand, just in case and for peace of mind.

 

the seller has decided now it was convenient to tell me that it needs towing! Still, £250 for a tow isn’t too bad (if I get the car down to £600 lol). I’ll get it towed to a Jaguar specialist so they can properly diagnose the issue.

 

He was a kind man, at the end he didn't sell you a car just to shut the gate quickly after and stop answering calls.
...and being a kind man, he could do one more good deed and tell you what is wrong with it, cause i'm pretty sure he knows it.
If you are that hell bend on this particular exemplar, then any knowledgeable tech should be able to diagnose it, no need for jaguar specialist
Let us know results, we will be more than happy to throw our few pee at the subject

 

I spoke to the previous owner of the vehicle (the one the current owner purchased it from). He owned it for two years and told me there was nothing wrong with the car. He has no incentive to lie so I’m taking his word..if that means much.

I see this is a low risk purchase (as mentioned above, scrapping the car and selling the wheels). The owner is being a bit..frustrating. He’s ignoring my comments about the price, but is happily replying to any other queries I have!

I appreciate the assistance!

 

So, an update. I purchased the car for £600!

It's awaiting a tow so once it arrives at the mechanics, he will assess the car and decide if it's worth saving, or if it needs scrapping.

I need the specialist to check:

1. The state of rust.
2. If the car has the latest secondary timing chain tensioners.

If the response is positive, then a gearbox change it is!

 

Congrats the purchase, at this price you've got nice margin which can spend on fixes and once you get assessment we will happily serve you with second opinion

 

It is good to be flexible. I have seen cars that display "gearbox fault" when there is nothing wrong with
the gearbox except a bit of age and wear. The problem in some cases is merely electrical and hard to pin
down but easily repaired.

 

Hopefully it's something small. This is my 3rd XJ8. It's the only XJ8 with little to no receipts. For all I know, it could just need a full service. Fingers crossed.

 

Well, a sad ending for this car. Off to the scrapyard it goes.

 

Yeesh, yea that doesnt seem worthy of repair.

 

Junkyard or breaker for any decent parts

 

.. and keep rare and expensive stuff for your other xj8

 

These large and well known rust spots are so obvious, there really was no need for an specialist. Fortunately you could lower the price.

 

I'm going to take a few things (chrome side mirrors, heated memory seats, and maybe the steering wheel). I'll be selling the Asteroid wheels as they are worth a few quid.