Hello all,

This is my first time on this forum. However, I have owned a 1994 XJ12 then traded in for a 1997 XJ6 with 34K miles. I still have the 1997 and is reaching 91K miles.

I migrated to the US in 1982 when I was 12 years old. The first time I saw a Jag on the road in 1982, I was at aw and fell in love with the Jag. I made a promise to myself that my first car after college would be a Jag and I have owned Jaguar since.


I am ready to move to the next Jaguar, I saw a 2000 jaguar XJ8 with 44k mile for sale locally. They wanted $6,000.00 which appeared to be be high. But what can you buy now a day with 44K mile for $6,000? I had a brother which he was a Master Mechanic for Jaguar for 20 plus years. He passed away in 2013.


Any way, what should I look/inspect when getting the 2000 model beside the plastic tensioners and the head line falling apart issues?

thank you

 

Look in the XJ8/XJR `How To` Quick Links. everything you need to know. Welcome to the forum.

 

thank you

 

The Jag now has 44K mile. This is kind of a shot gun question. How many more miles before I worry about the transmission? My wife drives average less than 6K miles per year. I figured if she can drive the Jaguar for next five years and the transmission eventually break down when it reaches 90K miles; I am okay with that and move on to the next Jag. It like renting a Jag for $100.00 per month. By the way , our 97 Jaguar had given us zero issue. I religiously change oil every 3,000 miles and any minor issue, I fixed it immediately. The 97 Jag always park inside and the exterior and interior still look like new.

 

Hi annamiata:
Observationally, it seems like some of these transmissions went out at 80K. Others 140K, and everything in between. MIght some of this also be age related? I bought my '98 last year with 93K on it realizing that it was a bit of a gamble. Still, I was encouraged by a comment somebody made to the effect - more people have had good luck than bad. I guess we'll see!

You know, between the almost (externally) identical cars, I find myself wondering if you don't already have the superior car. The '97 is surely the best of the X300 breed - a car that has been known to surpass 200K miles with little drama. If its as nice as you say, if it were me, I'd probably keep it. Just one guy's opinion, I know…

cheers,
Scott

 

The 1997 Jag is still a great car. I am thinking of getting the 2000 and stored it for couple years since it so cheap for the low miles car. $6,000 in the bank now with zero interest won't be $6,000 couple years from now. My passed away brother as a Jaguar Master mechanic advised that the "1997" is the one to get. The 1994 XJ12 that I traded in many years ago had 120K miles and zero issue. Not even an engine light on the entire time I had it. The 1994 was smooth but has heavy on the gas pedal. I will try to persuade the seller to reduce $800.00 or $5,200 for the Jag to cover for cost of replacing the tensioners.

 

lol you're "speculating" on a car they made 30,000 of (x300)? And when you pull it out of storage after paying insurance on it for x amt of years you'll have to change all the gaskets, tires and basically anything that is rubber plus replacing the battery. Not the move I'd make. Put that $6000 into BAC and see where you are in a few years. I'd be willing to be further ahead.

If youre going to buy one to drive check the service history - fuel pumps, tranny, tensioners, water pump, gaskets, etc etc. These cars need service and love and if it hasnt been given either pass on it. that simple

 

I would say $6,000 is a really good deal for the mileage if the cosmetics are as you'd expect for that kind of mileage. You can't buy a v6 Honda Accord with that kind of mileage for that kind of money. There's information posted about preventing those pesky A-drum issues, plus how long any part of a car lasts depends a great deal on your driving habits, where you park it and how you maintain it.

 

According to RealmCenter, a Jag expert, it is the valve body leaking that causes the tranny problems in these cars. The pressures gets high and it blows. I guess that would be one of the first things I would address with an X308.

To be sure, if everything else is nice, 6K for a 44K Jag is pretty decent.

RandyS

 

I have not have a courage to shell the money and drive this 2000 xj8 with 44K miles Jaguar home. The seller is firm at $6000.00.

What should I do? Yes, no, yes, no???

 

Using the logic that a MY 97 X-300 was the best to get, then a MY 2002 or 2003 will be far superior to other X-308s. I think they fixed the transmision (mine has 180,000 miles on the original), the timing chains are improved, and the engine control is better (better gas mileage).

 

My hobby is modifying two Miatas. DIY intalling supercharger, timing belt, upgrade transmision, suspension, ECU etc. The replacement of upper tensioners do not bother me. Yes, the transmission is the issue that gets me. That being said, the car looks like new inside out with 44K miles. Maybe, i Just be patient and waited for a low miles 2003. Again, yes, no, yes...

 

I paid almost 4K for my XJ6, in part because the prior owner had spent 14K in the previous 5 yrs for maintenance and repairs. I would not hesitate to buy the XJ8 if it has been well maintained.
I hope your hobby will not become modifying the Jag as it would be much cheaper buying a XJR in like condition.

 

I would also swap the main pressure valve in the transmission for the upgrade that ZF claims can prevent the A drum failure.

 

I agree with RJ. If you can add a blower to the Miata, you can certainly take care of the ZF gearbox in the XJ8- although you will need some heavier jacking equipment .

I am pretty sure the pressure valve piston can be changed through the sump pan without removing the tranny from the car, but a number of folks have changed the A Drum without rebuilding the whole box, too.

 

Yes Ross, it's only necessary to remove the filter to take the forward valve body off. No additional gaskets required.

 

I bought my XJR (should be more problems than the unblown XJ8) with 24,000 many years ago, and it's been a great car.

I would have gotten a XJ8, except I had a chance to get this one and did.

The engine has been bulletproof, and no tranny or other problems, except the front wheel bearings (happens on all cars with front wheels).

Pull the trigger. Enjoy.

 

maintenance records are very important. Don't let the car sit. It will do well if you drive it and maintain it. For $6,000 the paint and interior need to be in great shape. Has it been garaged all it's life? Tensioners, A drums in the transmission, Nikasal Cylinders
are all challenges. $2,500 if the transmission dies. 80,000 to 140,000 miles for them.
I have around 190,000 miles on my car, but I spend $3,000 per year or more on it to
keep it going. The purchase price isn't the big thing to worry about.

 

Here we go again.

I walked away from the 2000 XJ-8 45K mile , mint condition due to all known real problems that can be fpound on this forum and on the internet.

I just found a mint 1997 XJ-6 Carnival red with 29K miles (yes 29 K miles) brand new set of a rated tires. The owner asking for $9,000.00 which is real high. Is $6,000.00? Fair price?

 

I loved my 1995 VDP x300 ... And had thought of getting a six cylinder XJR recently due to the low values.

When you find a very low miles car .. people normally want a couple thousand more for them ... it is not what is "fair". I would never sell a 29k XJ for 6k

That being said - the V8 cars are better cars. For 6k .. A checked out x308 for 6K .. even needing the tensioners was the car to get.