Hi guys

Before making my purchase I m trying to educate my self .
Been looking at XJR , XJ Sport and VDP. 2001 to 2003
And i have a question few questions .

In regards of the belt tensioner etc plastic VS metal , if i understand correctly all models built after August 15 2001 should have that taking care of , am i correct ?
And if so looking at the VIN how do i know if the car was built after that date ?
Also some of you think the best year for that body style is 2003 , could you please tell me why knowing that all the plastic was removed from th cars after 2001?
Can anyone lead me to some educating links so i don't have to ask these kind of questions .
Knowledge is power so I really need to educate my self ..
Still hesitating between the Sport VDP and the XJR ..
Thank you .

 

Terry,

It's not part of the VIN. The Engine Number gives the Date of Manufacture.

For example, using my 2005 XK8 Engine Number: 2B0412100825

Ignore the first two characters. The following in pairs indicate:

04 = Year
12 = Month
10 = Day
08 = Hour
25 = Minute

This gives Date Manufactured = 10th December 2004 at 08:25

Graham

 

Here is a few good links for you:
Jaguar V8 Secondary Tensioners - Preventive Replacement
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ics-how-52653/

Get a 2003, if you can. It was the last year of the classic body style and has all the problems worked out.

Get a supercharged car if you can, they have a stronger transmission and can be more reliable than a NA car, more fun too!
Vector

 

Thank you so much
Great links ! So most XJ8 built after 2001 had the tensioners upgraded by the factory correct ?
May I ask what other issues were resolved by the time the 2003 models rolled in ?

 

The only other thing I was thinking about was the electronic shocks on the 2002-2003 models with CATS suspension.

One of the reasons I bought a 2001 was because it does not have the computer adjusted suspension. The CATS shocks are expensive to replace.

Get a low mileage supercharged '01 and change the tensioners and water pump housing and you will be good to go for less money.
Vector

 

+1

CATS justified a price increase and gave the salesmen something to talk about.

Unless in 'as new' condition, performance is below that of standard suspension.

Graham

 

Not to sound stupid but what are " cats " .?
Funny some of y guys recommend the 2003 and some a 2001 ... Interesting and confusing

 

CATS = Computer Aided Technology System

It's 'adaptive damping'. The system selects the soft or firm damper setting according to road and driving conditions to optimise vehicle ride and handling.

Graham

 

Thank you so much guys for the replies .
Just never thought it would take me so long to find the right car . Been searching for 2 month now ...

 

It took me 3 years to find mine.....

Vector