Hi everyone:

I am a new Jag owner and this is my first. I will be picking up my car this week. It appears to have been very well taken care of. The car has 72,000 miles and the Vin# is SAJDA24C73LF58255.

The current owner told me that he recently had a new fuel pump installed and that he changes the oil every 3 months or so. The car is never driven in winter an he has owned the car since 37,000 miles and is the second owner. He is an elder gentleman who takes care of his things and has the means to do so and the car shows it. It has seen regular maintenance with things being serviced as needed. I want to keep it for many years and want to gain an understanding of what unique issues there are with this model that I need to stay on top of to make it last a long time.

I have read that the timing chain system can be a problem area. I think that the timing chain system is all original. Can you tell me whether my car would likely have the Gen 2 (improved plastic) or Gen 3 (metal) tensioners and what I would be well advised to do at this point to make sure that I have many years of trouble free use?

I also hear that the transmission can be a weak link in these cars. Would it be a good idea to change the transmission fluid or do anything else to make it last?

Any other items I should be looking into or be aware of?

I am a car guy with several cars, I am a mechanical engineer and a pretty competent mechanic and machinist so I can probably do most service items myself so you can talk technically to me if that helps explain things.

Please advise and thank you in advance!

Tom

 

03 will have Gen 3 metal tensioners. They used them in all cars made 07/01 onward.

Nothing you can do to save the transmission, the main fault is mechanical and has nothing to do with the fluid. The three major issues - Valve body crack, Torque converter failure, and drum bushing crack P1722 stall speed is the code.

Thermostat housing should be replaced if it begins leaking, but it isn't too tough of a repair for a competent technician or DIY mechanic.

03 is the best year you can buy in the X308 chassis. (Except maybe the XJR100 - 2002)

 

Just a note from a 03 VDP owner. Mine was a one owner very well taken care of Jag and it is one of the finest and most fun to drive cars that I have owned. Believe me when I say I have owned many thru my lifetime so far. Good luck with yours and have fun driving.
Dave

 

07/2001 make and newer? Is this true?

 

Currently working on an '03 XJ8 thermostat housing assembly and it isn't as easy as the write ups make it appear. The rear two bolts are very difficult to remove, with using the crowfoot as recommended. Easier to break apart the plastic housing to remove it as the intention is to upgrade. I've decided to notch the bolts, so that I can use a flathead screwdriver to reattach the new thermostat housing assembly. Make sure you have patience and time with any of the projects.

 

The actual engine serial # for the changeover begins with 010813xxxx, Aug.8 2001.

 

eBay is your friend for finding parts. Download JTIS from this site for maintenance info. Welsh enterprises sells the aluminum thermostat for about $55. Replace every coolant hose including the heater. Coventry West sells those. Expect the transmission to fail around 100,000 to 120,000 miles. Not the end of the world. $2,600. Get a extra key made. Expect to spend $3,000 a year on maintenance. Learn to reset the computer to fix 1/2 of your faults. Auto Enginuity makes a good obd2 reader if you get the jag enhancement.

 

There are some cases of transmission failure, but I respectfully disagreee that most fail at 120,000 miles. Some, not most.

 

Using a 10 MM , 1/4" drive wobbly socket and a 6" extension is the easiest way to reach the 2 securing bolts for the throttle body brackets.

 

Hi Lear45:

Thanks for the tips! I've owned a lot of cars over the years. To date the most expensive ones were the Audi 5000/200 Turbo Quattros (I loved those cars) but even with them I typically spent $1000/year or so at the most and I would buy typically buy them with 130k-140k miles and drive them past 200k. With all the praise I have heard heaped on the XJ8 what on earth could drive the yearly cost of ownership to $3000? If that's accurate I have a great 2003 Vanden Plas for sale!

Best regards!