Good day people.
this is my first thread and of course, a bunch of questions.

I am in the market for a XJR, and I am leaning heavily towards an 2002 or 2003.
I lean this way because of the looks, the non Nikasil engine w/o the tensioner/timing problems.

Now this is not a finalized want as I have just found a 1999 XJR on CL for $6900. Looks very clean (engine bay too). Haven't seen in person, but owner claims no dents, scratches, or rust. Claims vehicle serviced well.
Its a 1 owner car.

Please help me with what I should watch out for.
Can a Nikasil engine make it this long? I know about the cold start. I am not sure on the blow by test. I am pretty proficient with cars, but this is my first venture into the jag world.

I am not looking to spend over about $10k for a XJR, and would consider a STR as well. I'd prefer an 2003. Wouldn't mind a 2004 either.
I plan on driving the car pretty hard, wait, let me rephrase, I plan on "spirited" drives, about twice a month and pretty much no city driving.


With this info, can you advise if I can get a 6-7 year run out of this car?

Thanks so much in advance.

 

If a nikasil engine is running good now, I wouldn't worry. You can do a search for leakdown testing here, but a strong running car is not much of a risk. The secondary tensioners are not a major undertaking, but are more time consuming on a SC engine. The thermostat housing and connecting pipe should be replaced at the same time, also the short coolant hose.
If you don't feel comfortable doing this work yourself, a Jag will be an expensive possession, but maybe you can afford it.

 

Hi. Check out the "sticky" XJ8 / XJR 'HOW TO' quick link above, this will give you all the things to look for when viewing this car. I did look this car up and based on the limited pictures it is worth a look.
Just take your time and do not show that you are really interested even if you want to buy it. I am going to be on vacation until Sunday night otherwise I would have liked to view it with you (2 heads are better than one).
Try to find out more about this car's history. See if they will run a "Carfax" on it for you. This will at least give you an indication on what this car has been through but it is in no way foolproof.
Let me know how the viewing goes.
All the best.

 

wow. first, thanks!

Though I am quite experienced in the process of purchasing and all the coy games involved, it would be GREATLY appreciated to have you aboard my quest for this or any other Jag.

My biggest fear is fear right now. I am venturing into a real hit or miss market, therefore knowledge is mos def key here.

Now that you've opened this can, (lol), I'll let you know that I have also found a (probably more preferred) 2005 STR on CL for $10200 obo.
the guy has had this car up before with know sale which makes me kinda wonder, but i also know that this is a niche vehicle and the mass may not be willing to spend the premium.

So yeah, let me know and again, thank you very much sir.

 

When looking at Service records, you want to see more than just oil changes. When
were the brakes done? Brembo brakes are not cheap to replace. When was the
transmission last serviced or overhauled. Have the tensioners been changed?
When was the serpentine belt changed? The Water pump? The idler pulley? If the
seller does not know any of this, it does not have good service records. Even if you do most of the work yourself, it will be the most $$ car you have ever maintained. Get JTIS from the forum. Get an Auto Enginuity OBD2 reader for $500. My 1998 XJ8 made
it to 182,000 miles and then I replaced the engine with one with 57,000 miles. Nikasil will hold up if you NEVER let the car get overheated. It is worth spending a little more
now to get a better car that needs less work. It the long run that will save you $$$$.
After 2 years of ownership, I still say WOW every time I drive it. Jags are worth it if you can afford it.

 

Ok, yesterday I looked at a 2003 STR with 107k miles. (We agreed to $8650)
Seller claims all car needs is a drvr side wheel bearing. Claims this is causing car to pull to right. Doesn't add up to me. Lol. Says wheel has up and down play, but no side to side play when he put it on the lift.
Both side view mirrors have been broken off, but he has them stably attached, though I will need to replace. Visually ok with damage not easily noticable.
Doesn't look like he "loved" the car so I question the maintainance. Car seems to run like a top though!!

I am still considering the 1999 XJR as the seller claims no scratches, very clean and well serviced 110k miled car. I haven't seen in person yet.
He's now asking $6500.

Opinions....

 

Excuse my ignorance but what is a STR?

I just emailed the guy about the XJR to see if it's available to view on Wednesday at 11:00am. Let's see if he replies.

 

Just heard back, I will be viewing the car on Wednesday at about 11:00am.

 

STR = S Type R

Did you inquire abt the red in Grosse Ile?

 

Yes, I will be viewing the red one in Grosse Ile

 

Sweet.
I talked to him yesterday. He wants cash only. I was gonna finance it.
I think that might be a good find.
Good luck!

 

I did have a good look at this XJR, it does have all the service history. It has not had the secondary tensioners replaced. Also there is a lot of rust through around the rear wheel arches (pictures below), the headliner is drooping at the back, the Driver's Seat Switch Pack is loose (bad glue job) and the left rear light has a minor small crack in it.
It does drive really well.
So at $6500 it's not for me.

 

Sad to hear.
That's great work from you though. Much appreciated as you saved me a trip.

Have you seen the S Type R on Craigslist for $9500?
I went and looked at it and I had to walk away, but I'm still looking back.
107k miles. Couple of scratches. Drvr side caliper is different than others. Steering wheel shimmy, claims drvr side bearing needed. (Im scared steering rack may be damaged? due to a tire, meet curb situation.
Clearcoat peeling from hdlghts. 5 previous owners.
Seller agreed to $8650, may go lower......

What do you think. Ima owe ya a beer after this!
Lol

 

Have not seen that one, but found this one.

Found this one through Autotrader.com
2001 Jaguar XJR $7,600

If you are up to traveling sounds like it could be the one!

Carfax
CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2001 JAGUAR XJR

 

Wow.
That looks like a winner. I'm not too keen on traveling that distance for that car....I don't think.
Seems like a good one though.

 

ok, i've located 2 2003 XJR's.

1. 2003 XJR w/ 91542miles. per Carfax, dealer maintained. Dealer asking $9995. Saleperson is ex Jag owner and knowledgable of these cars. Says this one is well taken car of.
What I wonder is - (per carfax) 2/11/13 car sold to current dealer in auction with 91539 miles. Car has 3 miles put on it since 2/11/13. Could it have been in an accident and just now repaired? hmmmm

2. 2003 XJR w/ 98878miles. per Carfax, dealer maintained. Dealer asking $9600. Salesperson clueless about these cars and I notice is willing to say whatever to sell the car. I have no questions about the carfax as all looks legit. I think this would be a crap shot with decent odds.

both vehicles are in Ohio, therefore, I intend on purchasing on first visit.
I worry about car #1 sitting for so long.
I worry about car #2 having a hidden issue.

I worry too much so I need feedback with opinions here.......starting with Runnerpaul. lol

 

It looks like these are the two you are talking about.

 

On the 2nd XJR contact the dealer (Northwest Auto Brokers) and ask them to email you pictures of the passenger side of the vehicle, it may just be an oversight but there may be a good reason why they are not showing this side of the vehicle.
The 1st XJR would be my 1st choice just based on the pictures, but there again it is not until you physically inspect these cars that you really see what you are getting.
As the dealers are 142 away from each other it looks like I would view this one 1st and then look at the 2nd one as a back up.

 

Just sent you a Private Message (PM)

 

Body/chassis rot on any unibody vehicle can be way more challenging to correct than electricals or mechanicals. Michigan - and Ohio - are both in salted-road/rust-belt land.

I'd make certain to look ONLY at the all-aluminium XJ chassis/body (X350 onward) AND try to avoid big-bang year. Even so, I'd also seek one where the CarFax shows prior ownership and use in a less hostile climate.

In fact I just DID do 'bout a week ago ~ 86K on the chassis , ~ 35K on the V8 - replaced outright in 2009. US$ 10,700 for a 2005 XJ8-L, so it can be done if you are patient (2 months of researching and seeking, 2 weeks of go-look).

And 'go look' should ignore the outside and the interior at first. Wear older clothes, take a good LED light and a rolled-up mat of some sort, get a good look UNDER the beast, into crevices, corners, wheel housings, etc.

Was prepared to fly to Texas, Arizona, or Florida if need be to avoid rust-belt history, then Fortuna smiled and a dealer 17 miles from the house had my car.

Aluminium upkeep is not at all any sort of cakewalk- more especially if/as/when pranged, and road-salt will try just as hard to destroy it as anything else.

But at least it TRIES to protect itself with a tight, though, and self-healing oxide film, whereas iron and steel do the exact reverse.

Those lessons began with a '57 Chrysler, presently rebuilding a McP strut tower on 2000 Dodge Caravan.

Rust just won't quit, so decided it was time that I did...