Howdy fellas! I'm going to get a Jaguar this spring!!!
I am also considering the S type,but I really love the look of the XJ8s

I have seen several nice 00 to 02s with good miles in my price range.
I am aware of the secondary chain tensioner, are the later models more durable?
I work in Cincinnati OH, and hope to find a competant indy who speaks Jaguar, because I live in the country, and NOBODY speaks Jaguar out here.
Selling my Towncar to help finance the big cat
As a kid, my uncle had an XKE convertible, and I have loved jags ever since
Thank you, C

 

I would recommend that you also look at a late model R - They can be just as good a buy --- and you eliminate a few items from the worry list.

I would also stay with the 01's and later all things being equal - the tensioners were updated twice -- so three different ones.

They do cost more to run (gas) -- and all swb - unless you find a VDP w/SC

 

Oh yeah, the XJR is super nice, but how much more maintenance with the blower?
And at what miles do the tensioners need replacing?
Thank you, C

 

hi Chris, i saw one 2000 xj8 for 3650 on autotrader

 

There a few 2000 to 2002 XJ8s with good miles in my price range.
I am going to look at an 2001 with 86k tomorrow.
Maintenace history would be great, and if not then cam tensioner would be first thing on the list.
I need to find a mechanic that speaks Jaguar .
Wil let you know how test drive goes
Thnk you, C

 

The tensioners are an issue with all of them - I will be checking mine shortly -- I am just passing 50k

The SC is very reliable.

R's have bigger brakes/ tires -- different transmission -- metal thermostat housing. No VVTiming. They have more hoses and two fuel pumps and those with CATS have expensive shocks.

 

It would be advisable to go for a good 02 model if you can. Several problems with earlier models were solved by then. I have had my 02 XJ8L VDP about 4 years with amazingly dependable service (now 78,000 miles). Try to find one with evidence of faithful periodic maintenance even it it costs a little more.

 

I've got an '01 XJ8. Currently I've got the ABS module out for rebuild $55.00 with a fix for obvious and all know issues, and I've got the front of the motor pulled down replacing all the timing components. A buddy of mine helped me build the most expensive of the tools, but I've got everything to put her back together including a new waterpump and thermostat and I've got about $850 in that. While I'm in, I'll flush the coolant system and put in new plugs but those are cheap. Point being, I'm doing all this at 130k, and based on the identified flaws in the OEM timing components and the improvements to the replacements, I'll spend under 1k and have a car that is in better shape than it was originally built.

 

I have a close friend who is a master diesel mechanic,and just a plain old mechanical genius.
So it would not be too bad to replace timing chain immediately, right? Then I would be good for a long time.
Just finished rebuilding my Powerstroke diesel, and that was a pain, but now I have a motor that wil outlive me!
How expensive are the cam lock tools? What else would I need? Can someone refer me to a source for parts?
Thank you all so much!
C

 

[quote=yeldogt;316005]I would recommend that you also look at a late model R - They can be just as good a buy --- and you eliminate a few items from the worry list.

And I was thinking the R model would have more problems. Advantages of the R would include stronger trans, and the sport suspension? Is not having VVT considered a plus? Oh, and a blower .this would be a car that would see highway miles daily, any chance of decent milage?
Thank you, C

 

[QUOTE=chris64;317836]I second yeldogt, of course being an XJR owner, I am a bit biased. I went through this decision process, and ended up with the R one year ago. I bought the R for the exact reasons stated and it was impossible to resist the performance of the supercharged engine.

As to the mileage, the best I have gotten on the freeway is 22, and mixed driving I average 18-19. When I consider the maintenance that I may save with the R, especially the transmission, the lower fuel mileage is a very small price to pay. I put on 24K per year, if I get 18mpg vs. 22mpg that equals roughly 240 gallons extra per year and at an average of $3 per gallon (wishful thinking) it amounts to ~725 per year. I think that at the end of the four years I intend to drive this car, it will equal the transmission repair without the hassle and I still get to enjoy the pure joy of driving the R.

 

Now I am really getting excited. I had always admired the R, now I may get one! Beefier trans is a great bonus. I am going to pay cash for my Jag, so price is a factor, but I will wait till the right one comes up. I found an indy shop in cincinnati that does al high end foriegn cars, and will go and speak with them. Thank you, C

 

I did not want to imply that the VVT was a negative -- don't really hear about that being a problem in the non SC cars.

When you are looking at 10 year old cars its all about condition -- so you have to look at all the models. The price difference between a low optioned car and one with many is usually not all that much money.

A couple of thousand spent upfront will definitely pay for itself when buying a Jaguar.

 

I found a nice 99 R, that is a private owner sale. I am going to call, and spaek to the owner. I would be more comfortable doing that, than buying off a lot.