I own a 2001 XKR, and I'm looking to purchase a used approx 100K miles

• 2001,2,or3 -Steel bodied coil suspended 4.0 XJR, - or a...
• 2004 4.2 XJ8 aluminum bodied air suspended car

for an everyday driver for this Northern climate of Rochester NY.

1. Are the 4.2 V8s any less problematic than the 4.0 steel sleeved engines?
2. Are the Aluminum bodied 4 door XJ8's or R's any more corrosion resistant than their steel bodied predisessors?

I like the earlier body style with 4.0, but understand that they are heavier and the engines maybe less efficient than the 4.2s.
Your experiences are much appreciated,
ToronadoMike

 

I have not driven the X350 car, so I do not speak from experience.

I do, however, prefer the styling of the 2003 and previous XJ. Can
comment on the fuel economy, having driven both XJR and XJ8 engined
cars for years. The highway mileage for the S/C 4.0 is 19.5-21mpg,
25-26.5mpg for the 4.0 N/A.

The 4.2 in the XK8 conv't was 27-29mpg on the highway.

The average over any given 5000mi in the XJ8: 17.2mpg, the
XJR over 5000mi was 16.0mpg.

At 100,000mi the XJR X308 will need a few preventative service
items, ( I did a diff, which had started whining, ($1000 used) and
a gearbox service ($250, DO NOT FLUSH.), which was dropping the
pan, replacing the fluid, replacing the filter/pan gasket, and then
reassembling. Done at All Jaguar (Central FL). Also, my engine mounts
had gone, so I had them replaced. $490.

Note that X350 cars, like Land Rovers, will have air suspension compressor
failures at some point, which will render the car a low-riding vehicle.

 

If I understand correctly the big difference in gas milage has more to do with NA or SC, not so much with 4.0 or 4.2.
I think I can deal with the air compressor, sounds like I should listen carefully for differential noise and look for leaks when I test drive. I better have them put it up on a lift so I can look the chassis over before I buy it.
My 2001 XKR is starting to develop a little whine from the rear end.
Much appreciated,
Mike