Greetings!
im new to the forum and might be a proud owner of a 2002 Vanden Plas in the coming days. I’m still trying to make a final decision so I thought I would get input from the forum. I have never owned a Jaguar, but have owned several Mercedes, bmw, Saab and Volvo’s. So, I know the care and attention these European cars demand. The car I am considering is as follows:
2002
Vanden plas
126,000 miles
owner bought in 2008 with 78k
garage kept
timing service done at 80k
very well maintained
cosmetically very nice...one side panel blemish, could use a new armrest
new tires

Asking price $3900

so, let me know your thoughts and any things 8 should especially look out for.
thanks!

 

Make sure the cooling fans come on. You don't want to over heat these cars. Make sure the trans goes into D, and R smoothly. The trans should shift smooth at all times. Check the tire wear. Make sure AC works. Not a bad price from the looks of it.

 

Did a bit of negotiating and got the price down to $3200. I pick her up on Monday. Per the previous poster, the AC works and the engine cooling system functions as well.
ill post more photos and details once I am in possession of the car.

 

My multi 308 experience,3 thus far , 2 w/ fully rebuilt transmissions all have had one harsh initial shift to drive from reverse @ cold start. It used to spook me on my 1st 308 but even after drum failure & upgraded release valve etc. it still had that cold shift problem. It's less dramatic or non-existent when brought up to temp.& in warm conditions. My associates did it as well. My current 308 has had it's tranny rebuilt in entirety & does it when it's really cold but doesn't do so if let to to idle a bit before engaging gears. I've taken it to numerous places including ZF transmission gurus & they all claim it's in perfect working order. Lol pardon the ramble.

But back on subject OP you've made a good score, going forward just address all issues ASAP as w/ these cars they are like dominoes if left to fester. If not driven every day, invest in a good "smart" battery maintainer/trickle charger, I personally use NOCO Genius G1100 it's been perfect for 3 years now. These cars are very sensitive to charge fluctuations.

Look into Trans-Go 5HP-24-PR it's a small investment that can prevent a costly tranny repair.

http://www.transgo.com/products.php?...&parent_id=208

If not already done,upgrade the plastic t-stat housing w/ the aluminum unit.

This forum is a vast resource, there's not many if any issue you will run into w/ these cars that hasn't been addressed here.

Welcome to the club !

 

Brought her home today. Here are some more photos of the exterior. I am taking it to my mechanic on Thursday to have him look at the front end where I’m getting some clunks over bumps. Sounds like bad bushings or ball joints.
mother than the suspension slop, she drives like a dream.

 

very nice jag,nice color as well.looks like a nice neighborhood an this car will make it look better,steve

 

Possibly lower control arm bushings, hopefully not the the rear (rear of front suspension) as well, they are more expensive to replace. I acquired a 2005 VP with the same issue. Lower control arm bushings were shot. But yes it drives awesome.

 

If it is a SuperV8, I am flying over and steal it from you
Congrats!