annamiata:
You'll want to do the water pump and t-stat housing right away and start saving for a transmission as well. All the considerations you mentioned didn't stop me buying my '98, which was super clean and well maintained. Then again, I only paid $3500 to start with…

Best of luck!
Scott

 

t-stat housing was replaced a month ago. I found a receipt of replacement of the T stat housing and upper radiator hose around $750.00 dated April 2014 in the club compartment. They had it for sale in March 2014, found out of coolant leak from one of the prospect buyer before me, and had the t stat replaced.

Water pump, top tensioners, transmission oiland filter change, rear end oil change, etc.., I can handle that with no problems. If the transmission lasted for another 40K-50K miles, I am okay with that.

I am somewhat an amateur mechanic, work/diy on Miata Timing belt, transmission, coil over, supercharge etc..

 

I would budget to invest $3,500 into making thus car mechanically operate as designed. IMO do not get caught up on book values and trying to steal the car. If it makes you happy and you can see yourself owning it for a few years.

Investing $3,500 into your new Jag will renew the feel of the car driving a 15yo car that runs new is 10x better than driving a new car." Anyone can buy a new car". But not many can drive an old car that runs and looks new. I am up in VT in my recently required 99VDP-with the Supercharger option and it is amazing to drive and look at. When I bought it a month ago I new that although the car had less than 70k miles and although it had $17,000 in service over the years from Jag that I would spend money to get to a mechanical point where I could get in the car and have it go 75-115mph over a 4hr drive. I replaced the front and rear rotors/ changed the coolant, housing/t-stat, new coil packs/iridiums, fuel filter. I have access to a shop lift and over the span of three days I changed the oil many times until the crankcase was clean. During those several days at the 1st oil chsnge I dropped the AT Pan and new filter/fluid. Let idle for a half hour whilst I mess with hinges or cleaned the sunroof channels then crack the drain plug on the Transmission and discharge 3.5qts and repeat. Passed 20 quarts. Last full was two Lucas AT conditioners. Did I need go do that over the top 20 quarts? Probably not, but none of those receipts showed a ATfluid change because the dealer said ( it's filled for life) My point is do not get attached and IR assume the low miles means a well taken care of. They could have changed the oil every two years for all you know?

 

Changing your transmission fluid is a bad idea. This could cause more damage than good if the slivers of particles gets taken out of the case with the fluid.. Talk about slippage. Some times the only thing keeping your vehicle from slipping is the material already in your pan.

 

Lavaman, this is the first time that I heard that changing the filter and the AT fluid is bad idea. I did tons of readings online on Jaguar's remedy and only found recommendations of changing the filter? My 1997 xj6 had some jerking shifting and the symptom was completely gone after changing the AT fluid and filter. That was 20k miles ago.

Also, the Jaguar is not in my garage yet. I will wait the ultimate advice from my Bro. If he said no for what ever reason, I will walk away...

 

If you already have slippage then changing the fluid is not as bad as if you have no slippage. What I'm saying is if the AT is fine, leave it alone. Most Jag TC's come sealed from the factory for a reason..

Also, you mention about saying no if it has any problems whatsoever.. This is good if you're looking to spend ZERO on maintenance right out of the gate, but BAD if you want a project :P

I will show you the before and after of my project '98 XJR once it's finished. You will absolutely have a heart attack if I told you what I've done to it so far - only 2 weeks in and almost $3,500 in repairs. This is mostly parts as well :/

 

Lavaman, I am assuming that your XJR's mileage is on the higher side; and that translated to high maintenance.

My typical maintenance for the 97 Jaguar XJ6 consisted of changing oil every 3500 miles, check/replace air filter, check rear end oil, grease all joints per Jaguar's spec, AT fluid and filter change, brakes pads and rotors, spark plugs, valve cover gasket, O2 sensors, coolant replacement, and replace belts.

The differential from My Jaguar developed humming noise due to my not checking the fluid and it was low due to a leak. I had to replaced the rear end and that was the only major repair so far. I bought the entire rear sub frame with differential, shocks, brakes etc for $250.00 and it took be one night with a friend to swap it out. Fortunate for me, there was no other major repair.


The list maintenance items are no different from a from a Ford, a Toyota, or a Jaguar.
However, parts begin to fail due to high mileage and neglect and that's the same for all makers. I guess some parts from X308 fail much sooner to design flaw.

I would not take a chance to buy a Jaguar that has over 70K miles; at this junction, major repairs and replacement parts start to creep in.

 

found this oil replacement

 

My layman's impression regarding whether or not to change the AT fluid boils down to schools of thought. Some say don't touch or all the reasons listed above it if it isn't causing you problems. The 'normal' early failure of these units is a weak A-drum, apparently stressed by a worn valve in the valve body causing pressure spikes - not something that will necessarily be remedied by clean AT fluid! On the other hand, old, burnt, dirty fluid certainly isn't doing the work it was intended to do. That's why it seems like many more have gone for the more proactive approach of changing it as a matter of regular maintenance. If changed by a careful technician or home mechanic, I can't imagine it wouldn't do a world of good. I mean, many many other manufacturers without "sealed for life" boxes suggest replacing the AT fluid at regular intervals. Why wouldn't we on ours?

One other thing I've wondered about this post, though, is this. For as nice as this XJ8 is, I find myself wondering if you don't already possess the superior car in the X300. Don't get me wrong, I love my X308; but I find myself longing for a car like yours, and if I found one in my area with such low miles, I'd be seriously considering a swap. With the care you've obviously taken of it, you could go another 200K miles - no joking! Just a thought. Let us know what you decide. You'll end up with an awesome car either way!

Cheers!
Scott

 

I just spoke to my Jaguar Mechanic brother. He also thinks the vibration caused by the tires out of balance if vibrations started near 50 to 65 mph. If it vibrates at all speeds then the cause is the tires' flat spot.

The good news is my 1997 wheels/tires will fit the XJ8 2000. Before I shell out $$. I will swap the tires and test drive. Wish me luck... I won't pick it up till next week Saturday.

 

The XJR I purchased had been totaled, and rebuilt at some point. I'm assuming it sat for a few years because the mileage is only at 90,000 and there was a lot or rust on the floorboards (actually had to cut out most and weld in new sheet metal).

My advice going forward to all prospective Jag owners: Don't buy a Jaguar unless you have $5-10,000 sitting around for repairs.

And if you do.. Then boy can you get one hell of a deal on a car like mine!

 

If that is the case - I want to go into "slivers" business! If someone can sell them - I will manufacture them of all shapes and forms, and from all kinds of metals. I do not see any competition... "here is a bottle of fresh slivers for your transmission oil change"... this could be pure gold!

Seriously, if that was the case manufacturers would simply add them to new oil.

 

Start with what you know is bad. Tires are a good investment. Ebay, Welsh Enterprises and Coventry West are my favorite places to shop for parts. Most used parts have warranty and usually work. If you spend $$, it will be reliable. I drive 10,000 miles a year and have never been stranded. Good luck

 

I have decided to keep my current 1997 X305 since it in top shape inside and out . I get too attached to car and its hard to let it go. $5,500 for 45K miles in top notch condition X308 is dirt cheap. I wish that I have a four car garage instead of three.

 

FWIW I think you made a good choice.

 

+1 with Ross. Keep enjoying the car!
Scott

 

I walked away from the 2000 XJ-8 45K miles , $5,500.00, mint condition due to all known/potential real problems that can be found on this forum and on the internet.

I just found a mint 1997 XJ-6 Carnival red with 29K miles (yes 29 K miles) brand new set of Z rated tires. The owner asking for $9,000.00 which is real high. Is $6,000.00? Fair price?


1997 or 2004 later. I will skip 1998 to 2003.

 

That is more than enough. If he takes it, take car and run. Make sure you get some kind of service history. Take VIN to local Jag dealer and let his run a history of car...

Eon