Hi all!

I have a problem that I have been thinking of for quite some time. Here it goes:

I bought my 2002 XJ 4.0 in November 2011 with 7950 miles on the clock. It had been serviced eight times by its previous owner during its first nine years.

Then I stored it until spring 2012 when I serviced it (changed oil, oil filter and brake fluid). The brake fluid was really old and didn't look fresh at all despite the low miles.

In October 2012 I again put the car away for the winter having driven 3000 miles during the summer. Now to my question: what should I do now? I have no idea if this car has ever had anything other than oil/oil filter and brake fluid changed.

My mechanic (a skilled and trusted Jaguar-mechanic) says I don't even have to change the oil this season since I've driven the car so little. But I forgot to ask him about transmission oil, coolant, spark plugs etc.

Sure, the car has low miles, but its also eleven years old and it's really difficult to know how to service a car with such a strange driving history. Anyone got advice?

Thans a lot in advance.
Christian

 

i would change the spark plugs since it sounds like theyre pretty old, check the condition of all the electrical plugs. listening to the motor/exhaust helps alot in wondering if you need a minor tune up or more.

 

Hello Christian,

transmission fluid shouldn't be an issue as it obviously didn't have the opportunity to wear out. I think your mechanic will agree.

But you might ask him to check the coolant and the fill level of the refrigerant fluid in the climate control circuit.

BTW, did you replace the air filters as well?

 

Thanks for the great advice guys. I'll check the plugs, the coolant and perhaps the refrigerant fluid if necessary. And thanks for reminding me of the air filter, that wasn't replaced last spring so it could be due for replacement.

Yesterday when I tried to start the engine (for the first time since october) it was a bit tough to start (never happened before), the starter had to pull for at least 20 seconds despite the battery being fully charged. But then again the jag has been hibernating for the past five months, perhaps it's just morning fatigue.