I am new here. I have always driven german cars, BMW Mercedes, Porsche. But have always loved that X308 look but never had the guts to buy one. With all the talks of Jags reliability and cost of repair even my BMW mechanic has been stalling me to buy one, not this time. I am out and ready to get one. Here are my choices 2002 XJR 83k miles, 1999 XJR 89k miles, 1999 92k miles. Which would be a good buy. After reading all the problems of each year, I am more confused with those nikasil, tensioner, etc. issues. Perhaps this forum can help me decide and pave the way towards owning my dream car. Thanks in advance.

 

Hi there, If your not a do it yourselfer and repairs are a potential issue for you then stick to the 01-03 models. Most problems such as nikasil lined cylinders (98-99), timing chain tensioner issues (98-mid00), and some early chronic throttle body issues (98-99) among other little things were addressed by then. I feel safer recommending '01 and later to avoid those issues but its never a bad idea to have a good look and investigate the history and to have a knowledgable mechanic give it a look. Thats not to say if you find a well maintained pristine earlier model with a good history not to pull the trigger. Good luck in the search!

 

Me personally, I'd look at an
02'-03' only. Reason being
(If memory serves me correct) is that some early 01' models still have the plastic tensioners. As long as you have a high quality fresh battery, proper maintenance appears to be in order (no engine sludge from 10K+ mile oil change intervals)), a metal impeller water pump, you'll find these supercharged cars are more reliable than you think.

 

I agree with the addict. MY 02 and 03 are definitely better since the change date for the tensioners is August 01. That makes MY 02 the first "right one".
I also agree with greverrr's warning about not doing repairs yourself. These cars CAN be a money pit if you are paying "prevailing rate" for repairs. There are folks that will jump in and say their's has been fine, but on the average, the parts are expensive, there are a number of "snigglies", and the mechanic's rate is higher than average. They can be a great deal for those of us who do much or all of our own work.

 

I've found my x308 easy to work on for the most part. I've done everything from replacing all the ball joints and bushings up front to recently doing the tensioners and hoses under the S/C. I want to thank the Jag engineers for their love of 8mm and 10 mm bolts. I can literally take 60% of this car apart with those 2 sizes.
As far as expense goes, I don't see the cost being anymore than my Corvette. But I can say they are more reliable vs the Corvette. Once replaced properly, its pretty much a non subject for years to come. Can't say the same for the Corvette.
All in all I bought my Jag looking for a BMW and have not regretted it. I would go with the '02 simply because its newer and for the points made by the other members.

 

If an earlier was priced say $2k less than a 02 or 03 i could go either way.
That would cover the cost of chains and tensioners.
Being both MY's in similar condition..

 

Thanks for all your replies, I didn't know this community is so active and generous on giving advice. Makes it easier for me on my decisions. I'm familiar with German cars and I'm a bit of a diy but impatient sometimes so I always have a mechanic to go or forums such as this to seek guidance. I might get that 02, wish me luck. Thanks everyone.

 

FYI, some 02 cars have plastic tensioners also, depending on the date of engine manufacture. This job is not cheap, and needs to be done if it has them. You can look around the forums to find the engine numbers that are affected.

 

No need to look around. The engine build date code for the change is 010813xxxx (YYMMDDHHMM).

 

If you are familiar with BMW's and Mercs you will find these cars to be a joy to work on.

 

I have an 02 and it had the second generation plastic tensioners. I changed them but I wish I had bought an 03 and not had to worry about it.

 

You can change those to metal tensioner, if you know you have the plastic ones it's better to replace them asap