Thinking of looking at an 03 XJR with 60k on the odo. Seller wants 16k for it. What are the problem issues with the 98-03 XJR I know early engines had issues with the nikasil, tranny issues throughout (is a 5 speed swap doable on the car or will it cause a wiring computer nightmare with the osd2 system? What other issues are common to the car?

Also considering a plain jane XJ8 but favor the R. How far back can I go in the model years before hitting the early issues as I would expect that by 01 or 02 most of the intro issues would be solved right? Finally, anybody use one for light towing like a utility trailer and pop up camper. I'd use it for towing when needed.

Thoughts on the 04 and 05s? Beyond that I'm getting out of my price range. Most maint. would be done by me, only big stuff would go to a mechanic so running costs I should be able to keep down. What kind of pricing would you expect?

Thanks for your thoughts

 

Check out the FAQ on the XK8/R forum for:

'I’m buying a used XK8/XKR, what should I look for?'

Here is the link: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=29800

The XJ series is the same drive train/electronics.

The 'early issues' were up to '99. They tapered off after that until the introduction of the 4.2L, 6 speed trans in '04 for the XJ series. The '04 introduced not only the updated engine/transmission but the restyled aluminum body which brought on its own set of concerns.

Personally, I would target the '02/'03 years if you prefer the steel body styling. All the significant issues had been resolved by '03. Latest year you chose to pay for if you like the newer model.

 

Didn't all '03 MY XJR's have Brembo brakes? Those are rather expensive to service.

 

I have a 2003 XJR. The car is rock solid and most of the issues from prior years are solved. I am assuming you are looking and the older body style 03, the second half of the year they remodeled it.

Not all 03's have brembo brakes, only the R1 package.

 

Yeah, its an 03 older style. Still haven't made it up to the dealer to have a look at it, hopefully this weekend.