Hi!!
I found a 1999 Jaguar xj8. The car seems to be on good shape, but my knowledge of them is limited. I'd like to buy the car for my wife for mother's day.
What do i need to look for on it? Am I totally crazy to buy it? How much of a nightmare are these to keep on the road? (She currently has an 07caddy CTS) Is there any way to tell if the timing chain and tensioners were done? She drives about 9000-11000 miles a year. I also have an AMG S55 That I'm getting rid of because I can't afford the maintenance on it. Will the jag be similar?

 

Read the how to STICKY above your post about how to inspect prior to purchase

 

+1 ...and/or prompt the How To in my sig....

 

It is also extremely useful to know where you live (and therein, where the car has likely been). Those from California are less abused by weather than those from New York. Do you have any repair orders (a history) in the glove compartment. Then have it checked for all the issues noted above. They are actually easy cars to work on; but as they age, parts are harder to find, sometimes, than a MB. Once brought up to specs they are a dream to drive: powerful, comfortable, and pretty reliable (and pretty). It is also useful to know if you have a local independent garage that has techs trained on Jags, Land Rovers, and Volvos (high part compatibility due to Ford influence on this series).

One last thought: this forum is a real asset if you decide to buy.

 

We are in Vermont, I'm not sure of the province of the car. I'm going to try to look at it tomorrow.
Thank you

 

Go to User CP in the task bar at the top of any page and you can put in your Jag (and other cars) info along with adjusting your location.

 

At this point, XJ8's need someone who can do their own work and fix little the things that break. They are not Camry's. The suspensions are support by Foam that needs to be replaced periodically. Its cheap to do it yourself, but $1,000 if you pay someone.

There are LOTS of $500-$1000 repairs you can DIY repair for much less, but there are lots.