New to the forum and I wanted to get your thoughts. I inherited a 2001 XJ8 L from my father. It is a beautiful car (as you know) but it hasn't been started or driven in 10 years. It has been garage kept in Texas (where it still get HOT inside in the summer). It only has 75K on the dial.
I plan to have it towed to a indy mech that specializes in Jags (if I can find a good one in DFW) and have all fluids (coolant, tran, brake, oil, etc) flushed and filled, gas pump, lines, and tank thoroughly cleaned and/or replaced, new plugs, battery etc and of course new tires.
My questions:
This car has not been started in 10 years. It was driving well back then. Are there any potential ticking time bombs that would make this a fools endeavor?

Could the gaskets be dry rotted or brittle?

Any issues with the engine not being lubricated for this long.

Anything else that should make me reconsider?



I am happy to do the basics to keep it (in his memory) and have a weekend driver a couple times a month and special occasions, but I don't have the resources to support a wonderful car that was left alone for too long. I have basic (you tube and forum) mech skills for the little stuff, but I wouldn't want to try to tackle major repairs on my own.

Thank you for all of your input. I really appreciate it. I feel like I may be entering into a poor financial decision for a few good memories.

My best.

 

Usually ANY car sitting unused for that long will have multiple issues. That is
the bad news. The good news is they be resurrected to vibrant life with a little
time and perseverance. Getting the fluids changed is a good step, but be aware
that father time is not kind to idle pumps, belts, and a slew of plastic, rubber and
cork materials. Most of these would fall under your ability and "mech skills" One
of the most expensive issues with these ladies is the transmission, especially so
with the naturally aspirated version, which yours seems to be. Having the tranny
checked out by a reputable shop is a good idea to see where yours stands.

 

Time to find your way up the street to Bob Gauf (aka Motorcarman).

 

Congrats! XJ8L! Beautiful!
Your plan is good, I wouldn't go as far as "cleaning or replacing gas tank" unless there is a problem.

I see two main problems with these cars: A-drum and tensioners. First will likely need new(used) transmission, second one new (used) engine.
Replacing tensioners is a relatively easy few hours job.
A-drum work require transmission out. You can install $40 or so "trans-go" kit which is supposed to save a-drum from failing(I would do that and hope it does).

If I was in you shoes I would replace tensioners(check repair records, they might have been replaced!), change oil/filter, get plugs out and spray some oil into cylinders, crank with plugs out, put new gas... and start the car and listen and observe... yes, it's good to replace coolant, break lines, thermostat tower(if still plastic), belt...

Good luck!

 

The A drum in the transmission is a common failure point, but that does not necessarily that THIS transmission has that problem (yet). The filter/fluid should definitely be replaced and that does suggest a “while we are in there” procedure might be advisable if funds are available.
Replacing the timing chain tensioners is also advisable, again, if finances permit.

 

All good advice above. What I would also suggest that you do is have a look here:

https://www.joant.club/event-calendar

You just missed yesterday's All British & European Car Show at White Rock Lake where there were a a couple of XJ8s on display but they are an active group and get together at least once a month. They are a nice bunch of people. They know all the resources and all the best independent Jaguar mechanics in the DFW area. I'd suggest you pop in with some photos of your father's car, a notepad and pencil and visit with them.

Also, consider that your 2001 will very soon qualify for "antique" license plates here in Texas and you can probably already insure it as a classic car with an "agreed value" policy which is a very economical way to have a car that you only drive on weekends a couple times a month or to special events and still have it insured for comprehensive and collision at a reasonable value as opposed to trying to save money by going liability only.

 

Hey pdupler....that is pretty cool about the event. I lived in Irving Texas for a while
and was just imagining the event going on at white rock lake. Here in Tennessee,
we had what they call a "rod-run" in Pigeon Forge. Here, they also offer the antique
plates, but make the stipulation that it can not be used for general transportation
except on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays, so that is a no-go for the Duchess.

 

Such a long time you don't know what will happen
replace the thermostat get new spark plugs set
New filters air fuel oil I wouldn't change the transmission filter just 1 drain and 1 refill to correct level and after the car start let's see how the transmission works
After filling the engine with new oil remove the fuel pump relay and turn on the engine let the oil circulate at low rpm without starting the engine you don't want sudden high rotation after setting for long time

 

I think I've seen something about the Pigeon Forge Rod Run on TV, maybe Dennis Gage' program? But yes, Texas Antique plates aren't supposed to be used for commuting or running errands either. If you get pulled over M-F, you just say that you're off work that day and taking the car out for a little exercise, driving it just for the pure enjoyment of it, going to meet with some of your Jaguar club members for lunch, or on your way to/from the repair shop. Those are permitted. What you don't want to do is get caught driving by the same donut shop every morning on your way to work wearing your uniform as the police are unlikely to buy any of those stories. However, I see a lot of simply "old" beaters running around with antique plates that are obviously not treasured collector cars so apparently a lot of people are getting away with it.

What you most definitely don't want to do tho is violate the terms of your antique vehicle insurance policy. For instance on my policy, I am not supposed to drive my antique cars to work, I'm not supposed to leave them parked unattended and I have to keep them all stored indoors. If I had a wreck on the freeway in the rain during Monday morning rush hour, or if my antique car were stolen from the Mall parking lot, or beat up in a hail storm they're not going to cover it. Limited uses and extra protection are the reason you can save so much money as an antique car is not exposed to anywhere near as much risk as a normal commuter car. There are some exceptions for example if I choose to go to the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, I can park it at a restaurant or hotel or even stop to visit touristy sites along the way. So that's the Easter Egg to traveling in your classic car with antique insurance, just plan your trip around and pre-register for a classic car show like the Pigeon Forge event - what could be more fun anyway. (Just make sure you allow extra time as old cars, and Jaguars in particular, can take longer to repair if a breakdown occurs - maybe I can take something up there after I retire.)

 

I’ve resurrected several long slumber XJ’s before. I can confidently say that the very first suggestion is to get the fuel pump replaced. And make absolutely sure that whoever does it understands that the fuel lines under the tank must be disconnected *prior to* pulling the tank back. Have them assess the insides of the tank throughly just before the pump goes in. If it wasn’t full of fuel prior to the long slumber, there’s a good chance it’ll need a tank due to rust. Have the old fuel (turpentine) drained out and replace the fuel filter.

After the engine is running ok (&#129310, then check the tensioners.

I’m currently replacing the timing set on a 98’ VP with 77k miles on it. This engine was moments away from grenading itself as it skipped a tooth. I pulled the oil pan and found an astonishing amount of plastic at the bottom and inside the pickup. I had to pull the oil pickup and blow out the multiple small bits of plastic caught in the screen.

 

I wouldn't consider that a good car to keep around just for a few memories and a cruise here and there. These are pretty reliable as far as Jags go, but will still require more attention than most vehicles and the non-supercharged x308s have transmission issues as mentioned previously, as well as the tensioner issues that all 308s before mid-02 have. Then there are all the worn suspension parts, rubber parts, etc. from sitting so long and it starts to add up pretty quickly. If it were an XJR or Super V8 and you liked it I'd say it's worth it, but you'll spend a lot more than that car is worth getting it up to spec and that's barring any major issues with the engine trans. If you are not attached to the car itself, get it running and sell it on, you'll be much happier in the long run. Jags are great to own/drive, but you have to really love them and be committed to keep them in top shape. Best of luck either way and sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing.

 

Indeed, it makes zero economic sense to keep any old mass-produced car, whether its an XJR or a Corvette or anything. Some will go up in value, but almost none ever go up in value fast enough to justify their upkeep. And sedans in general (as compared to two-door cars) seem to languish at the pit of depreciation until they are nearly 50 years old (but that's a generational thing, millenials grew up with nothing but four-door sedans so I doubt they will have the same bias). Most people don't even think about it, but the most expensive part of keeping a classic car is the cost of storage because obviously if its left outside, it depreciates too quickly to matter. Heck, I constructed a building to house my old cars and am keenly aware of the electric utility bill and property taxes, not to mention the maintenance on the building itself. Even if you just have one classic car in your typical suburban two-car garage, you could have technically bought a smaller house with a one-car garage and been paying less mortgage, and/or your new 2024 model daily driver is outside deteriorating 10x faster in the Texas sun (and hailstorms as we have this weekend). And that's before you ever spend any money on repairs or maintenance of the old Jaguar.

But I look at it this way. Most people don't seem to have any hobbies aside from watching sports on TV (getting their exercise vicariously I suppose.) Take up doing most of that maintenance and repair yourself. Its not your daily driver so you can take your time and the forum is here to help figure out the how-to's. Its not only cost-saving, but its healthy, low-impact exercise. You can source many parts online from Land Leaping, Rock-Auto and Amazon instead of paying MSRP plus markups at your indy. Now with that savings, you're down to just insurance, those discounted parts/fluids and storage cost. Compare yourself to other people who have interesting but unproductive hobbies like fishing, golf, gambling, ocean cruises or international travel. After they are done, their money is gone and all they have is memories and maybe a few photographs. The classic car owner gets just as much enjoyment, has the memories and the photographs, PLUS they still have most of their money because the car is still worth anywhere from 50% to if they are lucky, 99% of what they have in it. And maybe the garage has gone up in value too.

You already inherited your Jaguar for free so you're already way ahead of most of us on this forum. Bring it out to some local car shows. Its probably not only stunning with such low mileage and garage kept status, but it'd be one of the more interesting cars because you were part of its history. Most of us just bought our classic cars from an online auction or consignment dealer. I can explain what restoration work I've done, but all I know about most of my cars are some boring statistics like horsepower and production quantities that anyone could look up on their phone nowadays. The most interesting cars at the shows are the ones displayed by their original owners or their families because they can tell stories about family vacations they took in it, borrowing dad's car to take their gf, now wife, to their high school prom, or sometimes even more nefarious conduct involving speeding tickets and near misses. I've always wished that I could be that original owner at the car show but I've always bought luxury and sports cars used or after they were already an antique and I've never inherited anything as cool as a Jaguar. I have a 2024 Mustang on order (my first NEW vehicle that isn't a work truck) but I'm probably going to be dead or in a nursing home before it will be considered a classic car.

But yes, you have to carefully consider just how much are you really going to enjoy it vs the costs. Will you get a kick out of taking it to car shows? I enjoy that sort of thing, but I know it's not everybody's cup o' tea. Plus if it means the wife's car gets evicted from the garage, that might not be worth the grief you're gonna get. But if it means having a garage sale and earning $200 to clear out all that home exercise equipment that you never use so that you can actually park a Jaguar in there and work on it, then that's a win! I hope to see it at a local show and hear your stories in the coming season.

 

^
They don’t have to be taken to car shows to get that feeling of camaraderie and pride…

My year round daily driver for the last 2 years has been an ‘01 XJR and for 15 years before that it was a ‘92 Series 3 V12.

It’s surprising how many people “know” me and my cars and/or who approach me in parking lots to talk about them.

They were bought used from an exemplary private seller and maintained by an indie as I don’t have the expertise. Many would consider what I paid to be top dollar but I consider them to have been exceptional value, particularly when compared to what they sold for new, and I probably put my indie’s kids through school but, as noted, any hobby or activity one enjoys comes with a cost.

This beast cost me less than a new Corolla and I can’t imagine turning around to take this photo of what would now be a two year old Corolla and posting it on line for others to enjoy as well:

 

Up until the pandemic hit, I couldn't hardly put gas in the XJ8 without someone at an adjacent pump complimenting the car, asking what year it is, or giving a thumbs up. I literally get more praise for the old XJ8 than my Corvette. It does seem that people have been less outgoing, less talkative since the pandemic for some reason I that assume has nothing to do with cars but it still happens fairly frequently. (The more modern (Lexus) looking XF though has gotten only three compliments in seven years and one of them then handed me his card, he was an auto detailer, so that one doesn't count.)

 

People do comment even on my 'faded-paint' X308s.(mostly like "WOW I remember those cars!")
I get many more compliments on my XKR convertibles though.(the paint is still 'shiny' on them)

 

Just yesterday, while filling it up, a lady in a brand new Lincoln SUV commented, "I just love your car!"

 

Driving through Pigeon Forge TN. (which is quite possible a classic car magnet), the Duchess
receives many admiring looks and almost as many "thumbs up" from other drivers. When
I take her out on "date nights" and such, I usually find several millennials trying to figure out
"what kind of car that is". I think the round headlights kind of throw them off track, because
they always seem to guess mid-seventies or so.

 

Funny you mention that. When I got my first Jag, a 2003 XJR, nearly every "older" lady on the street told myself or my wife how much they loved it and always wished they could have a Jag. I've gotten many more compliments from women on my Jags than men. Men typically just think I'm a glutton for punishment owning an older British car