I am currently looking at a 1998 XJ8. It has I was told 110,000 miles on it, the transmission is out of the car and has not ran since 2010, from the pictures I have received the car looks like it's in good shape, I am planning on going to look at it. Does anyone know what I should pay for this car, if I decide to buy it. Thank you Larry

 

Probably under $1000 if the transmission needs rebuilding. But then be prepared to spend several thousand on repairs and upgrades if nothing has been done, and that's if you do all the work yourself.

It would be better to buy a car with the major projects completed and documented.

I believe there is a buyers guide in the quick link sticky near the top of the forum page.

 

I agree with RJ.

I'd only do it if:
(a) you need a project
(b) have the time for that project
(c) have the money for that project
(d) all of the above

The right answer is most likely (d)

Good luck!

 

He wanted $ 3,000 dollars, I told him he was out of his mind, for a car that hasn't run in over 5 years, it needs a transmission maybe tires,brakes engine work and who knows what else it needs. You mentioned upgrades what upgrades do they need. I am new to jaguars, I always wanted one especially an XJ8, I am a mechanic so I will be doing the work myself, I have restored a few vehicles and planing on restoring this one, I thank both of you for your input and advice.

 

He should be paying you to clear his driveway. I can't even imagine the grief you would face with a car that hasn't run in five years.

 

Yeah, I agree with all of the posters. That guy is delusional.

 

I think he might take 500 for it, but I'm going to try and get it cheaper.

 

I would suggest that you should buy a Jaguar that you can't drive first. The fact that the trans is out doesn't mean that the trans is faulty - it means that the owner THINKS its faulty! It could be a host of other ECU or control module problems.

 

Doh - should have read ...... 'you should NEVER buy a .......!!

 

what updates will this car need

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...k-links-20090/

Start here & the search feature is your friend.

The hot spots that cause major drama/trauma lol in this vintage are the timing tensioners & transmission a-drum(to some but in my 3 vehicle history never had an issue knock on wood).

 

I bought my 1998 XJ8 LDP a little over a year ago. It hadn't been driven/licensed since 2011. The plus was that it had been garaged during most of that time. The lady I bought it from had freaked when she saw the "Transmission Fault" show up on the instrument panel. The transmission was slipping and would default to the "Limp Home" mode, where it puts the trans in 4th? gear and, from what I understand, reduced power.
Bottom line, I have been driving the car for about 8 months now. I've put about 7,000 miles on it since licensing it last February, 2015. I've been researching the trans problem, ("A Drum") and the option of doing it myself. I take it easy on the trans, don't take off on steep inclines, etc. and it gets 20-21 m.p.g. consistantly. The LDP is a joy to drive. The only problem that I encountered not long after buying the car was the fuel filter. Had to replace it twice. Lots of rust in the tank. I can only guess that it was from temperature change moisture building up during the down time? The rest of the vehicle has no rust problems.
Do you have the option of "trying" to drive the car to see exactly what it's doing, or not doing? Not sure if you mean the trans is out/non-operational, or has already literally been taken out of the car? If you're saying that you can get it for $500 or even less, I'd say go for it. But I like projects that I can do at my own pace.

firstchoice

 

I cant drive it, the transmission is sitting on the bench. I have only seen pictures, I am planning on going to look at this car within the next couple of weeks and tow it home.

 

My Advice/Buyer's Guide for the XJ8/XJR8 1997-2003 - Gassing Station - PistonHeads

 

larrym, Curious as to what you did, how it turned out? Did you go for it?

firstchoice

 

I'm still trying to buy it. He originally wanted $ 3,000 dollars, I told him $500.00 then,he was at $2,000,I said $500.00,and it's still going on,I did recently find out he needs to get it out of the garage it's in.I have him down to $850.00 dollars right now.So we will see what happens,because I will not pay more than $ 500.00 for it.All the research I have done this car is not worth it's weight in scrap.I think that is kind of depressing,but I really like these cars.

 

Sticking by my original opinion: tell him that for $500, you will clear his garage for him.

 

I think I might be able to get this car after all, he is needing air tools. After I look the car over,and I like it, I will make a trade with him,air tools for the car.I have always wanted an XJ8. If I get it I have to find a transmission for it, does anyone know if there is something specific I should be looking for or at when I go and look at this car,thank you for all your help. Larry

 

Too bad you are not in North Texas. I have several parts cars and gearboxes.

You should be able to get a good-used trans for little money locally to you.

bob gauff

 

"Too bad you are not in North Texas. I have several parts cars and gearboxes.

You should be able to get a good-used trans for little money locally to you.

bob gauff"


Just wondering what I should pay for a second transmission that I could rebuild with the newer, upgraded parts and have it ready to slip in when this one goes? I'd rather do it on my time frame than a "have to get it done fast" time frame.

Thanks for any input.

firstchoice