Hi Guys,j I'm buying my first ever jaguar its a 1998 v8 sovereign with 90k km on the gauge , how can i know if it is 3.2 or 4.0 as well as its lwb or not..,what to look for while test driving it or what shall i look for in general....?

 

The short wheel base will measure 36 inches on the rear door glass lower glass edge not including the glass chrome trim

The VIN number will contain this information you want if you can find a accurate website

 

It is a 4.0 engine (unless the cover has been changed):


It is LWB, I have one (the rear door windows are considerably longer than the front ones).

In general, it would be good if the seller can show you the maintenance history. Otherwise, if not already done, you will need to replace the chain tensioners and guides, the water pump and the thermostat as a bare minimum.

As for a test drive, the bare minimum again would be to to verify that the engine starts easy, sounds smooth, it is not overheating and that the transmission shifts well (smooth). I'm sure others will provide further advise.

 

Have a look in the ‘sticky’ section under ‘how to’.
I have a 1997 and a 1999 (amongst others) that needed fuel pump (they were dry stored for years) and new tensioners and replacement rear view mirror, all generally weak points.

Hope it’s a good one for you.