Hello,
I have always been attracted by the XJR but a little bit worried about the reliability issues especially with tensioners and timing chaing troubles.
Here is one interesting.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/6031518808.html

he is saying the tensioners where updated.
Given this may I consider it reliable for 100mi/day use (freeway)?

for what other kind of troubles should I be warned out on this car ?
thank you!

 

Does updated tensioners mean metal tensioners?

 

The fact that he mentioned the timing chain tensioners leads me to believe he knows the car a bit more intimately than a normal person does. Thats a good indication. I would suspect worn suspension components being the next point of interest.

 

What is your maintenance budget?
Buying a 18 years old luxury car with 125K miles for 6 cents on the dollar, as a daily driver, is not a safe economical proposition.
The car seems to have had a hard life.
Spending more money now for a better example will save you quite a lot of $ in the future

 

+1. At this age the jags are better suited for a hobbyist and occasional use.

 

I spent $3K getting my 2003 XJR up to date maintenance wise. It had 113K miles when I got it. And I bought it from one of the mechanics at the Jaguar service place I go to. It was only $4500 so I can't complain.

 

My first impression too.

 

Well, I guess it really depends on the history and condition of the car in question, and what the new owner is willing and capable of. I wouldn't say that any Jag of this vintage is only for the hobbyist or occasional use.

I bought my 97 XJR three years ago, and drive 100-120 miles a day for my commute and have put 40k miles on the clock with no major issues. In fact, except for replacing a belt and the rear shocks, there hasn't been any issue that put the car down.

But, I have spent quite a bit on inconsequential things like repairing the radio, clock, lazy vents, and other cosmetic or convenience bits.....


That being said, while this car seems relatively well cared for, I'd have it thoroughly checked out by a reputable Jag independent with this age/mileage before committing to it for your 100 mile commute.

As an aside, it looks like the wood center vent surround doesn't match the rest of the dash.

.

 

Very reliable cars. I suspect the tensioner has been updated to the metal one. I drive my car daily to work 30 miles each way and it's a dream. Taking her on her first long trip, 8.5 hour drive to Phoenix. I just replaced the front right wheel bearing because my car sat for almost 2 years without getting driven. Otherwise, mechanically the engines in these cars are great. I even will go against the grain and say the ZF trans is awesome....I have one in my corvette albeit a 6-speed manual.

 

Suspension and overall condition would be my questions. The suspension can be rebuilt for under a grand including the press for the ball joints. Shocks and springs add about 2k if it has cats. Ours has been bulletproof and aside from drinking lots of milk is cheep enough to run. Still my fav.

 

It's in the right colors. Like everyone else said if the drivetrain is good check suspension very thoroughly. If there's play in the rear wheels when pushing in/out at the top it could point to diff output bearings which can turn very expensive or tricky if you DIY... If they've done tensioners see what else they have records for, things like trans fluid change, etc.

99 isn't necessarily the best MY to go for (the 01-03 are a good pick in that regard) but it won't really be worse in that sense. The later cars got some extra toys standard (rain sensing wipers, rear heated seats, and a couple others) and some changes to the engine.

If you're going to be working on the car yourself, accept that some things will just take a lot of time to fix (suspension bits, fuel pump, etc) or, if someone else is doing the work, some things will take a lot of labor.

 

Maybe $1200 too high (needs tires). But you are close enough to look it over. Find out if its owner is on this forum, if so look for issues (car looks familiar -- couple of bay Area guys are religious about theirs; a couple race them . . . ).