im new to the site but ive only had jags since i was 15 working on them all my life i may be the youngest jag addict at 23. i have a 97 xk8 that is mechanically perfect but was hit recent by some terrible hail damage. now the insurance company is either giving me 86 for the car or keep the car and get 5. im thinking of buying a 98 jag which body and interior is in immaculate condition but needs an engine and tranny is trying to marry them a giant money pit or a potential masterpiece?

 

The '97 - '98 AJ26 engine and transmission should be completely compatible without any issues. Should be an easy swap.

$3.6k is a little high for purchase of a totaled Jaguar. You should offer $3k or less. $3k is a pretty standard totaled auction amount.

Do what you have to do.

 

I also suffered hail damage in the recent storm thru Dallas. Looked at several places (see earlier thread for recommendations from the excellent folks here on the forum) and finally decided on Doc Hail in Carrollton. I am very pleased with the results for my "medium" $2k amount of damage.

I saw some cars at their shop with far worse damage that they were able to repair. One had been written off by the insurance company, but they negotiated on behalf of the customer and ended up getting the insurance company to pay for the repair.

Best point is that almost all of the PDR places I spoke with offered to repair mine for the insurance money, saving me the deductible cost. You might want to talk to more places. You might still be able to get your mechanically sound Jag fixed after all.

Good luck either way.