My Advice/Buyer's Guide for the XJ8/XJR8 1997-2003
Discussion
BroadBean, great job! extremely educational for the new and upcoming XJ enthusiast. Recently purchased a 2k XJ8 with 65k miles, visually and mechanically in pristine condition, during the test-drive (as well as after owning it for a month) I couldn't detect any loss of performance / speed, or start up noise, except for the immediate high engine rev and then rapidly decreasing to normal idle just below 1000 rpm after 10 seconds.
Since my travels out of state, from Las Vegas to L.A., and accumulating an extra 2000 miles, I'm starting to notice some rattling, but minor and only at idle. Doesn't occur at start up, just when idling on park and only after she's warmed up. Although I've always notice a lack of pressure or some sort of loss in power at 40mph-60mph which is around 3rd or 4th gear. it is subtle yet noticeable to any car buff. No loss in 1st, 2nd or higher gears. Does this have anything to do with the timing chain and the related nuances of the tensioners, and since Gaudin Jaguar of Las Vegas (whom I've purchased it from) could not tell me if the tensioners are 1st 2nd or 3rd generation, I find myself very sensative and now driving without the radio on just to observe any unusual noises and such, almost at a state of paranoia! Is the tensioner replacement easy enough for an enthusiast to complete on his own at home?
Since my travels out of state, from Las Vegas to L.A., and accumulating an extra 2000 miles, I'm starting to notice some rattling, but minor and only at idle. Doesn't occur at start up, just when idling on park and only after she's warmed up. Although I've always notice a lack of pressure or some sort of loss in power at 40mph-60mph which is around 3rd or 4th gear. it is subtle yet noticeable to any car buff. No loss in 1st, 2nd or higher gears. Does this have anything to do with the timing chain and the related nuances of the tensioners, and since Gaudin Jaguar of Las Vegas (whom I've purchased it from) could not tell me if the tensioners are 1st 2nd or 3rd generation, I find myself very sensative and now driving without the radio on just to observe any unusual noises and such, almost at a state of paranoia! Is the tensioner replacement easy enough for an enthusiast to complete on his own at home?
Taco,
It does not sound like tensioners to me.
If the tensioners affect engine performance they will affect the engine in any gear. You do not have problems in 1st, 2nd, and other gears, therefore the tensioners are not the source of your woes. You will have the second generation tensioners unless your engine has been rebuilt in the last few years.
Going further, it seems to me that the majority of engine problems would be noticeable in any gear to a greater or lesser extent. If the problem is load related (meaning the engine is working hard, for example in high gears) then I would expect you to feel/hear the problem in 5th and you do not.
I am not a Jaguar technician but in my opinion the transmission is the likely culprit. If you are lucky, a PHer called “Gavin Pearson” will pop up with his view. He knows the transmissions (and the cars) intimately.
I advise you to replace the tensioners with the 3rd generation version if you intend to keep the car, and yes, it is possible for a skilled amateur to change the tensioners.
BTW the 10 second high engine revs at startup sounds iffy to me. Perhaps you can try a different dealer on all counts?
It does not sound like tensioners to me.
If the tensioners affect engine performance they will affect the engine in any gear. You do not have problems in 1st, 2nd, and other gears, therefore the tensioners are not the source of your woes. You will have the second generation tensioners unless your engine has been rebuilt in the last few years.
Going further, it seems to me that the majority of engine problems would be noticeable in any gear to a greater or lesser extent. If the problem is load related (meaning the engine is working hard, for example in high gears) then I would expect you to feel/hear the problem in 5th and you do not.
I am not a Jaguar technician but in my opinion the transmission is the likely culprit. If you are lucky, a PHer called “Gavin Pearson” will pop up with his view. He knows the transmissions (and the cars) intimately.
I advise you to replace the tensioners with the 3rd generation version if you intend to keep the car, and yes, it is possible for a skilled amateur to change the tensioners.
BTW the 10 second high engine revs at startup sounds iffy to me. Perhaps you can try a different dealer on all counts?
broadbean747 said:
I advise you to replace the tensioners with the 3rd generation version if you intend to keep the car, and yes, it is possible for a skilled amateur to change the tensioners.
Interestingly my local Jaguar independent said to me just last week that the 2nd gen tensioners on an XJR were unlikely to ever cause any problems and they had seen more issues with the later metal ones. I guess a lot of it comes down to luck?Chris
A brilliant article broadbean which, with your consent, I shall save for a later date when i will be purchasing an XKR. I had the X300 XJR in manual form and am currently residing in the land of the TVR Chimaera V8 soundtrack and am maintaining a 'perma-grin' but in reality I know I shall be back to the Jaguar fold in the next year or two to match power with luxury! Thanks for all your hard work!
CHJ said:
broadbean747 said:
I advise you to replace the tensioners with the 3rd generation version if you intend to keep the car, and yes, it is possible for a skilled amateur to change the tensioners.
Interestingly my local Jaguar independent said to me just last week that the 2nd gen tensioners on an XJR were unlikely to ever cause any problems and they had seen more issues with the later metal ones. I guess a lot of it comes down to luck?Chris
3rd Generation is the only way to go.
groomi said:
CHJ said:
broadbean747 said:
I advise you to replace the tensioners with the 3rd generation version if you intend to keep the car, and yes, it is possible for a skilled amateur to change the tensioners.
Interestingly my local Jaguar independent said to me just last week that the 2nd gen tensioners on an XJR were unlikely to ever cause any problems and they had seen more issues with the later metal ones. I guess a lot of it comes down to luck?Chris
3rd Generation is the only way to go.
1st and 2nd generation went on mine, 3rd (touch wood) still going strong.
puncturewound said:
hiya folks.....im in some serious confusion right now! im on the verge of buying a 98 3.2 xj8, my budget only allows about £3500 and im not so sure i can get a solid car for this money..am i better off going for a late xj6?? any help or opinions will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!
£3500 would either buy you a very, very good XJ6 or a fairly average XJ8. Given all the expensive problems an older XJ8 can present you with, and the fact you're on a limited budget I'd suggest you go for an 1995-1997 XJ6, and keep a few £100 aside for a full service including having all the fluids and filters changed, and sorting out any problems.
There's lots of good ones about if you look - try the Jaguar Enthusiast Club classifieds
That's what PH is for.... not just taking the piss out of the TVR lads.
Have a drive of both..you'll probrably find the V8 feels a lot more lively and agile, and has a really wonderfull relationship with throttle/engine/gearbox that is missing from the XJ6. I've had both, XJ6 and XJ8, with the 3.2 engine. Fuel consumption on a run is about the same but the driving dynamics of the V8 are streets ahead and performance from the same size engine is considerably improved.
If you've read the beginning of this post from Broadbean, you will have some idea of the problems and relative fragility of the V8s compared to the last 6 cyl XJ's
XJ6 - 1995 to 1997 - build quality is really good and the 6 is far simpler to work on, and spares are cheaper too. Your budget gives you a wide choice of cars. I'd suggest you buy on overall condition and service history, and not place too much emphasis on mileage. 150k + cars are common and show how long a well cared for XJ6 will run for.
You will be getting into Classic insurance policy territory too. Buy a crappy shed for daily driving, put the XJ on a limited mileage policy and you'll be surprised just how cheap Jaguar ownership can be
Have a drive of both..you'll probrably find the V8 feels a lot more lively and agile, and has a really wonderfull relationship with throttle/engine/gearbox that is missing from the XJ6. I've had both, XJ6 and XJ8, with the 3.2 engine. Fuel consumption on a run is about the same but the driving dynamics of the V8 are streets ahead and performance from the same size engine is considerably improved.
If you've read the beginning of this post from Broadbean, you will have some idea of the problems and relative fragility of the V8s compared to the last 6 cyl XJ's
XJ6 - 1995 to 1997 - build quality is really good and the 6 is far simpler to work on, and spares are cheaper too. Your budget gives you a wide choice of cars. I'd suggest you buy on overall condition and service history, and not place too much emphasis on mileage. 150k + cars are common and show how long a well cared for XJ6 will run for.
You will be getting into Classic insurance policy territory too. Buy a crappy shed for daily driving, put the XJ on a limited mileage policy and you'll be surprised just how cheap Jaguar ownership can be
thats great, this actually wont be my first jag, ive had a 87 xjs for the last 9 years, ive tried other marques but nothing compares to a jag as far as im concerned!
i was thinking of fitting x308 spec alloys to the xj6 (when i find the right 1) im assuming the fitment would be the same, am i right?? cheers!
i was thinking of fitting x308 spec alloys to the xj6 (when i find the right 1) im assuming the fitment would be the same, am i right?? cheers!
Yes, X308 wheels will fit an X300.
If you're thinking about changing the wheels I'd suggest sticking with the 16" size though. Firstly there's a much bigger selection of tyre brands to choose from, and generally they are cheaper and secondly the fitment of 17 or 18 inch wheels needs lower profile tyres to maintain the same rolling radius which IMO rather spoils the ride quality on poor road surfaces.
There's usually quite a few XJ wheel sets on ebay, or try one of the Jaguar breakers
If you're thinking about changing the wheels I'd suggest sticking with the 16" size though. Firstly there's a much bigger selection of tyre brands to choose from, and generally they are cheaper and secondly the fitment of 17 or 18 inch wheels needs lower profile tyres to maintain the same rolling radius which IMO rather spoils the ride quality on poor road surfaces.
There's usually quite a few XJ wheel sets on ebay, or try one of the Jaguar breakers
GEP said:
Great thread, thanks!
I'm thinking about buying an 4.0 Sovereign spec XJ but have been undecided whether to go for the 6 or 8 pot... this thread has pushed me towards the former! Does a good buyers guide exist for the XJ6 on the net?
Thanks
Yes:I'm thinking about buying an 4.0 Sovereign spec XJ but have been undecided whether to go for the 6 or 8 pot... this thread has pushed me towards the former! Does a good buyers guide exist for the XJ6 on the net?
Thanks
Edited by GEP on Monday 21st January 09:08
X300 - '95-'97 = Bombproof.
HTH
groomi said:
GEP said:
Great thread, thanks!
I'm thinking about buying an 4.0 Sovereign spec XJ but have been undecided whether to go for the 6 or 8 pot... this thread has pushed me towards the former! Does a good buyers guide exist for the XJ6 on the net?
Thanks
Yes:I'm thinking about buying an 4.0 Sovereign spec XJ but have been undecided whether to go for the 6 or 8 pot... this thread has pushed me towards the former! Does a good buyers guide exist for the XJ6 on the net?
Thanks
Edited by GEP on Monday 21st January 09:08
X300 - '95-'97 = Bombproof.
HTH
I'd suggest you take you time to find the right car, and buy solely on condition and history without too much emphasis on mileage or which engine size you have.
There's usually lots in the classifieds - but I'd suggest you have a look at the JEC website, and try some of the Jaguar independents to see what they have for sale. For £2000 - 3000 you should be able to buy one of the best cars available. If you want real Jaguar ride quality choose a car with touring, not sports suspension.
Keep a few £100 aside for a service and have all the fluids changed when you buy one. Insurance is reasonable, a set of tyres will cost about £400, and expect 16/20 MPG round town and up to 26 on a long motorway run. Spares are fairly reasonable - compared to the later V8s and the 6 cyl engine is easy to work on.
Having owned both long term the only downside to the '95 - '97 XJ IMO is it's not as quick, quite as nice to drive or refined as the later V8 (flameproof suit on
)Cheers for the advice.
If I were to settle for a 3.2 XJ8, there are dozens advertised as having had a replacement engine (I don't want to get into blow by tests- I'm way too lazy!). Are these really that underpowered, should I hold out for a 4.0?
I could be so good for you... lalalala
If I were to settle for a 3.2 XJ8, there are dozens advertised as having had a replacement engine (I don't want to get into blow by tests- I'm way too lazy!). Are these really that underpowered, should I hold out for a 4.0?
I could be so good for you... lalalala
Edited by GEP on Wednesday 23 January 11:57
GEP said:
Cheers for the advice.
If I were to settle for a 3.2 XJ8, there are dozens advertised as having had a replacement engine (I don't want to get into blow by tests- I'm way too lazy!). Are these really that underpowered, should I hold out for a 4.0?
I could be so good for you... lalalala
No the 3.2 V8 is not underpowered - 0-60 8 sec and top speed about 140If I were to settle for a 3.2 XJ8, there are dozens advertised as having had a replacement engine (I don't want to get into blow by tests- I'm way too lazy!). Are these really that underpowered, should I hold out for a 4.0?
I could be so good for you... lalalala
Edited by GEP on Wednesday 23 January 11:57
Hi to all of you out in the www!
I have a problem! I , up until mid November had a 1998 XJ8 3.2,58,000 mls nearly always started 1st time since I bought it at 24,000 mls. things came to a head , if you will excuse the pun, when it appeared to be flooded , took four hours to start with the help of some oil down the bores.The RAC man said change the plugs which I duly did, it ran fine for a few weeks until I came across the same problem again.I booked it in for diagnosis (guy salmons), and a 60,000ml service, I also told them about a slight knock at the front end. £600 lighter with a 'fully working inlet manifold flap',the car worked perfectly well for a few more weeks until the timing chain broke.£8000 for a new engine reduced by 33% after moaning.I have been in a quandary ever since. These pages have enlightened me, a great website, only wish I had discovered it before the problem.
I have been advised that it would be better to change engines rather than fix the one I have, steel liners metal tensioners on the timing chains.
Assumimg I stick with a 3.2 V8 engine how late a model is compatible without incurring me additional cost, and where i might aquire one?
I have a problem! I , up until mid November had a 1998 XJ8 3.2,58,000 mls nearly always started 1st time since I bought it at 24,000 mls. things came to a head , if you will excuse the pun, when it appeared to be flooded , took four hours to start with the help of some oil down the bores.The RAC man said change the plugs which I duly did, it ran fine for a few weeks until I came across the same problem again.I booked it in for diagnosis (guy salmons), and a 60,000ml service, I also told them about a slight knock at the front end. £600 lighter with a 'fully working inlet manifold flap',the car worked perfectly well for a few more weeks until the timing chain broke.£8000 for a new engine reduced by 33% after moaning.I have been in a quandary ever since. These pages have enlightened me, a great website, only wish I had discovered it before the problem.
I have been advised that it would be better to change engines rather than fix the one I have, steel liners metal tensioners on the timing chains.
Assumimg I stick with a 3.2 V8 engine how late a model is compatible without incurring me additional cost, and where i might aquire one?
Try Eurojag for a secondhand engine, find and contact your local Jaguar independent and get someone you know to be competent, and who has access to the Jaguar diagnostic or an equivalent system to fit the replacement.
There's a lot of "reconditioned" and "reworked" engines available. Have a look in the Exchange and Mart to see what I mean. Don't touch with a bargepole.
The other option is stick it on ebay, re - read Broardbean747's post and buy another one.
Sorry to say but frankly that might be the cheapest way to go.
There's a lot of "reconditioned" and "reworked" engines available. Have a look in the Exchange and Mart to see what I mean. Don't touch with a bargepole.
The other option is stick it on ebay, re - read Broardbean747's post and buy another one.
Sorry to say but frankly that might be the cheapest way to go.
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff