Jaguar 3.2 XJ8 Sport
Discussion
Check the underside carefully for corrosion... sills, subframe, brake lines.
Some of the early V8s (up to mid-2000 IIRC) had issues with the Nikasil coating on the cylinder bores (?) breaking down. Many were replaced under warranty or goodwill by Jaguar. Make sure its not one of those affected.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17...
Otherwise, the usual stuff... they're heavy cars, so check suspension components for wear, undue noise etc.
Some of the early V8s (up to mid-2000 IIRC) had issues with the Nikasil coating on the cylinder bores (?) breaking down. Many were replaced under warranty or goodwill by Jaguar. Make sure its not one of those affected.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17...
Otherwise, the usual stuff... they're heavy cars, so check suspension components for wear, undue noise etc.
Robertb said:
Check the underside carefully for corrosion... sills, subframe, brake lines.
Some of the early V8s (up to mid-2000 IIRC) had issues with the Nikasil coating on the cylinder bores (?) breaking down. Many were replaced under warranty or goodwill by Jaguar. Make sure its not one of those affected.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17...
Otherwise, the usual stuff... they're heavy cars, so check suspension components for wear, undue noise etc.
Rust, rust, rust. Check the forums for where to look but that's the main issue. Nikasil! A dead issue ignore. Only caused by short journeys with high Sulfur fuels which vanished in 2000 24 years ago. Discontinued in 99/00 for steel liners. Non issue now. Gearboxes are ZF five speed known for issues with failure of the A clutch plate. Can be modified/rebuilt if failed. Timing chains, early cars had all plastic oil pressurised tensioners that could fail. Usually give warning. Jaguar then put a spring in the tensioner which removed the noise, extended the life but still slipped a tooth and failed. Third generation from late 2001 are metal bodied and widely considered good, almost "bullet proof" with the later Morse chains. Chain replacement cost is the price of an average car so you take your choice on these. Some of the early V8s (up to mid-2000 IIRC) had issues with the Nikasil coating on the cylinder bores (?) breaking down. Many were replaced under warranty or goodwill by Jaguar. Make sure its not one of those affected.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17...
Otherwise, the usual stuff... they're heavy cars, so check suspension components for wear, undue noise etc.
My advice get a later X350 from 02-05 . Engine issues sorted, ZF six speed box more reliable, Aluminium so lighter faster and much less rust. Overall a much better car and available at the same cost!
Edited by P700DEE on Monday 7th October 14:44
P700DEE said:
My advice get a later X350 from 02-05 . Engine issues sorted, ZF six speed box more reliable, Aluminium so lighter faster and much less rust. Overall a much better car and available at the same cost!
But loses a bit of the Jaguar character perhaps.The trouble with the gearbox issues in the X308 is that they are often intermittent so it might be fine on a test drive, but then crop up on the seventh or eighth time you start the car after buying it.
If you hear a rattle from the rear suspension it may be the top bushes which are quite a lot more expensive to have done than the fronts I believe.
Another issue with these is, if you do buy it don't ever start the engine up from cold to move the car a little and then shut it off again after a few moments. You may not be able to start it again. Ask me how I know.
Edited by king arthur on Monday 7th October 15:32
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff