Buying a 2002 XJ8 3.2 LWB

[sparky35uk]

After all the latest problems with my old XJ (see my other post below...limp home...) I'm a glutten for punishment, but am going to buy an XJ8 SE 3.2 LWB.
Has anyone any views on this, or has even owned one in the past?

[Jaguar steve]

3.2 LWB is a a rare car so I guess you've made your mind up.

I'd suggest you spend some cash on a full fluid change - everything from the engine coolant right through to the 'diff. IMO degeneration of coolant and lubricants and Jaguars extended service intervals is the main reason for expensive problems occuring on older cars.

A well maintained V8 is a real treasure and a hell of a lot of car for very little money. On the other hand a neglected one is a nightmare and will cost you a fortune, not just in money but in aggravation and disapointment too. Buy a really good one and look after it is the only way to avoid tears later on.

I've watched used Jaguar prices collapse over the last year or so - due to the cost of petrol, threats of increases in road tax (2002 XJ8 will be £430 in a couple of years - cheers Darling ) and the slowdown so now's the time to drive a very hard bargain.

A 2002 model will have the later waterpump and thermostat, but will still need the secondary timing chain tensioners changing for the latest metal bodied type if they've not already been done. If you've not done so already find Broardbean747s post on the V8. There's all the info you need when considering a XJ purchase there. One thing he didn't mention 'tho is there have been some corrosion problems on XJ8s. The reinforcing plate on the V mounting connecting the front subframe to the body has in some cases been badly welded and is trapping water. It's occuring just above the plate behind the front shock absorber - worth a look. Some are affected (mine is on one side and not the other) and some not.

[Triple7]

And new car sales have dropped 41% so far this year alone.

G

[Jaguar steve]

Triple7 said:

And new car sales have dropped 41% so far this year alone.

G

Indeed. This will have serious consequences for the most profitable section of the motor industry and affect hundreds of thousands of jobs worldwide. Why the government is contributing to the loss of sales by the policy of more than doubling the VED duty on larger engined cars and maintaining such a high level of tax on fuel is beyond me. When the tax revenue collapses as people are forced to give up even reasonably modest engine sized cars the lost money will have to be raised from somewhere else instead.

The "green " credentials of these policies are rubbish. My daughter uses far more fuel - and causes much more pollution each year - in her Fiesta than I do in my XJ. Next April Fiesta VED goes down yet XJ VED goes up. It's still cheaper for me to drive the Jag into town and park - yes, even in Chelmsford - for a couple of hours than go on the bus.

How does that help the environment? Not one bit. All this level of taxation and current cost of public transport will achieve is banging another nail in the coffin of the western economy

[sparky35uk]

Good tips Steve, and yes, aware of the hideous tax rises due for it in the next two years; crazy, but no getting away from it.
This one has full JSH, but take the points you mention.