XJ8 daily driver

[macp]

Anybody using an XJ8 (X308) as a daily driver.I have been considering one amongst others but can I really expect to get in it everyday in all weathers and for it to start and take me work and back.Provided its maintained of course.

[spinbo]

Superb cars,i had one,black on black,xjr wheels,used every day and loved every minute,
18 to the gallon round town and 25 on the motorway. Sold it for penuts because i had a new toy and have missed it ever since!

[Jaguar steve]

There's no reason why you shouldn't use an XJ8 everyday but you'll need to buy the right car and maintain it carefully. That's no criticism of the Jaguar though, any car that's ageing will need care and occasional repair to keep it going.

If you that and attend to the two weaknesses - timing chain tensioners and gearbox oil - then there's no reason why you couldn't use one as a daily driver. The only things I can suggest may be a problem will be fuel costs - £75+ a fill at the moment and 26/27 MPG at best - and the fact it's a big car and won't easily fit in to most parking spaces or squeeze through gaps in traffic.

I don't use mine everyday because it's not practical for my needs. It's mostly kept for longer trips and weekends away. The only things that get on my tits about it is the handbrake lever digging into my left leg and the restricted visibility the single wiper gives when you are descending a steep hill to a road junction.

[a8hex]

I've run an X300 as my main car for the last 14.5years.
I don't do a great deal of mileage, short commute runs used to be about 18MPG when I used to do them, 24MPG possible on the motorway at normal cruising speed, have seen 28 when the traffic has meant cruising at 60.
X308s are supposed to be a little more economical.

[TheD]

I use my 308 xjr everyday and love it. If I use another car for the day it just isn't the same. As soon as you sit back in the 308 everything is just right. I don't do many miles which makes it affordable but as long as it is looked after and has a nice wee run every week to blow away the cobwebs there is no reason not to get one. Just make sure you do the usual checks before you buy one.

[macp]

Thanks guys got my eye on one a 2000 W plate 3.2 Sport with 116k.Its with a local dealer for £3995 and upon viewing it they informed me that it needs a replacement gearbox due to a hesitation when going into D.They have a gearbox in stock ready to fit.I noticed the steering seemed vague and there was a shake through the steering wheel under braking and a knocking when driving over speed humps.Lastly I noticed a fluffing indicating a blowing exhaust.Having said all that the Carnival Red paintwork and cream leather interior is in lovely condition.If they did all the work plus fit the new tensioners and guides I think it would be worth 4k.

Currently I travel a total of about 70mls a week to work and then whatever I use it for at the weekend and the occasional holiday.I guess I look at the XJ as a classic and worry whether it can do the job of the work hack.Sadly I dont have the space for another car otherwise there would be no hesitation.I keep looking at the BM 5 series or something which is considered more reliable but I then keep looking over my shoulder at the Jag.

Edited by macp on Wednesday 10th November 10:44

[a8hex]

macp said:

I keep looking at the BM 5 series or something which is considered more reliable but I then keep looking over my shoulder at the Jag.

OK, I've got a proper six cylinder Jag but it has been outstanding from a reliability point of view. More than can be said the large German thing parked next to it.

[Jaguar steve]

macp said:

Thanks guys got my eye on one a 2000 W plate 3.2 Sport with 116k.Its with a local dealer for £3995 and upon viewing it they informed me that it needs a replacement gearbox due to a hesitation when going into D.They have a gearbox in stock ready to fit.I noticed the steering seemed vague and there was a shake through the steering wheel under braking and a knocking when driving over speed humps.Lastly I noticed a fluffing indicating a blowing exhaust.Having said all that the Carnival Red paintwork and cream leather interior is in lovely condition.If they did all the work plus fit the new tensioners and guides I think it would be worth 4k.

Currently I travel a total of about 70mls a week to work and then whatever I use it for at the weekend and the occasional holiday.I guess I look at the XJ as a classic and worry whether it can do the job of the work hack.Sadly I dont have the space for another car otherwise there would be no hesitation.I keep looking at the BM 5 series or something which is considered more reliable but I then keep looking over my shoulder at the Jag.

Edited by macp on Wednesday 10th November 10:44

How Much?

That is a hell of lot of money for the age and mileage car you describe - even with all the work done and one that's in excellent mechanical condition.

I'd want to know - Is the gearbox a new or secondhand one? Is there any warranty with it and are they competent to fit it? Vauge steering could be just knackered tyres or it could be general wear in the front suspension. At 100k+ miles you can't rule out the need for a full suspension rebuild and the shuddering under braking indicates discs need replacing too. Which tensioners are they fitting? - I've seen some brand new 2nd gen ones on ebay
for £6 each.

Frankly I'd walk. Fast. Spend some time looking and you'll soon see there are cars with a lot less miles for less money than that. Ones you can just drive away without a whole lot of work needed too. If you've found that much wrong with just a first drive than what'll you discover once you've had the car for a while?

Obviously you'll need to have a really good look at whatever you buy but just a few mins on Autotrader or Cars and Classics will almost certainly prove my point.

If you want a daily driver - or even if it's just a weekend toy - then make sure what you buy is the very best you can find. An abused and worn out Jaguar will bleed you white in repairs yet a similar mileage and age well cared for one should be reliable.

I've driven a S reg 182k mile XJ8 with the original Nicasil engine and gearbox that, apart from some stone chips and paint scratches was just superb. It was tight, quiet and went like st off a shovel. The reason? - masses of service history in the glovebox. Nothing had been left unrepaired the owner had spent time and money when it was needed and taken care of it.

That's the sort of car you want IMO

[macp]

Jaguar steve said:

macp said:

Thanks guys got my eye on one a 2000 W plate 3.2 Sport with 116k.Its with a local dealer for £3995 and upon viewing it they informed me that it needs a replacement gearbox due to a hesitation when going into D.They have a gearbox in stock ready to fit.I noticed the steering seemed vague and there was a shake through the steering wheel under braking and a knocking when driving over speed humps.Lastly I noticed a fluffing indicating a blowing exhaust.Having said all that the Carnival Red paintwork and cream leather interior is in lovely condition.If they did all the work plus fit the new tensioners and guides I think it would be worth 4k.

Currently I travel a total of about 70mls a week to work and then whatever I use it for at the weekend and the occasional holiday.I guess I look at the XJ as a classic and worry whether it can do the job of the work hack.Sadly I dont have the space for another car otherwise there would be no hesitation.I keep looking at the BM 5 series or something which is considered more reliable but I then keep looking over my shoulder at the Jag.

Edited by macp on Wednesday 10th November 10:44

How Much?

That is a hell of lot of money for the age and mileage car you describe - even with all the work done and one that's in excellent mechanical condition.

I'd want to know - Is the gearbox a new or secondhand one? Is there any warranty with it and are they competent to fit it? Vauge steering could be just knackered tyres or it could be general wear in the front suspension. At 100k+ miles you can't rule out the need for a full suspension rebuild and the shuddering under braking indicates discs need replacing too. Which tensioners are they fitting? - I've seen some brand new 2nd gen ones on ebay
for £6 each.

Frankly I'd walk. Fast. Spend some time looking and you'll soon see there are cars with a lot less miles for less money than that. Ones you can just drive away without a whole lot of work needed too. If you've found that much wrong with just a first drive than what'll you discover once you've had the car for a while?

Obviously you'll need to have a really good look at whatever you buy but just a few mins on Autotrader or Cars and Classics will almost certainly prove my point.

If you want a daily driver - or even if it's just a weekend toy - then make sure what you buy is the very best you can find. An abused and worn out Jaguar will bleed you white in repairs yet a similar mileage and age well cared for one should be reliable.

I've driven a S reg 182k mile XJ8 with the original Nicasil engine and gearbox that, apart from some stone chips and paint scratches was just superb. It was tight, quiet and went like st off a shovel. The reason? - masses of service history in the glovebox. Nothing had been left unrepaired the owner had spent time and money when it was needed and taken care of it.

That's the sort of car you want IMO

Thanks again Steve
You are right it is a lot of wonga but I have seen mint examples selling for 5k.I love the idea of getting one for 3k and keeping a grand back for repairs whilst wafting about.I think reading between the lines its better to buy private unless the seller is a Jag specialist.

I tell you what though there are not many cheap jags on classic cars.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/22/xj8/?int_cu...

Edited by macp on Wednesday 10th November 14:29

[Markymark69]

Buy private and buy the best you can as Steve says, 4k is going to get you a nice low owner 60k miles car.

[Jaguar steve]

macp said:

Jaguar steve said:

macp said:

Thanks guys got my eye on one a 2000 W plate 3.2 Sport with 116k.Its with a local dealer for £3995 and upon viewing it they informed me that it needs a replacement gearbox due to a hesitation when going into D.They have a gearbox in stock ready to fit.I noticed the steering seemed vague and there was a shake through the steering wheel under braking and a knocking when driving over speed humps.Lastly I noticed a fluffing indicating a blowing exhaust.Having said all that the Carnival Red paintwork and cream leather interior is in lovely condition.If they did all the work plus fit the new tensioners and guides I think it would be worth 4k.

Currently I travel a total of about 70mls a week to work and then whatever I use it for at the weekend and the occasional holiday.I guess I look at the XJ as a classic and worry whether it can do the job of the work hack.Sadly I dont have the space for another car otherwise there would be no hesitation.I keep looking at the BM 5 series or something which is considered more reliable but I then keep looking over my shoulder at the Jag.

Edited by macp on Wednesday 10th November 10:44

How Much?

That is a hell of lot of money for the age and mileage car you describe - even with all the work done and one that's in excellent mechanical condition.

I'd want to know - Is the gearbox a new or secondhand one? Is there any warranty with it and are they competent to fit it? Vauge steering could be just knackered tyres or it could be general wear in the front suspension. At 100k+ miles you can't rule out the need for a full suspension rebuild and the shuddering under braking indicates discs need replacing too. Which tensioners are they fitting? - I've seen some brand new 2nd gen ones on ebay
for £6 each.

Frankly I'd walk. Fast. Spend some time looking and you'll soon see there are cars with a lot less miles for less money than that. Ones you can just drive away without a whole lot of work needed too. If you've found that much wrong with just a first drive than what'll you discover once you've had the car for a while?

Obviously you'll need to have a really good look at whatever you buy but just a few mins on Autotrader or Cars and Classics will almost certainly prove my point.

If you want a daily driver - or even if it's just a weekend toy - then make sure what you buy is the very best you can find. An abused and worn out Jaguar will bleed you white in repairs yet a similar mileage and age well cared for one should be reliable.

I've driven a S reg 182k mile XJ8 with the original Nicasil engine and gearbox that, apart from some stone chips and paint scratches was just superb. It was tight, quiet and went like st off a shovel. The reason? - masses of service history in the glovebox. Nothing had been left unrepaired the owner had spent time and money when it was needed and taken care of it.

That's the sort of car you want IMO

Thanks again Steve
You are right it is a lot of wonga but I have seen mint examples selling for 5k.I love the idea of getting one for 3k and keeping a grand back for repairs whilst wafting about.I think reading between the lines its better to buy private unless the seller is a Jag specialist.

Actually selling for that money - or is that the asking price?

Get in there with an cheeky offer. Be charming, polite, wave some notes about and don't budge a penny. Leave your phone number and an offer that's got a short shelf life - X308 values have plummeted over the last couple of years and it's a buyers market for old Jaguars.

If anything like the gearbox goes pop you'll need a lot more than a grand to fix it. If you've got the confidence and competence - or know a mate who has - I'd buy privately everytime. There's just too much worn out, overpriced, stone rashed part ex crap in the trade. Jag specalists are no exception - they have some of the worst value cars I've seen anywhere.

What you need to find is an Enthusiasts car who's taken real care and is selling just because he fancies somthing different.

Try PH, Cars and Classics or jagads

BTW looking for another XJ myself at the 'mo - don't even bother with the Carnival red one in Herts at £6500 you linkled. Been there, seen that one. It's a dog.

Edited by Jaguar steve on Wednesday 10th November 15:02

[macp]

This was the car I was talking about Steve but as I say looks nice but needs work.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

[Jaguar steve]

macp said:

This was the car I was talking about Steve but as I say looks nice but needs work.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

#


Indeedy, on the face of it it does - but as you've described it's got issues and despite the vendors assurances it will have a replacement 'box it's still a 100k+, 10 year old Jaguar with potential suspension and brake problems that'll cost hundreds to put right.

At the right price it'd be value maybe - especially if the body and interior is good but I'd suggest from what I've looked at recently 4k is too much for that one.

Up to you of course but if that's not going to be the one all you can do is keep looking - sooner or later the right car will come up, and you'll only know it's the right one for sure if you're either familar with X308s and the market or have already looked at and driven several other ones.

Whatever you do don't just fall in love and get your chequebook out...

[macp]

Seriously now thinking of an X308 XJR fantastic value and dont seem that much more costly to run than a 3.2.Have seen some droolworthy examples for 4k.

[ARAF]

macp said:

Seriously now thinking of an X308 XJR fantastic value and dont seem that much more costly to run than a 3.2.Have seen some droolworthy examples for 4k.

You can get them cheaper than that.

[macp]

ARAF said:

macp said:

Seriously now thinking of an X308 XJR fantastic value and dont seem that much more costly to run than a 3.2.Have seen some droolworthy examples for 4k.

You can get them cheaper than that.

TBH I dont know what Im messing about at.Yesterday I was looking at 6k E39 sports but I just dont need or want to spend that much.I want to spend 4.5k tops.