Hello all!

My wife and I live in Palm Springs, CA and are on the hunt for a used Jaguar. Years ago, I had an 86 XJS Coupe. Loved the car but it wasn't without its share of problems.

Even though the experience was a bit mixed, I have been longing for another Jaguar in the driveway.

I am true enthusiast that can justify the beauty of every model, including S-Types and X-Types. I know some people have a preference but I like them all. In particular I like the XJ40, XJ300, XJ308 and XJ350 but I value condition over model types.

Over my driving years, I have driven and owned a pretty wide variety of cars, including a few Porches, Audis, Cadillacs, Volvos, Mercedes etc. I am a bit of a car nut so I have justified more than one odd-ball purchase over the years. Probably the oddest car I owned was an Isuzu Impulse.

Anyway, my wife and I own our own business (not an advertisement) we have four Greyhounds and no children.

I have had some track experience but could always use a bit more.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you and learning all I can about Jaguars.

Happy motoring!

Jason

 

Welcome to the forum Jason,

Thank you for the interesting Intro.

The XJS probably needs more attention than most Jaguar models so you'll already have a good idea of what to expect from other models. As you don't mention a preference, checking the HOW TO sections at the top of each tech model section show the regular issues. I've owned XJ40, X300 and X308 in the past and would happily have a good example of any of these again.

You may also like to visit the US Western Region section by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/western-us-ak-ca-nv-ut-hi-wa-id-38/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forum.

Graham

 

Graham,

I started looking at the sections for each XJ version. From a maintenance and reliability standpoint do you have a favorite. I recently dove a beautiful 93 XJ6 with 91K on the clock. One owner and the car was in almost mint condition. The owner did mention some oil weeping at the front of the engine but also said the head gaskets were dry. I was warned about the timing chain tensioner issues in the early XJ8s and then also the nakasil (SP) issue. Having said that, it is hard to know if it is better to get an XJ6 or if the newer XJ8 is the better choice. Then I have spoken to many who are very critical about early S Types and X-Types. I had driven a 2.5 X Type back in Connecticut and thought it was a fantastic alternative to an Audi A4 but maybe I am missing something.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My budget is about $7,000 and I plan to have any car inspected by a Jaguar Specialist prior to purchase.

Thanks again,

Jason

 

Jason,

The later an example of any model always benefits from developments and improvements during the production run but we have many members here very happy with their early models. Maintenance history is of more importance and critical with any Jaguar you may consider. You should question about any gaps very closely.

On the early V8's, plastic tensioners are still a major issue if they haven't been replaced with the later metal type but any Nikasil lined engine that is still going strong is unlikely to give problems now as the sulphur fuels that caused the failures have long since disappeared.

Don't forget to read up on transmission issues as you do your research. There can be some costly surprises in that area.

If you plan on doing your own maintenance then some mechanical issues can be factored into the purchase cost. The labour costs on major engine, transmission or suspension work can easily exceed the purchase price of an older model.

Graham

 

Welcome to the forum Jason,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't already done so you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.

 

Welcome aboard Jason.

Go for a low mileage XJR 13.

Great car for your climate.

Good to see you.

 

Welcome. I am very picky with cars and when I finally decided on a Jag it had to be a textbook one. I went for the X308 for the silliest of reasons.

One wiper
gas filler on top
round headlights
forward opening hood

Yes those are my reasons, being eccentric isn't as easy as it looks.

 

Graham,

Okay now I am going to look at various transmission issues. The 93 I looked at was a dream in almost all respects except the price. He is asking $4,000 and it seems the market value would be closer to $3,200. The car has a few small issues such as a sticking door lock on the driver side rear door and the driver's door is missing a spring in the lever. It works but does not spring back. Other than that the car looks beautiful. Thing was it was the first XJ6 that drove so I kind of wanted to try others for comparison. Have to say it is an easy car to fall in love with. The smooth delivery of power and the weight of the steering is so nice that I can't stop thinking about it. I want to try an XJ8 just to compare the experience.

To be sure, I am now hooked. One way or another, I will own a Jaguar in the next few weeks.

Thanks again for your input.

Jason

 

Probesport,

The reasons you list are as good as any. That is one of the things about being a true car person. The simplest things can be the difference between an object of desire and a car that you wouldn't touch.

I have to admit, I like the later XJ40s specifically for the one piece rectangular lights....Having said that I think I am somewhat in the minority as most people like the quad lights better. Then on the XJ308s the nose just looks so perfect to me. I find that I am trying to balance my eccentricity with a hint of justifiable practicality. Even more difficult....I am guessing.

Enjoy your XJ8!

Jason

 

Norri,

This forum has proven to be a godsend for an indecisive buyer like me.

Thanks again!

Jason

 

I need to wait for a few years of depreciation before I can consider a 13 anything.

That said, if I can find a low mileage XJR, I would jump at it. I love the way they look and can only imagine what it must feel like to drive a refined muscle car like that.

Certainly, have not ruled an XJR out if I can find the right one.

Thanks,

Jason

 

there's quite a bit of info on buying tips for the X308 models. having bought a number of cars throughout the years and as a current owner of an 01 XJR here are several simple tips i can share:
-steer clear of nikasil lined engines that were used in the '98-2000 MY. some may argue that high mileage nikasil motors are actually better than steel lined engines, i don't feel its worth to find out otherwise.
- '98-'01 had plastic secondary timing chain tensioners. these should be replaced with metal. if not, the valves will perform a mating ritual with the pistons. $250 DIY or $850-$1k at the independent jaguar mechanic.
- A-drums on normally aspirated XJs. XJR have a better trans and not just because it has an extra gear compared to N/A cars
- with Jaguars, experience has shown the less owners the car had the better the car. Original owner is ideal, 2 is ok, three could be a crowd. make sure you get all the service records. if the car was serviced at a local dealer or an indie mechanic, go over there and speak to the advisor taking car of the car.
- pre purchase inspection is strongly suggested. ask the inspecting mechanic to look at the compression, again if it is a nikasil engine car. check for leaks, motor mounts are about $300 a pop, leaking diff.
- working a/c is a must - don't go for the "all it needs is an a/c charge" line. especially in your area. a/c charge is several hundred $ max, not something you'd suffer for especially in your neck of the woods. power seats, sunroof, etc. however, don't get overly picky - it is a used car.
- kelly blue book, edmunds, et. al. are only guides. ultimately the price you decide to pay will be based on the comparisons of whats on the market and determination how the car fits your ideals.

BTW, the XJ40 ('93 XJ6) you looked at was not a bad deal. The problems you mentioned will most likely cost about $100 to fix. Plus at $4000 asking, you may have room to bring the guy down another $500. The bigger picture is that its a one owner car with records and in mint condition, a big big plus.

 

Tirefriar,

Wow thanks for the tips regarding the XJ308. This is great. I am supposed to look at an 2000 XJR tomorrow and this is very helpful. Any issues with the supercharger that I should look for?

To be honest my reason for hesitating on the 93 had nothing to do with the car and more to do with me. It has been the very first Jaguar I have driven in almost 8 years and I it seemed a bit too easy to find a potential winner on the very first test drive. Probably the indication that I should jump on it. In particular, at that price point, I kind of feel like if the car lasts 24 months and is in a condition where I can sell the car for half price, then I would likely have little regrets. I may very will keep the car longer but I always keep in mind that a purchase decision isn't necessarily a life time commitment. The main goal is to enjoy the ride.

Again thanks for the insights. Most appreciated!

Jason

 

Supercharger as a unit usually is very reliable. If you do get the car, I'd recommend changing all fluids(unless its been done recently and documented) including supercharger oil. 2000 was the last year of nikasil liners. Jaguar went about quietly replacing bad engines but only on cars under factory warranty. I would definitely do a PPI including a compression test. You can also contact jaguar or the servicing dealer for any service work that franchised dealer did.

Early Jags have their issues, but due to less electronics they tend to be not as complex as the later models. Important item to remember is that parts, especially OEM will cost just as much for early cars as for the later models, provided they are available.

 

Hey there and welcome aboard Jason ....... good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

Any useful site information you may need such as how to post pictures, edit signatures, add videos,
use the search facility etc, can be found here within the following link Helpful_information

Please also take the time to check out the regional section for your area!
There are lots of members local to you with the same interests with info on local dealers and possible meets.
Regional - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

I've manually upgraded you to Full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features
Please Jump on in and enjoy the site.................

 

Thank you so much for the advice. I appreciate it so much. As it turned out we had to reschedule and look at the car on Friday. I appreciate the advice about the nikasil liners. Years ago I had an Eldorado with the 4.1 HT engine. Same problem. The issue with that car was that it had been driven hot by a previous owner and the cylinder liners warped. The big issue is that at the time there was no shop that was willing to bore the cylinders and essentially I was stuck buying a new engine. Anyway, that is a long way of saying I get what you are saying about the Nikasil. I understand the sulfur content reasoning but I also understand that it makes the blocks essentially useless if the car has ever over-heated.

Again thank you so much for you help.

Jason

 

Jim,

Thanks for the upgrade. I appreciate it. I will take your advice about talking with others in my neck of the cactus. I was even thinking, if I was really lucky I might find someone more experienced to look at a car with me. It would be nice to have another set of eyes and experience. In case it is not clear, I don't entirely trust my car buying instincts. I have been burned by my own enthusiasm before and I am working really hard to stay rational about buying my next exotic.

Cheers!

Jason

 

Jason,

There's 13 forum members including yourself listing Palm Springs as their location:



If you don't get any response from posting in the Western Region section, you could use forum PM (Private Messaging) to make direct contact.

Graham