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Old 07-06-2013, 11:11 AM
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Hello all. I'm here now to get some input on a purchase I'm considering. Long story short I've owned my 2005 Nissan 350z for two years now and I've never loved a car more!

My girlfriend and I now have a 4 month old daughter though and she plans to go to nursing school in the fall so using just her car isn't going to work out any longer. I work at a used car lot and this 2001 XJR came in on trade from an older guy. I'm thinking about trading my Z for the Jag.

Unfortunately everyone I've run the idea by has shot me down, claiming ALL Jaguars are plagued with mechanical and electrical issues, however I wanted to come here and get insight from those who actually know the car.

The car has 95k miles and one accident reported on autocheck, though I believe it was minor. It has been inspected by our affiliated service center and seems to be decent, except for a recent code for bank 1 o2 sensor and some noise in the front suspension which is said to be a bushing.

My purpose here is for any clues as to what I would be getting into with ownership of this car! I will have a warranty which covers engine, transmission, drive axle, transfer case, steering, electrical, suspension, cooling, fuel systems, brakes, high tech coverage and seals and gaskets. It's as close to bumper to bumper as a warranty can be.

I have some fairly light performance mods on my Z (Intake, plenum spacer, HFC's, exhaust, UD pulley...) and would possibly consider doing some on the Jag. Fortunately I have the resources to do a lot of work on my own, but also have access to fairly skilled mechanics if needed.

Here's some pictures.













Here is an older picture of the Z



Anyways, I hope some of you can kindly take the time to give me your two cents.

Thank you!
 
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  #2  
Old 07-06-2013, 11:28 AM
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Welcome to the forum ElderGooseYdG,

looking through the pics:

1. transmission selector cracked
2. sport switch broken
3. ashtray may be broken - lid not closed properly
4. engine bay - evidence of recent cooling system work
5. driver's door veneer - is that a crack?
6. front bumper - is that a split top left of centre?
7. LH side - does the paint match between doors and wings? Looks as if it may have been part resprayed or this could just be the pic

Jaguar parts aren't cheap and the vehicle cost needs to reflect what needs repairing / replacing.

Follow this link XJ ( X308 ) XJ8 / XJR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the X308 section for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for info on regular issues.

You can also visit the US Lower Atlantic Region section by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/lo...c-sc-fl-ga-66/ to find other members in your region. If there's one close by who could view the vehicle for you.........

Enjoy the forum.

Graham
 
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Old 07-06-2013, 11:52 AM
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Thanks for the quick reply!

Transmission selector IS cracked.

The sport switch isn't broken, just the button cap missing.

Ashtray lid is off its track or possibly broken.

The driver veneer does have a crack, and the bumper does have some warping I guess it could be called, not cracked though.

As for the evidence of cooling system work can you elaborate a little?

As far as I can see in person the paint looks alright...of course anything is possible it is more than likely the lighting of the photo.

I'm checking out the how to's now, thanks for referring me!

I should state that cosmetic issues aren't a priority for me...I'm am most concerned with mechanical woes. The reason I mention the warranty is to hopefully justify the owning the car against the potential cost to maintain, yet I don't want to have a vehicle that sits in a shop more than it drives, regardless of the cost of repairs!
 
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Old 07-06-2013, 11:52 AM
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Welcome!

Ive said it before, and I will say it again. Ford was the best thing to happen to Jaguar. Ford brought quality control and there are few electrical issues with modern Jaguars. I'd get the car looked over by a Jag mechanic to make sure there are no hidden issues.
 
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Old 07-06-2013, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Michael Star
Welcome!

Ive said it before, and I will say it again. Ford was the best thing to happen to Jaguar. Ford brought quality control and there are few electrical issues with modern Jaguars. I'd get the car looked over by a Jag mechanic to make sure there are no hidden issues.
Good advice, there's a specialist shop in my area I'd like to have them check it out on Monday.

I heard rumors that this year XJR was produced differently than the other models of that year...any truth to this?

I also found out after reading the check list to look for evidence of bottoming out and was pleasantly surprised to find a magnaflow mid-pipe so I can only assume it is a full cat-back system!
 
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Old 07-06-2013, 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by ElderGooseYdG
........... As for the evidence of cooling system work can you elaborate a little? ................
See the area circled in red:

New to forums, Possible new XJR owner (1024 pixel Photos)-aaa.jpg

The Thermostat Cover and Outlet Pipe are bright aluminium as if they have been replaced or recently cleaned. The rubber hoses and hose clips look new.

Not a problem but you should ask why it was done. If the engine had been overheated owing to a sticking Thermostat, this can do serious damage.

Graham
 
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Old 07-06-2013, 02:24 PM
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Welcome to the forum ElderGooseYdG,

Good to have you with us.
Graham has given you a few points to think about, get it checked over and make sure you have a lengthy test drive.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
 
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Old 07-06-2013, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by GGG
See the area circled in red:

Attachment 47376

The Thermostat Cover and Outlet Pipe are bright aluminium as if they have been replaced or recently cleaned. The rubber hoses and hose clips look new.

Not a problem but you should ask why it was done. If the engine had been overheated owing to a sticking Thermostat, this can do serious damage.

Graham
Got it. Cleaning is likely since the only mechanical repair in our computer system shows Replace Rear Axle. The guys do detail motors so I'd venture to guess that its the dressing they use for that (I hate the fact they do that). But it's a good point and I'll be sure to have it checked if I can.

Are these things I'm reading in the How To ie: Nikasil Linings, Timing Chain Tensioners, Sticking Throttle Mechanism and Thermostat the only common problems among this model? If so then it looks like things can't be as bad with these cars as everyone's "advice" has been telling me.

The horror stories I've heard in the last 3 days since I've been considering this are pretty wild. Most coming from sales guys who've more than likely never owned a Jag and who's experience with them is probably confined to selling model years in the early 90's
 
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Old 07-07-2013, 05:54 PM
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Welcome to the forum---lot of good info
 
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Old 07-07-2013, 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by ElderGooseYdG
Got it. Cleaning is likely since the only mechanical repair in our computer system shows Replace Rear Axle. The guys do detail motors so I'd venture to guess that its the dressing they use for that (I hate the fact they do that). But it's a good point and I'll be sure to have it checked if I can.

Are these things I'm reading in the How To ie: Nikasil Linings, Timing Chain Tensioners, Sticking Throttle Mechanism and Thermostat the only common problems among this model? If so then it looks like things can't be as bad with these cars as everyone's "advice" has been telling me.

The horror stories I've heard in the last 3 days since I've been considering this are pretty wild. Most coming from sales guys who've more than likely never owned a Jag and who's experience with them is probably confined to selling model years in the early 90's
Secondary timing chain tensioners are a must - if the were done, great. If not, you are looking at about $300 for the parts to do this yourself or close to a $1000 to have a jaguar specialist do it (indie shop, dealer will charge x2). I'm NOT a fan of nicasil engines but only the very early 2001 MY cars had them. Jaguar switched to steel lined engines in August of 2000.

Keep in mind that ANYTHING euro high performance of that vintage WILL require maintenance and upkeep. Compared to MB, BMW and Audi the X308 of similar MY is the least troublesome out of them all. Regardless, the parts are not cheap and there could be times when you will need to have car in for service. These cars don't do well with deferring needed service and with cheap aftermarket parts. By acquiring a premium hi-po European sedan you are entering a different arena... The trick to owning a Jaguar is not ability to buy it but ability to provide it with proper maintenance and care.

On a side note, the color combo is very cool. Most XJRs were either anthracite, black, silver or British Racing Green... I'd definitely do a medium tint. Also, is the intake chrome?
 
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Old 07-08-2013, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Tirefriar
Secondary timing chain tensioners are a must - if the were done, great. If not, you are looking at about $300 for the parts to do this yourself or close to a $1000 to have a jaguar specialist do it (indie shop, dealer will charge x2). I'm NOT a fan of nicasil engines but only the very early 2001 MY cars had them. Jaguar switched to steel lined engines in August of 2000.

Keep in mind that ANYTHING euro high performance of that vintage WILL require maintenance and upkeep. Compared to MB, BMW and Audi the X308 of similar MY is the least troublesome out of them all. Regardless, the parts are not cheap and there could be times when you will need to have car in for service. These cars don't do well with deferring needed service and with cheap aftermarket parts. By acquiring a premium hi-po European sedan you are entering a different arena... The trick to owning a Jaguar is not ability to buy it but ability to provide it with proper maintenance and care.

On a side note, the color combo is very cool. Most XJRs were either anthracite, black, silver or British Racing Green... I'd definitely do a medium tint. Also, is the intake chrome?
Excellent thank you. Is there a way that I could tell myself about the tensioners? I suppose it is a little different world from Nissan. While I've had a couple repairs to make and regular maintenance everything has been simple enough for me to do myself and cheap as dirt!

I guess I can't lie to myself and say I can just wait for things to break in order to use the warranty...that's a bit insane. I'm sure everyone here is all for preventative maintenance instead of just hoping for the best. I'm kind of on the fence then...I've been waiting a while for something with enough room and performance to come across and this definitely has those.

I don't think I'll be able to make a decision until I can get it looked at by a specialist...does anyone know what I should expect them to look at?

The door sticker says manufacture date is 11/00 so that would mean this one is a steel lined motor yes?

You're the second person to comment on the medium tint, it will definitely be in the due bill !
 
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Old 07-08-2013, 12:40 PM
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I left an Infiniti G for my S-Type and have never looked back. Ride quality and performance of the Jag are way above the G. Best luck on whatever you decide.
 
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Old 07-10-2013, 06:29 AM
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welcome to the forum
 
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Old 07-11-2013, 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by ElderGooseYdG
Excellent thank you. Is there a way that I could tell myself about the tensioners? I suppose it is a little different world from Nissan. While I've had a couple repairs to make and regular maintenance everything has been simple enough for me to do myself and cheap as dirt!

I guess I can't lie to myself and say I can just wait for things to break in order to use the warranty...that's a bit insane. I'm sure everyone here is all for preventative maintenance instead of just hoping for the best. I'm kind of on the fence then...I've been waiting a while for something with enough room and performance to come across and this definitely has those.

I don't think I'll be able to make a decision until I can get it looked at by a specialist...does anyone know what I should expect them to look at?

The door sticker says manufacture date is 11/00 so that would mean this one is a steel lined motor yes?

You're the second person to comment on the medium tint, it will definitely be in the due bill !
Take alook at this link:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ify-faq-25912/

Your car should have the steel lined engine. The secondary timing chain tensioners can be inspected by lifting the valve covers. You can tell right away...
 
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Old 07-12-2013, 12:42 PM
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Hey there and welcome aboard....... good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

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Please also take the time to check out the regional section for your area!
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