I have 2000 4.0 S sport with 138,000 miles. I just had the heater valve replaced. Since I bought the car (65,000 mi) it has taken forever to warm up. now that my office is 10 miles from home instead of 30, it never seems to get to temp. I realize this is not the best for the car and would like any input on the subject.

 

Sounds like the thermostat is stuck open. Mine (2003) is fully warmed up w/in 5 miles.

 

yep what he said as mine is warmed up after about 2-3 miles

 

Chrisut, you have had that 2000 from 65000mi to 138000?

can you tell me how the reliability was? any problems? cost to fix those problems? let me know please, it will be appreciated. thanks

 

Since I have had the car I have done the standard maintenance, oil, air filter, a couple sets of tires, alignments. I have replaced 3 or 4 coils. The first I bought from the dealer for like $150. since then I have bought them off ebay for like $20. I had a steering issue that I didn't like, it felt like there was a hiccup when coming back to center off of one side. I replaced the rack, bought a used one from a wrecking yard, like $350 or $400, I don't remember. Had the transmission oil changed at about 90k, for about $300(?) at an independent shop. Last spring a plastic heater manifold on the front of the engine started leaking. I couldn't figure it out so after a while and running some water through it I took it to a shop and that was about $350. Because I didn't fix that right away, the heater valve broke and this fall I had that fixed for $520.
In all, the car has been pretty good and reliable. Repairs are expensive if I take it to someone, but about what I would expect when I can fix it myself.

 

Any ideas on how difficult the thermostat is to replace?

 

I hope you have replaced your timing chain tensioners, if not you are on very thin ice with those miles. My 2001 4.0 trashed the engine at 98000 miles, broke the valve off in the cylinder when the tensioner broke. Not pretty at all, especially on the wallet!

 

I can imagine. How difficult are the cam chain tensioners to replace? Could you maybe point me in the direction of some further information?
thanks

 

You should find info OK using google. It's not a job a typical DIYer would do. I think Practical Jaguar or Jaguar Monthly or some such did some articles on it so have a hunt. Also, try jag-lovers as they have various info on there.