Well, I finally have my Jaguar--but of course, I am finding myself in need of a bit of help with it.
Okay, more than a bit of help.
Should I keep it or sell it? If there are any specialists in the San Diego area who would be able to help me, I'm willing to book it in for an estimate. It seems like the least I could do before I just give up and advertise it. Reading this forum has been quite helpful, so I'd like to thank you for being the best of the lot. In fact, this site was recommended to me by the previous owner, who just didn't have time for the car and wanted it to go to someone who would appreciate it. I wanted the challenge, but I have changed jobs and cannot work on it as much as I'd like (or as much as it needs.) Mate of mine from London is a Benz guy; he owns a shop but hates Jaguars...Seems his dad had the one with the cottage cheese camshafts...so I can't work on it there. The major jobs it would need to make it reliable are: the timing chain tensioners, and the pinion/differential seal. Which is quite alarming, actually, as it has coated the mufflers. So I'm thinking of sending it out. The tune-up is a piece of cake, I have a new water pump in the trunk, and the octopus hose needs changing. Third on the list would be: Tie rod ends and rear shocks...as for the rest: The doors only unlock from the inside with the key out, which makes getting out impossible without shutting the engine down first. I could sell my second car to finance the work, but of course the Jaguar would have to be made reliable...or at least a lot more so. The phrase, "Ticking time bomb" comes to mind.

I may also consider selling it, and buying a 1997 XJ6. However, it seems the consensus is that the 4.0 6cyl is a proven mill, but is not in as good a car as the XJ8. Condition-wise, mine is a presentable beater for a mechanic to drive to work in. It owes me $2000 USD, and for another $5-6K it could be in top shape. I hope it takes much less than that, but they are worth it, I guess. Where DO they all belong, indeed? Behind the wheel of a Jaguar, methinks. The XJ6 is mostly sorted. It has 20,000 more miles, but my car has had the transmission rebuilt 55,000 miles ago. The XJ6 is for sale with a list of jobs completed; mine would be for sale with a list of jobs needing to be done. So, hardly profitable. I want to do as much of the work as possible, but I'm better off making money for my employer instead of dragging my car in to leave it for days on end...this he dreads and I've no wish to mention it again.

My questions for the forum members are: Can you recommend a specialist in my area who can help me with a quote?
Should I sell now, and consider myself lucky to have owned one, however briefly?
...Or should I sell my daily driver, and put the money towards the Jaguar I now have? XJ6 seller says the XJ8 is a nightmare with high miles...that's why he has the XJ6.
I've bought the FOR SALE signs...but I can't bring myself to write them out...just yet...

p.s. I really like Die-er-maker; great tune that...you know, the reggae one.../turkish innit?
Cheers!

 

It seems the XJ6 is right out. I want to keep my 2000 XJ8. Having now replaced: the fuel filter, tie rod ends (it's still knocking but not as bad as before), transmission mount, and changed the differential fluid, I am in a quandary. I have a quote to replace all four chains and all the tensioners, etc. for around $1200 USD. But due to the worldwide change in circumstances, I will need to do this in a piecemeal fashion. So far, the YouTube machine has been great, and I'd sure hate to just drive it until it fails and then have to send it to the junkyard. I understand one must change the pinion bearing and seal as a kit, for which I've been quoted $350.
Any Jag specialists in my part of the world (San Diego County) who can (possibly) help?? Much appreciated.
Cheers!