Is this '04 XJ8 a good buy?
#1
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Looks pretty sharp. The price seems right. I'm mainly concerned with the mileage (94k)...
2004 Jaguar XJ8 Grey/Dove
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/019344/62afd42be4b649b6a873e5ddf34731c1/3a3e50c15f_640.jpg)
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/019344/62afd42be4b649b6a873e5ddf34731c1/2b21a7c254_640.jpg)
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/019344/62afd42be4b649b6a873e5ddf34731c1/2f66edb2cc_640.jpg)
In general I find San Diego cars cleaner and of better quality than L.A.
Cheers,
Wolfy
2004 Jaguar XJ8 Grey/Dove
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/019344/62afd42be4b649b6a873e5ddf34731c1/3a3e50c15f_640.jpg)
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/019344/62afd42be4b649b6a873e5ddf34731c1/2b21a7c254_640.jpg)
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/019344/62afd42be4b649b6a873e5ddf34731c1/2f66edb2cc_640.jpg)
In general I find San Diego cars cleaner and of better quality than L.A.
Cheers,
Wolfy
#2
#3
#4
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I sense you're smitten! Best of luck. The DVD, I found on ebay here, $109.00: 2004 2005 Jaguar XJ Sport XJ8 XJR Vanden Plas & Super Navigation System DVD Map | eBay
#5
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yeah well I am torn between this one and this --
2000 XK8 Convertible Platinum/Oatmeal
![](http://images.craigslist.org/5Y45P55X13kd3ob3p1bbd46e583ae744e1b99.jpg)
I know this is a X350 forum but what do you guys think?
Cheers,
Wolfy
2000 XK8 Convertible Platinum/Oatmeal
![](http://images.craigslist.org/5Y45P55X13kd3ob3p1bbd46e583ae744e1b99.jpg)
I know this is a X350 forum but what do you guys think?
Cheers,
Wolfy
#6
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The car seems amazingly good for 94k miles, the front driver seat doesn't look like anybody has sat in it much ! I would say the car is pristine, and the price converted to UK £s is about right.
Test drive of at least 15 miles is a MUST if all the manuals are missing, as these include the service records. Mileage is average for a 7 year old car, and should have had 9 services (one every 10k miles). Should have no faults annunciated on the display on the test drive.
Check leading edge of trunk lid for corrosion creaping round from the underside, and also out of the rear windshield seal. Corners of all doors need checking, look on the inside edges; these are expensive to repaint.
Engines last forever, but unfortunately not the suspension bushes. YOU might have to factor in the rear lower wishbones - 1/2 price ones available on the internet. The bottom bushes on the suspension spring units also do not last long, but are fairly cheap.
Air suspension compressor has probably already been replaced at that sort of mileage, but check if possible, they are not too expensive as service-exchange, again on internet.
There will probably be a few other jobs, but remember it is 7 years old and on 95k miles, and you know nothing about the previous owners, but from the look of it, they were pretty careful with it.
The secretary of our UK Jaguar Enthusiast Club has a 2004 and has done over 135,000 from new without too much trouble.
Test drive of at least 15 miles is a MUST if all the manuals are missing, as these include the service records. Mileage is average for a 7 year old car, and should have had 9 services (one every 10k miles). Should have no faults annunciated on the display on the test drive.
Check leading edge of trunk lid for corrosion creaping round from the underside, and also out of the rear windshield seal. Corners of all doors need checking, look on the inside edges; these are expensive to repaint.
Engines last forever, but unfortunately not the suspension bushes. YOU might have to factor in the rear lower wishbones - 1/2 price ones available on the internet. The bottom bushes on the suspension spring units also do not last long, but are fairly cheap.
Air suspension compressor has probably already been replaced at that sort of mileage, but check if possible, they are not too expensive as service-exchange, again on internet.
There will probably be a few other jobs, but remember it is 7 years old and on 95k miles, and you know nothing about the previous owners, but from the look of it, they were pretty careful with it.
The secretary of our UK Jaguar Enthusiast Club has a 2004 and has done over 135,000 from new without too much trouble.
#7
Trending Topics
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I had an indie Jag shop check out the car. Here are the findings --
(1) many different fault codes; mechanic says he'll "clear them" after I buy the car; dealer says the car ran out of gas one time, hence the codes. so they're probably just false codes.
(2) engine undercover missing
(3) rear control arms
(4) heater valve / coolant leak
I'm awaiting the full inspection report later today...
Cheers,
Wolfy
(1) many different fault codes; mechanic says he'll "clear them" after I buy the car; dealer says the car ran out of gas one time, hence the codes. so they're probably just false codes.
(2) engine undercover missing
(3) rear control arms
(4) heater valve / coolant leak
I'm awaiting the full inspection report later today...
Cheers,
Wolfy
#14
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
(3) rear control arms
Price of these items from Jaguar is outrageous, but there are plenty on the internet, and my indie workshop used these. Other things to wear out on the rear suspension are the track control arm bushes, and the lower bushes in the spring units. These are not expensive items.
Here is a typical internet suppliers price, although I am sure they are the same as the S-type part which costs less on the same website !!
Jaguar X350 Rear Lower Wishbone Arm LH (C2C39586#) | JustJagsUK.com
Rear spring unit lower bush very cheap at £19.61 but unit has to come out to fix, so it's mostly all labour on this item.
#15
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
price is very right on the XJ and fair, esp for west coast market, i wouldnt wait too long. I wouldnt expect the seller to move much on it if at all, condition looks great as well. and some maintenance items are expected to have to be done when buying a used car, that list seems very fair with those miles.
#16
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thank you so much for all your useful advice, both public and private.
I have found and bought a different car, also from San Diego --
2005 XJ8L 94k mi, $13500. Took it to same Jag mechanic, who certified it to be problem-free other than a few fault codes.
Here are some photos -
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/016142/aff123a94f954b6ea4698f689afb8755/1cdd7d12e7_640.jpg)
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/016142/aff123a94f954b6ea4698f689afb8755/1f7b4f23d6_640.jpg)
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/016142/aff123a94f954b6ea4698f689afb8755/cb7e4817c1_640.jpg)
and...
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink
Coming from the older models (a 1998 XK8 and a 1986 VDP), I found the following interesting tidbits while perusing the owner's manual --
(1) "No additives of any kind must be put into the fuel tank...could reduce engine life". Really? I was thinking Lucas fuel treatment.
Can I use 87 Octane gas or must always use premium 91?
(2) "When driving at motorway speeds, the [Air Suspension] will automatically lower the vehicle..." I recall while test driving the car and pulling up to a gas station, the moment I put it in "Park", the car noticeably lowered itself. However, during subsequent driving/stopping this did not happen. Can anyone explain this??
I've ordered the following upgrades -- a mesh grill, a cargo net, a 2010 Nav DVD
For future, I am contemplating -- an aux stereo input (any suggestion?), VDP rugs, power folding mirrors.
Thanks again- you guys are amazing!
Wolfy
I have found and bought a different car, also from San Diego --
2005 XJ8L 94k mi, $13500. Took it to same Jag mechanic, who certified it to be problem-free other than a few fault codes.
Here are some photos -
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/016142/aff123a94f954b6ea4698f689afb8755/1cdd7d12e7_640.jpg)
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/016142/aff123a94f954b6ea4698f689afb8755/1f7b4f23d6_640.jpg)
![](http://static.automanager.com/c/016142/aff123a94f954b6ea4698f689afb8755/cb7e4817c1_640.jpg)
and...
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink
Coming from the older models (a 1998 XK8 and a 1986 VDP), I found the following interesting tidbits while perusing the owner's manual --
(1) "No additives of any kind must be put into the fuel tank...could reduce engine life". Really? I was thinking Lucas fuel treatment.
Can I use 87 Octane gas or must always use premium 91?
(2) "When driving at motorway speeds, the [Air Suspension] will automatically lower the vehicle..." I recall while test driving the car and pulling up to a gas station, the moment I put it in "Park", the car noticeably lowered itself. However, during subsequent driving/stopping this did not happen. Can anyone explain this??
I've ordered the following upgrades -- a mesh grill, a cargo net, a 2010 Nav DVD
For future, I am contemplating -- an aux stereo input (any suggestion?), VDP rugs, power folding mirrors.
Thanks again- you guys are amazing!
Wolfy
Last edited by Wolfy; 11-30-2011 at 01:44 AM.
#18
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The design unfortunately uses a combined air spring/shock assembly so the shock absorbers cannot be replace separately. Would that one could do it !!
As posted, the only after-market supplier seems to be Arnott Industries. These units are very similar to those on the Range Rovers. Some people have managed to change to steel spring units so they can ditch the air spring system which can play up so much.
As posted, the only after-market supplier seems to be Arnott Industries. These units are very similar to those on the Range Rovers. Some people have managed to change to steel spring units so they can ditch the air spring system which can play up so much.
#20
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wolfy
XJ ( X351 )
58
05-28-2024 08:06 AM
FS[Western US]: XJS Wiper Motor Upgrade- 76-88 - Electrolux Style
XJsc-guy
PRIVATE For Sale / Trade or Buy Classifieds
0
09-02-2015 11:43 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)