Hey all,
I just posted in the newb forum, and I have been reading a lot about the pre-2004 jaguar XJRs/XJ8's and that you need to check the tensioners and a few other things which I can do myself. If I replace those few items, will a 2004 really be much more reliable and long lasting? I have enough to spend a few thousand here and there, but don't want to constantly drop $2000 to 4000+ on major overhauls.

My question is though, what the overall opinions are on the 2004+ XJRs versus getting a pre 2004 and getting that basic work done. I'd buy a 2004+ from a dealer and would (again opinions??) elect to get a 2 year/24k mi warranty coverage.
Thanks!

 

The engines in the 2004-on cars are almost bullet-proof and don't suffer the issues found on the previous model. There is no need for camchain tensioner jobs, etc. Having said that, there are some engine-related issues, like the thermostat housing and a few other things, but nothing really major. The car was a considerable improvement on the previous model, but suffered a bit sales-wise due to its "old-fashioned styling". Only thing that can be a bit of a bind is the air suspension system that can be expensive to fix if it goes wrong. However a lot of people swap this out with steel coil spring units such as made by Arnott Industries. Arnott will also rebuild the air spring with a new diaphragm, so it is not a total disaster if a fault appears, The air compressor is a known short-life component, but not too expensive, and a piston seal kit is available for about $40 from a member here, as that is the part in the compressor that fails.

The main point to make is the cars are reliable and breakdowns at the roadside are almost unheard of, at least we don't see many posts on that.

 

Totally agree with Fraser. My 04 is very reliable @ 88k it is still running like new. The suspension still plagues this model though. Control arm bushings.....and of course the air struts.

All in all though, if you are looking to purchase I would go with the 04 over the 01...many improvements.

 

I can almost guarantee that regardless of what year you end up with (I have an '04 XJ8 and a '99 XK8) that a 2 years warranty will cost you as much as it would to find a car 1 to 2 years newer or with 20,000 less miles at least . Extended warranties on these cars are expensive as hell because they know the dealers will hose them.