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I’m considering a mid-mileage (50-70K) 07-09 (prefer Black/Champaign X358) so am seeking guidance from the Wise Ones... after all, you helped me find my 69 XKE FHC, for which I’m indebted.
The majority of cars I’ve seen are those offered at small independent lots which I know acquire their cars via auction. Anyone have a positive experience with an independent small lot? Most cars worthy of at least a look have been south, so I may ask for help in assessment if I can’t find a private party connection.
What are the typical issues I might encounter with an 11-13 year old XJ8 that hasn’t been abused but perhaps ignored? Any known Major issues known to the model? I’m spoiled, my 09 VW Rabbit has been boring but at 116K miles I’ve had no major issues, just routine maintenance.
Smonop,
These are wonderful cars, and late '06 - "09 (X356 and X358) are the best, in many respects, I much prefer the SC short wheel base X356 pre "facelift" models (but, then I like the series 1 E type as well), so just a matter of taste
- Check the stickies on this forum. All the stuff to watch out for is there; ditto routine repair needs.
- Also check the forum classifieds - some v nice examples there
- IMHO - watch out for those little private dealers; often hard to tell what you're getting into with them. A pre purchase look see at an experienced Jag dealer or indie shop is worth the $
- If you buy one of these cars in typical used condition, figure another $2K or so in refurb costs to make it right (eg, suspension bushings)
- 4 years ago, I looked for months before finding a beautiful '07 XJR (BRG over tan); put a bit of time and money into it, and very happy 50K miles later. Superb road car, and the SC cars are really quick, even by today's standards
If you find the one you love, get it inspected by a British shop and see if you can get the dealer to pay for it. It’s what I did when I found my 2008 VDP. They paid for the oil change at a British shop of my choice and I stood there as they ran a top to bottom boot to bonnet inspection. Needed new tires, transmission front seal and through plug seal replaced, which have been addressed. Next is brakes, plugs and engine mounts. These are things that I’m ok with since I can do them one thing at a time, or better yet one paycheck at a time 😂. Anyways, I’m very happy with my touring machine and I’m fully aware of what needs to get done. Nothing major or detrimental. Happy Hunting!!
If you find the one you love, get it inspected by a British shop and see if you can get the dealer to pay for it. It’s what I did when I found my 2008 VDP. They paid for the oil change at a British shop of my choice and I stood there as they ran a top to bottom boot to bonnet inspection. Needed new tires, transmission front seal and through plug seal replaced, which have been addressed. Next is brakes, plugs and engine mounts. These are things that I’m ok with since I can do them one thing at a time, or better yet one paycheck at a time 😂. Anyways, I’m very happy with my touring machine and I’m fully aware of what needs to get done. Nothing major or detrimental. Happy Hunting!!
Also get the front and rear suspension checked for wear in the bushes because some of them are very short-lived: -
- bottom bushes on air suspension units (can be worn out by 35-40k miles)
- rear lower wishbone bushes
- rear control arm bushes
- rear anti-roll bar link bushes
- front lower wishbone (front "banana" arm) trunnion bushes
All the above are "regular jobs" in a Jaguar shop.
The anti-roll bar mounting bushes are also known to wear out and make a clonking noise.
So I didn’t realize that the late 2006 model had similar DNA to the 07-09 models. Is there a VIN number I should look for to know if it’s a late model?
09-04-2020, 09:02 PM
Pursuit 07-09 x358
