I've been looking to get another XJ and I've been looking @ the newer body X350 or an 03' XK8 coupe. But I was told about a local gent is selling his 02' VDP with 73k miles for $10k. The VDP is in superb condition & he's a motivated seller. I offered $7k because if I'm spending $10k I'll buy an 04' XJ8. He says $8500 is probably his lowest.. And that's more than one could get the car from the highline auction. But for the "right" car it's worth the extra few bucks & that's why I'm @ $7k.

What are you guys seeing/buying the 02-03 for? Also does the 02 have the Nikasil liner issues or did that stop in 2001? And an uncle found a super clean 03' XJ8 w/73k @ the dealershipin Atl they're asking $11k( wow ) but if you buy it today I'm sure my sales manager will sell it for $10k..! I told uncle more like $8k...

Between the two both are clean documented cars.. which one would you buy, the 02 or 03? Or should I stick with an 04'?

Regards

Ikon

 

I am leaving today to look at an '04 XJ8 with navigation and 93k miles the dealer is asking $11.5k, I am planning on offering $10k. It too has excellent maintenance history and I called to dealer to verify. I would tend to go with the newer model as once they reach 100k the price drops to $5k. Good luck with your search.

 

Nikasil issue dealt with before 2002, but I'm not sure about the other major issue, the upper camchain tensioners. It is possible a 2002 has the metal-bodied type, but others may know the exact changeover date, (or the VIN when it changed).

Apart from the aluminium body and the air suspension which have their own issues, the later car is better made and (probably) more reliable. Much depends on how the previous owners have looked after it, so choose the car on condition first, and gizmos last.

 

Good luck as well! How did it go?