I'm considering adding an XJ8 to accompany my XK8. Want to buy one for my daily driver.
Really like the classic look and comfortf of the XJ8 body styles. Hoping I can find one under 50,000 miles and in near new condition. I have a few questions:

Are the concerns similar to the XK8? Such as timing chain tensioners, nikasil cylinders and transmission favoring an '03 and later selection?

Is there anything else to look for?

What would be a fair price for an XJ8? (for comparison mirroring my XK8,
2006, 34,000 miles and like new condition.)

Any help would be much appreciated.
2x

 

Market values vary - obviously more money for well maintained later cars, of which you'll be considering. They have the same issues as the XK and share the engine and trans, so if you buy anything up to an 02' it'll need the timing, thermo tower etc

I'm other side of Atlantic so have no real input on prices, but the same thing applies, the better the car, the more expensive, unless you drive very hard bargains of course!

Good luck with the hunt, why not an XJR?

 

I would be very open to a XJR. Would it make a good daily driver? Maintenance?

 

Surprisingly they're more reliable than the N.A. cars, with the Mercedes gearbox, no vvt to make noises and built strong.
The usual year related timing/nik issues are there, not so for the nik if it's still got great compression.....it'll be a'ok.
Servicing, they've got an added belt, the gearbox is easier to service the sc fluid is easy to change, 100k intervals, same as the belt.

They're a joy as a daily driver, easy waves of torque you don't get with the N.A. I've worked on a 2001 with 285k miles and it's going very well. Depending on where you're located, bushes (with their age showing now) are the most likely thing to consider.

 

I agree with Sean. If you can find a nice low mileage XJR, it may mean less headaches down the road. The Mercedes transmission is pretty much bullet-proof, it has unbelievable performance, and it draws a LOT of attention and compliments.

 

Drive an XJR before you make a decision, the torque will seduce you

 

Thanks to you all I am convinced. I drove an XJR. It definitely rings the bell!
So here's my dilemma.
Looking at an'06 XJR with 32000 mi. For around 23K, an '06 Super V8 with 28000 mi. For just under 30K or an '04 XJR with 63000 mi. In the 14K range. All three are like new condition.
Trying to decide if its worth the extra money for just two years newer and 30,000 less mileage.
All three are close to book value but as much as we love them they are very soft now and from what I can tell aren't bringing full boat now days.
I tend to think the two that are higher priced have more potential for depreciation and the one for 14K will depreciate less and hit a bottom just because it's an "R"
Any insight would be appreciated.
2X

 

You might get more responses in the X350 section, the X308 ended in MY 2003.

 

Thanks Mike

 

No problem, I hope you didn't think I was being rude, I just figured that if you're focusing on the 2004+ models, you might find more info in the X350 section .... however, if you want my opinion, I'd look for an XJ8 or VDP in the 2003 MY (US) and save a ton of money over the X350 and the major issues were resolved by 2003. I drove a couple XJRs before finding my XJ8 and just prefer the XJ8 for, I guess, "old man" reasons! I love the ride and don't need all that power that you'll get with the XJR. I love speed and torque, don't get me wrong, but I was looking for a long distance cruiser that I could also use as a daily driver - I found the perfect combination in my XJ8.

Good luck on your search, I'm sure no matter what you decide, it'll be a great car!

 

No sir. I didn't take it as rude at all. I'm so new to exploring the model I just thought an XJ is an XJ. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
You could put me in the old man category as well and I don't need the R. I do think it would be fun however to have those horses in reserve and it may get more interest at resale. I presently have an XK8 that I will be keeping and have not regretted passing up an XKR at all.
Bests,
2X

 

My XJR is rock solid... only issues its had were failing rubber parts that obviously deteriorate after a decade and sensors going bad. Other than that... its rock solid. They are really better than the XJ8s, you should certainly consider them first. As for the x350? I purposely stayed in the x308 2002-2003 range because of the reliability and simplicity of fixing them vs the aluminum bodied ones with shoddy air suspension... just saying...

I just bought a Super V8 and my XJR has to go... Really wish i could have kept it and just went crazy with it.

 

I got my 2001 because I prefer the x308 body style to the x350. There was an '04 XJR sitting right next to mine at the dealership and the differences are striking. Do the tensioners and change out the water pump housing for metal and you have an '03 model.

Also, the 2001 does not have electronic shocks like the '02 and '03 models - expensive to replace.

As was mentioned, the '04+ models have air suspension which will eventually fail and cost you a few hundred to a few thousand to repair or replace with a coil conversion kit.

Also, I bought an R because the extra HP is so worth the extra few thousand and the tranny is bullet proof and no VVT.
Vector

 

You can definitely get an 03 XJ8 x308 for well under $10k, even if it has low mileage. We just got ours and it has 70k miles and we didn't spend anywhere near 10k.

I'd highly recommend it - last of the "classic look" Jags and great performance.

 

The ultimate is 2003 Vanden Plas Supercharged. The long wheel base cars have a really nice ride and lots of back seat leg room. The VDP give you more options and fold down tables in the back seats. All really a matter of personal preference.
The more $$ you spend now, the less you will spend later on maintenance. Look for good service records if you pay top dollar. Don't expect over 100,000 miles out of the transmission. Any 10 year old car is going to require more TLC than a new one.

 

Thanks all for the responses. Just bought an '07 XJR with 32,000 miles. After looking carefully I also like the looks of the x308 a bit more but I couldn't pass on this one. It checked out Perfect! I guess I went for the pay more now and hopefully pay less maintenance later plan. I hope it works out that way.
I really like the car.
2X

 

Hey Lear 45,
Just noticed your Username. Do you fly Lear 45's? Own one?
I used to fly 20 and 30 series. I hear great things about the 45!
2X

 

I saw your post in the other section with the photos -- great car! Congrats on the purchase. I've been tempted to get an X350 but decided to wait until I find the right X351, or maybe an XFR.

 

I have been flying a 45 since 2007. I have about 1,000 hours in it. Nice machine, but similar to a Jaguar in that both need a little extra maintenance. I also have my LR jet
type. I am an A & P as well that helps on trips.