Hello, I have a bit of a conundrum was hoping to get some advice from you guys.

I recently bought an 1999 X308 XJR which I absolutely love. Unfortunately, however, I didn't check out the car properly before-hand and a lot of problems have recently surfaced, the worst of which being:

(1) Gearbox leaking and probably needing a new box fitting (~£2000)
(2) The engine being nikasil lined. I understand this probably isn't much of an issue but I want it re-lined with steel or the engine replaced because I want the car to be "perfect". (~£2000)
(3) Bits of rust and scratches, which will according to any expert require a full body re-spray at some point. Also rust on the undercarriage. (~£2500)

My objective is to restore an X308 XJR to as perfect as condition as could be as my long-term weekend car. I have no intention to sell the car afterwards. There is no rush on some of the problems above, so it will only cost me over the long run (a few years).

However, I'm wondering if I've chosen the right car to fix, or I'd be better cutting my losses and finding another (with the potential huge risk that car also has problems - better the devil you know?).

The car I've got also has 145000 on the clock, which bothers me a lot. Does mileage really matter? Would I be better finding a lower mileage example instead?

Sorry for the long post, but like I say it's a bit of conundrum and I'd love to hear what you guys have to say.

Thanks
jaguarfanman.

 

I am not sure on where you exactly stand, but it seems you got slapped with more then just the below mentioned problems, creating the unease.

Although they can be dis-encouraging, I found that it is almost always the same issues playing up on these cars.
Consequently, for most or all, there are threads and solutions on this forum, and most can be fixed within 'reasonable' budgets.

On your mentioned issues, the gearbox can always develop in a serious problem, but does not need serious repair unless you really have shifting or limp issues.
Leakage can be caused by a breather issue, something to check in this forum, there are threads about it.

The general consensus on nikasil engines is, that if not broken by now, you are good to go.
Some even say those not broken are better then the steel versions.
You can check the compression if you want to be sure.

For the body work, it really depends where you live, and where the car has spent its life.
Many have picked up some corrosion over the years.
Rust can be treated, and repairs can be done, and if they are done professionally, they will last forever.
And a full re-spray is not such a bad thing for a car which you want to keep the rest of your life .

I guess you will still need to perform the inspection you obviously did not do when you bought the car.
Make the list, and I am sure this forum will tell you in more detail your 'damage'.

Good luck anyway!

E.

 

Welcome to the forum. Is the gearbox leak from the right front corner? I so that's just the seal for the plug and a very inexpensive repair. A common problem with the Mercedes unit.

As often mentioned, nikasil liners are not a problem with modern low sulfur fuels, and are also used by Porsche and Ferrari, probably others.

Please visit the new member area and introduce yourself and your car:

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

And let us know where you live.See Eric's point above: where you live tells us the likelihood of breakers having parts

 

Thanks for the replies guys

I'm based in the UK.

The mechanic did a blowback test on the engine and says the nikosil linings are definitely damaged. He said that it would need either a new engine, or someone to re-build it, but not anytime soon.

The gearbox is leaking very badly and draining itself on the floor when stationary. Before we noticed that it was almost out of oil, it had been making a real strong smell in the cabin. Automatic gearbox guy said that a refurbed box would be the safest option, unfortunately.

Basically that leaves me with a huge bill (mostly due to labour) even if I had the parts

I'm happy to fix the car over time, but I'm wondering if the high mileage makes it worth it. Is mileage much of a big deal?

cheers,
jaguarfanman.

 

These cars *can* take the miles better than people think, but try getting more than peanuts for a 150k mile XJR. I bought a really quite sound car needing just minor cosmetics (headliner, dents pulled out, good cleaning) and needing the tensioner update (originals looked mint but I replaced with metal bodied ones) with 80k for $4100. That's not the deal of a century by any means either; minty cars can be found for well under $10k with low miles.

You're apparently in the UK at least based on using pounds for currency. It seems there are even better deals on used X308s in England than there are here in the states. I'd buy a nice minter and sell this one on. By the time you make it right, you'll have in it what a car with 100k miles less. Unless it was 145k KM; which is about 90k miles; either way, 50k mile cars can be had for less.

You could fix it up, but it won't have resale worth anything, and insurance would likely give you a pittance if anything happened.

 

+1 keep it for parts and use the ££ to get a good one. Now you know for what to look .

 

80sRule,

I think you're right, it's just not what I wanted to hear

The best advice is to replace the XJR with a better example with a low mileage.

cheers

 

Welcome and chin up, it's never as bad as you think!

From my contacts, second hand gearboxes can be had for £300 - it's a Merc AMG box and near bullet proof - I'd like to know where it's leaked the oil from any chance of a picture? Maybe blown a line - I think 2k is way out.

Also, how does/did it perform? Have you got the compression test results handy? From memory it should be in the 140-160 range but others will correct me with the right compressions - it may sound cynical but I think the tester saw you coming...maybe find a Jaguar independent specialist in your neck of the woods on the Nik engine.
Does it blow smoke? Does it take a long time to start the engine? if no to these 2 questions your bores are fine.

options, throw money at it or learn how to use spanners and do some work on it yourself they're simple compared to the modern stuff - or flog it and look for a later version (2001-2 for AJ27S engine)

You're now a member of THE best Jaguar forum and as such you can find an incredible amount of information on these cars from some very experienced members.

 

Hello Sean,

Thanks for the response. I don't have pictures at hand unfortunately. Performance is good from the box and it behaves as expected, the only thing that alerted me there was a problem was the smell in the cabin (which I am now told is the smell of hot transmission fluid). We then refilled the gear-box with new fluid (as it was empty apart from the well), and then it promptly lost most of it when stationary. An automatic box repair specialist told me he could try to fix it for around £1200, but the best bet was to replace it.

The mechanic was an indy Jag specialist, but unfortunately didn't tell me the compression results. No smoking, engine starts on the first piston.

At the moment I'm gravitating towards flogging and switching to a later model.

Thanks for the help