I now have a 2003 XJ8 and can begin my project list.

First things first -- sound system upgrade. I want to replace the speakers and the head unit and need, absolutely need, iPhone compatibility. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Next I want to make a list of basic maintenance items like changing the oil and anything else anyone here suggests i do. The car has been well taken care of at the local Jaguar dealership, so I'm sure it's pretty much up to snuff, but I like to have a personal baseline to work from.

Finally, I need to make a list of the more major items to check or replace -- timing belt? Water pump? The car has 64k miles on it, and I know nothing major has been done. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance. I'll be on the road for the next couple of days, but will check in regularly.

Mike

 

well done on the purchase, may it be long and happy....of course this thread is useless without pictures!

On the service side, tires and brakes are a checkpoint - maybe go as far as new fluid.

Waterpumps are the upgraded item on the 03 - it should not use or loose any coolant.

Timing belt! MAN these are on chains.....and the accessory belt only needs changing if it's noisy on startup.

The engine might need new plugs if not done recently.

HiFi - maybe look for someone reputable locally to discuss your install, unless planning to do it yourself. There's a veritable swathe of choices in MP3/I-phone compatible headunits in the market, although adapting the car's unit is also possible, and not with just a radio transmitter which are crap. I recently did this as not to spoil the interior look, although I'm planning on adding tablet pc connectivity this coming summer to run voice guided google maps via GPS and not use the factory installed sat-nav (antique). It depends on what you want out of it, how much you want to spent, and how it all sounds and looks. Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, tv screens, extra amps with subwoofers, all been done and discussed on here...

Good Luck

 

Re audio upgrade -- what I'd really like to do is add iPhone connectivity to my factory head unit, but I can't find any adapters that are readily available. I've read the links/posts about tapping into the CD player and making my own cables, etc. but I'm not that handy with a soldering gun -- would like to find one that I can simply plug into the back of the radio, if possible, and not an FM transmitter or even one of the ones that plugs into the antenna outlet on the radio. I'm used to Honda/Acura products -- there are adapters and cables readily available to add iPhone connectivity to those cars, but I can't find a similar item for my Jag. BTW I don't care if I can't control my iPhone with the radio controls, I just want to listen to music and podcasts through the car's sound system - I can select songs, etc. manually on my iPhone. I also don't care is I can't use my "phone" through the car's audio system - I'm really just looking for the ability to play music through it.

 

Take a look at the maintenance handbook -- that will tell you about the requirements. If it has been going to the dealer -- ask them for the records and check for the fluids .... brake fluid every two years ... when was the coolant refreshed last?

I am in the "if it's not broken don't fix it" camp with old cars -- but having the transmission fluid level checked -- if that has not been done recently is a good idea since the consequences of the fluid being low are not good. The other thing I would do is inspect all the coolant hoses especially the small plastic ones from the overflow tank -- you don't want any coolant leaks with the aluminum Jaguar engine .... especially in Florida.

I am going to replace the four small coolant hoses in my XJR this year - the non/SC cars only have two I believe (I forget) .. but they are a known weak point and they are less than $100.00 for all of them.