I have a 1985 xj6 vanden plas. Replaced everything that could possibly go wrong on It.(bought it new in 85) My wife wants to purchase a 1998 xj8 vanden plas with 80,000 miles on it. I am hesitant. From some of the research I have done this is about the mileage that the timing chain tensioners go out and cause engine problems. Some people have also discussed that there transmissions and water pumps needed to be replaced. My question is: Am I looking at some costly repairs in the next 10k miles or are those poeple having bad luck or not taking care of their cars. Should I look for something with less miles or had the parts that go around 75k replaced. Any help would be great.

 

It depends, do a forensic on the service history. Your research is sound because you've highlighted the main issues. If you can do the work yourself as many on this boaard have done it's worthwhile. If not look for an 02/03 car.

 

I was in the similar dilemma a while ago. Found a CHEAP 98VDP with 80K on the clock. Asked the owner all the right questons (she was a second owner, and I am the third), and she couldn't answer them. Then I checked the car to the best of my ability (I am pretty good), backed down from the asking price for the value of the potential repairs that will be needed, and made her an offer.

So now I own a 98VDP, with no apparent issues. No leaks, smooth transmission, and no rattle on startup. I am having the transmission serviced this week, and I am about to open the valve covers to see the tensioners. Thermostat housing is plastic, and that needs to go too. I figured I can change everything but the transmission for 500 bucks if it needs it. I have a source for a transmission for 1500. So I will change the obvious, drive it, and if the tranny goes at some point, I'll change it then.

I paid cash for the car, so no monthly expense to drive it. If the total cost of the repairs is 2000 (after transmission gives up), it will still be VERY cheap ownership.

So to answer your question with another question,.......what is the difference in price + mileage between 98VDP you're looking at, and a similar from 2002/3? When I looked for mine, there was 3-5 thousand difference, and the newer ones had more miles too. That's how I made my decission, and I can't be happier with the car so far (2500 miles driven since purchase, with zero issues!).

 

I have done some motor work on my xj6 but it is wide open in there.
how hard and time consuming is it to change out the tensioner and thermastat housing and what did those parts cost about

 

The "hard" factor is about 4. (1 being the tire change, and 10 being the replacement of the head gasket)

Tensioners are about 50 bucks each (search Ebay). Search the web for "ZIP tie method" on replacing the tensioners, and if you can change the spark plugs, you can do it. Thermostat housing is easy to replace, the biggest work is mess with the coolant, and purging the system afterwards.

Altogether, you are looking at about 3-350 in parts (consider changing the water pump while at it!), and maybe 2 hours of labor (depending on skills).

You will also need valve cover gaskets (with spark plug gaskets), and if you search this forum (and the web in general), all the info is available.

There is not a better feeling (well maybe one!) after you do all this by yourself.