I'm contemplating parting out my '98 XJ8 since I don't seem to be generating any interest selling it on ebay. Has anyone parted out one recently, and is the sum of the parts worth it? It seems a shame to take apart such a nice car, but the resale values a just so low. If I could find a mechanic to replace the forward drum in the tranny it might be more attractive, but every shop I ask says it will be $3500 for a total rebuild/replacement and won't do just the forward drum. Any advice? Thanks!

 

1. You could fix it yourself for under $300 easy peasy.
2. Worth 2-4 k if you part it out and are patient (3-6 months)

I have done both successfully more than once.

Little known fact: I lived in Vancouver WA in 1978 good times.

 

I don't know about fixing it yourself for #300 easy peasy, but I do know that my transmission was rebuilt three months ago for $1,700 (in Florida) and now it's like having a new car -- well worth the investment, in my opinion, plus it came with a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty for a little peace of mind.

As for parting it out, that seems like a lot of work that's probably not worth it (taking the car apart, answering a million questions and requests, packing and shipping, set) unless it's something you "want" to do.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

The biggest issue with parting out is the length of time you're prepared to have it around and if you have a suitable storage area. If not, it's a guaranteed way to antagonise the neighbours.

Great if one enquirer wants an engine, another wants suspension, another wants complete doors or body panels but it never seems to happen like that. It's generally the small parts that are unobtainable or expensive at the dealer but this doesn't generate much of a return.

The few I've known who have tried parting have regretted it and it's cost them more to get rid of the remains than they've made.

Graham

 

I am trying to part out my old x300 and have been for some time, not having much luck shell went to scrap. most of it just taking up space in garage, spare bedroom, shed etc , but some one some time may need parts

 

I personally am less concerned with the market value of my XJR. I love the car, and like driving a modern classic as my daily driver. I knew going in that I would put money in as needed to maintain the car knowing full well, that it will need an engine or maybe a transmission or rear end eventually - none of which are cheap, but not so bad if you consider what a new car would cost in terms of down payment, interest, monthly payments, depreciation, and higher insurance. So if you consider these alternative costs, I think it does make financial sense and I'll put my money in as needed to maintain and drive my Jag.

After re-reading this, it doesn't really answer the question of to part out or not to part out, but perhaps it is another perspective.

Cheers!

 

i guess i would be with old mike on this one.......if the body is fair- good and interior the same....and you are confident on the motor ( a tough issue to sort out).....i would go for a re-build on the trans......the cost you are quoting seems really high. i had my 85 xj 6, done for 2 grand , admittedly it was a while back.

the one time i tried parting out was a nightmare....back in early 90ies. you need to have a very good grasp of parts, where they are located and how best to pull them.It's a lot of work. this was before the internet which is really more about getting what you have to sell to interested buyers more quickly and to a wider pool of people.

i started trying to part out(old/xjs) and then came across a jag/mechanic mechanic-restorer.I wound up giving him the car and he discounted the xj6 I bought from him .I did have to get a rebuilt tranny down the line but when i bought it was mechanically sound with new brakes and 74k on it.

but don't let my experience deter you......some people really enjoy" parting out"....i just don't think its for everyone.

 

I'm with the others on this.
I tried going down the parting out route a couple of times and it's just not worth the grief.
If you car is basically in good condition, it would make far more economical sense to have the box repaired as at least you copuld then sell the car as a complete runner.
How god are you at 'wrenching?

 

Anyone who wasn't tempted to part out after the end-to-end LH side accident damage shown in your Signature link wouldn't be put off repairing a transmission!

Graham

 

Hehehee....yes, you noticed ;o))
I had the car repaired under insurrance seven years ago....I had only owned the car two lousy months before some plonker in a flat tray tried to take out my left side.
Replacement front guard, front door and glass aand the rest was repairable.
I think doing the trans yourself would be the way to go if your'e comfortable twirling spanners and reading up a bit.
The workshop manual for these trans are available cheaply and so are most of the parts required from a couple of ZF specialists.

JJ and I are in for the long haul ;o]

 

I would think that unless you are in the business, parting out a car would be a pain in the ****. As stated above, pulling the parts, keeping inventory and answering hundreds of questions would be a massive time kill and headache. You may have to correspond with someone 5 times to sell a $10 part. Decided to keep my wife's 1999 XJ8 for myself after the tranny died. I have put a lot of money into the car for the tranny, timing chain tensioners, cooling system etc, but now am very happy. IMHO, best looking car on the road and drives great. Good luck.

 

Thanks for all the advice! Since my carport blew down, ripped out of ground, shredded, and was thrown over the driveway in the last winter storm, I no longer have a sheltered place to work on the Jag, or part it out. (Luckily the car was parked in the yard) If the eBay listing doesn't work, I'll just send it to the auto auction. Such a shame to throw $4K out the window, but I can't justify spending any more on repairs that will generate more of a net loss. Guess some lucky buyer can pick it up on the cheap.

 

Hi

I came to realize a while ago that my 98 XJ8 is worth more to me than anybody else

The A drum went a couple of years ago- if I remember correctly it was $2,600 to repair.
I live in Northern NJ - a ridiculously expensive NYC suburb.

I am glad I fixed it - drives great and car gets plenty of use

 

That's a real shame RC but hey, in the real world we have to do these things ;o]
Far too many of these wonderful cars are heading to the scrapper or 'banger' market
but that is the way of the world.
One has to stop and realise that most of these cars are 15 years old now ;o]

 

I rebuilt the transmission, replaced the engine with one with 57,000 miles on it and now have it in the paint shop. Not everything HAS to make financial sense. If you enjoy the car keep driving it. I took mine to Darlington Drag strip in December. If you spend enough $$$, they can once again become dependable.

 

I appreciate all the kind input. No room in the budget for repairs at this time. I have decided to keep the car intact and wait patiently for a buyer. It is listed in the classified section.

 

I lived in Vancouver WA in 1977-78. Small world.