Hi all, a few years ago I owned a 1998 XJ8, and enjoyed it immensely. Well, at least I did until it was stolen. I've had a 911 (993) cabrio since, but I really need more space, and the 911 needs to be taken off the road for a while so I can rebuild the suspension (the streets here are terrible, and daily driving takes a rather expensive toll on the poor little car).

I'm currently looking at either a 99 or 2000 XJR to use as a daily driver. Both have full service histories and documentation, appear well maintained, and have between 80k and 95k miles each. I have not driven or looked at either up close yet as they're both several hundred miles from me. I know about the water pump and valve chain tensioner issues, and the 2000 probably has steel cylinder liners. Both cars have very good prices.

Also, the 2000 has an intermittent 'restricted performance' warning. I don't have the codes. I understand that this could be caused by any number of things, from vacuum/pressure leaks to defective sensors. I know given the lack of details this is a difficult question to answer, but is there any chance that it's something cheap to fix?

So, here's my question: Does anyone know the average/guesstimated price to preemptively replace the tensioners and water pump?

 

If you do it yourself: $300 ish for the parts. If you have a shop do it, I have heard quotes in the $1800 range.

 

Thanks, I had visions of 4000$ repair bills dancing in my head; 1800$ isn't so bad. I guess I'm used to my 911 and the crappy selection of price gouging shops I have here.

Are there any other issues I should watch out for on these cars?