Don't mean to be a pest. I live quite aways away from any metro area. Looking for another Jaguar, but after two 4 plus hour one way trips to see vehicles that were poorly maintained, I've learned to ask here first. I've located a fairly nice looking 2002 XJ8 with the 4.0 v8. It has 104k miles, and is at a dealer about 2 hours away. My only concern is the engine. The serial number has an F in it, and I believe that indicates a Nikosil engine. I've also learned here that if the engine was replaced, it will have a yellow sticker on the rear of the block. My question is:, if there is no sticker, or record of engine replacement, should I even consider a purchase. The price seems fair at $8000. Please advise, and thanks, Mike.

 

As with all car purchases, if you can't verify the history, keep looking.

$8k is not a great deal for an 02 with that mileage.

If I were you, I'd hold out for an 03.

 

Take a look at this one. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/p...t-cond-103956/

 

What about the Nikosil v8, plus doesn't the '03 have the "air suspension"?

 

My 03 doesn't have either.

 

There are two MY 03 XJ8s - In the US, the MY 03 is generally an X-308, the one that looks like a MY 98- MY 02. The one with the air suspension is an X-350.

Do not worry about Nikasil much if the car starts, and runs without smoke. If it made it till now, the gasoline has changed and it womn't be a problem- look in the archives.

My advice is to look for a MY 02 X-308 - it has new style primary timing chains and metal tensioners, a reworked transmission and fixed Throttle body.

 

Now more confused..."an my 02 x308"... is that an '02 xj8?? Thanks

 

speedwaymike:
Yes. As Ross pointed out, the XJ8s are known as X-308s (in the US) through 2003. They do not have air suspension. I realize that it's just one guys opinion, but I don't think I'd pay 8K for an 02 with those miles. I bought a pristine '98 earlier this year - the same car - for $3500. Unless a killer deal comes along (or if somebody takes you up on a lowball, but not insulting, offer - which they might... These things don't exactly sell like hotcakes!), I'd follow OldMike's advice and wait for an '03. They're generally considered the best of the breed, with the engine, tensioner, and transmission niggles mostly worked out. Although, the Nikasil issues seem to be long past. My engine is robust, just as I expect it to stay. Happy hunting!

Scott

 

The confusion might stem from the use of the "MY" to mean "Model Year" which is NOT the way I used it in my post (I was referring to "my car" not the "Model Year"). Hope this clears it up a bit.

Back to the topic at hand -- depending on your budget, and your mechanical abilities, you can get a great car for the money you're talking about. I would, as stated above, stick with the 2003 X308 NA because, in my opinion, they are the ones with the least amount of problems. If you are mechanically inclined, you might not really give a hoot about replacing the timing chain tensioners, etc., but that's not something most people are comfortable doing.

 

I believe the MY 2003 and 2002 X308 are the same-
Old Mike- If you know of any changes between those years, kindly straighten me out.
But I believe our sentiment is the same, that is the best years for some significant reasons as I defined in an earlier post.

And as SpeedwayMike says, because "XJ8" describes several different body styles, enthusiasts generally use the factory designation to avoid confusion.

The MY confusion is apparently because in the homeland for these cars, they use a calendar an designate the car by when it sells. Here, we sell the "next year's" car starting in July, August or so!

And, I too, add my OPINION that $8k is pretty steep unless the paint and interior are in pristine condition. Of course, on these cars, the mechanical concern for maintenance is pretty much whether the engine oil was changed at the recommended interval. Other than that, most everything else can be brought up to snuff without huge expense. I would also like to know that the car was never overheated, but again, it is hard to determine.
Never, ever believe someone who explains a stumble or miss as "it probably needs plugs". If so, then change them and then sell me the car!

 

My understanding between MY 2002 and MY 2003 (United States) is that the 03 has the updated timing chain tensioners -- but recently I was told by a member here that the 02's (later ones, I believe) have the 2nd gen tensioners like the 03's and the 3rd gen tensioners didn't come out until later.

Other than that, I don't know of any differences between the 02 and 03 MY.

 

Well, OldMike, your friend is flat out wrong. You can confirm that he is by taking your valve covers off and you will see ORIGINAL metal (3rd gen) tensioners, and more importantly, Morse style primary chains instead of bicycle style roller chains.

I have been in numerous arguments about this, and all conflicting views have been from those quoting friends, the local mechanic, their brother in law's minister's friend, a San Fransisco website and so on, but the parts manuals are clear, and it is clear what was in my (owned from new) engine. The serial number for the change is 0108130000, which is early MY 2002 like August 1, 2001!

So, either believe me or tear into your engine to replace the 2nd gen tensioners you think are in there!

 

I'll take your word for it! The "friend" told me that the 3rd gen tensioners weren't even available until 2005 -- I have no reason to doubt him, but you've convinced me. From now on, I'll quote you.

BTW here's a link to a site that claims that the 3rd gen metal tensioner kit became available in 2005. http://www.jagservice.net/jaguar_v8_...tensioners.htm It doesn't say that my car doesn't have them, just that in 2005 the kit became available to upgrade the cars with the 2nd gen tensioners. If you read the text where it mentions the VIN, it implies that the newer cars do have the metal tensioners (newer, like mine!). This type of report is a bit confusing since it does sound like the 3rd gen kits were not available before 2005, but what it is actually saying, or so it seems to me, is that the kit to replace the older cars' 2nd gen tensioners became available in 2005. I know this is an old discussion that has been hashed and re-hashed, and now I think I have it right -- if I had the *****, I'd rip apart my engine and take photos just to prove you're right, but for now I'll just happily take your work for it. Thanks!

 

Thanks you Guys! I'll begin looking for a nice 2003. I just can't justify going for the one clear across the country from me though. I'll let you know what I find. Again, and as always I appreciate the sound advice, Mike.

 

I don't blame you for not wanting to get a car from so far away, but some of the FL cars are real nice. An independent inspection, plus maintenance history could make it worthwhile.

 

Mike:
I believe you have it exactly right about the 3rd Gens being available in 2005 as replacements, but they were installed as of 2002.
Anyone wanting to confirm this for themselves, just go to your local Jaguar dealer and ask to look at his parts book picture for MY 2002 primary chains. The EPC shows but one picture, but the parts list and parts numbers are clearly the new style Morse primary chains.

Here is a link to a site that sells the new Morse style primary chain, along with the description of which cars it goes in. Note:
You cannot just replace the old chain with the new one!
http://partsxks.com/i-7082307-ja-aj8...108130000.html