Hi all,
Forgive me for revisiting such a common topic but there's a twist here.

I have seen a 2001 Silver XJ8 with 118k on the clock. According to the owner, all rust work has been addressed however they do not know if the secondary timing chain tensioner has been upgraded. This Jag is different as it's been LPG converted (the main selling point). The asking price is £1800 which I want to get down close to £1000. I can't exactly go down and check the engine number or remove the cam cover to view the tensioners so it is a big risk even purchasing the car at £1000 (the main deterrent.) Worst case scenario, it will cost me around £1200 to get the tensioners upgraded.
Current MOT.

The car was registered in March 2001, but I know this does not mean much as the engine was made before then, so I am guessing there's a high chance that this car is equipt with plastic tensioners. What is your opinion? Would the car be on the first-gen or second? As it is sitting at 118k, it is surprising to see the car go this far without snapping? It seems like the tensioners are age-related, not mileage.

I have just sold my 2001 Black XJ8 today; 168k on the clock, minor rust, exhaust job done, for £1950; giving me a loss of around £800. I did not want to LPG convert this due to having to invest more money into the car. By sheer luck, the car only asked for the heater pump to be updated across 8500miles. It asked for nothing.

 

Since the car was built before 2001 August 13 0000 I would guess that it came with second GEN tensioners. (not metal body)
Someone may have replaced them?

 

The current owner does not know if the tensioners were upgraded. Being LPG converted makes matters worse as most specialists are not insured to work on LPG converted cars.

 

To my mind, I would suggest you find another car.

 

I have also come to this conclusion.
Thank you.

 

Second....that opinion.

RandyS