1999 Black XJ8 Vanden Plas, not much work history to speak of, the car was given as a gift and the mechanic has it priced at $3700, dropped down to 3200. She needs cosmetics, taillight cover, cupholder fix, new autodimming mirror, and keyfob(inop) security indicator light (bulb gone)..also a check engine light that needs to be run for codes...195,500 miles...and a gorgeous black...shes drives divine. With the mileage that high, research tells me, the previous owner has basically rebuilt the car and Im getting a good deal, or am I delusional. Ive been stalking the forums for a month, and you tubing problems and fixes and I think my wifes gonna divorce me way before I buy this car!! It's just that everything I've read shows plastic tensioners, water pumps, gearbox all going out well before 175k mileage, by that line of thought, this car simply cannot have survived 195k miles without these parts being replaced, am I wrong, hypothetically?

 

You do have a point. Obviously if there was a Nickasyl issue it would have been resolved. The chain tensioners probably have been changed, probably the water pump and thermostat. High mileage cars that are in good shape have usually had a lot of work done over the years, or they wouldn't have lasted so long. There may not be any documentation with the car at this point. How are the suspension bushings doing? I suggest that you do a thorough pre purchase inspection. Good Luck.

 

Yes Rivguy, I was thinkingbbn of taking to the Jag dealer to see if they would give it a once over, but is that not necessarily the best idea. Thinking they may not have time to deal with non customers so to speak. Also have another question, can you think of any reason why the Secuirty indicator light bulb has been removed, and what would I start with on the keyfob, battery or programming? I'd hate to put more batteries into it and the car ends up locking me out because I introduced new tech so to speak if that makes any sense. Dont know I bn I have to post this in a new thread title or what. I'm so new and outdated to posting in forums, I feel like I'm working with DOS