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Old 03-15-2006, 04:44 PM
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Hatterasguy Hatterasguy is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Milford, CT
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Oh yeah I know them well. If you want an XJ8 only look at 2000+ models.

The 98-99's have weak upper timing chains, and Nikasil cylinder liners that would fail causing the engine to lose compresson.

Having said that you can buy an older one if you are willing to live with the risk. Their is a school of thought over at Jaglovers.com that if you don't use the car around town and use short changes of synthetic you can prolong the Nikasil coating. The upper timeing chains+guides just change.

They are Jags though, parts are expensive, and you need a lot. Grandparents spent about $9k-$10k last year on theirs. $6k for the trans and a bunch of rear end and AC related work. Lots of electrical problems are to be expected like on any Jag.

I'd still buy one though, their was a 2002 XJ8 VDP on ebay with a buy it now of $19k. They are such enjoyable cars to drive and the interiors are so nice you can live with a lot of the British car stuff. The W140/W220 is a better car though from an engineering and quality persepctive.

If you want a good cheap Jag think 95-97 XJ6, nice ones can be picked up for $6k!
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