Jag experts pls help

That pretty much covers it.

The car is probably due for a timing chain tensioner.

IIRC cup holders break frequently.

The early V8s had problems with Nikasil cylinders. Some engines were replaced under warranty.

 

I've never owned a Jag that new but after owning and driving many, I would suggest that you buy your daughter a Toyota. Especially if it is intended to be her primary source of transportation.

 

Yep, make SURE the chains and tensioners have been done. If not, definitely plan on doing them ASAP. $2,500 at an indie, $3,500 at a dealer.

All Jag V8s until those made on August 13, 2001 at 10:43am and later had Nikasil-lined bores. Be careful if the car has low mileage on it, as it was short trips that caused the wear to accelerate. I'd strongly suggest a compression test on any early ('98-mid '01) V8.

Beyond that, they're actually very good cars. Plenty of Bosch electronics and other reliable systems. But if you're after an XJ of that generation, you'd be better off with an earlier ('95-'97) six cylinder car. That engine, the AJ16, is absolutely bulletproof. They'll run 250K without even batting an eye.

PM me if you want more info. I work on them every day.

Cheers,
Aaron

 

+1 on the AJ16 engine.

Mine just turned 175,000 miles this afternoon on my '96 VDP. Still pulls like a freight-train when you step on it. The leather quality could be better though. This is my third XJ6 ('81, '93, '96). Only one was ever on a flat-bed, the '93, when the fuel pump failed.
Next summer I plan to look for a '05-'06 Super V8 that I'll try to keep for 5-10 years. I will miss the sleekness of the X-300/308 body shell. Lighter exterior colors will make the eventual parking lot door-dings less noticeable than black or the dark, really dark, green.

When you find a prospective car, ask if the Bosch ignition coils (on-plugs) have been replaced. The housings crack, causing a misfire. The "flexjoint," the rubber spacer that mounts between the driveshaft and the differential deteriorates and will likely need replacing due to age. But overall, the cars are very robust and not difficult to work on (the 6s). The V8 may be a different story.

KevFla
Orlando

 

+1 on Aaron's views.

 

My parents bought new in 2000 a 4.0litre sovereign been a great car,spent money on a new transmission and a new water radiator apart from that been trouble free.

 

Not a very good choice for your daughter. I don't mean Jags in general, but I have been driving them a long time. Nothing but the bulletproof 4.0 Inline-6 motor that's in my 1996 XJR. 1998 is the first year Ford started dumping their V8s into the XJ, which had LARGE issues until the tail end of 2001. Timing chains, transmissions, Nikisil issue with cylinder walls as mentioned above, and general value of the car is pitiful.

To put it into perspective I bough my 96 XJR for $7500 with 60K miles...the X300 (1995-1997 XJs) are indestructible, perhaps the best years anyone could ever own a Jaguar after Ford invested a ton of money to get rid of notorious electrical reputations Jag had in earlier years.

1995-97 cars are same body style as the 1998 you mentioned (and was used until 2003) but 98-03 models have sharper headlights, taillights, turning lights, heavily revised interiors, new transmission, and the V8s that were terribly unreliable for the first couple years, which is why those 98/99/00 XJ8s and XJRs are so dirt cheap.

If you're looking for a Jag for your daughter 95-97 cars are without a doubt the best choice you'll make. Find one with relatively low miles 60K-80K and you'll be fine. I'm not kidding the I6 4.0 motor is a TANK. A very nice example XJ6 from 95-97 will run you around $5K-6K. I doubt your daughter needs the XJR I have, which has special points to look out for that the regular XJ6 doesn't have to worry about.

Hope this helps! Oh yea, and join Jaguar Forums!

 

Jerry,

Sent you an email.