Prospective Jag XJ8 Owner needs help!

Feb 05, 2005 6 Replies

Hi!



First.. background. I'm a young guy from the UK who has an appetite for large engines and big boys toys! I've considered the V8 model BMW and Mercedes but they are a bit too flash for my liking. I like discreet power!



I'd be upgrading from a 240bhp Volvo T5, so I do have some experience of performance!



I'm primarily looking at the 1998 onwards XJ8 3.2 or possibly 4.0. I've had some very nice insurance quotes (considering my age) and the interior of the (revised) XJ is simply the best interior I have ever been in. Ever. I would like to consider the XJR-V8 but the insurance is slightly costly (!) and I would imagine it would drink fuel by the bucketload!



I do have some questions to ask, which I would be most grateful if some of you could answer!


  1. What fuel consumption does the 3.2L and 4.0L achieve? (UK MPG). I drive a mix of motorway & city but am very light on the accelerator usually! I'm expecting about 17-18mpg town and 25-26 highway/motorway? About 22mpg average? Am I too far off?


  1. What usually breaks on these cars? Any idiosyncracies of the XJ8 that I should be aware of? I'm imagining parts are going to be (very) costly?

  2. What is the best all-rounder? The 3.2L or the 4.0L V8? Does the

0.8L lead to much of a difference in economy/performance ?


  1. What are the performance specifications for both the 3.2L and the



4.0L ? 0-60mph, peak power figures and top speed? I cannot find much on the Internet and I realise Jaguar XJ's are not just about performance, but I am using the figures as a basis for comparison only!


  1. Any UK Jaguar XJ web-based forums? I can only find JaguarDriver and the JEG, neither of which seem to have web-forums!


Many thanks,


M.Jordan


Hi Mark,

I cant answer your questions being an S-Type owner, I belong to the forums on this site

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, Ok I use the S-Type forum but I know there is and XJ forum there and they will tell you all you need to know its free to join so enjoy and enjoy the Jag if you get one. I have been down the BMW road my self a few years back good solid reliable cars but as common as escorts now, Jags still have that something special, even if they are owned by Ford.

Paul

3Ltr S-Type V6 Se

Sorry Try this link takes you to the home page

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Paul

There are some previous posts that outline timing chain tensioner and nikasil plated cylinder problems with the late 90s models. Might want to scroll down and see if you can find them.

-jk

Beware V8s of this vintage, Nikasil lined bores caused early problems up to

2000.

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= good informative sight. Magazine April 2004, volume 20 has informative description of problem, otherwise excellent choice. g.b

As well as the Nikasil issues, you might want to check the water pump as well. Early V8s had problems with plastic impellers breaking inside the pump.

And dont forget about timing chain failures too.

I think that this car has probably had the recall and the new engine installed. You should call the Stealer/Dealer and see if they have any records on such action.

Blake

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