Buying an XJ tomorrow

BIGWEB

BIGWEB

BIGWEB

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All being well I will be buying an Jaguar XJ V8 Sport

I am buying this trade but going to run it as my own for a bit I think.

The car is a one owner 2002 Black with Black leather with XJR wheels. Done 67000miles with full Jag history
I don't know much about these at all and am only really buying it as it will be nice to smoke about in for a few months and shouldn't lose any money on it.

On looking at the forums they seem to be really reliable but is there anything I should look for? A lot of cars have specific issues but I cant find many obvious problems with these.

I've always thought these looked cool but never considered buying one before. I told my mate I fancied a bit of a barge a couple of weeks ago to run for a bit.I just got a call yesterday about this so I would appreciate any advice.
 
Go for it but how much are you buying it for? If its the previous model then its an early one - I heard there were issues with something or other.

DiamondMark will add his two cents, I'm quite sure. :)
 
Black on black in a Jag XJ sounds like a nice combination. Looking forward to some pics. :cool:
 
I haven't actually seen it in the metal yet! Looks good in the pictures.
I'm buying it for £3600 which Is quite expensive for a trade sale but the prices of good ones are loads more than the ropey ones with these and I am assured its a nice one.

Its pretty much the last of the older shape.
 
These had a few weak points, if you intend to keep it this what you need to do.

Change the gearbox fluid and filters, the stuff is 25 quid a litre its a 250-300 quid job, get it done because this will save you a gearbox.

Throttle body was a recall shaould have been done, ring a Jag main dealer and ask.

Water pump and thermostat, you want the latest version of these.

Last and most important timing chain tensioners and guides. You want the mk3 version metal bodied its a 1200 quid job at a specialist.

Your car being 2002 will have the mk2 tensioners while being better than mk1 are still **** with the added fun that you wont get the tell tale rattle before they die like you get from the mk1.

With any luck your car will have all of the above done except the gearbox fluid change.

How many of the above you want to do will depend on how lucky you feel and how long you intend to keep the car.

NEVER EVER start it and turn it straight off, it will flood and then its an epic, if you need to move it on the drive let it run till the temp gauge moves.

You missed the Nikasil issue, your engine is steel lined so dont worry about that.

As for the price if its a good one its cheap.
 
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Blackhawk47 said:
Surely for 3k its going to be slightly ropey? How many miles, oh and ask for receipts? :)
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He's buying trade so about right, these things usually have a massive margin across them if they're decent but get paid around the same as poor ones when they come in px.

Car CAPS at £3275 Clean, I'd be happy to pay into book providing it needs no spend!

At £3600 it is quite expensive, but it is hard to find a decent one with that sort of mileage - and there are plenty traders who pay into book for these.

If I were to retail that car it would be £5495, so I think when you're done with it you'll still have scope for a bit of profit or at least make your money back.
 
Thats one of those cars you might as well throw the book out the window because the difference between a good one and a ropey one that both look clean is like night and day.

Same with age, 1999 ones are worth the same as 52 plate run off cars in Jag circles and specialists iv seen mint ones from all years make 7/8/9/10k makes no difference its all on the car on condition, iv been bid 7k twice for my 1999 one.
 
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Blackhawk47 said:
Surely for 3k its going to be slightly ropey? How many miles, oh and ask for receipts? :)
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All depends its got 3 main ingredients for it being a good one, 1 owner, full Jag history and decent miles, we shall see.
 
I know I am paying into book. As I said good ones are massively different in price to ropey ones.
I will have a look at it tomorrow and get one of the lads to get it up on the ramp hopefully it is straight as I am quite looking forward to having something like this for a bit.

@Maz I think I am gonna put it up for £5490 and just hold out for the money while I use it. If it sells I will make decent money on it, If not I will drop the price when I am bored with it and it shouldn't be too hard to move on.

If its not a good one I wont be buying it.
 
BIGWEB said:
I know I am paying into book. As I said good ones are massively different in price to ropey ones.
I will have a look at it tomorrow and get one of the lads to get it up on the ramp hopefully it is straight as I am quite looking forward to having something like this for a bit.

@Maz I think I am gonna put it up for £5490 and just hold out for the money while I use it. If it sells I will make decent money on it, If not I will drop the price when I am bored with it and it shouldn't be too hard to move on.

If its not a good one I wont be buying it.
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I aint being funny but what is putting it on a ramp going to do for you exactly :) Apart from rust which a 2002 car probably wont have anyway?

The checks you want to be doing are on the phone to the servicing main dealer or you wont be getting 5k without spending 1500 quid on it :)

Go into that car with your eyes open forget making the quick profit, its not a Mondeo.

These cars make top money when all work is done, if not its another 4k XJ8 of which there are many varied and plenty.
 
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You obviously know lots about these Mark. I shall pick the phone up tomorrow and inspect the service history.

Is Black with black a good colour combo with these? I dont think I have ever seen one like this.
 
BIGWEB said:
You obviously know lots about these Mark. I shall pick the phone up tomorrow and inspect the service history.

Is Black with black a good colour combo with these? I dont think I have ever seen one like this.
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Yea black with black is good, to be honest there isnt a bad colour combo for these, the green leather was a bit dire but the rest are good.

Drive it make sure its silent over bumps and check the inside of the front tyres for wear, thats a sign of a suspension bushes wearing, anyway if its a nice one your going to love it, is it a 3.2 or a 4 litre?
 
Just a 3.2 Unfortunately. I fancied something with a V8 rumble but I've heard that these are pretty much inaudible aren't they?
 
BIGWEB said:
Just a 3.2 Unfortunately. I fancied something with a V8 rumble but I've heard that these are pretty much inaudible aren't they?
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Nothing wrong with the 3.2 one of mine is a 3.2.

Yes very quiet, dont be tempted to start messing with the exhaust on a saloon all the ones i have heard end up boomy not burbling its a mess.

Some XK's sound better with a different exhaust mind you.

Honestly your going to love that car, there is nothing else for that money that comes close.
 
BIGWEB said:
Just a 3.2 Unfortunately. I fancied something with a V8 rumble but I've heard that these are pretty much inaudible aren't they?
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I don't remember my friend's one ever sounding like a V8. It's so smooth and silenced.
 
I am prepared for some funny looks getting out of it as I am 28 which has got to make me slightly different from an XJ's normal demographic!

Is the Gearbox flush an easy job or do I need to take it to a specialist?
 
BIGWEB said:
I am prepared for some funny looks getting out of it as I am 28 which has got to make me slightly different from an XJ's normal demographic!

Is the Gearbox flush an easy job or do I need to take it to a specialist?
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It needs to go to a Jag specialist, you are in the right place there is a FANTASTIC Jag specialist called JoJags in Liverpool http://www.jojags.co.uk/ You want to speak to Mark, top bloke.


Its a swine to get the fluid in and it needs to be run up to the right temperature.

Forget the funny looks iv had Jags since i was 18 years old :D
 
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