2001 Jaguar XJ

XJ8 Other

4.0L 8 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel

Automatic

SAJDA14C41LF33076

Rear Wheel Drive

Gasoline

Power Windows

2001 Jaguar XJ8California Car The 1998-2003 (x308) series Jaguar XJ8 sedan has to be one of the best buys on the market today, more powerful and fuel efficient than its XJ6 predecessor plus lower and sleeker than its 2004 (x350) replacement.The thing to do is to source out right one, one that has had the proper upgrades to the original engine design... This XJ8 has the all new Jaguar designed all-alloy 4.0 liter AJV8 engine that debuted in the XK8 in 1997, and immediately set new standards for its power to weight ratio and fuel efficiency. Unfortunately since its introduction there has been several correctable issues with the original design that have surfaced and have subsequently been addressed in the later versions of the engine. Early (1998-2000) engines can suffer from degradation of their Nikasil plated cylinders leading to compression loss. The other two weaknesses are the water pump and timing chain tensioners, failure of either can turn a sweetly running engine into scrap metal if not caught in time... Also the German made ZF automatic transmission (the same unit that has been fitted to many BMW, Audi and Range Rover models) has been proven to have a service life in the range of 100k miles.Once these issues have been addressed, you will have a modern classic that will deliver many years and miles of driving enjoyment. Buy one that hasn't, and well, you have been warned... (FYI) I have included below a copy of a series of articles from "Jaguar World Monthly" magazine that addresses these issues in detail. This beautiful Topaz/Oatmeal 2001 example is Nikasil-free and has had the automatic transmission rebuilt and upgraded 3000 miles ago ($3900) and also has just had the recommended timing chain & tensioner update done (some cars have just had the upper/secondary tensioners replaced, but the proper, but more costly, procedure is to replace both primary and secondary tensioners, all four timing chains and rail guides) plus the latest generation water pump, thermostat, cross-over pipe, radiator hoses, serpentine drive belt, Bosch Iridium spark plugs have been fitted and the fuel injectors cleaned ($6000+) dealer cost. This work was done by myself with the assistance of a Jaguar Master Technician friend as the timing chain/tensioner job requires special tools to which he has access. I have receipts for all parts.This Jaguar has never been out of the state of California. If you take the time to view the history reports on some others, you might find that they have bounced all over the country passing through various dealer auctions, some even coming down from Canada... In my experience, this is not a good sign. If you are wondering what my "Creds" are; I have been affiliated with Jaguar at the dealership level since 1977 and have personally sold in excess of 1000 new Jaguars. I know these cars, and this is a good one. I have been to the original factory in Coventry twice, the assembly facility at Castle Bromwich, the V8 engine plant at Bridgend, Wales and design center at Whitley... all at the invitation of Jaguar Cars Inc. Now, semi-retired, I enjoy searching out and acquiring an occasional honest, well cared for example and then sorting them out for their next home... If you still decide to pursue a 1998-2003 XJ8 that has not had the engine tensioners and chains done, and one morning you notice a rattle from the engine followed by a rough idle, consider yourself lucky, you have just dodged the bullet. Your timing chain only jumped one tooth. Shut it down and have it towed to the nearest Jaguar shop and have the upgrades done. If the chain jumps two teeth, well then, unfortunately you did not dodge the bullet, and the valves have met the pistons... You now own a "Mechanic's Special"