2001 Jaguar XJ

Sedan

4.0 V8

5 Speed Automatic

SAJDA24CX1LF21357

Clear

Gasoline

To many the 1998-2003 X308 series are the last of the true Jaguars, and they can be an exceptional value for money, if you buy the right one, one that has been properly cared for and has had the needed upgrades done. The all new Jaguar AJV8 engine debuted in 1997 with the XK8, a year later it was also fitted to the Jaguar XJ sedan range. Almost immediately the 4.0 liter alloy 32 valve V8 set new standards for power and fuel efficiency, only later did some inherent design shortcomings come to light. The most notable were the use of Nikasil plating for the cylinders on early production cars, (BMW and Porsche had the same problem) and timing chain tensioners that could fail with disastrous consequences. The Nikasil was phased out by the 2001 model year, but the timing chain tensioner issue was not fully addressed by the factory until 2003 with the introduction of redesigned metal bodied units. I have posted a couple of articles below from Jaguar Monthly that goes into these issues in much more detail... The real problem now is that, if not already done, their current value sometimes does not justify the $2-$3k investment required to have the upgrade job properly done. And most have achieved the mileage at which they are now most vulnerable. If you purchase a X308 series that has not had the timing chain tensioner upgrade done, you are really rolling the dice. The tensioners normally fail on start up, caused by the initial torque stress or the starter motor, if the chain jumps just one tooth, you will hear a rattle from the front of the engine accompanied by a rough idle, congratulations! You have dodged the bullet, now shut it down immediately and have it towed to a Jaguar dealer or qualified independent mechanic and have the chains and tensioners changed out. Jump two teeth and you are now the not so proud owner of what they used to call a "Mechanic's Special", but now usually end up being a "Charity Donation"... Don't get me wrong, these are fine motors and once sorted, these engines should be able to see 250k to 300k miles of service. As testimony to the basic soundness of the original engine design, subsequent variations are still in use by Jaguar and have also powered Range Rovers since 2006... This one owner 2001 Jaguar VDP is a post nikasil car that has had the timing chain upgrade done while it was still under factory warranty. It was initially leased, then purchased out of the lease by the original owner and put through the Jaguar "Select Edition" certification process which included 140 point checklist and extended the original 4 year/50k mile warranty to 6 years/100k miles. It is hands down the cleanest pre-owned Jaguar that I have ever come across, it shows like a car with less than 20k miles on it, or better... In car lingo we used to refer to cars like this one as looking like they were "still in the wrapper". If you are wondering what my "Creds" are, I can tell you that I have personally sold well in excess of 1000 new Jaguars in my career dating back to 1977, beginning with British Motor Car Distributors, and have won most every award offered by Jaguar cars for professional sales performance and product knowledge including several trips to the factory in England. Now, semi-retired, I enjoy seeking out exceptional well cared for Jaguars and sorting them out for the next owner. I know these cars and what to look for in a good one. While there are many good driving machines out there to be had, the Jaguar has always stood out as being something different. More than just a car, but an extension of one's own personal sense of style...California registration valid through April 2014 On Oct-01-13 at 19:29:48 PDT, seller added the following information: