1999 Jaguar XJ

VANDEN PLAS Sedan

4.0 DOHC V8

5 SPEED AUTOMATIC

SAJKD6045XC872994

Clear

Gasoline

To many, the 1998-2003 Jaguar X308 Series are the last of the true Jaguars, more powerful and efficient than their six cylinder predecessors, the X300, and sleeker and sportier than the more bulbous and slightly "Lincolnesque" X350 series XJ that replaced them in 2004.They can also be a great value for money also, the trick is to get the right one, one that has had the recommended upgrades completed. The X308 was the first Jaguar sedan to get the all new AJV8 4.0 engine that made it's debut in the 1997 XK8 . From the start the engine set new standards for it's advanced design, power to size ratio and fuel efficiency. But soon after some shortcomings came to light regarding the timing chain tensioners, water pumps and thermostats. Once sorted out these engines have been proven to be reliable well in excess of 250,000 miles. Another area for concern was the Nikasil cylinder bore plating which could be degraded though the use of high sulfur low grade fuel. Fortunately, this was never a serious problem here in the U.S. due to our higher standard of fuel quality, especially here in California, with the result that Nikasil engines will potentially be outlasting the later steel liner versions. The Porsche 911 still uses Nikasil today... The most important upgrade to look for are the upper/secondary timing chain tensioners, the original plastic versions can develop cracks that can allow the slippers to become adrift and cause the chain to jump or even break resulting in catastrophic engine failure. If you are lucky, the chain will only jump one tooth making for a rough idle and rattle from the front of the engine. Should this happen the engine must be shut down and the car towed to a dealer or reputable Jaguar shop and the tensioners and chains replaced. Jump two or more teeth and you are now the proud owner of a "mechanic's special". This usually occurs upon a cold start brought on by the sudden jolt of torque from the starter motor. This malady was finally solved with the standardization of the metal bodied tensioners in during the 2003 model year. Any XJ8 still running on plastic tensioners is a veritable ticking time bomb... This 1999 Vanden Plas has had all the recommended upgrades done and has covered just over 56,000 miles since new, almost a third of the mileage that would be typical for a car of this year. The Vanden Plas nameplate is derived from a Flemish up-market coach building firm that Jaguar acquired in the 1960s. The Jaguar Vanden Plas version encompasses many interior and exterior cosmetic enhancements and luxury appointments. The VDP also resides on a longer wheelbase resulting in it's superior ride quality and greater rear seat leg room... Get your own valid XHTML YouTube embed code