XJR Replacement engine - danger?
Discussion
Yep new engine will have sorted out the Nicasil and the timing chain tensioners which were another culprit for destroying engines.
Make sure the seller has the appropriate receipts and documentation of the engine change and that it has been done by a dealer/specialist. That should also tell you how many miles the new engine has done in comparison to the rest of the car (useful for servicing).
You may also want to pay attention to the suspension bushes which will probably have needed replacing by now (If they haven't been done yet I know the fronts are around £600 job, rear I expect to be cheaper).
Other problems I experienced with my 'new' 100k XJR last year were gearbox (knackered and replaced under warranty) and differential which had broken a tooth and mangled itself up inside. I suspect that the gearbox problem may have been caused by the diff (known weakness of all XJ models for some reason), although I have heard that the Mercedes gearboxes have 'common' problems too.
Really, at 130k you need to be prepared for some probelms (hopefully not too big). I would recommend a decent warranty (I have an RAC 5-star at £1k for 3 years). Although the engine should now be fine, there are still other big bills possible!
Don't let any of the above put you off though, they are amazing cars
Make sure the seller has the appropriate receipts and documentation of the engine change and that it has been done by a dealer/specialist. That should also tell you how many miles the new engine has done in comparison to the rest of the car (useful for servicing).
You may also want to pay attention to the suspension bushes which will probably have needed replacing by now (If they haven't been done yet I know the fronts are around £600 job, rear I expect to be cheaper).
Other problems I experienced with my 'new' 100k XJR last year were gearbox (knackered and replaced under warranty) and differential which had broken a tooth and mangled itself up inside. I suspect that the gearbox problem may have been caused by the diff (known weakness of all XJ models for some reason), although I have heard that the Mercedes gearboxes have 'common' problems too.
Really, at 130k you need to be prepared for some probelms (hopefully not too big). I would recommend a decent warranty (I have an RAC 5-star at £1k for 3 years). Although the engine should now be fine, there are still other big bills possible!
Don't let any of the above put you off though, they are amazing cars
So it's a private sale then? If so you definately need a warranty, no scrimping - make it water-tight.
Have you driven any other XJRs at all? I suggest it 'cos even a bad Jag feels nicer to drive than many good 'normal' cars.
If there is any knocking at all, then the bushes have gone. The gearbox should be pretty smooth with changes... if it makes any noise from the 'box then walk away.
Also, check the life of the tyres. It's about £1k to replace the four!
And as you say, £10k is too much. I paid £11.5k last September for a 97k example including £1k for the warranty. (Admittedly this doesn't have the desirable engine change).
Good luck!
Iain
PS: Small world, I moved here about 4 years ago to be with the missus (and earn London money). I see you're now in Brighton... just in nice distance range to join 'R Club' which meats near Guildford. Have a look at the other thread.
Have you driven any other XJRs at all? I suggest it 'cos even a bad Jag feels nicer to drive than many good 'normal' cars.
If there is any knocking at all, then the bushes have gone. The gearbox should be pretty smooth with changes... if it makes any noise from the 'box then walk away.
Also, check the life of the tyres. It's about £1k to replace the four!
And as you say, £10k is too much. I paid £11.5k last September for a 97k example including £1k for the warranty. (Admittedly this doesn't have the desirable engine change).
Good luck!
Iain
PS: Small world, I moved here about 4 years ago to be with the missus (and earn London money). I see you're now in Brighton... just in nice distance range to join 'R Club' which meats near Guildford. Have a look at the other thread.
groomi said:
Have a look at the other thread.
NO, this will be my first XJ (always hankered for one though), though I have driven an XK before (
) Already done and rubbing my hands together! What kind of price do you reckon I should go in at, Ian?
>> Edited by JustTheTip on Tuesday 8th February 23:01
Have a look around it before mentioning money. General wear and tear items will be difficult to use for knocking money off except perhaps tyres.
If the seller does a lot of miles (likely) and has been planning on selling the car, it is probably nearly due for a service and/or needs at least 2 new tyres. In either case, you're looking at having to spend at least £500 fairly soon - maybe more. Add to that the cost of a warranty which is essential for a car like this with the mileage adn I think it would be fair to try £9k.
Don't be afraid to walk away if he won't entertain the idea. High mileage XJRs aren't exactly flying off the shelves
He'll probably call you back in a week... "Hello, nine grand was it?"
Please bear in mind that whilst I do have a reasonable amount of experience of owning XJs, my skills at negotiating are legendary (for being crap).
Would be helpful if somebody else could offer an opinion? I'm getting lonely here tonight!
If the seller does a lot of miles (likely) and has been planning on selling the car, it is probably nearly due for a service and/or needs at least 2 new tyres. In either case, you're looking at having to spend at least £500 fairly soon - maybe more. Add to that the cost of a warranty which is essential for a car like this with the mileage adn I think it would be fair to try £9k.
Don't be afraid to walk away if he won't entertain the idea. High mileage XJRs aren't exactly flying off the shelves
He'll probably call you back in a week... "Hello, nine grand was it?" Please bear in mind that whilst I do have a reasonable amount of experience of owning XJs, my skills at negotiating are legendary (for being crap).
Would be helpful if somebody else could offer an opinion? I'm getting lonely here tonight!
XKR's are getting abit common! 
groomi said:
Well, that's what attracted me to Jag saloons in the first place - not too common in either sense of the word (especially in my age-group
These XKRs eh, they just get everywhere
PS: When was the last time you saw a footballer driving an XJ?
Michael Owen in the latest official jaguar cars magazine. As Michael now has a family he has traded his Jaguar cars provided XK for the new XJ. Jaguar are still providing him cars in Madrid.
Runs for cover and gets coat.
now i know you guys are talking about the xjr's but i just picked up a 1998 XJ8L with 71,416 miles for $12k U.S. and now im conserned about the Nickasil problem. the car shifts smooth and runs beautifuly J.D. Powers and associates gives the car and its reliability a decent rating. what should i watch out for? this is my first Jaguar so any advice would be appreciated
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff