TCT's and Water Pump on 66K 2001 XJ8

[Packman65]

Hi, I know its probably been discussed before but I an seriously looking at an XJ8 first registered in October 2001. I have read Jaguar Steve's tome and found it very helpful. The car is a one owner vehicle with 66K full Dealer Service History. I know that the engine will have steel liners and I can probably check the water pump when I view the car for the tele-tale Plastic Gasket but I can not find out if the engine will have steel TCT's fitted. I know that all engines manufactured from August 2001 had steel TCT's but will production lag mean that this car probably has Mk11 Plastic TCT's? If it has I am hoping that the owner has had them changed. When I view the car I will ask the question and look for proof in the History file. In the meantime, Can anyone help.

[P700DEE]

You are looking at a fifteen year old car and you seriously think it might have the same water pump as when new ? The dodgy ones were not fitted for more than a couple of years from the 96 launch. So the car has done 66K miles and is 15 years old, even with the third generation tensioners it might be time to consider replacing the chains and guides? Gearbox oil change is far more worrying if not done. Look for rust, that will be the most expensive and potentially car killing thing now.

[Jaguar steve]

I'd not let water pumps or tensioner worries put me off a otherwise sound car. Providing the body is rust free and the car is in very good or excellent condition you can buy then deal with both those issues easily and cheaply.

It's likely but not essential at that mileage and age the suspension and brakes would benefit from a refresh but the deal breaker is going to be even the slightest hint of a gearbox fault or serious corrosion or any evidence of overheating.

Whatever car you buy I'd budget time and money for a full fluid change, thorough underbody clean and rustproof and a Hunter geometry reset