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2010-07-01 20:57:46 |
Seeking advice on daily driver XJ - 1995-2003
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Mark Knutsen
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forum user since
2010-07-01
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I'll soon be in the market of a nice dialy driver XJ. Any insights into what to look for and what to avoid would be appreciated. The car will be garaged, but also will be driven in the Iowa winter.
Thanks in advance.
Mark in Iowa |
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2010-07-02 07:33:52 |
Seeking advice on daily driver XJ - 1995-2003
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George Camp
Jaguar Society of South Carolina *
forum user since
2002-11-24
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Mark look in the XJ forum--there has just been a discussion on that--look under trim package. BTW current models have all changed since 2003.
JCRC SE Member JCNA Publications JCNA Authenticity help lineJCNA RD SEVp JCNA |
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2010-07-02 09:49:18 |
Seeking advice on daily driver XJ - 1995-2003
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Frank Lewis Baxter, Sr.
Illinois Jaguar Club *
forum user since
2007-08-15
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Hello Mark:
I have been driving a 2000 VDP every day for the past three years, and I have to say that I love the car. I got the car with 59k on the clock, and I have just turned over 100k. Much of that has been commuting between Des Moines and Chicago every other month or so.
The first year, there were NO PROBLEMS at all for me, however, my alternator failed at about 70K (just after the first winter), so I would check out the charging system thoroughly.
I learned from that winter driving experience that YOU MUST HAVE WINTER TIRES !!! So, before the next Thanksgiving, I got a set of Michelin X-Ice's. If you're going to drive in Iowa winter.
More recently, I have had to replace the transmission with a rebuilt. Other things to look for would be the condition of the ignition system (check the plugs for even wear) and cylinder compression. If you're close to 100K, change the plugs and convert to 5-30 full synthetic oil.
I love my Jag...and will probably keep it at least another 2-3 years before I start looking for another one to trade up to. Any other questions...just hit me back and I'll be happy to share my experiences further.
Good luck
The Gatekeeper |
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"The Big Kitty"
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2010-07-24 10:43:38 |
Seeking advice on daily driver XJ - 1995-2003
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Jeff Cannon
Nation s Capital Jaguar Owners Club *
forum user since
2010-07-22
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Mark, good choice. I live in Maryland now, but spent many years in Omaha. Keep to the cars from 2000 to 2003. The earlier ones up to 1999, as well as cars by other makes, had a problem with the nikisil cylinder linings when combined with the higher sulpher content US gas. Otherwise you're good to go and you will need snow tires. I recommend putting snows on your stock wheels and in the spring get a second of wheels from Coventry Wheels, carried by discount tire direct.
2005 XKR
2006 S-Type R
1993 XJ220 (someday) |
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2010-08-03 12:52:16 |
Seeking advice on daily driver XJ - 1995-2003
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Greg Beck
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forum user since
2007-04-03
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We've been very happy with our 2000 XJ8. Bought it with 40k and the extended warranty. Now has 100k.
Here is some second hand info I've been told, so take it with a grain of salt.
Be careful of the plastic cam followers, they're red colored, and can fail with catastrophic results (I'm not sure of the years, but I know 99 and 00 were involved).
Don't change the transmission fluid, EVER. Odds are it will smoke the transmission soon after you do this (from a dealer!). The dealer can read the level with the diagnostic machine and add fluid as needed.
This I know from first hand experience.
The engine compartment gets hot in the summer(90-110 F) and can trigger the traction control and/or ABS system to flag a warning (and stop functioning). Drive the car, brake moderately and let it sit for about 15 minutes at idle. You may see the yellow warning light come on.
The brakes are OK, but not great. Replace the pads with EURO spec ceramics- they'll reduce the dust and grab better. Replace the rotors with any grade. I mail ordered both and had the dealer install them, to save about $800. The XJR has fantastic brakes.
2000 XJ8 |
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2010-08-03 21:50:06 |
Seeking advice on daily driver XJ - 1995-2003
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William Brady
Jaguar Owners Club, Inc. *
forum user since
2004-02-15
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I cant believe there is still any confusion over the plastic tensioner issue. All 4.0 cars were fitted with them, the upgrades were incorporated into the 4.2 engines. The transmissions on these same 4.0 cars were also a disaster for most people. once these things were taken care of the car was reliable. I usually tell questioners to go for the 4.2 cars. there are some very good buys in the 2002 to 2005 range epecially here in Los Angeles. I have never experienced the ABS overheating issue greg describes. Also, I have serviced (and saved) dozens of transmisions and know of no machine that reads the fluid level, it has to be done manually and it is quite awkward but simple if you have a hoist.What dealer told you that greg?
Jaguar affectionado and etc. |
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