I just joined today after taking my neighbors advice. We are
thinking of buying our first Jag and I honestly don’t know if I
should or not. The car that I have fallen completely in Love with
is a 98 Vandem Plas. It has roughly 88 thousand miles on it, a v8,
and appears to be in good condition. I have requested the service
records already. I was wondering if any of you could tell me if
this is a good choice and if there are any major mechanical faults
with this year model. It seems to be the year the dash was updated
and the V8 added to the line up.
We are open to selecting a different year if this model is
problematic. We are however certain that after looking at BMW and
Mercedes that the Jaguars appeal to us much better.
We look forward to hearing from you and will greatly appreciate any
help you can offer.
Many thanks,
Al Deen–
Al Deen
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from Alma sent Mon 19 Jun 2006:
Hi Al,
Although not a V8 owner myself, and without any prejudice, I would
suggest you read the posts in this forum regarding Nikasil - the
material used to line the cylinder bores on the Jaguar V8’s. The
earlier models, up to year 2000 roughly do/did occasionally suffer
from engine failure due to errosion of the Nikasil lining. However,
the numbers involved are small, although as yet undetermined
exactly. All I’m saying is that there is a well known risk
associated with these particular models, and although the risk may
be statistically small, it is potentially catastrophic. The later
V8’s are Ok as far as I’m aware, and the earlier straight 6’s are
extremely strong and reliable units. There is a vast pool of
information available on this forum alone regarding this subject…
Happy reading !
Regards
Kyle04 95 3.2 (UK)–
The original message included these comments:
records already. I was wondering if any of you could tell me if
this is a good choice and if there are any major mechanical faults
with this year model. It seems to be the year the dash was updated
and the V8 added to the line up.
In reply to a message from Alma sent Mon 19 Jun 2006:
This was the first year of the V8s and as such you’ll be beta-
testing the hardware… although some other poor sod’s probably
ironed out most of the quirks by now (after having paid $60k for it
probably!!!).
Whatever happens get it checked out by an enthusiast and get a
Carfax on the VIN before you pony up any burger king tokens…
I’d stay away from it unless it’s dirt cheap and/or you’re a
competent mechanic and/or you’ve recently become a dollarholic,
cause it’s not going to be cheap to run or be worked on. Same
applies to Beamers and Murks though…
But then I’m biased, and would always advise a 95-97 straight six
sizzler…–
The original message included these comments:
thinking of buying our first Jag and I honestly don’t know if I
should or not. The car that I have fallen completely in Love with
is a 98 Vandem Plas. It has roughly 88 thousand miles on it, a v8,
and appears to be in good condition. I have requested the service
records already. I was wondering if any of you could tell me if
problematic. We are however certain that after looking at BMW and
Mercedes that the Jaguars appeal to us much better.
Read up on blowby tests for Nikasil bores. You’ll find information on the
Modern Model page and in the forum archives. If you get anything higher that
20 liters/minute, stay away. Also, check the archives for information on
timing chain tensioners and the water pump. Then check the service records
to see if they have been replaced. The water pump isn’t so big a deal
because they are relatively inexpensive, but timing chain tensioners are
costly – roughly $1000 for an upper tensioner replacement (although you can
do it yourself). Many people recommend having both the uppers and lowers
done. That will run as much as $2500. If the tensioners fail you are looking
at a new engine.
The 1998 and 99 XJ8s are otherwise excellent cars at incredible prices if
you know the risks going in, but you have to do your homework. If the
Nikasil test comes out fine and the tensioners have been replaced, or the
whole engine has been replaced, then the two biggest gotchas are handled.
I just joined today after taking my neighbors advice. We are
thinking of buying our first Jag and I honestly don’t know if I
should or not. The car that I have fallen completely in Love with
is a 98 Vandem Plas. It has roughly 88 thousand miles on it, a v8,
and appears to be in good condition. I have requested the service
records already. I was wondering if any of you could tell me if
this is a good choice and if there are any major mechanical faults
with this year model. It seems to be the year the dash was updated
and the V8 added to the line up.
We are open to selecting a different year if this model is
problematic. We are however certain that after looking at BMW and
Mercedes that the Jaguars appeal to us much better.
We look forward to hearing from you and will greatly appreciate any
help you can offer.
In reply to a message from Alma sent Mon 19 Jun 2006:
Hi Al and welcome to the club.
As with any purchase of a used vehicle, be sensible and check it’s
history as thoroughly as possible. You have been made aware of
potential Nikasil, water pump and timing chain/tensioner problems
so, pay particular attention to these areas. If everything checks
out, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with your
choice of car.
If you do purchase the car and, at some point, run into problems,
you will have access to a vast reservoir of knowledge and expertise
right here on this forum.
Finally, one word of warning, swearing/bad language etc is not
allowed here but, as you are new, I’m sure the Admin will forgive
your mention of BMW and Mercedes:-)
Good luck.–
The original message included these comments:
I just joined today after taking my neighbors advice. We are
thinking of buying our first Jag and I honestly don’t know if I
should or not. The car that I have fallen completely in Love with
is a 98 Vandem Plas. It has roughly 88 thousand miles on it, a v8,
and appears to be in good condition. I have requested the service
records already. I was wondering if any of you could tell me if
this is a good choice and if there are any major mechanical faults
with this year model. It seems to be the year the dash was updated
and the V8 added to the line up.
We are open to selecting a different year if this model is
problematic. We are however certain that after looking at BMW and