Super V8 - My wife says I'm stupid!

[l7410819]

Seeking Guidance on a 2003 X350 Super V8 (my boyhood dream of a car)

This post marks the beginning of my journey as a member of this excellent community. Having spent two years with an S-type V6, 3L auto, a passion for these magnificent machines is now rooted in me. The journey with the S Type, filled with joy and a lot of learning, has now seen an investment of approximately £2,500 to elevate the car to a satisfactory standard.

The reason for this post is to seek advice on my latest acquisition (not popular with my lovely wife!) - an X350 Super V8 Jaguar. Priced at £5,500 with a mileage of 107k, this vehicle presented an intriguing prospect I could not resist, and I have to admit I bought it on impulse but also as a personal project. Its service record ceased in 2017, after which it has covered a mere 12k miles, with no service based on time since then. Despite some disclosed issues, the price point suggested to me it was a reasonable investment or a long-term project. It seemed to drive well on the test drive, and the supercharger kicked in with no apparent issues (but then again, I had never driven an STR, XJR or Super V8 before!).

In May 2023, an auto electrician report highlighted several concerns:

Non-functional cruise control is indicated as a fault on the dashboard. It definitely does not work.

The driver's door fails to open post-engine shut-off, requiring manual unlocking from outside. It is intermittent.

A malfunctioning fuel gauge, potentially involving sender unit issues.

Surging and hesitation, possibly due to ATF leaks at the hoses to the oil cooler? The technician stated that he was not knowledgeable about the model, so I think he is talking about the supercharger.

The need for replacement of suspension bushes and boots. I think this is to be expected?

Upcoming attention is required for brake pipes.

Slight seepage in the steering rack.

Nearside rear ABS ring rubbing against the sensor.

AC dye signs at the condenser joints.

There is a slight play in the front shocker bottom bushes (noted in the MOT advisory on April 27, 2024)

While these issues are diverse, they seem manageable, considering the purchase price. However, as someone with limited experience with this specific model, insights from seasoned Jaguar enthusiasts would be invaluable. Any advice on the likely cause of these issues, potential solutions, and general Guidance on what else to be aware of would be greatly appreciated - possibly belts?

Thank you for welcoming me into this community. I look forward to learning from your experiences and contributing to our shared passion for Jaguars.

Kind regards,

Mick
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[andypryce]

A lovely and often overlooked car! Lots of the things may be down to lack of use, and generalised wear. First thing is a new battery, unless you are sure of it's age, as these cars are hyper sensitive to low battery voltage, and a decent service with change of all fluids. Good luck!

[l7410819]

Thanks, Andy. I have been toying with the new battery, and a few friends have said just leave it, but my gut says get a new one!

Thanks for your comments