1st Timer

[Equalizer]

Morning! Today I pick up my first ever Jag, a 1998 X308/XJ8 a car I have wanted since a kid. Been up since seven, the missus reckon's I think it's Christmas and in some ways it is!!

Will require help from the off I expect as although I have had a wide variety of cars, these have mostly been simple British fare like Minors, Minis, Landrovers etc. This is going to be a whole new ball game for me, hence my joining the Club. I had already posted one dumb Q but put it in the wrong forum (X-type) so not off to a flyer already......

Will post pics later or tomorrow and appreciate pointers, advice, etc., although I am hoping that isn't going to consist mainly of 'what have you done?' or 'best thing is to sell it on'.....

[ptjs1]

Equalizer,

Welcome to the club and to the Bulletin Board!

Congrats on the purchase of the car! A good x308 is a bargain luxury car! Don't worry if you get lots of "advice" that seems worrying! There are some basic must-do's with the car such as ensuring that top and bottom timing chains and tensioners are changed, ensure you have the latest water-pump, and changing the gearbox fluid and filter. There's a wealth of knowledge on the BB here on these subjects. Send an hour and use the search function of the BB to find threads on these.

Do also feel free to contact the clubs paid technical advisers for x308s. Their details can be found by selecting "Model Forum" from the menu above, go to "XJ (86-02) and then select Forum Contacts from the Forum website pages. Very sadly, they don't use the Bulletin Board, but you can contact them via telephone or email.

Once you get the car, do please update your membership record with your vehicle details. You can do this by selecting "MemberZone" from the Home Page, go to "My Account" then scroll to the bottom and "Update my Car Details".

I have also moved your other post from the X-Type section to the x308 section, so you may get some additional responses!

Good luck with the car.

Paul Sinnott

[Equalizer]

Many thanks for the warm welcome and for the advice. I got her today and I am still grinning. Plan on spending tomorrow valeting her as she's in a bit of a state.

Once done will post pics and likely a long list of questions if I can't find answers on here before hand.

[GordonJ]

Hi Equalizer
welcome to the club, but you don't say where you are. Joining one of the regions also helps with a wealth of information from other members. Also you will find a host of activities and other events.

Gordon Jackson
Vice President
South Yorkshire Region

[Equalizer]

Hopefully updated my details now and added my car to the database, although I couldn't see where to add pics?

Managed to get out today even though the Met Office predicted only cloud, the clouds managed to drop low enough to be rain......

I gave a quick clean, checked the oil, replaced a blown bulb, replaced the wiper and checked a few other niggles as well as making a list of little bits that want doing.

I have noticed a little rattle on start up when cold but it goes after a bit if idling. Looking around information on the site, would this be VVT or is it a sign of something more serious? Couldn't see anything loose in and around the engine bay. No signs of smoke or anything untoward and noise goes after short while.

Here she is!

[joejag308]

Equalizer where is "home" you dont have to say your postcode or too many details but the main area of where you are enables interested parties to give help and advice .......
do you have a name? dont be shy .......one thing to do at this time of the year is have your battery checked for any weak cells,....also make sure the coolant level has enough antifreeze content in it.....the 308 is a wonderful car while its running ok and a few simple checks can make it even better .....look for a local region there will be one around near to you also there is a list of reccomended suppliers (look under member zone) Jaguar specialists posted by members who have had personal good service and not been ripped off......Joe

[Equalizer]

Hi Joe! Says in my profile Sussex, so hope this is displaying correctly? Already had lots of good advice here and will be likely needing more! BTW my car has spent a lot of time in your neck of the woods......was serviced a couple of times by N&S Autos of Leeds......?

[markjuby]

Hi Equalizer.

May I add my welcome to the others you have received. As an owner of a 2002 XJ8 Executive for over 3 years now, I do understand the concerns that you have. (referring to you other post)

Also living in Sussex, I had problems finding someone reliable to work on and advise on the car.

Quite recently a local Independent Jaguar Specialist was recommended to me by another Jag owner, and they have been great over the last year. They are Sovereign Motors of Worthing on 01903 691798. Tony Maio is the man to talk to. They are very busy and you may have to wait to have your car booked in, but they do excellent work at a a reasonable cost.

I hope that helps. It would be worth contacting the local JEC. They are a friendly bunch and meet up regularly.

Good luck with the car.

Mark