www.jec.org.uk

Dear All

I'm going to collect my Jaguar this weekend an XJ 308 3.2 Sovereign Auto - The vehicle is in lovely condition with a full Jaguar service history with 76k miles.

The question is what do I need to attend to first? I do not want to start spending ££££ on jobs that aren't a priority or at the moment considered a 'Must' although I do intend to keep her for as long as possible.

Apart from the obvious engine oil & filter change would a (sealed) gear box oil change be a good idea?

I hope you get the drift & I appreciate your thoughts

Thanks, Billy

PS She's on a X Plate - 2001

Billy

congrats on the purchase,

first thing i would do is poke and prod every button to ensure everything works, if bought from a dealership i would also make sure the auto box isnt making any noises or bangs when put in gear , as i would be taking it back to them ,
and check the front suspension , the rubber bushes wear , this can be seen with the inside of the front tyres wearing away , as the suspension saggs


one thing i would like to ask , 3.2 Sovereign ?,they didnt make one i'm afraid

all Sovereigns were 4ltr cars , make sure it isnt just a badge that has been stuck on the back to ' upgrade it '
the VIN number is the only way to confirm its original spec ,

2001 will be 'Sport ' , ' Executive ' and ' Sovereign ' . the Executive was the updated standard ' XJ8 ' spec from the original lineup , the Sport was dropped for one year but brought back by popular demand, and all Sport spec cars were 3.2 engines.
this is all available in the brochures of the day , and online information

but most of all

enjoy her

BB

Thanks BB

Sorry, she's a Sport module - No wear on the inside of the tyres as I've checked. I will also give her a good run to test the gearbox. All seems too good to be true at the moment but I guess their are genuine, well maintained cars out there that are as reliable as the best

Billy

Billy,

Congrats on the purchase! As BB says, go through and check the condition and working of everything.

Here's my suggested order of preventative maintenance, if not already certain that they've been done....

1. Replace Timing Chain tensioners - top and bottom - with latest type. Try Neville at Jaguar Spares North-East for 4th-generation kits

whilst doing above....

2. Ensure the latest metal-bladed water pump is fitted; if not renew. The body of the early problematic pump is visibly different to the replacement one. Whilst doing it, also change the thermostat.

3. (...but optional) Change thermostat tower for metal type. In my opinion (not worth much!) this is not as important as the pump change. I've had a plastic 'stat tower for years and it's ok, but they can crack

4. Change the Gearbox fluid. It's possible to get the filters and genuine LT71141 fluid at much more reasonable prices nowadays. Try Dave Roche at xk8-parts.com for a kit.


..then enjoy!!!

Paul

Excellent, thanks Paul

On the subject of timing chain tensioners should I change everything including the chains or just the tensioners?

Billy,

see link below for chains and tensioners kit:

http://www.jaguarspares-northeast.co.uk ... hop_param=


and here for gearbox fluid:

http://www.xk8-parts.com/index.php/cate ... gearboxes/

Good luck

Paul