JAGUAR XJ WHAT TO LOOK FOR
LISTEN FOR KNOCKING
Erratic handling and feathering around the edges of the front tyres betrays wear in the front wishbone bushes, probably combined with tired front wheel bearings; wear usually occurs from 50,000 miles. The four bushes cost less than £20 each and the labour to replace them about £350 while the wheel bearings are £40, plus £100 labour. Rear damper bushes tend to fail after 40k-60k miles – £350 to fix both sides. It’s worth buying an XJ with CATS (Computer-active Technology Suspension). Standard on the XJR, XJ6 and XJ8 owners had to pay extra for it – but it adjusts the damper stiffness for better cornering, anti-dive under braking and anti-squat under acceleration. However CATS adjustable dampers are £360 apiece compared with £160+ for standard.
CHECK FOR SIGNS OF V8 TLC
A pre-2000 V8’s secondary timing chain can be thrown off if the plastic top tensioner cracks so listen for rattles from the engine’s front or remove the cam cover and peer inside. Later cars feature a reinforced plastic tensioner and a steel item was used from 2002. The engine is rarely wrecked if the tensioner breaks but a new set of chains and tensioners will be needed; budget £1100 to have it done, including gaskets, plugs and a replacement water pump. Budget £2500-3000 if a replacement engine is required.
LOOK FOR ROT
Rust areas differ with the model year. Weak spots include the bolton front wings – interchangeable with the earlier X300 – and rear wheel arches (experts recommend XJ40 repair panels). Also check the front and rear screen surrounds and sunroof aperture and check the latter’s drain holes for rustpromoting blockages. The bonnet (around £1k new), door bottoms, and boot lid don’t suffer too badly.