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skawtland
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« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2006, 11:00:23 PM » |
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Hi Jamarick. As far as an XJ goes, as is the case with almost every vehicle, first model years are almost always best avoided, and in the XJ8's case, that means 1998 model years. The reason for this is just basically because not all problems had been completely ironed out! There is a problem with earlier XJ8's regarding the cylinder sleeve material being of a Nikasil compound, which tended to degrade a little too quickly with the high sulphur content petroleum fuel in North America which inevitably led to premature engine death! However, in most other continents, this was not much of a problem at all due to the higher specification fuels. As you are after a more luxurious ride as opposed to speed, I would recommend you go with an XJ Vanden Plas (North American model) or Sovereign (everywhere else!) as they were the top of the line versions with the most creature comforts and all available options, etc... they also benefitted from having an extra 5" wheelbase length which added to more interior space for rear passengers. The '99 model would be my choice certainly over a '98, just because the new AJ24 4.0 V8 engine was in its second year, and any previous problems were in the distance... also more equipment became standard in '99 such as automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers to name but a couple. Although you are not necessarily after speed, you can't help getting plenty of oomph with whatever XJ model you end up with! None of the V8 models lack speed or power! If you were really feeling ambitious, you could have the best of both worlds and seek out a 2000 model XJ Supercharged Vanden Plas (Super V8) which benefitted from the ultra luxury appointments from the Vanden Plas, and the supercharged, benevolent power of the XJR! Not sure if they were available anywhere but North America though... but perhaps worth looking into! (I have a 2003 version! and therefore I am biased towards them and highly recommend them!)
All the best,
Scott
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