These models are well know for battery drain especially after a week or two weeks lack of use. As the battery is in the boot, if you can't get access via the internal release or the key doesn't work then there is a solution.

Open the driver's door using the key then pop the bonnet. Next to the small fuse box on the driver's side is a + battery terminal where you can connect a battery pack or jump lead to power the car. There is also one on the passenger side so for safety's sake use the one away from the road. It will then power the car let you either start it or open the boot to get acces to the dud battery depending on how strong your battery is. Remember to connect the negative (black) lead to a good earth point on the car. You can remove the battery altogether and still get access to the car in this way.

Your dealer will try and charge a fortune to do this, but it's very easy to do yourself.

Open your driver's door and your boot, and switch on your ignition then press the Valet switch five times so that the system detects a change and knows to 'learn' the new battery. Press the large of the two buttons on the remote and it should 'beep' to ket you know it has got a new signal, if it doesn't do this within 15-20 seconds it will 'beep' twice exit the learning mode and you'll have to start again. If it works ok, wait a further 20 seconds, you should here another couple of 'beeps'. You can then close the boot, switch off the ignition, lock your car, a job well done and free!

X308 V8 Saloon

1997-2003

A lot has been written about the problems with the Nikasil bore linings wearing on the early cars but here are the facts. Nikasil was used to line the bores of the AJ-V8 engine introduced in the new XJ8 in 1997. There is no evidence to show there is a massive problem with these engines, but a number have been known to fail because the Nikasil bore lining breaks down. It may well be a geographical problem as it seems to occur when a high sulphur content fuel is used. It is widely thought that if it hasn't happened to a car from this era by now then chances are it won't but you can't be 100% certain. If you are thinking of buying a car built between 97 and late 99 then it is advisable to havea Jaguar dealer perform a 'blow by' test which measures the pressure inside the cylinder bores and will let you know if there is a problem or not. Jaguar stopped using Nikasil in the 2000 model year cars which they started manufacturing in September 99. The widely accepted rule is that if the last 6 digits of the VIN starts with the letter 'F' then the engine does not use Nikasil and there should be no problem as the liners are made of steel.

However it's buyer beware so to be safe check the VIN details and get the car checked by Jaguar before you hand over your hard earned cash.