I have had a 2000 Jag in a garage for 4 years. What do I need to do before I start driving it again?
Have it towed to the shop. It’s going to need a lot of work.
Was the car prepared for long-term storage, or was it just parked in the garage?
What, if any, preparations were made?
Now many miles on the car now?
It had no prep. I was not prepared for it.
25k miles. It had received all regular service prior to storage, but nothing specific for storage,
I’m sorry to say it, but I think Whitey is on the right track. This car will probably require the services of a qualified Jaguar mechanic. And the mechanic will require a large payment from you.
The fuel system is likely to be the biggest problem. The gasoline in the car has probably gone bad and contaminated the whole system. If you open the fuel filler and sniff, does it smell like gasoline, or like something else?
Brakes are the next potential problem. If the parking brake was engaged it may now be frozen fast, making the car impossible to move. Even if that’s not the case, the rotors may be rusted enough to make them unusable.
Check the tires and all other rubber components for dry rot.
I would have all fluids replaced. Expect some seals and gaskets to start leaking once you get it running.
I’m not saying it’s impossible to put this car back on the road, it’s just going to take some time and some money.
Or the gods could be smiling on you and it will start up and run.
How’s your luck been lately?
In addition to the things mcparadise has mentioned, it’s going to need a new battery, and probably new tires. If it has air conditioning, I bet the compressor hasn’t fared well sitting all that time. I wouldn’t even bother looking for dry rot on the tires. I would just replace them. Look for signs of aging on the belts and hoses. It might be simpler to just replace all of the belts and hoses than to wait for them to leak and break.
thank you very much. I can see i’m in for some work and $$$$
Thank you. I’m in big doo-doo.
D you know anyone who wants to buy a Jag “as is”?
Don’t give up yet. Get it checked out. It might not be as bad as we think. We are just guessing.
At least get a quote before you give up on this car. Do you know a mechanic who will come out to your place to take a look?
yes, we have a Jag mechanic. We will have him check it out.