I know the subject of Nikasil has been discussed ad nauseum but --

I'm considering a 1998 XJR with about 76,000 miles on it.  Supposedly
no rough idle (I haven't actually seen it yet).  Before forking my
cash over, should I:

- insist on getting a compression check?  I read somewhere that a
simple air filter check (to see if it is covered in oil) suffices.

- If it is problem free with 76,000 miles on it, is it safe to assume
that the Nikasil liners are and will continue to be OK? (the car has
been in the Western United States for the its entire life)

- It is covered by a 30 day/1000 mile warranty; however the warranty
states that it does not cover repair "of valves and/or rings for the
purpose of raising the engine's compression when a breakdown has not
occurred."  I interpret this to mean that if after I buy it, take it
to a mechanic and discover the compression is too low, the warranty
will not cover it unless the engine has completely broken down.
Opinions?

- How much would it cost to get resleeved?

- Should I simply forgo the pre-1999 models and focus instead on later
models?  I assume they stopped using Nikasil in late 1999?  I think I
read somewhere you can tell if it has non-Nikasil liners if it as "F"
in the last six digits of the VIN.  Is this correct?

Sorry for all the questions.  I am attempting to become a Jaguar owner
and would like the first experience to be a pleasant one.  Thanks in
advance.