I live in Marbella, and have always loved classic cars, in my youth, I owned many of the best British Classic, in my later years turned to Japanese sports cars. As a married man I always had "MY Car" man's toy I guess. But over the past year or so I have found myself drawn to the XK8 R but the style of the earlier years, just fallen for the lines, the fact that it so reminds me of the E Type a car I could never afford in those days. However I really want to understand this car before I purchase, as I live in Spain then I shall be looking to buy a Left Hand drive. I have set my heart on Pacific Blue, with the Oatmeal leather interior, convertible. I would really appreciate as much information on this car, and more so its problems. Look forward to enjoying the Forum.


John

 

Welcome to the forum John,

The best place to start for information on the XK8/XKR issues is the FAQ's:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ts-data-29800/

Look out for the the many threads on the 'top three':

1. tensionsers (early plastic type)
2. transmission (fluid change)
3. cooling system

and with convertibles:

4. hydraulics - 'green shower'

Enjoy the search for the right XK8/XKR.

Graham

 

Welcome John,
The series 1 XK8/XKRs are quite beautiful and can be a joy to own. Follow Graham's link, do your homework, if you can find one with complete service records all the better. You already found the best tool, this forum. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

Reading through a number of the comments on the earlier XK8 and XK8 R it would seem that in the earlier years they had teething problems. As I have fallen for the style of the earlier models, are there years I should avoid, as much as I appreciate that all older models will have some small issues, I would prefer to buy a year with many of the earlier issues resolved.


Thanks for the welcome to the forum.


John

 

John,

Photo of my last 2005 XK8 Coupe taken a short drive away from Marbella last year. That twisting mountain road was great fun.



Never saw another Jaguar in three weeks touring the area! You could have to travel to find one and especially if it has to be a combination of Pacific Blue and Oatmeal.

Graham

 

2003 - 2006 if you like the shape these are the years to buy, if you like the xk8 try the xkr and i think your mind will then be made up

 

when i lived near you (i was in Fuengirola) most of the s/h cars weren't up to much and almost double the price of back home in the UK - good luck. if you're rich enough find one in the uk and i'll drive it over for you (for a fee of course).
Just found a perfect example of what i'm talking about - going for circa double it's market value 'cause it's LHD? huh?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1998-JAGUA...item3f33c5c046

 

This is all very subjective, I too was looking for a model with the fewest issues. The 2003-2006 XK8/XKR seem to fit the bill. However I found a "98 XK8 with an immaculate body, Never wrecked or repaired. The interior was 9/10 and complete service records. It was located in the mid-Atlantic area of the US so it had never been exposed to extreme heat or cold and garaged all of it's life. After long hours of research I decided that I would be doing most, if not all, of the work on it myself and I decided to go for it. The early 4.0 XK8 have their own set of issues. Namely Secondary Cam Chain Tensioners and the Nikasil lined cylinders. Those are not present in the 4.2 engine in post 2002 cars. The tensioners were an easy fix, approximately $300 and a weekend's work. If the 4.0 has survived the 90's and the high sulfur fuel prevalent at the time, sill has good compression, I don't believe it will be an issue as low sulfur fuel is now the standard. If anything a well maintained Nikasil lined engine will outlast a steel lined model. (my opinion) Secondly Transmissions, The 4.0 models have a ZF transmission that is "sealed for life" more like "sealed for death" but the life of this transmission can be extended with a fluid, filter, and pan replacement. I have that on this winter's schedule. The early 4.0 XKRs have a Mercedes transmission and are rock solid. Honestly haven driven both the 4.0 5 speed and the 4.2 6 speed, I preferred the 5 speed it just seemed faster with crisper shifting. Once again your opinion may vary. Lastly the 4.2s 2003-2006 (in the states) are the most sought after series 1 XK8s so a 1998-2002 4.0 can often be purchased for far less off setting the costs of the extra repairs. Good luck with your search and I hope this helps.

 

£15k for a '98 Cabrio (in Spain) : (LHD) Jaguar XK8 Cabriolet, 1 owner - 5,600miles. For Sale (1996) on Car And Classic UK [C515347] - uk even with that mileage - half that.

 

It looks fabulous. The Archez area has fantastic mountain roads to drive, similar to the new mountain road to Rhonda, it must have been a joy to drive. I also think you are right I will have to travel to find the right one, especially if I want the colour, but I am looking forward to the journey.

 

Oh my lord that is a nice combination, and what incredible mileage. Thank you for sending details.

 

Thank you for the information, I have so much to learn about this car, but the more I see the lines the more I am falling in love with it.


John

 

Really appreciate your comments, so much to take in, but worth the research. Thank you again.
John

 

I agree the cost of cars here are high and I never really feel confident buying second hand here. I owned a Mitsubishi GTO and had it in the UK for some time in storage and decided to drive it over here, it was one of the best driving experiences I had, great roads and a fast car, I understand why you would drive one over for me, an so appreciate the offer, but that is one experience I would gladly do again


John

 

Thanks Dodger, I am stating to see a trend towards the years you have suggest, appreciate the information.


John

 

Like the look of this one

 

if i was you i'd stick in a offer of £8k on that low mileage one - i have an inkling he might bite - it's certainly not worth over £10k - the guy is dreaming ... how about £9k delivered to ur door ... worth a try.

 

John,
Once you find the right one the mountain road to Rhonda would be a great first trip! Not jealous at all.....


Regards,
Karl

 

Karl
Your right I did the trip to Rhonda a couple of weeks ago with a friend the road is a dream to drive.

 

Hi LondonXK


It does look a good purchase, and I agree regardless of it's mileage 10 would have been MAX. However I would like to see it in the flesh and know it history. Also having advise from the Forum it would be on the year that has issue, I am still a novice looking into the XK8 but am intrigued. But must not rush in with my heart and listen to the advise from you guys and use my had to buy, darn good looking car though.