I have been swamping myself in the do's and don't of purchasing an XK8 - XK8R, I thank all those that have responded to my questions and I have found it invaluable, thank you all.


I have come to the conclusion that as the style of XK 2003 - 2006 is where my heart is set, the issues of those cars manufactured earlier seem to have been resolved, although I am open to any information on these thoughts.


I must thank London XK the car on Palma Majorca was a real heart puller especially the mileage, however reading all the issues of the earlier years I put my business head on, but damn good deal though.


It is difficult to find the right one in Spain, but if anyone finds a left hand drive, Spanish registered, in Pacific Blue Oatmeal leather interior, convertible, then I am ready Ok maybe I will be flexible on the colour

 

I am seeing a vast variation in prices for the year 2003 - 2006 XK8 - XK8 R I appreciate that most are garage prices in the UK but as a general rule of thumb what would be reasonable price for a good quality, full history XK. Would like to know the thoughts of those in the forum that have gone through this process. I hope I am not asking to much guys.


John

 

I have let me heart take control, and sent him an email suggesting that the value is between £8k - £10k, will be interesting to see if he replies, Thanks for the advice.

 

As a new boy looking fro the right XK8 I found this article interesting reading I was wondering how true this is in reality.


John


Buying a Car | Vehicle Inspections | Car Data Checks | Car Reviews | RAC.co.uk | RAC

 

Hey John--back when I was looking I quickly narrowed the choice down to post-2002 models and further narrowed to XKR. At the time I had noticed that the prices for these cars here in the US were much less than similar vehicles in UK and I expect that might still be the case.

So if you are adventurous and like travel you might consider finding one here and taking a nice vacation to see it and then have it shipped back.

Doug

 

John,

I am also new to the jaguar forum but have had a fantastic 98 XKR for the last 18 months and absolutely love it. So much faster and tighter than the standard xk8, looks better too. Make sure the chain tensioners have been changed for metal bodied mk3's. Nikasil liners are only a problem with high sulfur fuel and lots of short journeys where the engine doesn't reach working temp and the sulfur sits in the cylinders, turns to sulfuric acid and eats the liners. In the UK it only happened pre 2000 when the sulfur content in fuel was 150 something's per something. That dropped to 50 in 2000 and cured the problem overnight. Standard UK Shell V power petrol is now 10 so may be worth while checking the sulfur content in Spanish fuel. Just had the gearbox oil changed on advice of everyone except Jaguar (who still claimed it should be sealed for life). Cost £180 at an autobox specialist in Glasgow, and don't forget that the XKR has a Mercedes box which is different from the XK8. Costs have been minimal, changed a couple of suspension joints myself, parts were cheap. Only petrol cost more than a normal car but the look and the noise and don't forget the speed more than make up for it. You can't buy the feel good factor you get every time you take it for a blast. Get a good one, you won't regret it.

 

That's the lowest mileage I've ever seen on such an old car. FWIW, the consensus in this forum is broad in maintaining that these cars need to be driven. That one, as superficially appealing as it surely is, has doubtless spent quite a lot of time sitting unused. Caveat emptor.

 

Marsden


Thank you for your thoughts, as much as I feel drawn to this car I totally agree that this car has sat in storage for far to long and should have been driven. I have my eyes set on an XKR in Madrid which I shall view next Wednesday, average mileage 4704 per year.

 

Thank you for your comments, I am inclined to agree with you and the search for the right car has proved fun as well and challenging. However I am viewing a 2000 XK8R in Madrid next Wednesday and it looks good from its spec, a reputable garage which I researched. I so agree that the performance and the sound is part of the experience and I am looking forward to seeing this car. Appreciate the point on the chain tensioner and will ask this question on viewing, it has a full Jaguar history so will look for this also. Again thanks for you your thoughts.


John

 

I have family in Texas and travel to the US each year only ever seen a couple on the streets of Crawford. However I am looking at a XK8R in Madrid on Wednesday it has the fully Jaguar history and has a low annual mileage. The thought of driving an XK8R on the roads in the US sounds fun even if I do recall being stopped by local police for speeding, 65 MPH, once I opened my mouth and they heard the accent I was ushered away with a caution. Thank you for you comments.


John

 

Quite a good buying guide on PistonHeads :-)

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=27195

 

Really appreciate the link, Thank you

 

Well after weeks of looking and contacting owners of XK8's, after countless information and sleepless night learning to understand this car, the car I had set my heart on as it's lines reminded me of the E Type I could not afford in my youth.


Reading comments from all over the world in this forum, guiding me, making sure I understood the issue with an older XK8, spending hours with a check list each time I enquired about a car.


Well I have bought one, however after much discussion and feedback from the forum, which I am truly thankful, I bought a 2001 XK8 R. In Phoenix Red Beige Convertible with Ivory leather interior. Full service History with jaguar in Madrid, which I had confirmed by taking the details to Jaguar in Madrid to confirm, passed with flying colours, no dent, a couple of parking scuffs on the bumpers, so with a little TLC and a good body work friend on mine she will be back to normal in no time.


If all goes to plan I will drive her from Madrid to Marbella on the 22nd August. I would like to thank all those on the forum for teaching this New Boy through the do's and Don'ts. I will try and post a photo if I can find a way.


Guys Thanks you again.


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/a...1&d=1407693738

 

Congratulations "New Boy" and welcome to the club.

Gorgeous car and my favorite model year!

 

Congrats!! That car is a beaut and a fairly rare color. In years of driving around the Los Angeles area I think I saw maybe one other Phoenix red XK8 and this color suits the car very well.

Doug

 

Looks great and worth the wait. I would have had a hard time turning that one down. Have fun!!!

Wayne

 

Congratulations, that's a beautiful car! Lovely color.


Steve