1997 xk8 convertible, why won't it sell?
Hi all! Trying to sell my car but there are cosmetic issues that turn everybody off. I don't want to put $$ into it to sell it but may have to. What would be most important to fix if you were to buy it? Issues are bad paint job from the back of the doors to the whole rear of the car, side mirrors don't operate electronically (but did when I bought it used), rear view mirror rattles and falls off at will and has leaked so half the mirror is black, center console with cupholder sucks and has broken, some idiot painted the shiny wheels to look like chrome and a small tear in the drivers seat by lumbar support. Paid 4,000 for it 3 yrs ago...I have spent 3500 on replacing the Timing chain and tensioners, fuel pump, and filter, new ABS and ECU. I am only asking 4250! Yet everyone gives me crap when they hear a few of the things mentioned here. Am I off base?? Oh only has 74000 miles on her. HELP!
Hello, Katy,
I'm not sure of the Rules here for selling your car, so I'm sure GGG (Graham) will be along soon to tell you.
I'm sorry you might have to sell your Jaguar though, but sometimes that's the only way.
But first, members in our Xk8 section might be able to help you fix some of these things. Someone will be along shortly to direct you to that section.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')
I'm not sure of the Rules here for selling your car, so I'm sure GGG (Graham) will be along soon to tell you.
I'm sorry you might have to sell your Jaguar though, but sometimes that's the only way.
But first, members in our Xk8 section might be able to help you fix some of these things. Someone will be along shortly to direct you to that section.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')
Welcome to the forums Katy,
First let's be clear about advertising on the forum so you don't accidentally break the rules. We are not an alternative to Craigslist or Bring a Trailer. There are minimum period of membership and number of posts requirements for listing vehicles for sale and adverts can only be placed in MARKETPLACE.https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/marketplace-104/announcement-rules-please-read-before-posting/
Now to your question. Used Jaguars make a lot of people nervous. The poor reputation for reliability and high repair costs put many off so history is critical here. Maintenance and repair records and a file full of invoices for work and parts always help a sale. The big plus is the replacement timing chains and electronic modules you have had done. This is a regular issue on the forum and costs many buyers a lot of money if they are lucky enough not to have a wrecked engine before the plastic tensioners fail. Not all XK8's had powerfold door mirrors so no need to draw attention to them if they don't work! The interior mirror sounds bad and is certain to put off a potential buyer - it's the first thing anyone adjusts before a test drive and it will give the impression that other parts of the vehicle may also be in need of repair. Spending on a used replacement would be a good investment. Broken cupholders are a regular issue. A repair kit is about $100 so either do it or factor it into the asking price.
Jaguars appeal because of the shape, gleaming paint and leather interior. You need to maximise the appearance. Even bad paint responds to a good wash and wax. Post some photos of the bodywork and painted wheels for advice from members. Leather repairs can be expensive and bolster wear is common even in much younger Jaguar two door vehicles. Any buyer who has viewed a few early XK8's should not be surprised.
I'll leave US members to comment on your asking price because used Jaguars cost a lot more in the US than they do here in the UK.
Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17/ to the XK8/XKR forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
Enjoy the forums and good luck finding a buyer.
Graham
First let's be clear about advertising on the forum so you don't accidentally break the rules. We are not an alternative to Craigslist or Bring a Trailer. There are minimum period of membership and number of posts requirements for listing vehicles for sale and adverts can only be placed in MARKETPLACE.https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/marketplace-104/announcement-rules-please-read-before-posting/
Now to your question. Used Jaguars make a lot of people nervous. The poor reputation for reliability and high repair costs put many off so history is critical here. Maintenance and repair records and a file full of invoices for work and parts always help a sale. The big plus is the replacement timing chains and electronic modules you have had done. This is a regular issue on the forum and costs many buyers a lot of money if they are lucky enough not to have a wrecked engine before the plastic tensioners fail. Not all XK8's had powerfold door mirrors so no need to draw attention to them if they don't work! The interior mirror sounds bad and is certain to put off a potential buyer - it's the first thing anyone adjusts before a test drive and it will give the impression that other parts of the vehicle may also be in need of repair. Spending on a used replacement would be a good investment. Broken cupholders are a regular issue. A repair kit is about $100 so either do it or factor it into the asking price.
Jaguars appeal because of the shape, gleaming paint and leather interior. You need to maximise the appearance. Even bad paint responds to a good wash and wax. Post some photos of the bodywork and painted wheels for advice from members. Leather repairs can be expensive and bolster wear is common even in much younger Jaguar two door vehicles. Any buyer who has viewed a few early XK8's should not be surprised.
I'll leave US members to comment on your asking price because used Jaguars cost a lot more in the US than they do here in the UK.
Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17/ to the XK8/XKR forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
Enjoy the forums and good luck finding a buyer.
Graham
Last edited by GGG; Apr 12, 2019 at 02:54 AM.
Welcome to Jaguar Forums Katy,
Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
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A car of this type attracts enthusiasts and/or collectors. This type of buyer can deal with the usual issues like the leaking rear view mirror but only if the car is excellent original condition. The bad paint job and painted rims are the problem here I would wager. You might have to let it go for much cheaper or invest in a quality repaint (original color) and then ask for five or six thousand. Best of luck.
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