Hello all, I`mconsidering the purchase ofan XK8, and have the inevitable newbie questions, please bear with me. I`ll be shopping for a low mileage car with as much service history as possible, coupe or drophead, under$30K.( I have to admit that I find the coupe prettier) I do the majority of my auto and motorcycleservice and repairs myself, (oil changes,brakes,cooling system repairs etc) Have had 30 cars, some interesting,some not.
Have rebuilt American V-8`s and installed them. I`m not very good at electronics. Currently have an 00BMW Z3 2.8 as a summer weekend fun car, fun to drive but you have to pack really light.Not looking for a daily driver.Had only one English car (70 MGB) and that was 30 years ago. That said, as I get older I wish to spend less time wrenching and more time driving. I don`t want to have to worry about having trouble on a 200 mile wkend trip. (doesn`t amuse the wife)

1. I assume there are no manual trans models in the U.S. ?
2. Are the auto transmissions all 4speeds? Sourced from Ford?
3. Any particular model year to be avoided or year where "quality" took a big leap upwards
4. Common trouble areas to look at carefully, suspension, cooling systems for example.
5. Are repair and orpartscosts horrendous?
6. Areas where corrosion starts
7. Are these cars the "headache" that reputation would lead one to believe?
8. Are the electronics any more reliable than the problematic systemsthat M-B and BMW currently use?

 

Hello, I'm new to this site too and Ive owned my '93 XJ6 for a little over two years now. So youre looking for an XK8? I believe the coupe is much more appealing too, however theyre more rare to find and the convertibles in most cases are cheaper. As far as reliability goes, the old 4.0 inline 6's in the XJ6's (like mine) before they went out of production in 1997 were and are indestructible. When Ford took over, the V8's they started quickly dropping in the XK8 and newer years XJR (beginning in 1998 for both) had a lot of power but were definitly not as reliable. My dad owned a 2000 XJR and we had it until about 90K miles with no problems at all. Excellents cars (the XK8 is basically the same thing, but not a sedan). Those V8 engines got more complicated and harder to work on as an individual owner. All of them had automatics, older ones had 4-Speed J-style tranny and as the years went on it changed to five and I think the brand new ones have a 6-Speed. The newer models, like the XK8 you're looking into didnt have half the electrical problems older ones like mine did with windows and everything else. They finally did away with the horrible Lucas electrical system. I dont know much about your other questions but the XK8 is a beautiful car. I just suggest buying one that isnt the first year of production, such as a '98 or '99. All and all an Xk8 would be an excellent choice and it should be reliable way past 100K miles but since you're looking for a low mileage one you should be fine!! Hope this helps!

 

I'll get right to the point here to try to answer some of your questions for you,

1. I assume there are no manual trans models in the U.S. ?
2. Are the auto transmissions all 4speeds? Sourced from Ford?
3. Any particular model year to be avoided or year where "quality" took a big leap upwards
4. Common trouble areas to look at carefully, suspension, cooling systems for example.
5. Are repair and orpartscosts horrendous?
6. Areas where corrosion starts
7. Are these cars the "headache" that reputation would lead one to believe?
8. Are the electronics any more reliable than the problematic systemsthat M-B and BMW currently use?

1. not true some models are available in 5 speed. They are rare, but you can find them.
2. Most of the auto trannys are actually 5 spd. I'm noy even sure Jag makes a four spd.
3. No. Not really any major issues. It is a Jag after all and you will have the little things, but always a solid car.
4. Minor electrical problems. Nothing ever serious, just lttle nit-picky things.
5.If you buy a Jag, get certified pre-owned. Repairs are expensive and pre-owner are usually covered to 100,000 miles.
6. I've seem 15 year old Jags that are corrosionless. Take care of it and it will last forever.
7. When you buy a Jag you not only get a great car you get an experience. The occational "headache" is worth it my opinion.
8. I'm not familiar with the BMW's electronics, but I can tell you that Jag has there own issues. For example. my doors will get stuck locked and I'll be trapped inside and have to use the remote the open the doors. Simple stuff like that.

Hope this helps in your decision making.