I'm 70 years old, retired, and the proud owner of a "new" 133k miles, 2000 XK8, as of 5 hours ago. Such a beautiful car, but in need of some tlc.

I hope to be able to bring it back to showroom glory over time. I got so excited at the sale (private party) that I left the owners manual in the guy's garage.

I don't know if this is typical of Jag owners (I think it may be) the guy texted me for my address so he could get it in the mail to me ASAP.

There's a funny story woven thru this purchase, and I may return to tell it, after I get a feel for forum decorum. sam out

 

Can't sleep so here's the rest of the the purchase story (my “new” 2000 XK8).

I arrived at the seller’s garage after already agreeing, if the car was as advertised, I would pay a certain price.

The very first sales pitch item was the seller showing me the specifics of top down and then top up. Top down went well, however on attempting to raise the top, hydraulic fluid started pouring from just above the rear view mirror.

I was sitting in the passenger seat to observe, and ended up cupping my hands to catch the fluid, while the seller ran to get rags to cover the shifter and surrounding area.

I don’t know what it will take to repair this hydraulic leak, but it did set off a further price negotiation.
We finally ended up in a stalemate many (I mean MANY) hundreds below his already very reduced selling price, and still quite far apart from agreement.

His garage also held a 4 x 8 pool table, and the seller suggested we play a game of 8 ball to see whose new price should be paid.

I’m 70 years old, pretty beat up from a checkered past and going quite blind in my left eye (Avastin shots in the eyeball every six weeks).
I certainly must have looked like an easy mark. I did, however, run a pool room on Cape Cod in the 60’s, and practiced all day long on the table in front of the check-in desk.

Anyway, we banged around a bit, and then I ran the last 4 of my *****, and then the 8. He was gracious (it was his idea, anyway) and I drove off with the car I wanted, and Job 1 (hydraulic leak) already identified.

That’s the story – I know this is not the forum to find the best attack on my hydraulic issue, but if any of you want to point me to a particular post, I would be grateful.

Old easy mark sam

 

Welcome to the forum whisperinsam33,

Good to have you here with us at Jaguar forums. Thanks for a great Intro.

The 'green shower' from the convertible top hydraulic hose is a regular issue. Follow this link XK8 / XKR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the XK8/XKR section for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for info on regular issues. Check the threads under 'Convertible Top Latch Hydraulic Leaks' there.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also visit the US Lower Atlantic Region section by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/lower-atlantic-nc-sc-fl-ga-66/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forum.

Graham

 

Sam,

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of Jaguar!

I got my first XK8 well below average for the same hydraulic leak problem. It's an extensive but not really difficult repair.

Same age, probably a little further north of Atlanta than you are. Come up some day for lunch and we can ride some of the twisty roads up here.

 

Welcome to the forum whisperinsam33,

Good to have you with us.
Great story and a fortuitous leak, if it has to go it couldn't have happened at a better time.
Follow Graham's links for plety of info on the repair.
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.

 

welcome to the forum - plenty of info and support here - best tool in an owner's tool box! As for hydraulic leaks - there are plenty of threads here but best supporting docs are on Gus's web site - linked below:

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

I would have a look at all 6 hoses - if the outer black shielding is peeling off - these are original hoses that are prone to separating at the connections - recommend replacing all. You can buy through Cabriolet Hydraulics out of Bradenton Fla or Top Hydraulics (links below) - both offer the set of 6 for ~$600 but a much better quality and pressure rating than factory.

Cabriolet Hydraulics


Jaguar Convertible Top Hydraulic System Rebuild/Upgrade Service - Top Hydraulics, Inc

 

Sam Sam Sam....welcome aboard....... good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

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Welcome to the forum Sam, great anecdote about how you got the car.

 

Welcome! I spent some time in Rome about 5 or 6 years back. Pretty country!