Greetings everyone! I wish I found this board before I bought my 97! Owned the 97 Xk8 2 days and wish I could drive it:

Purchased 97 XK8 w/74500 miles. VIN SAJGX2741VC012714. I am 3rd owner.

Price: $9,012 after tax,dealer, and doc. Prior owner said he had 60k mile service done; however, I have no documentation of this.

Mileage Estimates from prior owners receipts:

1998: 4500 miles
2005: 43,840 miles
2008: 64,233 miles
2011: 75,000 miles

Found the warranty items completed to be:

1999 Code S474: Engine part load engine breather. (Q1: Cleaned it?)

1999 Code S822: Propellor shaft on framing (Q2: What does this mean?)

1999 Code S479- flashing and reprogram of ECM (Q3: What is this?)

2005 Code S514: Throttle position repaired. (Q4: Does this mean replaced throttle body?)

2008: Had work done for convertible top and antennae mast repair.

Just after my purchase 4/2011:

4/2011: Changed oil to SP 5w30 blend, repaired coolant leak at hose, replaced marker bulb, and filled with premium ethonoal free 91 octane. Nikasil check: There was no oil in the filter, but the part load tube was very dirty.

4/2011: Had compression test done to see if had Nikasil issue (stock engine w/black oil pan). Mechanic did first compression test and had 180, then a few more near there. He began having troubles with his valve and it began spitting out 115-120 PSI routinely. He thought this was low and due to his tool not working correctly, so he decided to do a leak-down test. The results of the leakdown test were evenly spaced at 20-25%. (Q5: Does 20-25% sound like it goes hand in hand with 115-120 psi?, I don't trust hte 115-120 numbers, Q6: is 20-25% normal wear for a 97 w/75k?)

4/2011: Convertible top will not latch without using the allen wrench tool. It opens decently and closes ok, but the mechanism that comes from out of the headliner does not extend fully and catch the top to pull it in. (Q7: Does this sound like a fluid issue)

4/2011: Thanks to this board I immedietely scheduled an appointment with a Jaguar specialist. Within the last two days, I have seen 3 XK8's there getting repaired for tensioner issues (One in need of engine replacement.) One of the Nikasil XK8's with only a new water pump had 170k miles on the clock and was just now getting the tensioners installed. Anyways, I scheduled the following work to be performed for what I believe to be a reasonable cost:

Upgrade water pump w/metal vs plastic and coolant flush $202.20

Update 3rd gen timing chain tensioners (4), guides, and timing chain, timing cover,gaskets, crank seal, valve cover gaskets. $1550.00

Serpentine belt installed $84.32

Replace thermostat housing, and all hoses ( upper and lower radiator, bypass, heater) $378.79

Replace spark plugs with NGK Iridium $158.95

Total Cost: Estimated Cost $2,374.26

Leak Down Test: $210.00

Replace front suspension (4 total front and rear lower lca bushings)$440.82

Replace convertible top fluid $311.80

I've driven the car about 20 miles so far and it was a blast! Cant wait to get it back from the shop! Let me know what your thought are on items in my post. Look forward to many years of fun in my new old XK8!

 

 

Trying to upload picture.

 

Nice...dat baby is clean... I like...thinking of any mods yet?

 

XkR Badge haha. No, just fix things as it breaks Maybe some better tires (dealer went cheapo on them)

 

Welcome to the forum,

Sounds like you are on the right track to get the car in shape, and she looks good already!

 

Hello and welcome to jaguarforums.com. I know that you are anxious to get started and we are anxious to meet you and talk about your car. We have a baseline / criteria that must be met before full access can be granted. Please enjoy the forum and be patient once the baseline has been satisfied full access will be granted. Please continue to post and accept my welcome to the forum.

Oh one other thing you need to put your car details in your signature. I am speaking of the Year, Make & Model. Without it you may not get the input you are looking for.

Please take a moment and read the information provided to you explaining the rules. Be patient and enjoy the site.

 

welcome to the forum Genomac....nice ride and a great intro / story too. Thanks so much for tasking the time to post

There's usually plenty going on in most sections, most of the time.

You might find the off topic good for fun, maybe check out the mug shot thread and add yours?
Don't forget the regional section and also the detailing section is a must.

Some good guys and great techs, top vendors and more to come....all good

In the meantime I've upgraded you manually to full forum access so you can better veiw the site