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Hey everyone. I’m so glad I found this forum. I have always loved Jaguars ever since I was a teenager. Now I’m 40 and looking at getting an XK8 Convertible. I test drove a silver with beige interior 2003 the other day with 52,000 miles. Tomorrow I’m off to test drive a black on black 1999 with 16,000 miles. Photos attached. They are both asking around the same price so I’m torn. They have both been garaged and seem well cared for. The one with low miles was a weekend driver and hasn’t been used much at all hence the mileage. I’ve researched the timing chain tensioner issue and know that the 1999 has not been upgraded. Should I haggle with the seller since it sounds like this is a known issue and needs to be done even with only 16,000 miles on the car?
I spent 4 months researching XK8s and XKRs all over the country. I created several folders on my laptop with photos and specs for each vehicle I was considering. I created a spreadsheet for a quick closer comparison. If you are interested I will send it to you. I learned real quick that the good deals sell within a couple of days, so if it has been for sale for a week or more, it most likely is not worth it. I ended up flying 2400 miles and driving it home. But I got one hell of a deal and had one hell of a great trip.
I spent 4 months researching XK8s and XKRs all over the country. I created several folders on my laptop with photos and specs for each vehicle I was considering. I created a spreadsheet for a quick closer comparison. If you are interested I will send it to you. I learned real quick that the good deals sell within a couple of days, so if it has been for sale for a week or more, it most likely is not worth it. I ended up flying 2400 miles and driving it home. But I got one hell of a deal and had one hell of a great trip.
That would be awesome. This one has been on the market for about a week. I have been talking to the guy for a few days. One other person was interested but the owner didn’t want to budge much on the price. I thought the low mileage and climate controlled storage was a good thing but not sure if it’s worth it. Your trip sounds awesome! What a blast driving it back and I bet you had a smile on your face the whole time. Thanks, Mike
Mileage always seems to be very important to our US members but I'm never too worried by it. As a simple description based on Year and Miles for the two you mention, I would go for the later one. The XK8/XKR benefited from development throughout the production period and a 2003 has less inherent design issues than a 1999. However, with any used Jaguar service history is absolutely critical. Service interval is 12K Miles OR 12 Months (whichever comes sooner) so both these should have a fat file of bills for work completed. As for the price, it isn't a cheap car to run and a few hundred or even a few thousand negotiated off an asking price isn't going to make much difference if you plan on keeping it and maintaining it in the right way.
Mileage always seems to be very important to our US members but I'm never too worried by it. As a simple description based on Year and Miles for the two you mention, I would go for the later one. The XK8/XKR benefited from development throughout the production period and a 2003 has less inherent design issues than a 1999. However, with any used Jaguar service history is absolutely critical. Service interval is 12K Miles OR 12 Months (whichever comes sooner) so both these should have a fat file of bills for work completed. As for the price, it isn't a cheap car to run and a few hundred or even a few thousand negotiated off an asking price isn't going to make much difference if you plan on keeping it and maintaining it in the right way.
Hello,
What a Beautiful car you're dealing on!
The Third Rule of Acquisition plainly states: "Never pay more than you have to." How you achieve that is your department.
I sent two emails; one with spreadsheets, and then another with some other research documents I used along with a screenshot of a manuals folder I have. If you see any manual in there you would like let me know and I will send your way.
Hello,
What a Beautiful car you're dealing on!
The Third Rule of Acquisition plainly states: "Never pay more than you have to." How you achieve that is your department.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')
Thanks Elinor. I’m going to test drive it today. I’m excited for sure. My birthday is coming up so I may be treating myself.
I test drove the 1999 today. It drove great. The engine is extremely quiet. The owner upgraded the wheels to 19 inch but is also tossing in the original 17 inch rims and tires. I was surprised to find it had the Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade (I believe that was an option in 1999). It comes with all of the service records and a brand new car cover to. I think I’m in love.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
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The current owner would pass my checks which many have failed () and the XK8 looks good too.
Graham
Thanks Graham. I’m probably going Tuesday to buy it. I know the engine needs the chain tensioners replaced and there are other issues with the 1999 year.....but the car has been well taken care of and the mileage is only at just under 16,000. The top looks brand new. He’s also tossing in a brand new car cover he special ordered and never even opened and most importantly a car I have wanted since I was a teen.
I will be sure to post some photos.
Tensioner replacement on the '99 is a given or you'll never really relax driving the vehicle. Remember rubber also deteriorates with age so cooling hoses and suspension bushes may need attention if never replaced. Also make sure it has 2 x Black headed Master keys, 1 x Green headed Valet Key and 2 x remotes. The most frequent question posted on the forum by new buyers of used Jaguars is "where do I get replacement keys and/or remotes". The cost often comes as a nasty surprise.
Possibly Buying XK8
) and the XK8 looks good too.
