Hey, I just bought my first Jag. Im a former Mustang nut. I got a 1997 XK8 off ebay, it has not even been delivered yet, I cant wait. Any particular thigns I should be aware of on the 97's as opposed to the others ? I know it was the first year so wondered if it had some bugs ?

 

Dont know of any bugs but WELCOME to jag forums and congrats on your new cat!

 

For starters, welcome! Look to see if the engine has been replaced, because the 97-99 came with a Nikasil coated cylinder wall that caused the engine to lose compression, and end in utter failure. Other than that it's a decent car, with the exception of some small quirks like interior pieces breaking and stuff like that. If the engine has been replaced, you'll very much enjoy the car.

 

Holy CRAP, no the engine has not been replaced, 59K orginal miles. I sure hope this problem doenst occur on my car.

 

Welcome to the forums !
Congrats on your car

 

jagjoel, did you pick yourself up a convertible or coupe? Send us a link of your ebay auction, let's have a look-see.

Sorry about the potential problem that you may end up facing in the future. It may or may not happen to yours, but if you are prepared for the worst, it won't be a big dissappointment down the road. You may want to set aside a little 'emergency fund' for it, unless you plan on selling it before that.

Enjoy, the feeling of ownership is something one cannot describe.

 

Hey, I sure Hope I don't , Im hoping for years of trouble free ownership. It will not get driven very much. Just on nice days. Its a convertible, 1997 Carnival Red with tan interior, tan top. It has later model 18" wheels (2001? not sure), I probably paid a lil more than I should for a 97, I sawsome for a little less,but it looks to be in super good shape, and the wheels are a great upgrade. And I just had a good feeling about this car.

 

Note sure if you can see this or not, but here is a link to the ebay auction, its ended, so you might notbe able to viewit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TODAY.m238.lVI

 

Wow, a great looking Car

Congrats and Welcome to the Forum. No worries Buddy. It all goes with every car. Something will happen sometime!! or may not!
So dont get worried, just Enjoy it

 

Nikasil will come up in the future, but to be honest, it could be in 5 years, or it could be tomorrow. My suggestion is to just enjoy her, because she looks beautiful and the problem will not creep up on you little by little; it'll just happen. Good luck and good riding

 

I wish I had known about the Nikasil problem, I could have got a 2000, for about the same price or maybe 1000 more... But I just didnt find a 2000 that looked as good as this 97.

Tell me does anyone know if there is a way toget a copy of the orginal window sticker from your vin number ? I knowon some cars there are websites when you can generate a reproduction of your window sticker, wonderedif there was anything like this for Jags ?

The other thing I am kind of looking for... the chrome rings around the instrument gauges, andtail lights are those sold as after market items somewhere ?

 

Hey Jagjoel........crackin lookin ride mate.
Enjoy.......the car and the forum!

Jim

 

nice choice, looks great! got a killer ride for a great price!

 

Hey guys thanks for the comments...my car was delivered Wed night... I was shocked, it had large scratches on it that are totally not visable in the pics, one was a keyed mark about 12: long down the passager door. The drivers seat was fairly well worn and cracking....I was told it was "showroom" condition..just read the description on that ebay ad.Bottom line.. they picked it back up today, I did not go through with the sale. I dont have hard feeligns toward the seller, at least he was honorable enough to refund my down payment and have the car shipped back at his expense. So.. I am in the market for another one, I have found another Carnival Red one,I wish I could find one with the navigation system.

 

keep looking, that could be a blessing in disguise about the first one. See if you can find a 2000+ so you won't have to worry about the potential nikasil issue. I found mine listed on http://www.cars.com as lots of reputable dealers use that site.

Here are a couple carnival reds...
2000 XK8 with 40K miles for $25K
2001 XK8 with 47K miles for $21K
Ipersonally would love to have found the sapphire blue such as this
2001 XK8 with 67K miles for under $20K
2001 XK8 with 67K miles for under $20K

I hope you find what you are looking for eventually!

 

Hey guys, any chance there is a way to do a link that shows up as link but doesn't have all that long address showing?...I mean wow, you have to scroll all the way over...ruins the entire page of threads. sorry about that. My other photog forum lets you type in what you want to appear, then the next box you can paste the address. Any coding like that around here?

thanks!

 

Add the link
Then highlight the complete link and justtypeinwhatweceryou want to callit instead with NO spaces and it should appear as a link with the title you want!

Jim

 

Go Texas_Tech

Thanks Jim!

 

Thanks for the leads, I called about 2 of those. I already have my eye on a 2000 Carnival Red one. Its even a little better deal than either of the ones listed. I am trying to figure out the color combinations. I know in 2000 some of the cars are not Carnival Red, but Jupiter Red, I cant tell the difference in photos, but also are there different colors on the tan interiors ? Some of the ones look lighter with darker carpet, and some look more uniform tan, does anyone know this, or is there a web site where I can reference what interior colors were available in what years ?

 

No probs H20 boy..............sorry bout all the mis spelt crap in the reply...........musta been having a bad day..lol

Jim