Should I buy my wife an XK8 convertible?
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1
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From: Jefferson, GA
Should I buy my wife an XK8 convertible?
New to forum...never owned a Jaguar but have always loved the looks and appreciate the racing heritage. Wife (who has always wanted a convertible) drove friend's XK8 last week and fell in love. So I'm considering an XK8 for her birthday. I can spend $10k US. Are there pros and cons? Known issues? Model years that are better than others? Other Jag convertibles that might be a better choice? Any and all advice and insight greatly appreciated.
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 120,439
Likes: 17,005
From: Durham, UK
Welcome to the forum Jerry Atrick,
Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.
Generally speaking, the later the better as later model years benefited from development. However with any used Jaguar, history is very important.
Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17/ to the XK8/XKR forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
You can also visit the US Lower Atlantic Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/usa-lower-atlantic-nc-sc-fl-ga-66/ to find other members in your region.
Enjoy the forums.
Graham
Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.
Generally speaking, the later the better as later model years benefited from development. However with any used Jaguar, history is very important.
Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17/ to the XK8/XKR forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
You can also visit the US Lower Atlantic Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/usa-lower-atlantic-nc-sc-fl-ga-66/ to find other members in your region.
Enjoy the forums.
Graham
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,008
Likes: 2,622
From: Los Angeles
Hi Jerry,
The easy answer is "Yes, but....." The two major known issues that will cause you problems are 1) Plastic tensioners up through the end of model year 2002 and the infamous "green shower" that plagues all years of the X100 convertibles. So when you're looking for a car, you either want to get a 4.2L (2003-2006) car where Jaguar replaced the plastic tensioners with updated metal ones or on an earlier 4.0L car, you want to have documented proof that the plastic tensioners were replaced. Otherwise you'll be replacing them under your ownership, about a $1200 repair unless you do it yourself or you'll destroy your engine when the plastic ones eventually break. As for the "green shower" experience, again, you'll want documented proof that the convertible's hydraulic hoses have been replaced with upgraded ones. Otherwise you'll have a similarly priced repair. With either the 4.0 or 4.2 engines, both of which are otherwise excellent motors, you want to get as complete a service history as possible. These cars do not like overheating or low engine oil, so you want to check that history. The one other thing you might consider is that the XKR transmission through the end of 2002 was a Mercedes sourced tranny that has proven itself to be quite hardy, moreso than the normal XK8's.
My 2002 XKR convertible has over 165,000 miles on it and is still being used (by my son, right now) everyday. But, I've done the above repairs and many others to get it this reliable. Good luck in your hunt, and your wife has impeccable taste.
The easy answer is "Yes, but....." The two major known issues that will cause you problems are 1) Plastic tensioners up through the end of model year 2002 and the infamous "green shower" that plagues all years of the X100 convertibles. So when you're looking for a car, you either want to get a 4.2L (2003-2006) car where Jaguar replaced the plastic tensioners with updated metal ones or on an earlier 4.0L car, you want to have documented proof that the plastic tensioners were replaced. Otherwise you'll be replacing them under your ownership, about a $1200 repair unless you do it yourself or you'll destroy your engine when the plastic ones eventually break. As for the "green shower" experience, again, you'll want documented proof that the convertible's hydraulic hoses have been replaced with upgraded ones. Otherwise you'll have a similarly priced repair. With either the 4.0 or 4.2 engines, both of which are otherwise excellent motors, you want to get as complete a service history as possible. These cars do not like overheating or low engine oil, so you want to check that history. The one other thing you might consider is that the XKR transmission through the end of 2002 was a Mercedes sourced tranny that has proven itself to be quite hardy, moreso than the normal XK8's.
My 2002 XKR convertible has over 165,000 miles on it and is still being used (by my son, right now) everyday. But, I've done the above repairs and many others to get it this reliable. Good luck in your hunt, and your wife has impeccable taste.
Veteran Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 26,742
Likes: 10,291
From: Tehama County, California, USA
Hello, Jerry,
I advise YES, by all means by her the car she already loves.
You'll be Such a prince if you do.
That's how I got my Jag (the one I fell in love with) and I thank husband again every once in a while.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')
I advise YES, by all means by her the car she already loves.
You'll be Such a prince if you do.
That's how I got my Jag (the one I fell in love with) and I thank husband again every once in a while.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 28,792
Likes: 11,271
From: Adelaide Stralia
Welcome.
I reckon the answer is simple, YES.
The "Minister for Everything" knows what she wants, and who are we mere mortals to question that????
I reckon the answer is simple, YES.
The "Minister for Everything" knows what she wants, and who are we mere mortals to question that????
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 25,832
Likes: 4,701
From: Summerville, South Carolina
welcome to the forum - do it - I use my 2000 XK8 as a daily driver currently at 166000 miles and as long as you can do most of the work yourself - you will be fine. as tberg mentioned - XKR has better transmission but with proper care and feeding the XK8 will do you well. enjoy!!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 121,000
Likes: 6,649
From: PHX some of the time
Welcome to Jaguar Forums Jerry Atrick,
Good to have you with us.
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.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
Good to have you with us.
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.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
Senior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 107
Likes: 31
From: Columbus, Ohio
I own a 2000 XKR, and there is a different driving experience between the XKR and XK8.
Both are top-of-the line for cruising with the top down, but the XKR is definitely stiffer in the springs and if your wife doesn't get too heavy with her foot she may not get to feel the full effect of the supercharger. The XK8 gives a better balanced experience, plenty of power with a smooth ride.
Don't be afraid of the multitude of comments about repairs! What you will find is that Jag owners are more willing to fix and maintain their machines, rather than just live with a broken one.
Both are top-of-the line for cruising with the top down, but the XKR is definitely stiffer in the springs and if your wife doesn't get too heavy with her foot she may not get to feel the full effect of the supercharger. The XK8 gives a better balanced experience, plenty of power with a smooth ride.
Don't be afraid of the multitude of comments about repairs! What you will find is that Jag owners are more willing to fix and maintain their machines, rather than just live with a broken one.
