Oops, that should be a 2006, not a 2026.

I'm narrowing down my choices for an XK8 convertible. The two I'm seriously looking at are both under 100K miles and owners firm on prices.

For $3000 is a 1999, no major issues. Owner says that he replaced the valve cover gasket and put in a rebuilt ABS module, but has the original timing chain tensioners. Overall in good shape, good test drive. 50 miles from me.

The other one is a 2006, $1500, but getting ABS, Trac Not Available, low engine power (limp mode?) but can get up to highway speed if you're patient. Seller disconnected the battery overnight, still has the messages, he didn't drive it. Good condition otherwise, but interior leather has some cracks from age. Has the nav system ( . . .whoopiee . . .). 250 miles from me.

Is the 2006 enough better to get it and hope that the problems are simple and cheap, or should I get the older one that drives just fine?

 

check the subject, i was wtf 1999 vs new???? what your asking is a hard choice, but i would say the 1999. you dont have to put money into it, you can drive it until it drops and you only pay 3k. that is like renting a car from avis for a little over a month..... if you are handy you can change the tensioners. if you are not handy it will cost you 2k to change out the tensioners so you can just gamble on it.

 

My 2c:
Of the two, I would pick the 1999, but you may be better off holding out for one that has had the typical issues already addressed (chain tensioners, transmission fluid, front suspension refurbishment, thermostat housing, valley hoses, octopus hose). You'll obviously pay a bit more for it, but quite possibly less than you'd spend to have these items taken care of on the 1999, and you'd get to enjoy it with less to worry about right away.

 

The 2006 will presumably be the 4.2 which is definitely the better engine choice but I think the earlier car is more attractive. The fault will probably be something simple, most likely a battery or earth issue or a sensor fault. Disconnecting the battery will not fix it.

Provided that the interior and body are good, I would take the car which is 7 years newer as the bodywork should be in better condition. However that is primarily because I can do all the work myself to get the car sorted without firing the parts cannon at it

If you have to rely on garages to do the work, then the older car would probably be the better bet providing that you get the cam chain tensioners changed asap.

Richard

 

It all depends whether you want a project or not. The best solution is to buy both and then you'll have a parts car for the one you end up liking the most.

 

I agree - buy both and then make a decision once you've had time to dig into them both.

 

It sounds like the consensus is that there's not enough difference between them for a clear winner. This makes getting the one that's running properly a better choice.

I drove the closer one yesterday, and I'll be going to check out the other one today. I'll take a scanner with me to check codes, and maybe figure out what the real problem is.

 

Sounds like a great plan, let us know what you find!

 

Maintenance records? A car with no documentation of maintenance is always one I would walk away from.

 

I think you should buy my XKR instead