Hey everyone, I'm new to the XK8 forum but I've been active on the XJ-S and S1/S2/S3 XJ forums for over a decade. I'm in the midst of a nut and bolt restoration of an XJ-S and in the market for a fun Jaguar daily driver. A 1997 XK8 coupe has come up for sale locally with a few problems that gave me pause after looking it over today. It's Black over Biscuit interior (matching my XJ-S) with 160,000 miles and shows nicely with minimal clear coat failure on the bonnet.

CONS:

The car is in restricted power mode with CEL on. The codes are: P1396, P1111, and P1226. A preliminary google search suggested issues with the throttle body and B bank VVT solenoid. While I know Jag V12s like the back of my hand, I have no experience with this engine. I'd appreciate any input on this issue. The owner says the CEL has been intermittent for the past year or so. It idles smoothly and quietly but on the first few minutes of the test drive there was what sounded to me like valve clatter on light/medium throttle, which disappeared as the engine warmed up. This is what worried me the most- possible related to the VVT solenoid?

The car also rode very harshly, with clunks and thumps coming from the rear. I can handle replacing some bushes, but where to start?

This XK8 is priced aggressively, especially for a coupe. Mechanical issues withstanding it seems well taken care of and the interior/exterior are a solid 7/10, with brand new Michelin tires and brakes. What I'd most like to know is if the issues with the engine sound like something relatively straightforward, or if I'm about to buy a huge headache. I don't mind putting a little time and money in this car, but I've already got a Jag project and am not looking for another. The owner says the plastic thermostat housing and timing chain guides have been replaced with the metal versions; the guides were the only weak spot I knew to ask about.

Well that's all the pertinent information I think. I told the owner I'd give him a call in the next couple days. Any thoughts/comments/concerns from the XK8 pro's here are much appreciated.

Louis

 

You need to go to the X100 section of the forum and post. Quick read would tell me to pass on that car as it sounds like it needs a complete overhaul of the suspension.

 

I just realized my mistake- Apologies. Please disregard this post in the wrong section. Hopefully a Mod can delete this thread.