Hello all


I am looking at a 1997 XK8 it only has 126000 miles on it car seems to be well cared for but has some issues im wondering if anyone can help. Non of the gauges work, non of the lights for the gauges come on, you cant even see the milage display because there is no power, the radio does not power on, any thoughts and or tips would be greatly appreciated

 

Don't buy it! There were a lot of problems with the 1997 XK8s; especially the 4.0L engine. There was the deteriorating Nikasil cylinder linings caused by hi-sulfur fuels. Also bad cam chain tensioners, plastic impeller water pumps, bad thermostats that caused overheating of the aluminum engine. Even if the owner claims all of these issues were fixed (Jaguar even replaced some engines under warranty because of the Nikasil problem), you cannot be positive the work was done by competent mechanic with the latest version of the defective parts unless it was done at a Jaguar dealer. I had one of the early ones (1999). Some of the problems caused catastrophic engine failure. Don't be seduced by the beauty of these cars. They are cheap for a reason. If you are going to buy a XK8, get a 2003 or later version with the 4.2L V8. Most of the problems were solved by then. Look on the internet about these issues, and you will see what I am talking about. You could spend a ton of money with issues, including the ones you mentioned in your post which are troubling, on these early XK8s, and you still might be left with a "boat anchor".

 

TY v8cat ill keep looking I appreciate the heads up