Hello, I had put my months-long search on the back burner but came across this opportunity. I had decided I was going to focus on a 2003 - 2006 to avoid the Nikasil, transmission, and other issues with the earlier models. I am also very partial to a XK8 with the white exterior paint.

However, I am on vacation at my parent's and was browsing the Internet, showing my Dad the cars I am considering purchasing. Lo & behold, what do I find a scant 8 miles from his place? A "garage queen", 2-owner 1997 XK8 with 47,744 miles; The ad says it has always been garaged and is in excellent condition inside & out, including the leather seats & top, for $10,000. It also has the convertible top cover. I am aware of the Nikasil and transmission issues, and the only issues I can find are the front bumper was touched up (poorly) under the drivers headlamp and the tripmeter does not work (per the owner). It shifts and rides very smooth, and the dash is immaculate. the a/c is cold and the top goes up and down smoothly. He says holding the window button for 10 seconds after the top is up will hold the memory.

Oh, there was one thing odd but I am unsure if it is because the engine had not been started on this day. There was a knock or tap for the 1st few minutes that sounded like an engine does when it is cold and the metal expands as the engine heats up. However, my Dad heard it after we returned from the test drive and turned the car off. The current owner has some maintenance records but nothing from the 1st owner, who sold it after her husband died. The current owner has had it for about 10 years.

Anyway, any thoughts on this car? The knock is an issue? Price too high? NADA = $4,825 - $9,200: KBB = $4,323 - $7,450; Edmunds = $4,599 - $5,867

Thanks in advance.

Andrew

 

It's a pretty looking car and I do love the colour - Carnival Red?

However, even at ~48K, expect to have to attend to all the age-related issues:- suspension rubber, coolant replumb, etc. etc.that a 20+ yr old car needs. I wouldn't be concerned about the Nikasil issue nowadays, but the rattle on startup could be a sign that the tensioners are going to let go. Unless you have documentary proof to the contrary, assume that they are the originals and in need of immediate attention.

Judging by values on your side of the pond, it's overpriced. If you are interested, then you have several bargaining chips with the above.

P.S. It's the only one I've ever seen that still has the unobtainium trim piece between the engine covers

 

With the low miles that's about what I'd expect $$$ around here.

figure on an immediate $1500 to replace the timing chain tensioners. I don't like the trip computer issue, though it is likely a broken wire in the base of the turn signal switch. Broken wire = no display cycle when switch at tip of turn signal pressed. If it shows everything except trip odometer (fuel used, mileage, instant mileage) something else is wrong.

Does tilt /reach work on steering wheel?

premium or standard sound?(amp in trunk &/or tweeter in front edge of front windows = premium)

does it have a Trac control button? (Yes = nice option)

heated seats?

these are desirable options that support the price IMO .

hope it helps with your decision and negotiations .

John

 

There is one local to me that fits exactly what you originally wanted. An 05 white convertible with only 65K miles. It would be well worth the 20% premium @ $11900. Most likely seller would take less since these cars tend to sell slowly.

If you have a serious interest I can go give it a closer look. Always fun to drive another XK8 for comparison.

https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto...712183707.html

 

For the money the '05 would win hands down in my estimation.

Granville

 

While I myself prefer the color of the 97, that white one another member posted would seem like a better buy, might even get him down to the same $10k if you're good at bargaining.

 

We may be willing to sell my wife's well-maintained white 2006 XK8 Victory Edition convertible. She recently acquired a 2015 Lexus RX350 SUV as her daily driver and rarely drives her XK8 now. If we keep her XK8 I know it will become a garage queen. I would prefer to sell it to someone who will drive it regularly. If you are interested, PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you the details and photos....

 

Pvxkowner, just thought of something. I mentioned heated seats, might be irrelevant down where you live, OTOH the dashboard is light colored( like mine is). Now this might count - i hate the fact that thes light color dashboards reflect in the windshield from the sun. Might even be worse in a sunny area like yours.

I once complained about it, folks commented that all the later year xk8 have black dashboards.

Just 2 more thing to consider.

John

 

Jon89, Rothwell, I have sent each of you a PM.

Thanks to all who have given me your 2 cents. They are great and on-target.

 

Give me a couple of days to get back to you. Preparation for our Thanksgiving plans are taking priority right now....

 

Run. It's a beautiful car and I hope the owner gets $10,000 for it. I have a '97 coupe in the same color, so hope the values are coming up.

However, since you are on the forum and asked, my advice is to stay away. The Nikasil issue might not be a big deal, but it seems these early cars are plagued by demons that cause troublesome engine trouble lights on a fairly regular basis. I have them and if you read through the threads, a theme emerges. Not that you can't solve these problems, it's just that if you have the budget, why bother with them?

Also, there is the worry of the chain tensioners. Not a hard fix for a do it yourselfer, but something you shouldn't have to bother with at $10,000.

And that unknown noise at the top of the engine...could just be wear and tear, maybe worn tappets/cam followers, which may not be a big thing in a 100,000 mile engine, but this one only has 47,000 miles, so a red flag is raised.

On the other hand, the '97 is a very sleek design, missing some of the vents and doo dads Jaguar added to spice up the car as the years progressed. That of course, is in the eyes of the beholder. I've always liked the '97. And that carnival Red is beautiful. It sold me.

My opinion...At $6,000, I'm a buyer. At $10,000...well I hope there is something about these early models that makes them valuable (for my benefit)...but if you are looking for a daily driver and have a budget of $10,000 or so, buy a later model.

I hope that I haven't harshed your mellow.

Have a happy Thanksgiving !

 

I might as well chime in here. I am seriously considering selling my 2000 XK8. And the price would be $10,000 also. It has a little over 68K miles. Cosmetically it is in near perfect condition. It has new upper tensioners, water pump, metal thermostat housing, hoses, transmission valve mod, new expansion tank, resistor on convertible pump, XKR wheels, new front shocks and mounts, and runs great. I have always kept it in my garage at home or in my closed airplane hangar.

What do you, my friends, think about the price considering condition?