Last year I sold my 1990 XJ-S convertible and recently have been leaning back toward another convertible. I found a 1997 XK8 with 58k on the odometer and it appears to be in ok shape. However, a mechanic I have used warned me off a 97, 98 or 99 model. He claims they were very unreliable with seriously expensive engine and transmission issues. He suggested I consider later models. I'm anxious to hear from anyone with experience with the first two to three years XKs after the XJS model ended in 1996. Thanks!

 

I have a 1999 MY and it’s had the usual old car issues which are well known to any owner of cars 20+ years old. Plus I fixed a few of the specific XK8 issues - of which the forum members here know very well. As an amateur home mechanic, I actually looked forward to a garage project car so did most of the work myself.

Yes, your mechanic is right to be worried esp. if the X100 car has no service history. I would be very wary of the Jag if it hasn’t been looked after and maintained. And I mean more than just oil services, as age related components, such as suspension parts, will need to be renewed.

The AJ V8 engine and ZF5HP24 gearbox are common across car brands and their issues well know. IE The A drum transmission problem can be reduced with a well known PR valve upgrade (which I DIY-Ed). The engine timing chains tensioners are another known issue.

If you low ball price the car, maybe it’s worth a shot, but the work should have been done or you will need to do it. Another forum member once said, take the buying price of a classic car, and have the same amount again available for fixing the car right. Wise words esp. if you don’t intent to do the work yourself.

 

If you get a good deal and your mechanic (sounds like he has been there with these cars) is willing to work with you in going over the car before the purchase. Then you will at least know where you are.
So if you have to pay him $100, could save you thousands.

 

If you don't plan on doing upgrades yourself, consider a 03 or newer 4.2 with the 6HP26 transmission.

 

I have an early '97 convertible. The PO had the timing chains already done. I had to take care of the ABS module. I replaced the thermostat housing with an aluminum one, replaced the cross over pipe,hoses and coolant tank, drained and refilled trans fluid. I have the 600 BAR convertible top hoses from the factory. I replaced the interior rear view mirror with one from an Acura.
All in all a good car, just regular maintenance.

 

Along with everything previously mentioned, know that this car has a Nikasil engine.
This is a treatment to the aluminum cylinder walls that was replaced with steel sleeve inserts a few years later.
I wouldn't buy this car without doing a compression check.
Educate yourself about it and make your own decision.

 

I have an early 97 coupe. I bought it because I loved the looks of the early xk8s since they came out, and it was cheap. Also the trans had been replaced along with the timing tensioners, thermostat housing, and the abs module had been repaired. Several other things also we're done before I bought it. I have still had several things that ended up needing done and several more that still do! However it's a 24 year old "uncommon" classic car, so it'll more than likely NEED work done to it. That is of course unless someone else has redone everything. Unfortunately I have the same issue with my 93 xjs convertible. Lol. More stuff needs done than the wife allows me time and money. Lol