Folks

I am new and love late nineties xk8. I found one with 55k miles 1997 but not sure what kind of repair expenses I need to expect like transmission or more. Buyer is asking for $6000.00.

Any comments or suggestions?

Thanks

 

Hi Rseth,

welcome to the forums. Be sure to hit the New Member forum. If you do get the car, you'll be a regular, even if you have no problems.

As far as repair expenses go, like any car, you never know.

I'm a new owner myself and it's my understanding that two things you'll need to do are 1. the timing tensioner asap and 2. a tranny flush at around 100,000 mi.

The best thing you can do is have a Jag mechanic look it over. When I bought mine I brought it around to two local mechanics who were actually familiar with that car. They gave me good insights into what they had done and it's real condition.

Assuming your location: Sd means South Dakota, the price sounds great.

Could be a great deal but it needs to be looked at carefully by a Jag mechanic.

Good luck!

 

Thank you so much. I agree for taking it to Jag mechanic.

 

Are you good at wrenching on cars or not? On a scale of 1-10, what would you score yourself? If a 2 or less, you may end up spending a few bucks on repairs. If you score higher, give it a further look.

B

 

Start with as low a price as possible. It's going to take a couple thousand to get the basics checked out and done (again, is this a hobby car or do you need a mechanic for everything). Compression is HUGE on the Nikasil engines, followed by chain tensioners, water pump and engine hose condition. Body rust can be very expensive. Transmission should be serviced with a fluid/filter change, possibly valve body service. All the front end rubber probably will need replacing, esp. A-arm bushings. If you can afford maybe 8-9K total into the car, you would have yourself a lot of car and fun for the money. If the car is in good shape interior and body, you may have a winner.

 

Could be a great deal.

Remember though, you are getting into a car that is 15 years old, it will need some attention.

There is nothing particularly exotic about the XK8; parts are readily avaiable and if you are OK with a wrench you can do most everything yourself. If you have to hire everything out you'll go underwater with this, or any other older car.

I put about $4,000 into my 2000 XK8 to cover engine work, TB rebuild, ABS rebuild and now have a fine, reliable and beautiful daily driver.

Good luck and welcome!

 

Are you looking for this to be your daily driver or just a weekend toy?
What's your mission profile?
Mike

 

Thanks Folks:

I would like it to be daily driver. I dont see a any rust. I will definitely get it checked.

 

Sometimes there's rust under the front footwells. It can be repaired effectively, but just be aware it may be there. Also the front wheel arch liners can come out for inspection of the metal behind there. I haven't read of many rust complaints on the forum, so in general, they seem to be pretty good cars in that department. Have fun, these are cool cars. I hope mine lasts forever.

 

IMO timing chain upgrade, waterpump upgrade and thermostat housing upgrades are all a must on an XK8 pre 2001. Jaguar used a lot of plastic on the earlier engines which they later thought better of! Parts costs for all this would be less than a thousand dollars from an independant supplers.

 

Oh and also rust under the drip mouldings above the doors is a common problem, not really much you can do about it and replacments are expensive at the moment..

 

Folks:

Once again thanks for being so helpful. Here is the list so far I have

1. Timing tensioner - Cost ?
2. tranny flush
3. Compression is HUGE on the Nikasil engines - Not sure what i need to do on this one?
4. Chain tensioners - Is it same as #1?
5. Water pump
6. Engine Hose?
7. Transmission should be serviced with a fluid/filter change, possibly valve body service. I am assuming this is less than $200??
8. All the front end rubber probably will need replacing, esp. A-arm bushings??
9. TB rebuild, ABS rebuild in $4000
10. chain upgrade, waterpump upgrade and thermostat housing upgrades all are must
11. RUST needs to be looked overall - I guess

 

#1&#4 the same and really the #1 job to do right away. Actually, you may get lucky and find they've already been done. Get proof from the owner if he says yes........not everybody is as honest as you. If not, figure in the $1,000 ballpark. Hopefully lower the asking price by that amount. The other things can be done piecemeal as problems arise (or not) Do or get a compression check before exchanging money....it's a good idea to do on any used motor regardless of age/milage. The waterpump and thermostat are a known issue on the early motors and pretty cheap and easy to replace. Engine hoses can be replaced at that time. If the car drives well and you don't hear/feel anything odd from the suspension, then don't worry about it. Alot of people end up needing new front bushings, they seem to be a wear item. The transmission fluid should be changed out after 10 years. Valve body service is recommended by ZF, but no specific milage, so not usually done as far as I know. Good luck

 

In 2010 I purchased a '97 with 26k on the clock. Some warranty work was done. Had to do the tensioners, water pump, and thermostat housing. Except for one speed sensor replacement she has been trouble free for 21k miles.

PS. Also upgrade headlights from 55watt to 100 watt.

Good Luck

 

Thanks, How much did it cost for the tensioners?

 

Welcome to the forum.....sounds like a good deal to me. Get it!

 

Had everything done at once. A long list of parts, including a serpentine belt, thermostat, and coolant , parts, $1,083, Labor $1,427.
I am sure some have paid less, but I am happy

Ron