Hi, y'all. I originally posted that my 2006 XK8 just hit 10,000 miles. I was wrong. After double checking, she only has 8,500 miles on her.

Just out of curiosity, with this low mileage on a 15 year old auto, Jaguar in particular, and only occasional usage, is she in better shape than if she had hundreds of thousands of miles on her. I am not speaking of depreciation value. Maybe mechanically.

I don't know how to phrase my question! She still seems like a new car to me.

If that makes sense to anyone, I would like to hear your opinion.

LCW

 

I've copied your question from New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum for advice and opinion from members with the same model .......... although I doubt anyone can compete with that mileage!

Graham

 

Thanks for your replies to my 2 posts. The tires were all replaced with new ones within the last 3 years. I'm not sure about the hoses, etc. That is something I need to look into. Great and appreciated advice!

LCW

 

As a general rule, these cars stay healthier when they are driven regularly. That said, my wife's 2006 XK8 was her daily driver from early February 2012 until late October 2018. During that timeframe she typically did about 18,000 miles per year. But since it became a toy, her XK8 only does about 1,200 miles per year....

 

I’m in agreement with jon89. Complex cars have many issues with sitting / deteriorating. The fuel pump failure is one thing that seems to crop up on cars that are only driven seasonally.

And there are many issues related to having a battery that is not kept on a battery tender when the car sits a few days or longer.

My advice to you would be :

1) just drive the car every chance you get and
2) change the fuel filter asap.
3) air filter too
4) Regardless of the mileage on the oil, change it yearly at least, if the car is going to sit for an off-season, change the oil and filter before it goes into storage,
5) did I mention drive the car every chance you get

 

LCW,

Just plain WOW! What a car!

Low mileage cars are generally better and the first thing buyers tend to look for.

I agree with the above that usage for our cars do keep them mechanically healthy. Things like the engine, transmission and suspension benefit from a spirited drive, aka an Italian tune up. Engines especially like to be driven hot as it kind of self cleans (circulating oil and petrol/gas) keeping the car in tip top shape. Just avoid any pit holes in the road!

I’m not sure what you have the car for, weekend fun or daily driver, even if the car is sitting for a while, try to take it for drive once a month to keep it healthy. Avoid winter salted roads as that could rust the under body.

BTW did you solve your DSC problem?

 

LCW,

Regarding your question on hoses, there’s a lot to think about as lots of systems use all sorts of hoses in the engine bay.

The good thing is that there’s an easy check on whether any hoses have gone bad - just check the floor under the car for drips and then check the fluid levels. Each system has different colours (and taste - yuck!) so you can see/taste what the problem might be from drips.

The coolant system has an expansion tank, for example, which has a cap so you check the coolant level. If you have a leak the level will drop. Same for the power steering system, brake, engine oil etc. Luckily our car has a lot of sensors so the dashboard too should warn you when there is a problem.

Another check for the cooling hoses is to squeeze them, as they should be firm but pliable and not rock hard/brittle. Look for any stains too for signs of leaks.

Your car sounds in great great shape so really the above is just preventative checks. If you have minor leaks, some just top up fluid levels, until the problem is bad enough to need action.

 

Just to add to the other advice....

If they are still the original tires, I'd replace them even though I'm sure they still have lots of tread.

 

Just like people they need exercise. You don't have to do marathons or sprints just get out and about and move around. Don't sit too long at a time. In MS there isn't any concern for salt in the winter so a long layup isn't a problem. Are there cruise-ins or cars and coffee events in your area (or a little beyond)? Clean off the dust and drive it there to share (show off) your car a little.
This will give you a pleasant day and your car will thank you. I'm luck to have 2 British car shows each year (except for last year) in this area. Many others too.
That's unbelievable that someone bought that car and didn't drive it much to have so few miles on it. Lucky you!! TM