I love the style of the XK8 convertible and want to buy one in the near future.

I know that some of the early years are known for mechanical and reliability issues. Many of those issue are resolved in later years.

So what year XK8's are considered the most reliable? For many cars the last model year is considered the best because most of the issues have been resolved. Is that the case with the XK8?

 

With proper care all years are good but post 03 are likely better due to many upgrades and changes.

 

If you don't want any of the common problems to sort out go for the 4.2L 2002 and you will be fine, just the normal things for a 12 year old car to look out for

 

If you are willing to do the work or even pay someone to do the work you can still come out ahead money wise getting an older one. They can be had cheap enough in most cases that even with the cost of the work you still come out ahead. I had to go this route as I could not afford a newer one and I found a pretty nice '97 for about $5000.


Dave

 

The later models do have many fixes and upgrades and generally have less issues, but part of that is simply age.

I liked the '01/'02 body style and interior better, so went that route. Just make sure you have the car checked out and look for one that has the proper maintenance records. They are all pretty reliable once they are sorted out and driven regularly.

 

2003,British Racing Green,cashmere interior,19" Apollo wheels, convertible. Hands down the best looking of all.
Well that's what own and love it. They are all great if the common fixes are looked after.

 

I think when I am ready I will look for an XKR. I love superchargers!

Red with the white interior. I like that look.

 

Well take a look at this one, very low mileage. I think this car could be had for 8K even with $1500 or so shipping you would have a good very low mileage car.. Of course it's not an XKR.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...f-sale-126719/

 

My 2 cents: I bought a '99 XK8 coupe for less than $5,000. I prefer the coupe since there are issues with the convertible top (search "green shower" in this forum) and coupes are a bit less in price. And my budget would not allow more.
If I could afford it, I would buy an '03 or later since the appearance is very much the same as the earlier XK8/XKRs but mechanical elements are improved, e.g., no plastic timing chain tensioners to worry about.

 

+1, but with 20" Montreal wheels of course!