Greetings!

Was browsing Ebay a couple of nights ago and found myself looking at Jag XK8 convertibles. I've always wanted a Jag convertible (I've owned several sedans) and now looks like a pretty good time to buy one.

I'm not new to the car scene - I've been working on and enjoying cars for the last 35 years. My initial entries into the enthusiast market were mainly German - low end Porsches and BMWs. Over the years I've added to my collection of "investments" (as I tell my wife) with several 928s, a Lotus Esprit turbo along with an odd assortment of others. None of these are "true" convertibles, so a Jag will be a welcome addition.

From experience, I know that there are certain years that are better than others - even if the manufacturer didn't make many changes in the basic model run. So - my question is this - from an enthusiast viewpoint - what is (are) the best years for the XK8 convertibles. Since this is my first XK - I will probably lean toward the early models simply for cost reason.

I do all my own work (including paint and body work) on all my cars, so I need to take this into consideration. The car will be treated as a classic and will be driven regularly but not more than about 3k miles per year.

Thanks in advance for the insight into these extraordinary autos. I look forward to purchasing my Jag (after some additional research) and spending many hours learning about it - probably right here on this forum.

Scott

 

Go get a 99 like this one 1999 JAGUAR XK8 CONVERTIBLE GREAT SHAPE!

or 2005 2005 Jaguar XK8 Navi Xenon, Spr Clean, $8k Opt, Reg till May2013

 

2003 brought a large number of minor alterations and a couple of major reliability improvements, as well as a bigger engine.

if you can handle changing timing chain tensioners, the water pump & thermostat housing (?) any of the earlier model years might be had for much less.

if you are looking at this as an invesment, I'd spring for the 2003+. They already command a premium over the earlier models will likely continue to do so.

 

2003 and up. 4.2 liter engine, plus 6 speed auto. plus all the earlier fixes noted above in OhioXK's post.

 

I wouldn't avoid a 2001 because of a water pump and thermostat. I changed mine recently and the only reason it took over 30 minutes was that the phone rang. What I mean is, it's easy. I haven't had any other problems with the engine at 73,000 miles. Runs like a dream.

 

And the pump only cost about $35.

 

I did a lot of research and I prefer 2004 or later.

 

I personnaly don't like the body kit they put on after 2003. The previous models are so much sleeker without the side skirts.
So i would say 2001-2002 model

 

I think the 04-06 looks amazing with the mina lower grille installed.

 

I agree..some say bigger engine on 2003.deeeeeeer 200cc..like my super merc gear box..

 

There's a lot of good advice and personal preferences here but your budget makes all the difference to the Model Year of choice. A Final Series 2006MY Victory Edition XKR Convertible will be several times the cost of a 1997 XK8.

Let me throw another option into the mix. With your experience and skills, you may be considering a vehicle with body or mechanical issues? If so, I expect you'll get some very strong opinions both for and against!

Graham

 

At the risk of upsetting XK8 owners - go for an XKR 2004 +.
That there tuybo is well worth the extra cost (which isn't much).
And there's so much more to go wrong.

 

The side skirts didn't make an appearance until 2005, but otherwise I'd agree with that.

I don't know what year they changed from recessed to flush mounted fog lights, I prefer the flush mounted ones though.

In 2004 the side molding was removed; I think the car looks better in pictures without the molding, but in real life prefer it with the molding.

In 2005 the side skirts were added, and the front end was altered which makes the whole car look a bit bulkier, and more modern.

I considered all of this as well as the mechanical issues before buying mine. I could have bought any model/year. I decided on a 2003 XK8. I almost went for a 2003 XKR, but a few things held me back:

1. maintenance costs for the brakes are astronomical, even if you do them yourself.
2. the CATS suspension was unappealling to me. I had another car with a computer controlled suspension, a much more common car, and eventually they stopped making parts for it. someday if that system breaks you're probably going to have to resort to sourcing parts from junkyards to fix it, assuming you can find the parts at all.
3. I really can't stand painted brake calipers, and every XKR I've seen has them.
4. I don't care for the hood louvers (this is probably blasphemy to XKR owners). To me, they interrupt the graceful lines that define the car.

So, that left me with the only advantages to an XKR being +100HP that I didn't really care about, a small rear spoiler, and the 3 piece mesh grill that I do like.

Then I found out that the XKR came only with the satnav screen, but I wanted the 3 gauges in the dash, which limited me to the XK8 anyway.

 

I'm biased towards the 2006 MY for obvious reasons. I wanted the final year of the X100 model for my own reasons. I also wanted as bullet proof design as possible with the XKR. My other reasons are the opposite of what Ohio stated above. That's what makes the world and this forum an interesting place. I can say the only problem I've had with my car is the I/C aux. pump which wasn't working when I bought the car other than that it's been trouble free----knock on my wood dash. So in the end test drive and do the reasearch that makes you feel comfortable with the purchase. I can say this car is a blast to drive in the mountains of North Carolina as well as being a very nice ride on the freeways.

 

Maybe part of the aerodynamic tweaking?

The rocker panels etc... I hardly even notice. I like it both ways.

That is definitely a factor.

Hard experience (including with an XJ8) has taught me an aversion to anything resembling an active suspension.

I love them

Love them too. If anyone wants to trade bonnets ....

Also don't care about the power (but love the sound), hate spoilers, and the grille is awesome but mine is a state which requires front plates and that sort of spoils it.

Yep, a coup de grace for me as well. Also in late 2003 the gauge trim rings were added, Mina has them of course, and if I didn't have them I'd surely add them. What a difference!

 

I'm on the other side. I like the additions to the '05, but I prefer the 1999-2000. It still has the newer font style, but retains the older recessed fog lamps. It also doesn't have the chrome trim rings on the dash (I prefer just the wood) The jeweled taillights of the later cars are a definite improvement though.

For simplicity and reliability, the '03+ are the way to go, but my '00 has given me no real issues apart from normal maintenance items.

 

Which is the best year of these 4 years for the Jaguar XK8, the last 4 years of the X100?

What changes were made with the X104 model?

Model Code X103
The 2003 Jaguar XK8 currently has 0 recalls. 4.5 Consumer Reviews
The 2004 Jaguar XK8 currently has 1 recall. 4.6 Consumer Reviews

Model Code X104
The 2005 Jaguar XK8 currently has 0 recalls. 4.9 Consumer Reviews
The 2006 Jaguar XK8 currently has 0 recalls 4.5 Consumer Reviews


2004 Jaguar XK8 Recalls
https://www.cars.com/research/jaguar-xk8-2004/recalls/

 

I've deleted your identical question posted in two other six year old threads on the same topic. Starting a new thread would have been a better choice.

Graham

 

The standard answer is to buy the best-cared-for 4.2 car you can find that comes with all of its service history. Proper and timely service on these cars is critical (as you will quickly discover if you opt to purchase a neglected one)….

 

Agree with above. Plus the reality is that you'll want to physically inspect and drive the car. One that's too far away will involve either travel and/ or shipping costs. If you live on the East Coast and find a California car, the added expenses could be a 20% of the cost of the car.