Hi all,

I am currently looking at buying an XKR from 1999 that shows 18 000 km since 2014 (last documented service).

I usually look/analyse the car history (number of owners, maintenance logs, etc...) However with cars exceeding 20 years of age, it seems common to find large gaps in both usage and maintenance.

Does anyone can advice on this?
Any previous experience?
Anything that I should look for?
Is it even save to drive to the mechanic?

 

Well, if it starts you are well ahead, fuel pumps not in use don't like to start pumping.
The tires would need to be driven with caution and testing the brakes after a short run for any leaks in the seals.
There is a load of information at the top of this page about buying one of these cars. Hard to resist the beauty, so if you are doing your own work, then this Forum is the place to be.
OH, have a look at the shock mounts under the bonnet, if you see they are breaking down, replacement is a must. The height of the car in the front should be 15.5 inches or close from the center of the wheel to the edge of the fender at the highest curve. If not within a 1/2 inch or so, you could be looking at mounts, springs and shocks. If it has CAT shocks, check in with your cardiologist before looking up the price.
Picture would help.
Good luck.

 

Hi MonkeyBrain,

Welcome to the Jaguar Forums! It's great to have you with us.

My first question would be why the car hasn't moved in years? Will the engine start? A known and common issue with the AJ26 engine was plastic upper timing chain tensioners that cracked and could lead to catastrophic engine damage.

If the engine will start and run, the condition of the tires & brakes will be determining factors as to its safety to drive to a mechanic.

If it runs or can be made to run, other things to check include the electrical systems, cooling system, rubber suspension bushings, and anything else that may present problems.

When working properly, these are fabulous cars.

Cheers,

Don

 

Fully operational cars that have had the known issues of tensioners, fuel pumps, and water pumps already fixed, can be had for under $10,000


whether or not the car you are looking at is a good deal depends on what the price is .

if I were looking to purchase such a car it would have to be under $2,000 , closer to $1,000, for me to consider seriously a purchase.

a car such as described will need tensioner replacement, water pump replacement, new fuel pump(s), as well as all the rubber cooling and brake hoses. If you can do all of those repairs yourself and have the time to invest, it might be a good deal at the right price.

Z

 

I probably wouldn't pay much for it. Maybe £2000 at most. Cars that have been sitting for tha tlong tend to have a lot of problems. At the bare minimum you will need all of the fluids changed in the car and filters. New tyres all round plus you will need new belts. Bushings will likely need to be repalced as well. That isn't including electrical problems from age nore does it include electrical problems from mice. I wouldnt' touch it if it where me apart from a parts car.

 

I don't know where Rolle is but surely rust should be mentioned?

 

A lot of people giving advice on price in their own countries, but the OP is in Switzerland where the market, and prices, will be no doubt very different.

 

that could be interpreted as the car being more expensive to bring back to life.

Z

 

It can also be interpreted that a non working, hard to find car, is worth more than the equivalent car in a different country. Equally it could be a total dog best avoided, but he isn't going to be able to buy a good one of those cars for the same price in Switzerland as in the US or the UK. A decent project car might well have a lot more appeal than it would elsewhere.

 

It would be at least 10k $ in Norway.

 

Hahaha... There is a dude on YouTube (vise-grip-garage) that will find a car built in the 60s, sitting in a field,,, hasn't run in 10, 15, 20 years,,, he'll get it running, check the USUAL things and then drive it 100, 300, 700 miles home where he will then finish work and do other things...the drive "home", which he documents, is often allllll kinds of exciting and works out all kinds of issues on the side of the road.

If the car speaks to you, take it. Everything can be fixed! Well, almost.

 

seems like a person could get a running car and have it shipped to Switzerland for under $10,000

 

What import taxes and duties would a person have to pay? You know that import duty is calculated by the weight of the vehicle in Switzerland?

 

I’d be ditching the back seat

 

First of all, I wasn't expecting so many response in so little time, it shows a lively community!!! Thank you !!!

it seems that I need to bring more details on the matter:

• the car has VIN finishing with 5 digits thus indicating an AJ27 engine?
• it has 100 000 km (66 000 miles)
• last documented service in the service log was in 2014 with 82 000 km
• the car history is indeed in Switzerland
• I am confortable with a car that needs a bit of work (I'll do what I can myself, anything related to brakes and engine will be outsourced to skilled mechanics)
• as for price, it is a regional factor which is why I haven't mentioned it however if anyone can ship to Switzerland an XKR with 100 000 km for $10k, I'll be keen.

here are a few of the photos that I have:

• 
  
  
  

 

Hi,
The XK8 changed to AJ27 for 99 (VIN...031303), but the XKR stayed with the AJ26 until 2000 (VIN...A00016) and retained the mechanical cruise control.
You can confirm this by the presence of the CC actuator on top of the throttle body on the AJ26 (circled):



This will be present even if the car doesn't have cruise.


Try to establish if the tensioners have been done as DonB hints. It's an urgent task and a definite bargaining point if they haven't.

Check the usual rust places (rear sills, floor pan, behind suspension on front crossbeam, etc. The front ride height looks OK so some work must have been done.

 

Hi Michaelh,

Thanks for the advice I'll check this once I open the bonnet.
however the car is from october 1999 and the VIN is passed A00016.

 

In that case it's MY2000 and will be AJ27

 

I can see what perked your interest.
The stance looks good and the body shows no flaws from this view.
Shows normal wear for a high mileage car, steering wheel wear and sets need attention.
Go for it and give it a was job and come back with a picture that show what a beauty it is.

 

I was initially looking for an XK8 blue or green with the 3 gauges rather than satnav.
opting for the XK8 rather than the XKR was a way to lower the price and it is something less to maintain.

However when I saw this one ... It seems like a good project.