I am also new here and on the verge of taking the plunge. I almost bought an XJS convert a few years ago but things didn't work out. I've got the itch again and this time it's for an XK8 convert. I'm currently looking at a 2002 with 29,000 miles, BRG with tan int. Beautiful!! The asking price is $21k, but, there's room to negotiate. I sat here the other night reading until my legs fell asleep. Lots of good info. I gathered that at some point I can figure on replacing the hoses for the top latching mechanism, sounds like that is a given. I also figure I'll have to have the tensioners replaced at some point. Not exactly sure what is the average mileage. I will be buying as a toy/semi regular driver, not daily. I guess where I'm going with this is aside from those two issues I kind of gather the car is pretty reliable. Correct? I drove the car today and it is quieter than I would have thought, top up or down. A/C is blows cold and all functions work. 75 mph straight as an arrow hands off of the wheel. All in all the car feels very solid. Interior is spotless except what I'd consider normal wear. Do any of you have any suggestions of anything to look for as a clue to abuse or potential problems? Should I look for something a little newer even if more miles. I am pretty mechanical and plan on doing my own maintenance etc. I will be looking around the forums again this evening for more clues. I apologize for being long winded.
Thanks, Terry

 

Welcome to Jaguarville!

By 2002 Jaguar had just about sorted out all the designed in issues.

Look at the label on the driver 'B' column for the manufacture date. If after September of 2001 you probably have the metal 3rd generation tensioners. If not, the job takes about 4 hours first time and is not difficult at all. I replaced the tensioners last weekend in my '02 (manufacture date of 6/01) in about that time while doing the throttle body cleaning and detailing the engine bay. Total cost less than than $125 using Ford (Lincoln) parts. At 47k miles one of the plastic tensioners had a 3/8" crack in it. Probably would have been ok for a lot of miles but I do not have to think about that anymore.

Plan on the top latch hose replacement. My first XK8 had the hoses replaced 3 times in 110k miles. Current '02 at 38k had them replaced. Both cars started life in CA and ended up in GA, both high temp locations.

Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be chronic issues. There are advantages to the '03 up cars, larger engine and 6 speed transmission, that you will pay for. Between a low mileage '02 and a later car, the paint, leather and overall condition would make the difference to me.

 

My poor 97 never gets props as a good car. I feel guilty buying it, he he he he

 

is there anything GOOD about 97's (early models of that body style)? Ha ha ha, the poor car (which I own) gets little in the way a good talk here it seems. ha ha ha