Well I finally bit the bullet and bought a 2005 Platinum convertible XK8! It won't be delivered until sometime next week -still getting through the paperwork. I've always thought these were such beautiful cars and I can't believe I finally have one! I've been reading up on this site for the past few weeks and honestly this site is one of the reasons I'm somewhat more confident buying the car. It seems to be in reasonably well sorted - I also had a mechanic go over it before the purchase and it's been dealer serviced for the last 8+ years, but I don't have any records other than the carfax. I'd like to try to stay ahead of any issues and am able to do a few things myself (unfortunately, my garage isn't heated so I'm likely restricted to work in the warmer months).

A general question: is there any way I can get the service records for my car? Can I just call the dealership listed for the services in carfax and have them send me the records?
I'm trying to figure out if: 1. the oil cooler lines have been replaced, 2. the coolant hoses and water pump have been replaced. 3. if the transmission fluid or plugs and coils have been replaced yet. The records on carfax are really general like "60,000 mile service performed" or "recommended maintenance performed." The good news is the previous owner appears to have been reasonably good about having the regular service intervals performed. The car currently has about 96,000 miles. Alternatively, if anyone knows of another way for me to check if these things have been done, I'm open to all suggestions (parts or date stamps?).
My intention over the next few years is to repair or replace the common wear items to OEM or better (if possible). I'm not a racer, won't be lowering, and will likely try to keep it as stock as possible except for the speakers - I like a good audio system and the 16 yr old OEM alpines probably need replacing anyway.
On my project list for this summer: oil cooler lines, coolant hoses, replace the mirror switch, possibly plugs and coils, possibly transmission fluid (I think I'll bring that to a mechanic). Next summer: convertible top hoses (gulp) and/or tires and brakes

I'm very excited to join the club and can't wait for my car!

-Norm

 

Congratulations. I am sure you will be happy with the car. Your plans sound pretty reasonable to me. I have no idea if it is possible to get service records though

 

Regarding obtaining the service records, what always works for me is calling the service manager of the various dealerships where the vehicle has lived and then having him/her talk me through the details. No one has been willing to hand over copies (privacy rules and regulations, understandably), but they have always been willing to tell me the date, mileage, and description of each service they still have records for....

 

Norm,
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new Cat.

 

First, Welcome aboard J.A.G. (Just Another Guy)
Jon, I had though that back in 2010, we had had some sort of conversation about Leith Jag in Cary. Regardless, I had first checked with the sevice manager at Scott Jag in Charlotte. He did a great job to tell me what he could. Shortly after that, I saw the service manager at Leith in Cary. He did indeed provide me with printouts of all of their records including tires and aftermarket warranty service (for $35 transfer fee, I got 7 mo. additional coverage that saved me over $1000) . The service manager just blacked out all of the personal info with a black marker.
Times may be different now, but I seem to do alot better when I just try to "be nice".

 

Just bought mine this past summer 2006 xk8 with 45,000 miles on it and I'm replacing my hoses for the top
I noticed a little oil near the latch and when I pulled the panels back in the trunk the plastic coating around the hoses was completely gone not looking forward to it but am going to try

 

I agree - being nice usually gets me pretty far! (Especially since I don't have many other alternatives - threats and bluster are simply not my nature).

 

This terrifies me. Let me know how it goes and I'll have to take a look at the condition of mine when it finally gets here (Tuesday!). The good thing is, this is my "fun" car, mostly to balance out the annoyingly (mostly) perfect reliability of my tarted up Camry (Lexus ES). So at least I'll have a reliable car to go pick up parts for the XK.

 

Like you this was my fun car I was just hoping to have a little more fun before this happen I found a lot of my parts so far on eBay plenty of websites out there for parts although they do seem to get pricey regardless good luck with yours I'm sure you'll enjoy it

 

Cart before the horse here, but what have you had to replace for your convertible top? Just the hoses or is this a full refurbishment?

 

Norm,

Congrats on the Cat! It sounds like you’ve done all the home work that can be reasonably expected in your purchase. It sounds like a good buy.

Lots of knowledgeable folk here on this forum and they’ve helped me out of many problems including the convertible top hydraulic hoses.

This X100 is relatively a good intro model for home DIY amateur mechanics. If you handy with a spanner and simple electrics, you’ll save a lot of garage costs. For me, I quite enjoy the task of trouble shooting, buying parts and fixing things. No more rewarding feeling then fixing a problem solo.

Good luck with the car. Enjoy it!

 

Just doing the hoses I was going to do the three cylinders but I'm shooting for the hoses first try and keep the cost down the top itself is like new the inside liner is a little dirty but nothing I can't clean I figure if I can change these hoses I'll probably be able to do anything on this car

 

Let us know your experience when changing the hoses. And where you found the replacements and cost. I need to do this as well! Thanks.

 

The last car I worked on was completely analog - 1967 Mustang notchback (200 CID inline 6) - and even that was over two decades ago. So this one is several steps up in complexity and I honestly haven't wrenched in quite some time. The electrics and hydraulics for the X100 are daunting - also the cramped engine compartment. The inline 6 in the mustang was comically small in its engine compartment.

 

I keep browsing around this site and whoa - have you seen @rothwell 's thread? It's amazing. It's perfect. (and with a 2004, just one MY difference vs. mine!)
He walks through everything he's done. Just incredible. Parts, tips, pics.
@rothwell Hopefully I can work up the courage to tackle some of the projects you cover! Most were already on my list.

Thanks!
Norm

 

Just another Boston Guy,

You will LOVE your new XK8 Convertible! You may have a couple hicups along the way but you will be happy every time you put the Key in the ignition... There's just something about having an XK8...Most Beautiful Car in the World! Be sure to send us a bunch of Photos soon!

Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch - Houston

 

Well with that statement i guess you can say we're not in Kansas anymore

 

Congratulations on the acquisition. Once you get yours sorted I have no doubt you will enjoy it.

And thanks for the kind words. Always glad to be of help.

 

When I bought mine, I ask my dealership for the records of the 2006 KK8 VE, the have me a full copy without the owners name and personal information. I had the work shop details, parts numbers, hours and mileage. So ask for them without the confidential information.

Michel

 

^^ I did ask for the records without any personal details being revealed . They refused to provide me with any hard copies stating "that is our policy". As long as they are willing to talk me through the details so I can make the appropriate notes for my files, I am fine with that....