Yup, bought my 03 XK8 for 10999 with 106000 on to odometer.

 

And for a contrast I paid $5k for my '97 XK8 with 97k miles several months ago and it hasn't needed any serious yet. I still have to check the tensioners and replace if they are still the old style type.




Dave

 

I commute about 60 miles per day here in the UK in all weather (bar snow) and the drive has gone from a chore to a pleasure. I'm a 1st time Jag owner and kick myself that I didn't get one sooner, as it really is a dream drive. I've always been more into motorcycles than cars so it takes a lot to win me over on 4 wheels but the XKR did it the moment I started it.
I'm glad I bought the XKR rather than the XK8 - although I don't use the extra performance that often it really is great having the option, and the scream from the supercharger is addictive. I'm a ham-fisted mechanic so get most of my work done by a good independent garage which came well recommended and have no real complaints, as the servicing and labour costs are no more expensive than my previous car, a Renault. Some parts will be pricey wherever you get them from - tyres, pads, discs etc... and others can vary wildly (Replacement antenna from Jag - £360, pattern part - £13) so worth asking for advice on this forum before buying parts!
Just my opinion, hope it helps.

 

I've just recently taken the dive into jag ownership myself. i've detailed my experience elsewhere on here. but might have some relevant experience to share!

I've not had a great time with mine, but I made a few key mistakes. I missed a couple of telltake oil leaks, suspension clunks and a lack of the two most recent services in an otherwise flawless document pack at point of purchase...

I also think I overvalued the very low mileage on mine. IMHO these cars do need to be driven regularly and do not benefit from sitting idle for long periods or being use don short trips (if not properly mothballed). Mine had not done more than 3,000 miles per year ever and did less than 1,000 in the two years before I bought it. I think this caused the engine, gear box and suspension rubber parts to perish.

The previous owner then did not fix these issues promptly, which caused all sorts of vibrations/ odd wear etc which in turn created loads of secondary issues with steering oil coolers etc.

However these are now all almost fixed and the car runs beautifully. I use it 2-3 times per week mainly for mid length journeys like you are planning. I am shaping up to put 5,000 to 7,000 miles per year on it which I think is probably about right to keep it all running well. I recently returned from 3,000 miles around europe in all weather and the car now runs, if anything, better than it did previously...

My advise would be go for it. But do your home work: Check the documentation, get an inspection and get under the car to check seals and suspension etc with an expert... go for a car with a healthy amount of recent running and repairs too.

Find a good independent Jag specialist, avoid the dealers, most won't have experience of cars this age and thier issues, they mostly won't fix parts just replace and the jag parts they use are hideously expensive...

My father has had quite a few jaguars in his time, and from his experience at no stage was he not presented with a short list of fixes needed at the annual service, but if you keep up with this stuff, they are rarely more the £800 - £1,000 worth. if you leave them to be come bad, expect multiples of this figure as I have had to pay.

Still LOVE the car however and would not now be without it, esp as the worst seems to be behind me, touch wood.

 

Thanks again everyone. I'll be going to have a look at a 2000 XK8 on Saturday. We'll see how it goes!

 

Please tell us how it goes.


Mark

 

Welcome to the forum! I'm the proud owner of a 05 XKR which had been trouble free for 6000 miles. I purchased it in this June with apprx 79k miles. It's been a blast...

I have changed the rear brakes, replaced the rear tires, changed fluids and got an all wheel alignment... other than this maintenance I'm loving it!

As mentioned above put aside some cash in a rainy day fund.and you'll be okay.

 

Are you shure TAN not SDC/coffee?

 

Its SDC but the interior looks more Tan than Coffee to me..



Dave

 

I llike this colour combination, looks great.
For me its the "Original".

 

Welcome to your first post. You've got the " bug" I agree, a Jaguar Xk8 makes you feel good. I just love diving my '99 XK8.
I also agree it may be a good idea to enjoy the Xk on occations as to preseve the enjoyment. Complicated, refine vehicles are finicky.
I happen to have a fleet of vehicles. My " kitty" enjoys a warm garage and driven in utmost conditions of enjoyment. I too would recommend a second daily driver.

For affodability, I use Haggerty Insurance for less the $ 250 per year with limited mileage . My daily driver is less finicky and this process works for me. Happy motoring. Rich

 

That is my favorite color combo also. My XJ6 had the same combo also.




Dave

 

Buy it and drive it the way it was meant to be driven by the blokes who designed it - fast. I'm convinced a lot of the issues these cars have is from sitting under a cover or in a garage for 8 months a year and NOT being driven the way they should be. My '97 coupe is like an aromatherapy zen garden on wheels. It never fails to put a smile on my face every time I get in it. After replacing all the OEM stereo speakers, it also has the best sound system I've ever heard in a car. Of course, the cherry on the top is that this is without a doubt the 2nd or 3rd most beautiful car ever conceived by the mind of man. Find a local indy mechanic who knows Jags, and you'll have no worries. Happy motoring!

 

I echo the consensus here. As for winter driving, mounting tires with a "softer" compound may help in sub-freezing weather. According to Experian, the average monthly payment for a new car auto loan rose $11 to $471 in the fourth quarter (2013). In my view, spending $1,000 to $1,500 a year for maintenance on my '03 XK8 beats $5,600 in car payments in a year, while driving one of the most beautiful vehicles ever designed. For some "serious" winter driving, just mount the body on a Ford explorer frame like in "Die Another Day". Cheers!