Hi, Guys

I currently have a 1994 XJS 4.0 convertible and a 1997 XJ6 VDP. I am looking at adding an XK8 to my scuderia. Are there years to avoid (the flip side of this is are some years better prospects than others) ? I know the issues with the early XJ8s with regard to the tensioners . Should I assume that the early 4.0 XK8s share the same weakness ? I have also caught wind of transmission issues in the early years. Are there any other things I should be aware of ? Thanks a lot in advance. I hope to hear back from you guys.

 

I'm surprised nobody has responded yet.

I believe the general consensus is the later 2003-2006 models of the XK8 are considered to be the better ones for your stable (I had to look up scuderia - at least I learned something today). They've got more bugs worked out than the earlier ones (notice I didn't say all the bugs are worked out). You won't have to worry about cam chain tensioners, you get the larger motor and so on.

All that said, I have a 1999 MY and I just love it. If money is an issue, the earlier model years can be had in good condition for well under $10K these days.

 

+1

The thread title doesn't grab attention. Something like 'Looking for an XK8 - any MY best avoided?' would attract a lot more views, advice and opinions.

You can safely assume the XK8 and the XJ8 have the same issue with tensioners.

Going by number of threads / posts, the biggest concerns to owners of the early models are tensioners / timing chains, cooling and transmission. Nikasil liners used to be a plague but any likely to fail will have done so before now. Electronics issues come with the territory with any Jaguar.

A check of the HOW TO section at the top of the threads here will give you good coverage of these and all other issues.

It's a trade-off. The later the model, the more it benefits from Jaguar development work and improvement balanced against the increased complexity (more to go wrong) of a Final Series 2005.

Graham

 

BEG3YRS, Thanks for that. It's pretty much what I had presumed to be the case. The '03 to '04 MYs seem to be in my target $$$ range if due care is employed. The 4.2 is appealing as well. I will keep you guys in the loop as things develop.

 

Graham, Thanks for chiming in. I'm on my way to the HOW TO area now. Peter