I'm thinking about buying an older (97-2004) model xk8 convertible.....Is there any peticular model year I need to avoid???? Are some years better than others??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

 

Basically the newer the better. It seems that just about every model year there was something that was improved.

2003+ got an all new engine which fixed a lot of issues.

But if you don't mind doing repairs you can get the older ones for very little money.

 

Well, i don't have deep pockets for repairs, thus i'd rather spend a little more up front and buy the right model year. Mostly this purchase will be used as a weekend recreational vehicle........I used to drive a 2003 X-type...never had problems with it really......I just hope a used xk8 will not nickle and dime me....Thanks for your reply...JD.

 

Check these links out:

Link 1 | Link 2

I agree 2003+ are the best, but the earlier cars are fine as long as you educate yourself on the few issues, take care selecting one and perform a small number of preventative actions for those issues.

 

An older Jaguar will certainly not nickel and dime you. Bring lots of Benjamins to the party. Previous comments on 2003+ is good advice. The '97-'02 cars are best owned by hobby mechanics.

 

Love that 02 blue color test point...I just lost a bidding war on a 1997 on feebay over the weekend the same color.....Did they make that color blue in 2003????

 

When I bought my 2003 a couple years ago, I test drove some 2001's as well. but those extra 20 horses (390 vs 370) seem to make quite a bit of difference. maybe it was the torque. I finally went for the 2003, and paid $12K CAN$ more, but it was worth it!!! Even though the newer ones of that shape has 420HP - 2006? (and the 2010 has 510HP), having 390 HP and 400lbs of torque is really nice.
My suggestion is buy as new as you can. Regardless, you should be prepared for some maintenance. in my last 18 months, I have spent $5500 on mine. Pretty much normal maintenance, like brakes and shocks, but I did have a thermostat and auxillary fan issue that I didn't expect. Brakes could run you $2,500 if you go to the dealer (in Toronto, Canada, front pads are $650, rears are $550, and labour is 3.5hrs each end for a total of 7 hours. At $140/hr....you can do the math!). BUT, there is hope. You can always order OEM pads from RockAuto.com or something like that, and just get a local garage to put it on for a couple of hours labour. Then a brake job only ends up costing you about $500!
So buy at least a 2003 if you can afford it, and start being resourceful about parts, and work on finding a good mechanic and make him/her your new best friend!

good luck!
P.S. having a Jag convertible is just awesome! You just cruise with nothing to prove.

 

jdmoney, yes, there are dark blue (pacific blue) 2003 models, the apollo wheels (see my sig) looks really good on that dark blue color. Check out New & Used Cars for Sale, Auto Dealers, Car Reviews and Car Finance Advice and do an advanced search for 2003-2004 xk8s, you'll see the dark blue and the carnival red in the 2004 years had a very unique two-tone interior and some fancy 20-inch wheels, a one-year special model. Well crud, just did the search and there are NO blue 2003s, nor any carnival red ones. Remember, its summer, convertibles are a little more rare this time of year...but wait until late fall, and you'll have more choices for sure!

 

Excellent advice from all......i appreciate you all taking the time to respond to my questions......jd.

 

I spent 6 months researching and hunting and eventually bought one of the last old shape XKRs ever built (Aug. 2005). Kind of says it all really.

 

btw, those prices 996 mentioned for brakes on his XKR, should be much less for an XK8. the two models use different braking and suspension components.

 

I would also recommend going as recent vintage as you can afford. The exception would be between say a 2005 with 60,000 miles versus a 2003 with 30,000 miles--I might opt for the lower mileage.

Also, you may be lucky enough to find one that still has some balance of warranty left on it--well worth seeking this out.

In terms of potential problems, you can use this forum as sort of a window into the future. Any problem that someone has bothered to start a thread about is likely to be a future problem for the rest of us as well. If you did even a small bit of research so far you already know what is likely to go wrong with the convertibles (hydraulic hoses and maybe even pump failure). In the almost 3 years that I have had my 2005, those were really the only significant issues I have had which, luckily, were covered under the warranty that remained on the car.

Good luck.


Doug

 

Oh yeah...you're completely right. The XKR's had the Brembo brake package, so they are a bit more expensive. I'm not sure what the XK8 cost in terms of brakes. Sorry...didn't mean to scare you if you're looking at an XK8.

 

Ouch...I just saw a perfect blue 2004 for sale......until i saw the blue/black funky interior....yikes! I'm not feelin that at all..(But i think i'm gonna stick with blue if i can find the right one)...The search continues!!!

 

jdmoney,

Welcome to a fun journey.

I went for a 2003 coupe. I found one with low miles for OK money but under the certified warranty. When certified warrranty ran out I did take out an expensive extended warranty that has been a real good investment. If you have the opportunity, take it to a trusted dealer and have them give it the once over before buying and get buyer to fund any repairs to your satisfaction. Take it to same place for the pre-warranty inspection.

Make sure you check everything- easy to overlook and $$$:
-automatic headlights on when dark.
-Head rest motors.
-cup holder (useless even when working other than as revenge deviceto anyone you can fit in to back seat).
-mirror covers in visor.
-does nav system have disc and work? disc is hard to get for older models.
-if you do look at pre 2003 verify timing chain tensioners have been changed out (very important).


The newer the better or probably lower mileage post 2003 the better, especially with convertibles as they seem to get a little shakier in front as miles add up.

You will find warm freinds with jags. Lots of help and sympathy for the wallet.

Good luck on your search.
Come to California, rust free cars!

Regards,
Steven

 

I bought a 97 XK8 three months ago in deep ignorance. By a stroke of luck I was able to find a good mechanic here in Eastern Ontario. Now after $5,000 I have a very nice pale blue convertible that is an absolute joy to drive. I'm not sure which will come first, going broke or losing my licence.
First find a mechanic and if possible get him to vet it.
Jack


1997 XK8
1990 SLK 230 mercedes

 

I have long suggested that anyone shopping for a Jaguar work through the Owners Manual and exercise every feature/operation discussed.

A thousand here . . . a thousand there . . . pretty soon you are talking about real money.

 

That sounds like a Portfolio edition. Kind of rare.

 

I agree with you, the black n blue interior (besides being too dark for a hot southern state) is a little excessive.

I'll keep my eyes and ears open if I find any of those dark blue color schemes!

 

theres only one 2003 convertible on autotrader.com at the moment, see below (gauges, no nav). 19" atlas wheels, don't like the chrome though personally.

Cars for Sale: 2003 Jaguar XK8 in HUDSON, NC 28638: Convertible Details - 301718053 - AutoTrader.com

There are many 2002s however, and other 2003s in other colors.