My new 1998 XK8 thrills me. I have read that the life expectancy is 135,000 miles. It seems short as my other car has 230,000+ miles on it. Looking for advice on things I can do to make it live forever. Replace timing chain? Thank you for your sage advice! David

 

No idea where you got the 135k number from, but there is no arbitrary expiry date. I imagine most people on here are well over that mileage. Keeping up to date with servicing will see them go on indefinitely. Remember that things like hoses deteriorate over time, rather than mileage, so will need periodic attention. You do need to make sure you have the later metal-bodied cam tensioners, otherwise the engine could grenade at any moment, but that aside there are no fundamental issues. Rust, depending on where you are, of course.

But, tensioners aside, it's just a car and will last or not last just like any other car.

 

Look up Trigger's Broom - your car will last as long as you want it to.

 

Yours looks like an early car so would be 25+ years old which is more relevant than miles. My first went nearly 150k miles and was running well when I sold it. My current XK8 has over 100K with no issues.

Tensioners, rubber and plastic bits in the engine bay need to be checked and watched. The 5 speed transmission in your car needs regular service and can be problematic if not taken care of. Otherwise normal maintenance any car would need should do it.

Almost forgot, drive it. These cars do not like sitting up. Put some miles on it on a regular basis.

 

All my running X308/X100 4.0 Jaguars have over 100K miles except one of my XKRs. (81K miles)

My wife's 2000 XJ8 is her daily driver with 180K so I am not worried.

All the AJV8 cars I have needed the fuel pump(s) replaced at about 100K.
All have had timing chains, etc. and the 5HP24s all have forward drums and valve body upgrades.

Once everything is sorted as far as known faults and repairs, they will go years between 'breakdowns'.

 

Brilliant 👏

 

The engines are very good and should be able to do well more than 130k miles. There are a few I've seen with 300k+ miles on them and still in very good condition. It's more the rust that gets these cars than anything else.

 

As others have mentioned, these vehicles need to be driven regularly to keep them happy and healthy....

 

Hopefully, you are able to do some of the maintenance yourself to keep any costs down - you're a forum member so you already have one of the best tools in your tool box. However, I would add a code reader and I can't stress enough - regular maintenance, make sure tensioners are the upgraded metal body, transmission service every 50-75000 miles and most importantly DRIVE IT!!!!!!!! After 13 + years of ownership, currently at 193000+ miles on The Mistress. She's 25 years old, loves to go topless and still looks good.

 

I’ve had my 2002 XKR for about 8 years. It’s been the most reliable 20+ year old car I’ve ever owned. The car came to me with 116,000 miles on it, I’ve added another 82,000 miles, with numerous cross country trips. I just returned from a 48 hour jaunt to Austin Texas, then back to NE Oklahoma. About 1,100 miles total. All smooth driving from a great GT car.

Z

 

I better start driving more - need to catch up to you!!!!!!!!!!

 

if my gas money holds out I’ll hit 200,000 soon. I need a go-fund-me gas credit card.


Z

 

I'm very fortunate to have my 2005 that averages about 26mpg driving locally and better on the interstate. I've heard the 4.2's do better on fuel. The 93 octane hurts a little though.

Jack

 

If well maintained, even if one major thing wears out, remember that it is only one major thing and can probably be replaced or rebuilt for reasonable cost. Often it will be much less than another car, and one knows the car which one is keeping which yields further savings.

 

Next time reach out and I'll treat you to a beer or margarita while we talk cars. Wimberley...40 miles west of Austin.
wj

 

thank you for the invite . Expect my call in about a year when it’s time for my next annual exam.

i lived in Austin for about 20 years, then in Buda for another 6 or 7 years, so I know Wimberly pretty well. A good friend and renowned Texas author also lives there, Joe Nick Patowski,


Z

 

great, Joe Nick lives down the road from me!
wj