Hello all. My search for an XK8/XKR continues. I have run across the following 02 model with 71k miles. It looks great in the pics (not the 2 pics below but in the ad) but there is a catch - it has a rebuilt title.

2002 JAGUAR XK8 CONVERTIBLE ONLY 71K

The current owner says it was in a wreck in 2010. He bought it wrecked and had it repaired. I have also posted a couple of pics he provided me of it wrecked.

The owner says the airbags did not deploy and that the hood, headlights, bumper, and front radiator support were replaced. Says the fading was from coolant that spilled and then the car sat for a while.

So, would you take a chance and if so what do you think it is worth? While the damage indicated in the pics doesn't look pretty (especially if this was your baby) I don't see why the car was totaled. Am I the only one wondering why it was totaled? I asked the owner and he said he does not know why the insurance company totaled the car.

 

Car looks nice in the ad, do you have any service history on it? IMO it's over priced at $11+K with a rebuilt title.

I just paid 11K for an 03 in great shape, all service records with 86K.

For the right price I'd talked a chance on it if an Indy shop is able to look at it and let you know the condition of the mechanicals but I'd say it's more of a 9K at the most with that title maybe less.

 

Looks like a nice $7000 car. Would only go up to me if you got a lot of the following done, properly rebuilt tranny with documentation, replaced tensioners, you're also at the age that the coolant hoses are going south along with the water pump. Even with all that stuff done, I wouldn't go 5 figures on it.

 

Insurance companies "total" cars for various reasons. I owned a car that had a "salvage" title because it was stolen and was recovered only after the insurance company had replaced the car for the insured owner. There was no damage to the car, but it then belonged to the insurance company since they had paid-off the insured.
If the damaged car has been thoroughly and properly repaired using OEM parts and it passes a critical inspection that looks at possible problems like misalignment and/or bent parts and you can get it for 50% of NADA or KBB value, it should be OK. But bear in mind that you may not be able to get comprehensive insurance (only collision) on it and you will take a beating if/when you sell it.

 

So I have bought and sold a few rebuilt salvage cars including a couple Jaguars. Given the damage, the pictures and description I wouldn't pay more than 7-8K and ONLY if the car checks out in person. I always took pictures of how it looked when I bought it, during the repair process then also showed them the receipts for all the parts that were bought. This all being said I have seen many hack together salvage cars that I am sure end up being someone basket case so be careful.


Remember too, take (least here in AZ its common) KBB good money and deduct from that. This being said, that car here books at 9800...... deduct for the salvage and your at 7800 ish IMHO.


Good luck and let us know. I always (38 years in the industry) tell people if a salvaged car is repaired correctly (and they can be) then there is nothing wrong with owning one. Proof is in the pictures, and receipts.

 

I think the price is way too high for a rebuilt title, it is even high for a clean title. You can get a really nice XK8 with clean history and ~75k miles for about $8k. I bought a nice 01 XKR with 96k and a clean title 2 months ago for $9150. In terms of value I think that car should be $5k or less considering it is a rebuilt title.

That said what really matters is how much you like it, not how much the blue book is. You can certainly find one cheaper but these cars are not everywhere. That car is available now and if you like the color, appearance, and it it is worth the $11k TO YOU I would say go for it.

 

Well here's my take. I purchased a 2001 xk8 convertible with 72000 miles for $8100.00. With the following issues common issues but issues non the less: all top hydraulic hoses bad(Texas Heat), top locking latch leaking, ABS light on, and repaired several leaks(thermostat housing, coolant reservoir, octopus adapter). Oh I also replaced the tensioners as they were the plastic ones. The car looked great and the test drive was great. I Love this car and have tinkered with it(redone the suspension and brake systems). Anyways for that price have the car checked out by a mechanic. Hey how about a 97 for less.
***JAGUAR CONVERTIBLE** XK8* CLEAN TITLE! $5,900
or a xkr for more: ***2000 JAGUAR XK8 XKR 4.0L V8 SUPERCHARGED CONVERTIBLE 79K MILES
Well have fun deciding just be aware of all your choices...

 

I have no problem buying salvaged or rebuilt titled cars, I have purchased many over the years, and they have served me well. But (there's always a big but isn't there), it is way overpriced. There are clean titled, nice cars selling at that price and XKR's for not much more. If you're planning on keeping the car forever, it's one thing, but if you ever go to sell it, it will come back to haunt you. Were it a $5000 car, I'd say go ahead. Over $6K, I'd pay a very little more and buy a clear titled automobile.

 

Rebuilding salvaged vehicles for over twenty years $7000.00 to would be around the top price with a rebuilt title. A good rule of thumb 35% to 40% below Bluebook. Considering the prices of Used XK-8s and R's you can pick up clean titled vehicles for about the same amount of money.

 

Most of the time, I think Forum Members are Low Ballers on price, but in this case I agree that $7000 is tops for a car with that mileage and a rebuilt title.

 

Although most of the time, experienced forum member owners have the knowledge to fairly judge a car's condition, and may be the only ones who would buy something particular like this anyway.

 

At that price you should be able to get a better car with a clean title. There is no reason to buy an XK8 with anything but a clean title since there are many of them available.

Brett