This question gets asked here a couple of times a month, or more. There are a handful ofmajor chassis, engine, and model issues. If you want to avoid most of these, start looking a 2003 and up. If you want to get a good deal on an XK8, then start doing your research.

I suggest you search in the XK8 Forum (this Forum) using key words, 'purchase' ; 'new'; and 'problems'. You will find a half dozen complete threads asking the same question as you, plus a couple of dozen lengthy replies.

Also key word: tensioner, nikasil, bushing, thermostat housing, water pump should be enough to get you started. Once you familiarize yourself with the problem areas, anyone of us would be glad to respond to specific questions.

PS. a 1999 w/65k miles for $16000 is not a great deal. I got a 97 w/65kl for $13.5. 1997-1999 these cars are dirt cheap. 2000-2002 fair; 2003 up pricey.

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Note to members: We should have a sticky about this question.

 

I agree with Gordo and also something looks fishey with the driver's seat in the pix.

 

Look in Cars.com for a much greater selection, and mostly dealer sources. Should be a ton if you are looking to go all the way to Atlanta also. Their prices are higher, but remember, that is only a starting point of negotiation. They will come down some.

Good advice above, there are several variations to consider between 1997 and 2006. Do yourself a favor, and get the newest one that you can afford. In this case, newer is better in this model...as 1997 was the first year, and lots of bugs to work out. I would suggest a 2000 and newer just as a starting point. Good luck, and be patient. The perfect one will come along if you do your research and be selective. If you can get a car with an extended warranty, it would be money well invested. Trust us.

 

Do me a favor 90EXP, shorten your link for us by typing in a word like Autotrader, then copying the full link, and hitting the www link icon above, then pasting into the popup box. That way, my lazy butt doesn't have to scroll to the right.

 

I just looked at all the cars in the Atlanta area andbought the best one; 2002 XK8, private party, 40k, new tires, paint/interior perfect, all records,with extended Jaguar warranty in effect for $21k.

Second choice was a 1997 black/tan, private party that was absolutely perfect but the owner would not come off $16k. (still for sale) Car was as nearly new as I have ever seen (included the tow hook and original window sticker); just a few thousand over its market value. I would have been happy to stand up to the early issues at $12.5 - $13k. I really wanted that car to replace my black/black.

Remember that buying from a dealer adds $1000 in dealer profit and $1000 in sales tax over a private sale.

Be patient! The right car, at the right price is out there. Send me a PM and I will discuss the several Atlanta cars I saw.

 

that car looks like its been flooded, just check out the diff variations in carpet color and overall dirty condition on the drivers side footwell...

 

Good choice EXP, keep the faith and be patient. Get the car that is exactly what you want.

 

Good decision!

There are just too many really great, low mileage cars out there. Because of the high dollar, high interest in the XK* there is an aggressiverebuilt market out there. In my Atlanta area search I found two shops that specialized in wreak restorations in not only the Jaguar but several others high dollar cars. Looked at one car that had a perfectely clean CarFax report but obviously had been rebuilt from something slightly above a salvage title. The sales person stated that the car was just not for meand walked off (after I pointed all the body work/paint restoration that he denied existed).

Stay away from them!!!!!!!!!

My car, that was totaled by the insurance company, was sent to an auction site as a 'total' and scheduled for salvage auction and then mysteriously disappeared. You will probably find it in the Atlanta area AutoTrader shortly. If you see a black/black 2000 XK8 I can certify that it was in good condition until it was hit in the left front corner.