My first XK8 is a 1997 with full history. Very well looked after as far as I can see. I just changed water pump as that was told to me and supplied when I bought the car. Also one coil pack and full service kit. Anything I need to be looking for? 76k on clock. Paid £3k for it.
any advice is awesome.

 

Generally recommended to visually verify the Tensioners have been upgraded to the Metal ones on the 4.0L engines. VERY IMPORTANT.

 

Ok I’ll ask the guy tomorrow as I work with him. Also I’ll have a look to be sure.

 

Be afraid, very afraid ...

 

Hi there,

Congrats and welcome to the XK world. You will either fall in love with your car if you haven't, or learn to love/and hate it just as much as the rest of us Lately driving my XK8 has reminded me all the reasons I bought it.

Personally speaking, no matter how well maintained or not your XK8 is, the first thing I would check to see is when the last dealer work was done to it. And no, I don't mean the things that specialists can sometimes figure out, I mean things which only the dealer is really capable of. For instance, check when the transmission fluid was last done by the dealer. Generally, it is a dealer only job since it is a sealed for life unit (yes you can do as some on the forums/Youtube have shown, like Sam), but dealers have access to proprietary computer tools which access the transmission's internal temp sensor. As an aside, you can get these tools, including the VCI to your car if you'd rather do it yourself, but be warned, the procedure of refilling the transmission by the exhaust after the engine runs is a real joy -- Let the dealer tech enjoy it instead IMO!

However it is done, If it hasn't ever been done, please do yourself a favor and get this fluid inspected, and changed before you put any use on it. I recently lost an older Mercedes to a bad transmission and by the time I got the vehicle, the transmission was shot, and the fluid change had never been done. Also, after all these years, check hoses, rubber seals, and all surfaces and hinges. Chances are it's been years since the doors have been greased---I can attest to that with my older Jag XJS, this used to be required maintenance in the book!

The worst repair I ever did on my XK8 was the hydraulic fluid hose for the convertible top system. Obviously, if you have a coupe, it doesn't apply to you, but if you have a convertible, check the fluid level in the boot, and by the overhead console/light in the cabin for leaks...this is a nightmare which can either come in down pours, or a slow little drip, drip, drip....again, speaking from ownership experience what happened to mine.

I could go on and on, especially about plastic timing tensioners for the pre-2000/2001ish models, but I see others have already commented. Hope this somewhat helps. Best of luck with your new gem!

 

If the footwells have been welded then check under the backseat for water which comes from leaking side windows. Slops over into the footwells .
Change the tranny fluid and filter. The oil level should be 6mm above the top mark (advisory on that )
Check for rust on inner sills at the rear .. Get a can of Waxoil and get spraying.
Make sure you can set the windows to drop.
Read this forum every day to pick up information .

Fill in your location in the UK all we know is you trade in £.

 

I’m based in France now. Took the car for a drive and it runs like a dream. I will go through and check all points guys have made if I haven’t done already. It’s had a bit of welding on the n/s seal at the rear. It seems very well maintained. I know the previous owner was a car buff.

 

let me know where you are in france ..the town will do for now ..I come over quite often and could visit.

 

I’m in vouziers, Ardennes region.