Wanting to add a XK8 convertible to my garage and see that pre 2002 have provided a lot of problems. On the other hand, they are less expensive !! So what do I do ?? Wait for a post 2002 to come up that I might afford with a lot of milage or go for an earlier model ?? I have an 89XJS 12 and just looking for another to drive.... I do all my own work but am starting to wear down a little and don't need the aggravation ofhaving to tear into the engine for timing chains.... Let me know what you think?? As I value your input.
Thanks,
Ken in WV

 

I am in Cincy. I can provide carfax.

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5469006113.html

 

On the other hand, most serious issues are well documented and very likely would have been sorted by now. You seem to know what questions to ask so you might find an earlier model with maintenance records showing all the recommended fixes have already been done. Of course lots of things also go bad with age more so than use and mileage so there's something to be said for getting a younger car too. But that's where those extra years of value depreciation come into play. If I were looking for a car to drive everyday and use for primary transportation, I'd lean toward the newest I could afford. If I were looking for just a weekend toy, I'd consider older so long as it met my other criteria. Others might be able to address advantages of features by year that would help you decide.

 

CARFAX --->>> For Personal Use Only

CAR DRIVE --->>>
CAR WALK AROUND ---->>>

 

you have an XJS and you're worried about problems? Sure the pre 02s have the timing chain issue but if you get one that has been sorted and most of the maint is done then I wouldn't be afraid of it. Buy the nicest you can find.

 

Yes, I do almost all of my own work (not AC) on the xjs (89 v12) see photo. And I only want an xk8 because I really like the look and I would be driving it more than the xjs, I did not want something major to look forward to having to fix !! For instance, it took me a month to drop the back end to repair bad calipers and do some minor rebuilding of the back end. If I saw a 97 pr 98 and found out that the tensionair / timing chains had not been replaced, how hard and long of a time would it take me to repair and at what cost?? And yes, I have a lift in my garage (makes it easier for this 74 year young body of mine to be under a car !! lol). There seem to be several of the earlier models in my price range but they are way over book when it gets to an 04 or 05.... OK, I have a SUV as a daily driver....
Thanks,
Ken in WV

 

Thanks Phil....

 

Tim,

Thanks.... what is your meaning of discolored driver's seat ?? Also, how is the seat bolster where it wears when you enter the car ??
Ken

 

I've owned my '97 for about 2 months and from reading the various threads and watching the videos, you need to buy rust free southern car #1. One time Timing chain replacements are nothing compared to daily struggles with rusted bolts day in/day out.

Every time I work on my car, I praise the Jaguar gods that my car was from Charlotte and then moved to Texas.

At this point in the X100 XK8 life cycle, any car you buy is going to need $800 - 1200 worth of suspension/brake work unless it has been already done.

 

The tan color of the drivers seat, the part your BUTT sits on still tan but faded I guess the word is what I should use. Nothing is close to ripped, no seems coming apart. Here are some pics of it.

 

Yea I know the feeling of rusted bolts on cars. I hate that, always ONE in a job that makes it a hour fix instead of 20 minutes fighting a rusted this or that. I replaced a 02 sensor on my car, seen so many here wrestle theirs to get them off. Mine are clean, it snapped loose like it was just put in. Now it was hard to get too, that made the 20 min job take close to an hour it seemed. ha ha ha

 

Once the pre-2003 models are sorted they are very reliable. Mine is my daily driver.

The 2003+ 4.2L are nice tho, just more money.

 

If you can turn a wrench you should be Ok. it seems that all the xk8/R all have issues it is how you approach the issue that counts. If you like opportunities an xk8/R is for you..

 

Thanks to all. Just purchased an 04 xk8 that I had a friend look at for me in Texas from a friend of his. No rust, runs and acts well in company, one owner, 118k miles. Will end up costing me 8k, including shipping to me in WV..... Yea !!! Great price, I think !!! Will see if it is still true when I get it !!!!
Ken

 

8k shipping included, that is a very cheap 04 XK8. Be prepared for repairs sooner then later. Any maint history?