Hi guys. I am new to the fourms and new to the world of Jaguars. I am looking at the XK8's and the XKR's. I am trying to keep it around the $15k price range. I was wondering is there a specific year range i should stay away from? Also are there any reliability issues that are known with these cars? Have they been fixed in certain years?

 

Welcome to the fourm.

For around $15k you are not going to get anything more than a 97 or 98, forget about a S/C car. Can you do your own mechanical work? If not, then an earlier car could be a real money pit for you. I do my own work, and will have spent about $2500 (incl $900 for tires) to make dependable and roadworthy a 97 w/ 65k miles in very good condition when I got it.

Reliability issues include timing chain tensioners, nikasil cyl liners, water pumps, convert top mechanisms (hoses), bushings, wheel bearings,and ball joints; and a few simple electical gremlins like the steering wheel auto adjusters. Do some key word searches on these items in this and the other two XK8 forums. You will find there are a number of threads regarding your questions which have been posted in the last few weeks.

Yes, 2003 cars are updated to correct most earlier problem areas.

Best join a forum and read everyday for six months. Then you will be prepared to buy. Otherwise, you are not going to know what the problems look like, how to diagnose them, and what the costs are to fix them.sic, you'llbe winging it, and that could be dangerous to your wallet with these cars. Dealerships smacktheir lips when they see a new buyer in an old Jaguar. gordo

 

Hmm, Ok well i guess i was a bit in over my head with this car. I really love the look of the XK8, but it may not be the car for me right now. I may look at some X-Types though. They can be had for $13-$14k for a 2004 or newer with around 50k miles. That might be a better bet. The X-Type is nice for me cause it's AWD and i live up north but i just LOVE that XK8, Maybe at a later point in my life i will have one when i can afford to put some more time and money in the car.

 

then stay away from the early x's 04 and up is a decent car now.. but the all wheel drive isnt as good as the 1st generation x's