Hello Gang,
As an introduction, I am dropping in from the F-Type side to start learning more about the XK8s. I have had a new 2017 F-Type for a little over a year and love it. Since my wife is afraid to drive it (either afraid to scratch it or that it is 'too powerful'), I am looking to replace my 1989 Cadillac Allante' with an XK8. I had gotten the Allante' as a backup for the F-Type but my wife, not be a 'car person' considers it to be just an old car, and since it sometimes has an electronics issue(won't start without some TLC), she prefers her XT5. An introduction to a couple of nice XK8s seems to be a good solution to my problems, short of a divorce(once is enough).
I have about decided between 2004-2008 models for numerous reasons. Now trying to sort through the various other pros and cons. Reading about Aluminum blocks, tensioners, etc. I am very thankful for all the knowledge available here on the forum. As I had told a few newcomers, this forum is the best for learning about our Cats.
As I learn more about what I don't know, I sure I will have a lot of totally idiotic questions to ask as I get ready to "Pull the trigger" on a buy. If it were up to me, I would have 8-10 cars, but space and a happy marriage limit my collection(as well as my bank account). Don't need to hear another "Why did you get this one"? again......

 

2004-2008? That's two entirely different platforms.

In the US, the X100 XK8 ran from 1997-2006 Model Years. I think you mean 2003-2006 if you're in this forum. That's the 4.2L w/ 6HP26 XK8/R. I would recommend that especially if you don't work on stuff as these years are where most of the kinks were worked out; with really the only BIG issue remaining being related to the convertible top hose and thermostat housing; whereas non-SC XK8 models had issues with the 5HP24 transmission, and there's debate on Nikasil cylinder linings (although I'm in the camp of if it's good now, the window of harm is really over). With a 2003 or newer you are guaranteed to have the good timing components, the much better transmission, a good water pump, conventional steel cylinder linings. Even an older R has more issues than a 4.2L 8; despite the T-Stat housing and transmissions are non-issues in them as they are different entirely on 02 and earlier Rs; you still have timing components, water pumps and nikasil (depending on year). If you go into pre-03 years, you have to worry about a lot more nuance of when steel liners were phased in, when updated timing parts were deployed and every single N/A 8 car has that 5HP24 unit.

The next body, the X150 XK ran from 2007-2015 in the US. These are great cars as well but more money. 2007-2009 they had the 4.2L with the 6HP26, like the X100. 2010+ they had the DI 5.0L with the 6HP26. Early cars had issue with the AC Drain and all years can be affected by the fancy adaptive headlight system. Overall, these are more reliable cars than the XK8 platform; not surprisingly so given they are both newer and that early models had carryover drivetrains from the previous model (the V8 was new for the new X100, before were V12s and I6s; and the 5HP24 and 722.6 were new to the marque after a long relationship with GM). They have their issues, but overall are very solid cars.

If you are looking for a lower cost of entry, nice little car to play with; the 03-06 XK8 would definitely fit the bill and be cheap. Really either platform will be a reliable car (assuming the 8 is a later model). If you buy either, GET A MINT ONE NEEDING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. These cars are in the toilet for prices; even a new set of tires can be 15% of the cost of the car. Skip by cars with issues or either mechanical or cosmetic. The price gap between a good car that will be frugal to own, and a "deal" is really a pittance. I do absolutely everything on a car from oil changes to full restorations and even eating every labor cost the parts alone will STILL exceed the difference in price.

 

We may be willing to sell my wife's well-maintained, rather rare white 2006 XK8 Victory Edition convertible. It has been her primary daily driver since we acquired it in February 2012 and she still loves it as much as the day we purchased it. But her transportation requirements have changed in 2018 so she wanted to get back to daily-driving an SUV again. We acquired a 2015 Lexus RX350 for her about three weeks ago and while she wants to keep her XK8 as a fair-weather toy, I prefer to sell it to someone who will drive it regularly. I already know that if we keep it, it will become a rarely-driven garage queen and I do not want to do that. Her XK8 was originally sold in Beverly Hills, CA. It then moved to Jacksonville, FL where we found it, purchased it, and had it shipped here to Raleigh, NC. I have taken great care of it with the assistance of several other very knowledgeable and skilled members here on the Jaguar forum. I have all service records and expense records for the car, including the records pre-dating our ownership period....

If you are interested, PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you the details along with some photos....

 

I would add the (4) oil cooler lines to that short list. And also an expectation to perform a FULL transmission service, parts (pan/filter, connector sleeve, fluid) and software (reflash and adaptations reset).

 

In recent years I've had a 2001 XK8, a 2005 XK8 and a 2007 XK. I would normally suggest either a late XK8 (X100) or an early XK (X150) as equally suitable BUT but this line suggests she wants reliability and you want a quiet life. On balance, the XK is the more robust and slightly less temperamental of the two. Unusually for Jaguar, it was absolutrely right straight out of the box.

I'll retire to a safe distance now having upset all our XK8/XKR owning members.

Graham

 

You're absolutely right though. Other than the preventative stuff such as fluids, filters and belts; the only real niggle on the XK is that drain issue. That's really minor. The oil cooler hoses are a good point, but I don't view that as an engineering flaw, those kind of parts eventually fail and are really a 10 year replacement interval. The oil cooler hoses on my X100 were among one of the easier designs to replace on various equipped cars I've owned.

 

This is why I am coming to this forum. I am getting such great info. So far I am narrowing my search down to 03-07 or so. I think the Nikosil was gone by 03?..I hope to keep mileage below 100K but that is still flexible depending on engine repairs. I do want a convertible, as my F-type is a coupe. I will not likely be making any moves until the Spring,as I have to see what the IRS does to my bank account., so I will be watching the forum, and reading all the threads religiously. Thoroughly appreciate the 'Bible' and the videos posted. Very helpful.