Hey guys. This is one of my first post! I am thinking about a 2001-2003 XK8 convertible and have a few questions.
1. Do these model years have any rollover protection? I'm not a speed demon, but have a four year old that I want to protect.
2. If they do not have any rollover protection, is there any type of aftermarket bars that can be installed?
3. What should I look for when considering the XK8? (Recalls, safety issues, relibility issues, etc.)
4. What kind of fuel economy can I expect?
5. Can you do your own regular maintenance? (Oil, plugs, belts, etc.)

I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thanks!

 

1/ AFAIK the windscreen frame provide some protection...but I am not sure.
2/I am not aware of any aftermarket roll bars and have never seen pictures of any. ( other than in racing cars )
3/2001 MUST have had the timing chain tesnionres replaced at a minumum. I would go for the 2003-2005 models. They don't hve this issue plus they have a better transmission as well
4/They SUCK fuel around town, but do very well on the highway. I routinely get 32-33mpg ( imp ) on long runs
5/Oil , plugs, belts etc are all easy for a mediocre back yard nechanic.

 

You can save some $$$ by getting one of the earlier models vs the 4.2’s. But as pointed out, make sure there are service records showing that the known issues have been fixed. Including but not limited to:
cam chain tensioners
fuel pump(s)
coolant pump
oil cooler (where fitted) hoses
coolant hoses (aka: the octopus).

I found an ‘02 XKR with most of the important issues listed above already fixed pretty easily. So they are out there.

Furthermore, as you are focused on the early years, aka the 4.0’s, I would suggest getting the XKR vs the XK8.

the XKR has some significant part differences that make it a better bet. Notable would be the better transmission on the XKR. The XK8 has A drum transmission longevity issues. As well the variable valve timing complexity a system which the XKR’s do not have. Granted the XKR’s do
have the supercharger, which requires maintenance, etc. But it’s much cheaper to maintain than the 8’s transmission, etc.

just some ideas to kick around…..

Z

 

Recommend looking for an 03-06 (the "second generation"). Harder to find, more expensive but worth waiting for. Better engine and transmission. Also many improvements. Like Zray says, a full service history is crucial. You can tell if the seller (or past owners) took care of the car which makes a big difference w/ these cars. They aren't Toyotas.

Zray - interesting that the price gap between first and second gen seems to be getting smaller. It took a long time to find my second gen's. Maybe lack of inventory is pushing prices up on first gen. Also most people don't know the difference.

 

Check under the backseat for water and under the footwell carpets. Only operate the top with the engine off . Check if you can the age of the battery and all door lock functions.
Make your post description a bit more specific ie " Which XK8/R to buy"

Do you still need a "unicard " to drink in Dallas ?

 

Its also entirely possible that people do their own research and understand that Jaguar didn't magically produce a bulletproof car when they introduced the 4.2. As zray has already pointed out, the 4.0 XKR is every bit as reliable as any 4.2, with the added bonus that if you replace the timing chains and tensioners on your 4.0 XKR, you have brand new ones, rather than the 16+ year old ones on every 4.2 - and another added bonus you will have a Mercedes gearbox.

Likewise the inherent weakness of the 5 speed ZF transmission found on the 4.0 XK8 will quite possibly have been rectified with upgraded parts for many surviving cars, along with other known failure points. But realistically we are talking about cars which are 16+ years old and their current condition, desirability and reliability is entirely dependent on how well their previous owners looked after them.