I have an opportunity to buy one below the $9550 MSRP. My garage already has a 1992 XJS V12 convertible.

What are the gotcha's on an XK8? How do operating & maintenance costs compare? Short rounded hood aside, will I like it?

Please educate me on 'modern' Jags. Thanks!

 

Can't comment of a comparison to the XJS but there are hundreds, if not thousands of folks on this forum that think highly of their XK8/R. The 'How To' sticky at the top of this forum provides an alphabetical list of links to just about any subject you can think of.

The two big issues with the XK8/R are the plastic cam chain tensioners that have a nasty habit of failing ruining the engine and the convertible top hydraulic system. The extensive electronics of this series can also be problematic.

Parts are readily available from multiple suppliers but are typically Jaguar expensive. Jaguar resolved issues and provided improvements year by year so that by '03 they were very reliable automobiles.

Good luck in finding just the right car.

 

Awesome buy if the cam chain tensioner have been done and the water pump has been replaced. Both have plastic parts. If not you will have to add that to the cost. Also the convertible top has some issues with the hoses getting brittle and leaking. Believe me I'm not trying to chase you away from it but if these problems have not been addressed it will add to the cost.
BTW I love the short round nose.

 

1. Secondary Cam Chain tensioners (97-02), change the spark plugs while you are in there.
2. Plastic thermostat housing
3. Water pump, plastic impellers
4. Convertible top hoses
5. Coolant expansion tank
6. Various coolant hoses that fail with age. (any car of this age will have issues) tunnel hoses and spider hose.
7. Rear view mirror repair, (dragon's blood)
8. Sealed for life transmission, fluid change, a-drum failure
9. Code reader for your tool box
Budget yourself 1-2k dollars for these upgrades if you have opposable thumbs and can follow directions, more if you go to an indy shop, and a lot more if you go to the dealer.
I completed all of the above last winter, (except the convertible hoses, mine haven't failed yet!) (Mirror is this winter, along with tranny fluid change) This summer I drove over 10,000 trouble free miles, and enjoyed every minute. It's an amazing car that takes a bit of regular maintenance and upgrading. Go in with your eyes wide open and you won't be disappointed. I've never regretted buying mine and I get a lot of exercise parking far, far away from other cars.

 

+1 on the advice given.

In my case - I jumped at the chance to get my 2000 XK8 before I knew the forum existed. Price and timing were right and it was - a JAG.

I have been pleased with her performance as my daily driver for the past 32 months (41K miles added to her 91k)

with the help/support from this forum, have been able to accomplish most issues myself.

 

I had a '91 v12 and now a '99 XK8. I had the "91 for just shy of 200k and now have 151k on the '99. The v12 was a maintenance hog!!! The cost of maintaining the '00 will be about 30% of the v12. You will have to get use to just riding and smiling instead of what will I fix this weekend.

 

+1 on Fulton's list of potential problems. I bought my 2000 XK8 after research on the forum. Due to shoulder problems, I couldn't do the work myself, so I brought the car and list to an indie Jag mechanic. After writing a hefty check, I got the car back and boy does it run! If you can drive that car without a big grin on your face, you're a better man than I am.

 

Hi,
I just acquired a 2000 xk8 with 72k miles and love it so far. There have been many Saabs in my garage over the years so I'm used to Euro cars.
I'm looking forward to trouble free miles ahead since most of the problems on Fulton's list have already been addressed. The exhaust is original so it will probably be due for replacement soon. There are lots of interesting enhancement possibilities that I'll be exploring.

Gary G

 

There were early siiues with engines loosing compression due to high sulphur content in gas and Nikasil lined bores. It seems all that were going to fail have done so allready.
Compression check will eliminate any doubt. Also research engine number cutoff for production of the steel lined bores. 2000 willput you close to the safe side.
How many miles in the car you are looking at?