Hi everyone. As I have now ceased being an owner o a 2.7d S type I am now hankering after an XK probably around 1997- 2000. Can anyone give me some advice on what to look for etc and any real common problems?. You advice will be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

 

Here's a couple links, it's all been said before, you should look through the DIY sticky it contains a wealth of information on these cars.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...001-xk8-10043/
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-advice-24282/

 

If you can get a 2003 or older. The year cars you are thinking fall in the dreaded timing chain tensioner mess (google it or search it here as there is thread after thred about it here), that unless you find a car with DOCUMENTED paperwork that it has been fixed you are playing with fire not matter if the car has 25k on it or 100k on it, low miles does not mean **** with this issue. It is a weak point in these cars through 2002. If they go while you are tooling down the HWY you are staring at a new motor/rebuild 100% of the time.
You would be wise to buy one that has documentation of any repairs.1997/1998 have known main computer issues can be fixed (250 last I checked), but known.
If you are getting one in that age range and plan to keep it long term plan on replacing everything on the cooling system, hoses, WP, etc. Again search this site, many threads on all of that. These cars especially the 97/98 that have the Nakisil (I think it was those years???) motor, if they over heat you can count on the motor being done. The temp gauge on these are basically dummy gauges and do not warn you of an over heat until it is really to late.
You should really study this site if you don't know these cars, it may scare you but know what you are getting into. You would best served if you can turn a wrench and do most work on your own. Taking the really anywhere will be COSTLY. There are site sponsors that can get ya most any part you need, 10% discount for site members.
Read up on the GREEN SHOWER threads here.
Front suspension, bushings etc are also not real good after all these years even if you find a low mile car. Most will agree that the factory stuff just did not hold up.
Check everything is working, seat move, fog lights, this that. Give em a good going over.
Again, you are best served getting one that has history. Once you OWN one you can try a dealer and see if they can pull any repair history at a dealer, though some really don't do this anymore. Pull a car fax, if ya can't afford 30 bucks for that, Jag may not be for you.
I am on my 2nd Xk8, they are fun cars, most will agree they need to be driven not a weekend driver, they seem to hold up better when USED.
If you look at a car and it has check lights and the like going off, look at another car in my opinion.
If you are really ganna look and I would suggest, if you have a droid phone, getting the TORQUE app from the app store, 4 bucks or so and buy the blue tooth ELM reader off ebay so when you are looking you can see if the owners/dealers are not telling you something.
Not trying to scare ya but many of us have been down the roads I speak about and suggest you read up on the car.

 

I though it was law in Isle of Man to drive a bike!

 

Ha Ha got 4 of them but I do like my cars. Fast ones of course

 

In that case you need to be looking at XKRs. Not only is it fast, but it has the Mercedes gearbox rather than the dodgy Zeppelin one that the 8s have.

 

Thanks for the replies have taken all on board. A question regarding the XKR gear box. I thought the Mercs used the zf box? If so is that not the same make as the XK,s?. After some thought though I do think the XKR might be the way to go.

 

Best thing to do is live in this forum for a while before you buy. I am a fairly new owner of a 2006 XKR Victory. I looked for my car for about 3 years. When I found what I wanted, I bought it. I felt well educated by this forum and went into the deal with confidence. I paid top dollar for my car but it was exactly what I had been looking for. These jags are a blast to own and drive. They ride a little heavy but that is good for me at 62. Keep them in good shape, change that oil often and you will not be sorry you bought one. My biggest suggestion is that you pay the extra and get the XKR and make sure it is 2004-2006. Enjoy!

 

02 and earlier XKR use the 5 speed 722.6 Mercedes transmission which is a very strong unit, 03+ both 8 & R moved to a 6 speed ZF.