Hi Guys,

Hope you dont mind me joining your forums as part of my investigations pre possible ownership.

I currently have a 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster which I have to confess, I love to bits. I have owned her since 2010 when I bought her with only 11,000k on the clock, and it's still got sub 40,000 now.

But.... I love cars and as a result, I can't stop window shopping.

The 350Z being a 2 seater, but we do also have a 4x4, but sometimes the 2 seats is "awkward" to justify.

Looking around at potential replacements for the zed that have 4 seats, and trying not to spend more than I'd get for the zed.... nothing excites me. Except the Jag.

To me it has the looks of a classic and is the kind of car I'd buy and leave un-molested as nothing needs doing to make it look or drive "better".

But in my budget I'd be looking at late 90's - 2000 models.

So I guess I'm asking, even sticking to "australian delivered" cars not imports.....will I possibly be buying into trouble I can't afford?

I assume an XK8 would be cheaper to look after than an XKR? Or is that a false assumption?

What should I look out for?

I note a couple I've looked at of the same age stated "Transmission has been re-built". Is that a common issue?

Also 1 stated "timing chain and tensioner upgraded"...again...common?

Forgive me but I've been cutting my teeth the last 7 years on Jap cars and now it once again feels like I know nothing.

Hope you can help.

 

As others will soon tell you, you have come to the right place. There is a difference in maintenance costs of the XK8 vs. the XKR, supercharger addition and the upgraded brakes, but generally not a big difference. Jaguars can be very reliable, especially the V8s in these models, if maintained.

Since you are looking at the early years, there are some issues with the 4.0L models. The main ones are the secondary tensioners (made of plastic and they crack) and the A-drums on the transmissions. The tensioners can be a DIY job if you are mechanically inclined. I cheated and had someone do mine, but it was not expensive.

If you look at the "sticky" links on the main page, you will see a DIY link. Go there and find "I’m buying a used XK8/XKR, what should I look for?". It has two links that will guide you in your search.

Good Luck and happy hunting.

 

cheers mate. Will do some reading and explains why Ive found several that have had trans re-build.

The one for sale in Perth has had the tensioner upgrade and is for sale at a jag specialist. The big shame is it's got the teal interior and I'm sorry....it's just....yuk.

 

Thanks again for pointing out the links in the sticky in DIY section.

The info was gold but even more so was a comment in 1 of the users signatures about the definition of insanity being doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

I used to own a 180SX which I loved to bits. Sold it for a 300ZX Twin Turbo because I thought I wanted/Needed something more than I already had.

The result was 2 years of costly regret.

Thinking of selling a 350Z I love, for car I think will be "better" but will be older and more costly to keep on the road..... I'm getting de-ja-vu.

So I think for me, I need to slap myself with a fish, wake up, and realise that the grass is ALWAYS greener and actually just enjoy and appreciate what I have now.

Still love the Jag....but sorry....not for me at this stage.

 

The XK8/XKR has rear seats but almost no legroom. OK for small children but useless for adults. I have my driver's seat right back and this leaves less than 6 inches between the seat back and the rear seat cushion. Best you try one for size to make sure it meets your needs.

For regular issues on this model, check the 'HOW TO' thread at the top of this section or click on this link:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ts-data-29800/

This covers all the usual suspects.

Graham

 

Cheers mate but see my post above. Think I've made my choice to stay put in nissanville for now.