After 7 years with two XK8 Coupe’s, it’s time for a change. The Frost Blue 2005 XK8 4.2-S has been sold.



My previous 2001 Sapphire Blue 4.0 litre Coupe had covered 44K miles in 5 years including 5 European trips to France and Italy.



The current 2005 4.2 litre Coupe has covered 10K in 2 years including two trips to France and Spain.



Both cars were from main Jaguar Dealers and came with a full service history. The 4.0 litre was supplied by Stratstone Jaguar at Weybridge in Surrey and the 4.2 supplied by Parks Jaguar at Ayr in Scotland. Servicing has been carried out on time elapsed basis at 12 Month intervals.

Over and above scheduled servicing, repairs have been typical of the regular faults discussed on the forum:

2001 4.0 Litre
Battery
Rear bumper brackets (one broken - replaced both)
Camshaft cover oil seals (LH leaking - replaced both)
Serpentine belt
Water pump
Thermostat housing & thermostat (housing cracked – replaced Thermostat as a precaution)
LH upper wishbone (cracked)
Upper wishbone bushes (twice)
Throttle body

2005 4.2 Litre
Seat module (driver’s)
Seat module (passenger’s)
Solar sensor
Battery
Driver’s door switch pack
Heated seat switch pack
Door latch micro switch
Airbag control module
LH upper ball joint
Upper wishbone bushes

The 4.0 Litre left me stranded once with a failed Throttle Body. The only difficult issue with the 4.2 was an Airbag warning light which took 6 months to resolve. It turned out to be a fried control module but it needed AutoEnginuity with the Jaguar Expansion Pack and a set of borrowed occupancy sensors to find it!

I’ve enjoyed owning and driving both cars and would gladly have either model again. Although the 4.0 gave me less trouble in repairs, the 4.2-S Final Series (same spec as US Victory Edition) benefited from development and had all the options fitted. The 6-Speed transmission tips the balance to make it my favourite of the two.

The only thing I would avoid in future is split rim alloys. The 4.2 was fitted with Sepangs which look beautiful but are a poor quality alloy. The inside flanges on both front wheels were corroding badly and would have needed replacing within the next twelve months.



Two new front wheels are £1500 and refurbishing the rears to ‘as new’ to match is another £350 which makes these a very expensive option to maintain.

So it’s GOODBYE to the XK8.

However, I’ll not be disappearing. The replacement is a 2007 XK in Indago Blue with Ivory interior.

I hope the rain holds off this weekend so I can get some photos for an updated SigPic.

Graham

 

WHEW! I thought you meant you were leaving! Glad you're still here!

Mike

 

...I thought that too, but then the pm was designed that way, very funny Graham....lol

For me its always a time for excitement and happiness , but also tinged with a little sadness, I'd guess you're the same?

The outgoing car looks great Graham, someone will get a good car thats been loved n looked after.

Congrats on the new one and look forward to seeing the pics etc.

Best

Jim

 

I expect we all have previous cars we wished we'd kept.

That's one of the attractions of the forum for me. Reading and posting in the model tech forums brings back happy memories of all the Jaguars I've owned and driven.

Hindsight dulls the pain of some of the frustrating repairs!

Graham

 

Nice upgrade!

 

I'm going to have to start following you on the X150 page to see how the transition goes!! I was seriously looking to trade up a few years until I had my 2002 painted. Just be sure to throw in a few "I really miss my classic XK8" once in a while!!

 

Good luck! Let us know who your next gen compares with our gen.

Doug

 

No doubt about that!
Will we see the new owner on the forum?
When are the first pics of the new car coming?

 

Good luck on the new XK and remember you are always welcome on the X100 forum. You have been more than an assets, you've been a friend. Stay in touch.


Mark

 

Phil,

Certain to miss the XK8. I still haven't got over my E-Type and that was sold forty years ago!

Graham

 

The next owner will probably turn up in the New Member Area in a few weeks time complaining about the neglected XK8 he's recently purchased!

Graham

 

and.....don't forget me !!!! I also had the "fried" OPS module that i think i helped you find.
Glad your not going too far from the forum...the next fault is just around the corner and we need us owners to keep all our cats on the road.
All the best TS

 

Nice!!!

 

Trevor,

You certainly did help me find it ( https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...59/#post732827 ).

That one was a potential car or bank breaker!

Thanks again,
Graham

 

First Frog, now you? At least you're still remaining in the Jaguar camp. Am I the only chap with a sky blue Jaguar xk100 coupe left on the forum? Sure feels lonely here... LOL, just kidding. I wish you lots of luck with your new car - hopefully the repairs will be few and far in between. Take care.

 

Graham-

Very relieved to hear that you're not leaving the forum. Your service to this group has been exceptional, and greatly appreciated.

Best of luck with the new toys.







.

 

Don't forget us. You've helped me plenty of times. Good luck with your newer model.

 

Congrats Graham, and please continue to check into the XK8 section from time to time. Your troubleshooting knowledge and experience is irreplaceable, and we all constantly benefit from your participation....

 

Graham, glad you're not going too far afield, and just stepping into a more modern version. I continue to lust after a 2006 frost blue coupe, so be glad there's one left on the forum or I might have had to post badly.

Good luck with the new Jag. It's a beauty.

 

Mike,

Before buying the XK8, I wasn't too impressed with Frost Blue from the pictures I'd seen but it does look superb 'in the metal'.

Graham