So I've got a '97 XK8 coupe, not one of the best years to own, but she's been good to us up to now, 158k miles. In the last 3 months, I've replaced both ignition modules and right now she is getting a rebuilt ECM from jagbits and she needs a new anti-lock brake module. She needs a respray, but the interior is very good. My wife likes the design of the car, which is why I bought it for her several years ago, but it's turning into a money pit! As someone who must be passionate about the brand if you are reading this, what would you do if you owned her? Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

Seeing that you have a 15 year old car you are just going to have to expect failures, nothing lasts forever. Now, if you are reasonably handy with a wrench and clever at sourcing parts you can keep the XK8 humming without much expense. It is not a particualrly "exotic" car, all the wear items are readily available and, as you have found out, most things can be rebuilt if need be.

On the other hand, if you are needing the services of a repair shop for most everything a 15 year old car just isn't a good choice period, regardless of the make. Modern Jags don't fail any more or less or in any way different than a comparable year car from any luxury manufacturer.

The styling, however, never fails and is not replacable at any cost. For me, the aesthetic qualities of my XK8 more than make up for it's age and the associated maintenance.

Over a period of 2 years I worked through a series of issues and racked up about $3,000 in preventative maintenance, system upgrade and repair costs. Right now it is a very reliable car and I am money-ahead relative to a newer vehicle. Plus, to me, it looks better and I know I get more compliments than I would in a newer car.

Essentially, happiness with an older car is all about you feel about and handle maintenance.

 

+1 Spurlee. I think you described it very well. That being said, if you do not do your own work, you could upgrade to a 2004 or even 2006 and get essentially the same look at a relatively reasonable price.

The devils in the details.

Good Luck, GSAnderson. Hope you find the answer you are looking for.

Darrell

 

Divorce her and let her keep the Jaguar.

Graham

 

I'd guess the cost of a respray kills it.
Cut your losses and get a 2004/5 as Friarshuck suggests

 

Thank you for the responses. Spurlee made a good point about passion for your vehicle, I own 4 Maseratis and 2 Alfas and know all about putting more money into it than it is worth. But when you drive it... The Jag is my wife's passion, though I like the XK as well, so I guess I'll keep her for now.

 

I had a similar experience a while ago wondering how much I should put into my R. Then one day my neighbor came home in a new Caddilic CTS coupe, and I thought to myself, "well whatever I spend it will still be less than that hideous thing".

Now a twin screw seems reasonable.

 

So...are you keeping the Jag, the wife, or both?

 

Abby's Guy, keeping both...for now.

 

I can fix your abs control module.

 

Being a past 1985 Maserati Bi-turbo owner, I know all about repair costs. I did most of the work myself except the big stuff. I would sell one of the Masers and use the money for the old Jag or buy her a newer 03-06 XKR. Then you can keep the Jag and the wife.

Bill N
03 XKR

 

wcnesta, I can't sell a Maserati, I just took over as President of The Maserati Club-Southeast Chapter. But I have been looking at the 4.2 litre XK8s. A few nice examples out there, but all roadsters. The wife likes the looks of the coupe and she's not into ragtops. So I'm looking.

 

XKR Brian, are you talking a rebuild? The local Jag guy quoted $780. What would you charge me and how long does it take?

 

I had my ABS module rebuilt for $150 at Module Masters. Lifetime Warranty, better than OEM. That fix also cleared up some other electrical issues I was having.

 

I will repair it for $100.00 and it will not happen again unless you have a short somewhere. You would have to remove it from the car and send it to me though. It is not hard to remove.