I'm looking for an XK8 convertible for a friend. I found this one on Autotrader.com 1998 Jaguar XK8 $5,950 - Land & Sea Brokers - Deefield Beach, FL 33064-4205 Dealer

I like it, my buddy says the price is right but is worried about the mileage. I know a little about these cars from reading the information on this forum, but I thought a little input from some of you who are more familiar with this particular car/model year would be helpful. Thanks!

Here are some photos:

 

Might want to check CarFax for damage. It appears that the wood dash is mismatched, a certain sign that air bags have deployed.

These cars get rebuilt even after a 'total' accident. Look for a salvage title.

 

good eye test point. It could be the picture but the gap in the hood looks mismatched. Take your time and look her over carefully. A paint thickness meter will identify previously repaired panels. If you aren't comfortable checking the car yourself, hire someone to check it out for you. A couple hundred spent before purchase can save you thousands later. Good luck, hope she is the peach you are looking for.

 

+1 on concerns about possible accident history.

The interior looks very 'tired' (steering wheel, driver's seat, driver's side carpet all well worn, cupholder possibly broken) but the bodywork looks like the paint is still drying.

I never worry too much about mileage on a Jaguar as long as the service history is fully documented. Those of us who drive them regularly have far less issues than the fine weather/weekend drivers.

Graham

 

+1 on all the items mentioned above, especially the difference in condition on the paint versus the interior. Make sure it has a clean title (not salvage). Miles are not really an issue if it has had reasonable maintenance.

Rule of thumb: cheap Jags are never cheap. Dealers seldom sell below what they feel a car can bring unless they have had it on the lot too long or there is some reason they want to make it go away.

Good luck on the search and I hope you find the right one.

 

+1 on everyone. The mileage would not be my biggest concern.

I looked at this dealer's inventory, and it seems the prices are low for the mileage, which looks low for the age as well. My guess is that these cars were bought at auctions, or were cars traded in very questionable condition.

The thing that bothers me even more is why this car is the only one where the pictures were taken inside in the dark? What is showing up in the light?

Just my 2c..

 

First thing I noticed was the hood to fender gap - then the mismatched wood, and of course, the inevitable broken cup holder. The steering wheel looks like crap and the driver side seat shows some separation.

I wouldn't even start with it unless it was reaaaaaly cheap - like maybe less than $̶2̶5̶0̶0̶ $1000. But even then, you're looking at a lot of work and maybe a poor service history.

Then again, if you were planning to do a Chevy V8 conversion, this might be a good starter car. All bets are off if there was frame and suspension damage, however.

 

Wow... just took a look at that dump of a dealership. Everything there is a tired fleet car or some other kind of questionable auction jalopy, indeed. I disagree about the prices being low though. He has some vehicles with over a quarter million miles at prices more appropriate for a hundred thousand miles less. I would run from that guy. Immediately.

 

Thanks for all the great input.

My buddy went to see the car today and got the guy to come down to $5300 plus $500 for his trade (really poor condition 2dr Ford Explorer). I will pass along the concerns mentioned here and recommend that he walk away --- fast!

I hadn't noticed the issues that point to a re-paint or accident. Your input has really helped! Thanks!!!!

 

I m shopping and I think this is the same one I have seen on one of the websites. Same price, same color anyway. If it is the same car it is an insurance total and has a salvage title. Not saying he shouldn't get it but just an FYI.

 

+1 on everything above. I think we're certain by now that airbags were deployed.. but thought I'd point out the airbag on the steering wheel is much lighter than the soiled leather wrapping the wheel... so that would confirm to me that both driver's and passenger's side airbags have been replaced.

Also, potential proof it was in an accident. Listing is gone now, but it still showed up cached on google.. car was listed and sold by JustGoodCars.Com, which looks to be a clearing house for the insurance companies to me.. sells lots of rebuildables among other high mileage, not-so-good, cars. Take a look at the screenshot

Also something I noticed was the discoloration of the plastic over the odometer.. never seen that before. Maybe from the accident.. someone opening up the instrument panel?

Even as a candidate for a small block conversion I'd steer clear of this one... too many things point to a sloppy patchwork job after a wreck. If the interior is that bad, I'd want to see what she looks like underneath. Just my 2 cents... run!

 

I'm hoping the eventual buyer doesn't arrive at the forum as a Newbie.

This has happened with the last two XK8's we have collectively trashed!

Graham

 

My buddy's assessment of the vehicle after seeing it up close was about the same as what we're saying here -- run, don't walk, away from this one!

 

Wise decision - $5300 for that basket case would have been the end of your friendship.

 

One of the best ways to learn about buying and repairing cars is to buy a piece of eye candy that is in truth a smelly old sponge. If the selling dealer paid the previous owner just $1,500 for what's left of that once proud car the previous owner scored pretty well. You don't want to buy a parts wagon. Leave that cat alone.
RB