Hi, to everyone on this side of the forum, I am usually on the XJS side as that is the cat that I have. However, a 2001 XK8 for sale here in Arizona with 64K miles keeps catching my eye.
The question that I have is, if I go and look at the vehicle is there anything in particular that I should be looking for on this model over and above the norm. Seems looking at the posts here that tensioners seem to be high on the list, anything else, such as electrical gremlins, service records/repairs etc.
Any pointers/tips or suggestions as to known areas of weakness or fall-abilities would be greatly appreciated, before I decide whether to view the vehicle.

 

At the top of the X100 forum you will find the "HOW TO" DIY sticky. The very first thread there is links to what to look for on the XK8. IMHO they are a wonderful fun vehicle to have. They are a labor of love and a lousy investment LOL. Remember they are after all a CAT and are prone to clawing, hissing and hairballs, if you fight them you will not win.
Good luck in your search for an XK8.

 

If the motor has had the tensioners done, test drive it on a rough road, shift the shifter to the manual gate and shift it while driving, pull the caps on the front shock towers and check for crumbing foam. Check the brake pad thickness with a flashlight and run a fingernail across the brake rotors to see how badly grooved they are. Make sure both the tilt and telescope on the column work.

Bumps, squeaks, clunks, growls and howls should show up during the test drive. There shouldn't be any. If the spring isolators under the shock caps are crumbling, they will need to be replaced. If you get a check engine light, fault or code during the test drive, know what it is before purchasing.

My car was cheap but nearly undriveable when I bought it, but after a little garage work, its my daily driver. For someone with any mechanical ability, they are not hard to work on and are a great driving car.

 

Thanks to you both.

avern1, I will read the How To Sticky a few times to take it all in.
Ungn, great tips, will keep them in mind if and when I go to look at the vehicle.

It sure looks pretty in the advert, afraid if I go I will fall hook line and sinker, even the wife thinks it looks awesome. I don't mind the mechanical bits, some of the clunks/hoses etc. sound familiar after purchasing the XJS last year. Space is the problem factor as I don't like leaving vehicles outside in the Az heat.

I will update next week if I look at the vehicle.

Many thanks again.

 

Good advice already given.

In addition:

1. Service history - complete with evidence of servicing at 12k mile OR 12 month intervals. Question any gaps.

2. Keys and remotes - one of the most regular questions by new buyers who didn't get a full set (2 x Black master keys, 1 x Green valet key and 2 x Remotes) and get a shock at the cost of replacement keys.

3. spend time to make sure everything works. Use the Driver's Handbook or download it from the forum ( https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...006-faq-67827/ ). Seemingly insignificant faults can often be expensive to rectify.

4. check for missing/damaged trim. Many small plastic parts are no longer available.

Great cars. I've had a 2001 and a 2005.

Graham

 

Nice wheels! (literally and metaphorically). In the advert I spotted a missing cruise control button on the center console, the antenna doesn't retract fully, and the glove box handle appears to be missing. But, given the asking price, that's just being nitpicky. Ask him if he has the Carfax and have it checked out by a specialist before taking the plunge.

 

Shock mounts are definitely gone. The nose down stance is a tell tale sign. The price is right, but knock another $300-500 off for the shock mounts.

23 days on craigslist means it time to swoop in with a lowball cash offer.