Hi guys,

I am going to start looking for an XK8. I know the car had tons of engine issues early on. Can you tell me what model year to look for, ie when did Jaguar resolve the v8 engine issues?

Also, how solid is the auto trans.. Any issues to worry about there?

Thank much.

 

2003 and later you're pretty much golden with the 4.2 litre engine and the ZF 6 speed auto tranny, although some parts are more expensive. 2002 MY 4.0 liter engines built on Aug 13th 2001 and later have the third generation tensioners and other updates, with the ZF 5 speed auto tranny. The ZF 6 speed has a better rep than the ZF 5 speed.

As an example, my 2002 coupe was dispatched as built Sept 17th 2001 and (according to my dealer) has the Aug 13th 2001 engine build date as the reference for parts which means it's updated. That would be confirmed by my engine serial number of 0109061919, which shows a Sept 6, 2001 build date. I would conclude that very few 2002 XK8 engines are not updated. The XKR's may be another story.

 

Many people on the forum would suggest you go with a car with the 4.2 engine and 6 speed transmission.

I've also heard people say to go with as new a car as you can afford, since the later models are simply more reliable.

It's hard to believe a Jag was close to the top of J.K. Powers' reliability list a couple of years ago. My hat's off to the manufacturer for such a turnaround.

When I lived in Atlanta, many Buckhead wives' best friends were Nalley and Henessey Jaguar dealers' service writers. Since the cars are now much improved, they had to go and find new friends.

 

That is great info. Thanks.

 

What's your propensity for diagnosing and turning a wrench?
It has been said that these cars (the early ones; 97-2000) are best owned by a hobby mechanic. Translation: you can get them cheap. I've now got 47k on mine in the last two years, it's my daily driver. I do enjoy working on it and doing my own maintenance.

That being said, I'll be looking for an 04-05 when my 97 clears 200k.

Mike

 

Hey Dragon Boy;

I went through the same analysis about four months ago....started with looking at 2000-01 models....but after reading up here and in reviews quickly moved up to '03.

http://www.edmunds.com/jaguar/xk-ser...03/#fullreview

http://www.insideline.com/jaguar/xk-...xkr-coupe.html

900 changes to the car overall in '03 and the engine problems finally, and hopefully, resolved by going to 4.2 liters and many technical changes.

I happened to like the design of the '05-'06 better, minus the rubber fangs of the three piece grill....but found a great deal on an '04 Model year that was too good to pass up and will change the grill to an '05 this winter.

For the record the XKR's are only a little bit more expensive than the 8's but with about 40% more performance and about the same mpg if you don't have your boot in it all the time.

There were many problems with the earlier models than '03 and if you can afford to avoid the '96'-02's then you will have a much more enjoyable ownership experience.

But like OJ above says if you are an ace mechanic or have bags of money for repairs then the earlier models can indeed be had for silly prices these days.

Also there were only a third as many coupes built so in some markets they are more expensive than the convertibles.

Finally look in no-snow states, and away from coastal areas for your car....rust is endemic on them, shameful really, but well looked after, ie garaged and not driven in snow/salt conditions will go forever. The Southwest of the US is notable for how many old cars without any rust at all are still on the road.


Skid: I am pretty sure the 5 speed transmissions were from Mercedes not ZF.

And yes they weren't bad except for the tendency to drop into reverse at high speeds....ha.

good luck and as always send photos,

jj

 

Yes, go for a 2003+, but as with most cars, you should really go for the latest model you can afford. The run-out 2005/06 cars are particularly nice, since they get all the 'options' thrown in.

 

Great stuff. I have the dough to buy an 03 or up so I will focus on those. Othe than the obvious, any pros and cons to the coupe vs the ragtop?

 

I went for a coupé because:

- there are more of them here in Europe
- they're cheaper to buy, insure and maintain
- I don't like the way the folded roof sticks up on the cab'
- there's even less room in the back of the cab'

Having said all that, if I was in a sunnier climate, I would be seriously tempted by the cab

 

You can fit the entire Swedish Bikini Team in the convertible....and they will want to be seen in it as well.

The convertible is the quietest I have ever driven, three layer top, can't really tell it is a convertible under 100mph.

But will be the first to admit that with the tops up the Coupe is the sexier machine....course all the fun is getting the tops down, n'est ce pas?

So you have a choice with the Convertible that you never do with the coupe.

It is 35 degrees here today and I have been driving around with the top down in the sunny alps.

They have great heaters and seat heaters.

As for the supposed cowl shake I haven't noticed any of that on mine or even a rough ride with the 20 inch Detroit's, we have plenty of speed bumps in the area but the XKR soaks them up better than any of our other cars here, and I always leave mine in Sport mode, why not?

Which reminds me that the '03 XKR's got the electronically controlled suspensions, no body roll...they corner flat as a pancake...and no shock bounce/rebound at all over potholes etc....though a good idea to avoid those if possible since the 20" wheels are prone to getting dinged.

You will enjoy either one.

PS Froggy you can't see the way the top sticks up on the sides when you are driving it, having too much fun.

cheers,

jj