Hi all, love the forum and first time posting.
I am looking to buy an XK8 convertible for a long term keep (and hopefully pass it on to my kid). Not sure which model will be more classic/appreciate over time.
The early ones 98-99 or the late ones 04-05?
The late ones have improved engine/interior/exterior and I like that, but the early ones are so "proper" Jaguar.
Any opinions please?

 

Buy the one -you- like. Most kids don't want the cars their parents wanted anyway.

As far as appreciation - they made about 50k convertibles over the lifespan of the model. They made only about 19k coupes. If you're looking at numbers = desirability/collectibility then there are far fewer coupes than convertibles (vs old days of many manufacturers when there were far fewer convertibles of any particular model made so their prices command higher).

The later models have improved tensioners (but most people have upgraded the tensioners on the early models by this point anyway).

IMO the only true collectible ones (either coupe or convertible) will be ones that are extremely low mileage and barely used - that's what collectors look for. Either that or the limited edition models (Silverstone), or models that are an extremely rare color combination and/or all the available options.

 

Thanks Mike, I get your points and I think you are 100% correct. I do prefer the last runs. Thanks for your reply .

 

Watch this auction - I expect it to go up significantly when it closes tomorrow - due to the rare color combo which many in the comments are discussing.

I think with any car the one that has the most comprehensive maintenance documentation is key - well kept cars will always command a higher initial price due to the fact that it's provable they were cared for. In absence of receipts from a shop, self-maintained cars should have receipts, too.

 

This is lovely, great colour

 

This is perhaps the most important (and often overlooked) factor in what I would be willing to purchase. Lack of documented maintenance is a big caution flag in my opinion. I will take an older XK8/R with maintenance records over a newer one without every time…

 

Yep.

When I bought my xk8 off Bring A Trailer (for only $3700) what keyed me in was the extensive records. Yeah the hood leaper was silly, but quick research showed that to be a $1000 issue - at best - and had nothing to do with the drivability of the car.

When I got it my assumptions were correct - 0 rust or corrosion anywhere. The tensioners were done, though no records - which I suspected to be the case given the extensive other documentation (octopus hose, bushings, shocks, waterpump, sensors, etc, etc).

Runs brilliantly. All I'm doing now is throwing money at -nice to haves- that bug me (cracked trim pieces) and at -want to haves- coilovers, etc.

 

Hi,

Well I have now owned mine for 18 months..yes it is 127K miles, but really not worn out..
Quite often a well used and properly maintained car is better than a used rarely car..

I bought mine having seen full Jaguar service up to 100K, then many bills by the last owner but one..
However It was the colour that did it.BRG, Cream leather..Tan roof..
Infact I did not test drive it..just insisted on a full 1 year MOT.. and drove it home, once ready..
Yes things need fixing over time, but I am a competent mechanic, many years of Kit cars, rebuilds etc. from a young age..

Not much phases me.. just dreading a major electrical fault, which happens with an older and less driven cars just as much!
Mine is convertible, and 2000 model, so better seats, etc. and yes corrosion..never a dull moment..
But it comes down to what a beautiful car for £5000!!!
Good luck..

 

7K Took it home!
wj

 

That car is an exact doppelgänger to our XK8 manufactured a month earlier in October 1998.😁👍

 

you will not wear out a well maintained engine. Before that happens there will be some electrical / computer failure that would cost more to repair than the car is worth. Or some numbskull will run into you and total the car

my 2002 XKR has 192,700+ miles on it, and there are many here on the forum as you know, with cars way over the 200,000 mile mark.

And it’s running just the same as it did when I bought it with 116,000 miles on the clock. Smooth.

Z