2. Avoid the convertibles. There seems to be a lot of hassles with it.

I can't agree with that. The only known issue with the convertibles is the tendency for some of the early models (and a few later ones) to burst the hose fitting at the latch above the windshield. Either preemptively replace that hose, which is a DIY job, although somewhat time consuming to route the new hose to the trunk, or do nothing and have some paper towels handy in the glovebox in the event you do get the leak. Another alternative is to install one of the suggested fixes you'll find discussed in the forum, one electrical in nature and the other a type of pressure reducer valve.

A convertible greatly widens your choices. There were far more converts built than coupes for a reason: Nothing beats top-down driving, period. Nothing. Of course, some misguided souls will claim the coupe to be a tad prettier, but don't let them sway you.

Don't rush. Read as much of the forum as you can, especially the 'stickies' and you'll be an educated buyer. A good buy? Depends if you are comfortable driving the hottest car in your town.

 

Thank you for all your kind responses. It's good to know how many others out there appreciate "art on wheels!"

I think I'm getting the idea: 1) Mileage is not as important as proper maintenance, 2) Do one's homework, 3) Get the prospective car checked out by a Jaguar dealer, 4) Drive it regularly to keep everything running properly, and 5) Just do it -- life is short!

I've spent the last 22 years building a career and caring for a family (including little kids now), so the whole idea of doing something for "me" is a little new. My wife is pretty excited about the Jaguar idea, and that's a great thing (of course, I have to pay for her camper/vacations/etc.!).

In terms of maintenance, there were several mentions of, "Plan to do the maintenance yourself, or else owning an XK8 might not be the best idea." I'm a licensed aircraft mechanic, although that's not what I do for a living. Point is that I've got a very thorough mechanical background, but I lack the time and tools to do auto maintenance on my own. So, maybe I'd just have to be ready to pay a mechanic to do any such work.

 

On the DIY maintenance topic, I would say that it isn't quite so black or white. I enjoy doing my own maintenance but there are some items where I don't have the time or facilities to do it properly and go to an independent that I trust.

Dealer service can be expensive but I haven't found independent Jaguar specialists to be much different in price from any other import mechanic. These are people trying to make a living like anyone else and generally have comparable hourly rates.

There are special tools and skills required, so a specialist is highly recommended, but on the average, I wouldn't say that parts are more expensive or that these cars are more difficult to work on than other brands.

As others have said, take your time, read up, be thorough and know what you are getting into. But don't be afraid of these cars, they can provide hundred(s) of thousands of enjoyable miles when in the hands of an attentive owner.

 

For reasons of health, I don't do my own maintenance any more but have a great independent (and Jaguar Forums member) that takes very good care of my car for a very reasonable price. Once you drive one of these cars, you'll never look back and almost every place you go, you'll get complements. Bemers and Mercs are great cars but a Jaguar has a soul!

Mark

 

I was going to suggest the same thing exactly. Back in my youthful days of the 1970s when cars were simpler and I had all sorts of time on my hands I would frequently do my own work on my cars (up to a point). I have found with getting older when it comes to almost anything anymore I would rather pay someone else to do it, especially when it comes to modern cars which require specialized tools and a lot of spare time.

So for the last several cars I have owned (Audi, BMW, Corvette, Acura) I have had great luck searching out quality independents who are reasonably priced. The independent I recently found to service my Jaguar seems great so far.

Doug

 

I've read countless hose/etc problems with convertibles on this website so no I don't agree there. And yes the coupe is better looking, the converts look cut up to me, breaks the line of the car.

 

Sorry got to disagree. I personally don't see the point of the coupe. I personaly would buy an XJ if I wanted a roof on. Same running gear and equpment - bigger car.

In my humble opinion a true British Sports car or GT is a rag top convertible.

There's a reason more convertibles were made, they are more fun to drive and twice as cool in the car park as the coupe. Particularly if you fit WhiteXKRs remote control roof kit.

Also in my three years of ownership the 13 year old top is up and down 4 or 5 times a day (unless its raining/ snowing or less than 4C) and there has never been an issue with it. Dont forget for every bad news story on here theres 10 of thousands of the opposite.

The only down side is your also on display with the top down. So I wish I was 20 years younger and many pounds lighter, so I looked more of a match for the car!

regards

 

2. Avoid the convertibles. There seems to be a lot of hassles with it.

If there are hassles (I haven't had any) they are well worth it.

 

2. Avoid the convertibles. There seems to be a lot of hassles with it.
Disagree...

Mine is in the shop right now with leaky convertible hose and ram issues. I will pick it up tomorrow.

Writing the check for my repair bill might be a little painful at first...but when I put the top down, climb behind the wheel, and go for a cruise...there will be no pain...no hassle...life will be good, again!

Cheers!

Jon

 

I have an XK8 convertable. I've had it for a couple years. I bought it cheap and put a lot of money in it. I thought it would be fun to work on and maybe it would be worth what I have put in it. I used this forum as a guide what to fix and what to change. I get compliments every time I drive it. But..... I have also found a few people who see this forum as a advertisement of all the things that go wrong with the Jag. I now have major blow-by. A new engine is major money. I went to see what I could get for trade-in on a rice burner. They offered me $4,500. The guy at the dealer counted off on his fingers all the things that go wrong with the XK8. He has read the forum too. It is the best looking car I have ever owned or ever will own, but I am sorry I got involved with it.

 

No issues with my XKR. More reliable than my old mid 2000 vette, one of the most reliable cars I've owned. Go for lower mileage if you can.

Maintaining the car myself was a big selling point for me, the XK has widely available parts, guides, and a community of people that work on them. They are relatively easy to work, definitely from this category of a car (think 911, SL500). I'd rather have to change the timing chain tensioners than to pull a 911's gearbox to fix a rear main seal leak, or having to fiddle with the SL's hydraulic suspension pump system or electrical gremlins anyday. And you're right, these are beautiful cars (I suggest the coupe, but I'm a bit biased ).

 

Just thought I'd chip in here. Despite having a few small 'niggles' with the XK8 - it's the best purchase I've ever made. Was pretty much on impulse - I was going to buy a boring 'normal' car and just happened to see the lovely black XK on the web... 4 hours later I'd bought it! No regrets!

 

My wife is pretty excited about the Jaguar idea, quote

Thats the way it starts, then they want to use the car to go to the store, get their hair done and so on. Now she drives it to work daily and still runs as many errands as possible. I get the car on Fridays on my day off, to get it washed, waxed and so on. I pick her up for lunch and the first comment she makes, oh it looks so nice would you mind leaving it for me!!! Best of luck and I would not have it any other way. Jim

 

Like with any car, if you do your homework and have the car inspected by a "good" Jag mechanic, you'll be OK.
I have a 2005 XK8 that I just purchased and it's great.
I've had two Jag's prior to 1990. Both had "major" mechanical/electrical problems. After Ford took them over that all became history.
They are beautiful, fun, great driving automobiles that I think you'll be very happy with.

 

I traded an HD Road King for my 98 xk8 convertible. Had 40k miles on it. It had 2nd generation tensioners that i swapped for third. $650. I had some relays go out and the seat belt latch malfunction. The new seat undercarriage cost me $450. I have no mechanical skills at all. I just know what I like. I love this car, and while it is not perfect, I know the feeling is different than climbing into my Lincoln Blackwood, which, IMO is the prettiest pickup ever built. The truth is it is not cheap. If I had to worry about paying the bills, this is not the choice I would make. But as long as I don't, this car will be in may garage because, IMO, it is the prettiest car ever built.

 

Here's a guy who likes living on the edge!

Doug

 

Of course your top is always up and down, you live here in the UK. If it is not raining now it soon will be!

 

I got my Kitty in March - she's a convertible (and I'm working on her top today), and even though I've put nearly as much into her as I paid...

Every sunny day
Every hugged curve
Every head turn
Every comment
Every turn of the key

makes it MORE than worth it. It's like I'm 16 again and love driving for the sake of driving.

Most of what I've put into her is Labor. With the major issues she had, I didn't feel at all confident about tackling tensioners, cogs, all the hoses... as my first project.

Love Love Love my Kitty!

 

So would there be an optimum year of car to purchase then where it's old enough that the price is affordable against new enough to be reliable with any initial faults manufactured out.

Looking at cars for sale in my region, there are quite a few 2002/ 2003 vehicles for sale from £7-8k ($10-12k) with mileages from around 60k upwards. Anything newer than this is tending to get a bit pricey but by 2002/3 were they pretty much a sorted car?

Dan

 

Hey, at least it's not Italian! ;^) I've got 95k on my '98 convert and love the car, drive it every day.
I do most of the wrenching if not to strenuos .