I bought Pandora at a bargain price, knowing that there would be some issues to fix. There were, and more than I had hoped, but fewer than I had feared.
However.....reading this forum I get the feeling that even after sorting out all the problems the mechanic and I can find, plus a nice new paint job, I'm going to have nothing but trouble with her.
I had a 2002 convertible about 10 years ago, and other than a couple of teething problems, new snorkel, upper tensioners replaced, I had no problems for the couple of years I owned Miss Kitty.
So I figured, that once Pandora was all sorted out, there's just be the odd maintenance problem that these cars are prone to.
Reading this forum one gets the impression that I'd be lucky to get a week or so without making repairs just to keep it on the road.
I never see posts here about how great their cat has been.... Nobody bragging?
Is it really that bad???

 

Everyone says that when they run they run great. Just make sure all the major items are fixed before driving it or a several hundred dollar repair becomes a several thousand one.

 

2004 XK8 well over 200,000 km , wife and I have been all over eastern North America . done road trips of over 9000km in a month. All I do is sensible maintenance for any 18 year old high milegae vehicle. Best car I have ever owned bar none....there ! How's that

 

Mine has been a great car also. About 130K miles. Starts right up, convertible top still works and looks great - I did install the pressure reducing valve.
Mine is a daily driver and has done some distance cruising. It seems the more you drive them, the less problems you have. So, get out there and drive it
before it falls apart. :^)

 

Forum people tend to want to help others with solutions to problems so the forum loads up with problem posts ..its the same for land rover etc.

 

As the saying about the little girl goes, "When she is good she is very good, but when she is bad she is Terrible"!! These could be about XKs.

Few of us bought our XKs to be 'no problem, daily drivers'. If you do not want to tinker with your 'Toy', buy a Toyota Camry. My 2006 XK just turned 100K. Over the last 3 years I have had it painted, replaced the gauge package, and dash wood, CD changer(3 times), and numerous small items. I drive it almost daily but only short distances(20 miles or less avg.). It was originally bought as a back-up for my F-Type, but then I sold the F-Type. Waiting to replace it, so the XK is taking up the slack.

Great Car, but it does need a bit of TLC regularly. This forum is the best place to get answers to all questions XK related.

 

Don't let the forum fool you. People post here either when they have a problem or the great forum members post to try help solve someones problem. I also have a '97 coupe and it's been a great car. It's my summer daily driver and never has a problem with start up after her winter hibernation. I put around 5000 trouble free miles on mine every summer cruising around western Canada. There are a few members, myself included that have posted about their great adventures with the car. Drive it as often as you can, you have nothing to fear but fear itself.

 

Search my posts then. Usually nothing but “…ho hum, another 1,000 mile trip in a wonderful GT car….”

I bought my ‘02 XKR with 116,000 miles on it. The previous owner had just fixed the tensioners. Now four years later I’m at 176,000 miles and have had a ball sitting behind the wheel.

Nearly every dollar spent has been for regular maintenance or consumables like tires, and brake rotors / pads.

The car is my daily driver and has taken me on several cross continental trips. No hiccups, just fun. Without a doubt, the most reliable 20 year old car I’ve owned.

Z

 

The Mistress is 22 years old and loves to go topless - MY 2000 XK8 daily driver still going strong at over 188K miles on her. Have had her 10 years and put over 97000 of those miles on her myself. Does she have issues on occasion but nothing this forum hasn't helped me fix and if beyond my skills - I do have an excellent indie that takes care of her. Currently in need of paint but otherwise a satisfied owner/driver of an great car
- longest I have owned a vehicle and still puts a smile on my face every time I hop in and crank her up

 

Only real problem I have is rust. I need to get a second car first then I can get all the rust sorted out.

 

I learned the hard way NEVER search the internet for medical information. The only people on the web posting about their medical problems are the ones who have some rare condition that defies diagnosis. They're out of work, despondent and nothing to do but seek out commiseration from fellow sufferers. The people who went to their doctor, got treatment and got better aren't posting on the web about it. They've already forgotten the whole incident and went on about their lives. Just do what the doctor tells you and don't worry about it. Car forums are kind of the same thing except that our disease is most like alcoholism. There's a lot of people logging on for the first time in search of repair advice for their broken Jaguar or worse, a newby looking for pre-purchase advice. We just can't resist the urge to warn them off so that they don't get addicted like we did.

 

Bought my '97 as a very rough basket case a few years ago ($1800). After sorting out all the issues, it's been flawless for the last 18 months. Much more reliable than my Mercedes! Lots of projects to keep you busy, but once sorted I think you will enjoy.

 

Not to worry. This forum is mainly (not entirely) about how to DIY so it is filled with how to fix whatever. The positive side is that there are so many Jag lovers that DO their own repair and if you are that kind of person, there is a wealth of information here. I know, at first it looks like everything in the world is wrong with these cars, but it just ain't true. Be happy. Don't worry.

 

ZRay,
An excellent answer to a serious question.

 

I got my XKR almost 5 years ago and it has been 100% reliable driven lightly ~20k miles. I am doing routine front end work at the moment to replace sagging springs and strut tops causing inner tire wear and found a bent rim which was done by previous owner since I never hit any potholes (had it repaired locally for $115). Otherwise I replaced a clogged windshield washer check valve and just changed the oil and filters.

Solid, beautiful old car and a bucket list purchase for me that I have not regretted for one minute.