XK8/XKR Buying Advice
Discussion
Whato good old English chappies
Heres the situation
Mrs Jagdpanther is now weighing up a few options for her next automotive purchase
She currently has a Mercedes SLK230 Kompressor which she loves and hasnt had any trouble with
The first thing she told me was that she loves and wants a Tuscan
So do I, but without being offensive to TVR's (Cooky will tell you how much I love them) Liv is the kind of person that wants to buy a nice car, run it, have it looked after, but she doesnt want to lavish silly amounts of time on it.
I know not all Tuscans have problems, but I want her to buy a car that she can enjoy and love with a smaller risk of having a bad time with/due to it
Obviously a Tamora was another suggestion, but I think if she goes TVR, she only likes the Tuscans
A newer Merc SLK/SL is a possibility, but shes asked me about Jaguars
Shes likes sporty so I immediately recommended an XK8/XKR
What advice do you guys have about buying these and whats the common faults and things to look out for??
Cheers
~S~
Heres the situation
Mrs Jagdpanther is now weighing up a few options for her next automotive purchase
She currently has a Mercedes SLK230 Kompressor which she loves and hasnt had any trouble with
The first thing she told me was that she loves and wants a Tuscan
So do I, but without being offensive to TVR's (Cooky will tell you how much I love them) Liv is the kind of person that wants to buy a nice car, run it, have it looked after, but she doesnt want to lavish silly amounts of time on it.
I know not all Tuscans have problems, but I want her to buy a car that she can enjoy and love with a smaller risk of having a bad time with/due to it
Obviously a Tamora was another suggestion, but I think if she goes TVR, she only likes the Tuscans
A newer Merc SLK/SL is a possibility, but shes asked me about Jaguars
Shes likes sporty so I immediately recommended an XK8/XKR
What advice do you guys have about buying these and whats the common faults and things to look out for??
Cheers
~S~
Well, now, first off there is an excellent site called xkec, for obvious reasons. There, they are ONLY interested in XK8/R's, and the site is festooned with advice. I advise you to go there. As a non member, you will still get access to parts of the xkec forum.
If you/she are serious, then it is worth investing in the newish Haynes publication, 'your XK8/R - buying, enjoying, modifying', it sets out all the issues. As I recall the main items are as follows:-
1. Nikasil cylinder lining treatment - on pre-2001 4.0 Litre cars this was prone to fail, resulting in loss of compression. The solution is a new engine, and a lot of the cars you see advertised have had new engines fitted at Jaguar's expense. This was due apparently to high sulphur fuel reacting with the coating, but tended to be worse in some areas and also in cars that did not cover a high mileage. Replacement engines have steel cylinder liners, as do all the 4.2 models. This wasn't an exclusively jaguar problem - BMW's had it too, and it has to be said it only affected a relatively low proportion of cars.
2. Rear suspension tends to be a weak point - new shock absorbers/ bushes can be required
3. Timing belt tensioners, particularly on earlier models can fail over time again knackering the engine. XKEC recommend that you have them upgraded to a later steel type, whether they are working or not.
4. It pays to make sure that the car has a full service history and has been looked after. If they have been accident damaged they are more likely to rust, as you might imagine.
It seems to me that if you buy a well looked after model with a relatively recent exchange engine you are going to have a very nice good looking car very cheap - I have seen them for less than £10,000.00. This is something which in the cold light of day and ignoring badge snobbery is imho better looking than a DB7 and mechanically similar. On the other hand you may feel inclined to go for as recent a one as you can afford - its all about getting a nice one. The R if you haven't driven one is very fast. I believe that reliability is excellent. Like most big Jags its like being on a very fast magic carpet. Handling is predictable. Unlike a TVR it won't kill your wife. I don't know if that is a requirement.
If you want something more hard edged, then there are a number of companies who can service your needs. Racing Green, Paramount Performance, Elite & Performance Jags, can boost the supercharger, fit intercoolers, lower and firm up the suspension, fit a sports exhaust, alter the steering and lots more no doubt for somewhere around £5000. You will then have something which will see off a TVR. Though I admire the Tuscan I wouldn't have one.
I am a devotee so don't take my word for it ask some others.
If you/she are serious, then it is worth investing in the newish Haynes publication, 'your XK8/R - buying, enjoying, modifying', it sets out all the issues. As I recall the main items are as follows:-
1. Nikasil cylinder lining treatment - on pre-2001 4.0 Litre cars this was prone to fail, resulting in loss of compression. The solution is a new engine, and a lot of the cars you see advertised have had new engines fitted at Jaguar's expense. This was due apparently to high sulphur fuel reacting with the coating, but tended to be worse in some areas and also in cars that did not cover a high mileage. Replacement engines have steel cylinder liners, as do all the 4.2 models. This wasn't an exclusively jaguar problem - BMW's had it too, and it has to be said it only affected a relatively low proportion of cars.
2. Rear suspension tends to be a weak point - new shock absorbers/ bushes can be required
3. Timing belt tensioners, particularly on earlier models can fail over time again knackering the engine. XKEC recommend that you have them upgraded to a later steel type, whether they are working or not.
4. It pays to make sure that the car has a full service history and has been looked after. If they have been accident damaged they are more likely to rust, as you might imagine.
It seems to me that if you buy a well looked after model with a relatively recent exchange engine you are going to have a very nice good looking car very cheap - I have seen them for less than £10,000.00. This is something which in the cold light of day and ignoring badge snobbery is imho better looking than a DB7 and mechanically similar. On the other hand you may feel inclined to go for as recent a one as you can afford - its all about getting a nice one. The R if you haven't driven one is very fast. I believe that reliability is excellent. Like most big Jags its like being on a very fast magic carpet. Handling is predictable. Unlike a TVR it won't kill your wife. I don't know if that is a requirement.
If you want something more hard edged, then there are a number of companies who can service your needs. Racing Green, Paramount Performance, Elite & Performance Jags, can boost the supercharger, fit intercoolers, lower and firm up the suspension, fit a sports exhaust, alter the steering and lots more no doubt for somewhere around £5000. You will then have something which will see off a TVR. Though I admire the Tuscan I wouldn't have one.
I am a devotee so don't take my word for it ask some others.
cardigankid said:
Lots and lots of usefull information
Thanks for that lot..just read through it and it seems that the problems they do suffer with isnt that much for concern
I still dont understand why Jaguar didnt learn from BMW's mistakes with the Nikasil issues which plagued earlier V8s from around 92 onwards on the BMWS!!!
I'll take a look at that site to when I get a chance
Again thanks
kryten22uk said:
Are you looking for new model or previous model?
It would be the previous model that we go for if she decides she wants one
My advice.
Living in France you will look like a King driving around in an XK. (Where the heck are you gonna find a TVR dealer to do the inevitable repairs in France!!!!) From my experience, pay the extra go for the 'R, post -2001 (first facelift- jewelled light clusters.) Decide on the 4.0ltr 5 spd or the 4.2 6 spd. I can honestly say I preferred the 4.0ltr, but the MPG of the 4.2ltr is a lot better on the m/way. Then get one with ALL the extras - Limited edition models eg. XK100, XK400 or XKR-S. Plus make sure its a convertible!
£25k-40k will allow you to buy anything!
G
Living in France you will look like a King driving around in an XK. (Where the heck are you gonna find a TVR dealer to do the inevitable repairs in France!!!!) From my experience, pay the extra go for the 'R, post -2001 (first facelift- jewelled light clusters.) Decide on the 4.0ltr 5 spd or the 4.2 6 spd. I can honestly say I preferred the 4.0ltr, but the MPG of the 4.2ltr is a lot better on the m/way. Then get one with ALL the extras - Limited edition models eg. XK100, XK400 or XKR-S. Plus make sure its a convertible!
£25k-40k will allow you to buy anything!
G
triple7 said:
My advice.
Living in France you will look like a King driving around in an XK. (Where the heck are you gonna find a TVR dealer to do the inevitable repairs in France!!!!) From my experience, pay the extra go for the 'R, post -2001 (first facelift- jewelled light clusters.) Decide on the 4.0ltr 5 spd or the 4.2 6 spd. I can honestly say I preferred the 4.0ltr, but the MPG of the 4.2ltr is a lot better on the m/way. Then get one with ALL the extras - Limited edition models eg. XK100, XK400 or XKR-S. Plus make sure its a convertible!
£25k-40k will allow you to buy anything!
G
Living in France you will look like a King driving around in an XK. (Where the heck are you gonna find a TVR dealer to do the inevitable repairs in France!!!!) From my experience, pay the extra go for the 'R, post -2001 (first facelift- jewelled light clusters.) Decide on the 4.0ltr 5 spd or the 4.2 6 spd. I can honestly say I preferred the 4.0ltr, but the MPG of the 4.2ltr is a lot better on the m/way. Then get one with ALL the extras - Limited edition models eg. XK100, XK400 or XKR-S. Plus make sure its a convertible!
£25k-40k will allow you to buy anything!
G
I think you misunderstood sir, Im hoping to buy a TVR 400SE, not a speed 6
Repairs shouldnt be that frequent
I dont know what her budget is at the moment..somewhere in the region of 25k probably with a trade in on her Merc if she decides to part it in!
Let me start by saying I love TVR's.........................BUT.....................
Whilst they are great cars for driver involvement and just the sheer road presence and the fun of driving them, there were also many 'downsides' to ownership. Mainly these were the sheer cost of getting any work/servicing done on them but also trying to get parts was a frustrating experience. Also since TVR went pop I am sure that spare parts availability could become an even bigger problem?
This was one of the mail reasons I went for the Jag when I sold the Cerb, as I wanted the power, fun, reliability and also easy parts availability that they have (which is still a novelty on the rare occasions when I go and buy something!). If your wife fancies a soft top, buy the convertible, if not buy the coupe, either the 8 or the R would be a good buy as there are plenty around and neither are exactly lacking in power, comfort or equipment!!
If TVR could sort out the parts and general servicing issues (and costs - I could have run a Ferrari and spent less money on servicing and parts) I'd have another, but as they could not do that in the past, I doubt it will get any better now.
Cerby4.5
Whilst they are great cars for driver involvement and just the sheer road presence and the fun of driving them, there were also many 'downsides' to ownership. Mainly these were the sheer cost of getting any work/servicing done on them but also trying to get parts was a frustrating experience. Also since TVR went pop I am sure that spare parts availability could become an even bigger problem?
This was one of the mail reasons I went for the Jag when I sold the Cerb, as I wanted the power, fun, reliability and also easy parts availability that they have (which is still a novelty on the rare occasions when I go and buy something!). If your wife fancies a soft top, buy the convertible, if not buy the coupe, either the 8 or the R would be a good buy as there are plenty around and neither are exactly lacking in power, comfort or equipment!!
If TVR could sort out the parts and general servicing issues (and costs - I could have run a Ferrari and spent less money on servicing and parts) I'd have another, but as they could not do that in the past, I doubt it will get any better now.
Cerby4.5
Edited by cerby4.5 on Wednesday 25th April 10:38
Edited by cerby4.5 on Wednesday 25th April 10:39
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