Jaguar didn’t stint when it came to equipping the XK8 as standard from the factory. All have leather seats, air conditioning, electric seat adjustment, electric steering column adjustment and retraction when the ignition is turned off, and a decent stereo that upgraded from cassette player to CD stereo in 2000. Some cars will have satellite navigation with a screen integrated into the dash, but this isn’t worth paying extra for as it’s quite outdated by today’s standards.
The first sign of wear will show up on the driver’s seat outer bolster; it takes the most punishment as the driver gets in and out of the car. It’s simple to repair, so a badly worn bolster suggests an owner who doesn’t bother with much maintenance. The steering wheel and centre console’s lid also show up wear quite readily, but the wood veneer in UK cars should be in good condition as it won’t have been subjected to extreme hot weather or sunshine. The Classic option pack gave walnut veneer and a colour-coded dash, while the standard Sport pack featured dark maple veneer and a black dash top. Alternative finishes offered later in the X100’s life included piano black trim and carbon fibre.
Classic interior was available as an option
Look for peeling veneer around the centre console or chips in the veneer caused by loose coins or keys being left here. Also inspect around the gear shift selector for any signs that it’s been removed and replaced to work on the car.
Electrics can be a cause for worry on the XK8,so check everything functions properly. The frameless door windows should drop when the door is opened and then return to their fully extended position when the door is closed. If they don’t pop back up to seal when the door is closed, it could simply be that the battery has been disconnected and the window switch needs to be reset. Otherwise, it could be a faulty motor or switch.
Also make sure the electrically operated aerial goes up when the radio is switched on, the door mirrors adjust at the touch of the switch and the electric seats glide in the right direction when asked.
The last point to check is whether or not the car has two key fobs included in the sale. Do they both work? If not, it means a new battery and reprogramming by a Jaguar dealer, which can be expensive.
Owners Note:
"I always remember the looks I got when first driving down to the marina; you would have thought I was landing in a jet the way people stared. It was a magnificent car with real presence. I ran it for two years; absolutely reliable except for a few annoying rattles which never went, and even though I was only 5'11 I found my head hit the roof - it is quite a small car inside for such a big car."
Martin Kulin