Thinking of returning to a Jaguar
Discussion
Hi everybody. I previously owned a 1997 3.2 XJ8 which I loved (the sound of the V8 when putting your foot down was addictive). But I couldn't live on the knife edge with Tensioners/Nicasil bore issues so I sold it a couple of years ago. I had joined this forum back then and got loads of invaluable advice. I am considering returning to the fold and looking at a 2005 4.2 XK8 (beautiful shape). I have had a quick search around the forum for any issues. They don't seem to suffer any of the previous engine problems i.e. tensioners/water pumps etc. The main problem seems to be the rust underneath. Is it easy enough to spot. The floor pans seem to be an issue, do you just get on your knees and look directly behind the wheel wells. I live in the North of Scotland and have seen one for sale on Ebay. It has a full Jaguar history with one previous owner. I have pasted the link http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-55-JAGUAR-XK8-4-2-A... I'm not worried about mileage too much as I only do about 3500 miles a year just now as I work away a lot. Any advice on what to look for (it's about a 150 mile run to look at the one on ebay) or pointers about buying one would be greatly appreciated. Regards John S
More out of curiosity than anything else, I recently looked at a 2004 XK8 at a dealer (Jag), 1 owner , low miles etc etc. Looked very nice from distance and close up. I was a bit surprised when I looked underneath though, wasn't heavy corrosion, but lots of surface corrosion that, if not properly caught, would not look too pretty a couple of years down the line. Car had full supplying dealer history. Having said that, I suppose some dealers would have covered the underneath in underseal. I got the impression that they had simply received it in p.ex, washed it and put it on the forecourt (oh, and made up a nice price to go in the windscreen 
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There are reported problems with malfunctioning windows (ie don't open or close properly when door opened - they should drop slightly, then return). This one had 1 window which just kept opening further when door opened; just needed rebooting, I was told. Surprised they hadn't done it, then.
Headlamps can mist up (this one also had this problem). There is a fix for this.
I must admit to have been expecting better from a main dealer car, but as i was advised, "it is 7 years old, sir". Hmmm.
Have a search on a few forums, fair bit of advice. Sealed for life gearboxes can also give problems, often around 60,000. Some have fluid changed, even though not a service item.
Engines generally thought to be reliable, with usual servicing caveats.
Having said all that, I still think they are good looking cars (in the right colour).
)There are reported problems with malfunctioning windows (ie don't open or close properly when door opened - they should drop slightly, then return). This one had 1 window which just kept opening further when door opened; just needed rebooting, I was told. Surprised they hadn't done it, then.
Headlamps can mist up (this one also had this problem). There is a fix for this.
I must admit to have been expecting better from a main dealer car, but as i was advised, "it is 7 years old, sir". Hmmm.
Have a search on a few forums, fair bit of advice. Sealed for life gearboxes can also give problems, often around 60,000. Some have fluid changed, even though not a service item.
Engines generally thought to be reliable, with usual servicing caveats.
Having said all that, I still think they are good looking cars (in the right colour).
tonys said:
There are reported problems with malfunctioning windows (ie don't open or close properly when door opened - they should drop slightly, then return). This one had 1 window which just kept opening further when door opened; just needed rebooting, I was told. Surprised they hadn't done it, then.
Having said all that, I still think they are good looking cars (in the right colour).
The window problem would be the battery needed changing, if the voltage drops the windows looks their memory Having said all that, I still think they are good looking cars (in the right colour).
That can be easilly reset
Agree with you, they are good looking cars
A couple of weeks ago I was looking at a 2006 X-type estate at a Jaguar main dealer here in France. The inside of both front door shuts and the top of the bumper below the tailgate were all scuffed to rats. When I asked the salesman if they would sort it out he said no. He said 'it is five years old sir'. Luckily, my legs are still working...
Had a reply from the dealer. I had asked him about floor pan rust and headlight misting. He assures me the car suffers from neither. He claims it also has had the gearbox oil replaced. Only thing left I suppose is to go and view it. It's about 150 miles away, is there anybody on the Jag forum who lives near Airdrie who could have a look for me. I have pasted in the link. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am... Regards John S
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