2000 XK8 purchase advice

[nickco201]

What would be your opinions on the purchase of a 2000 or so Jag XK8.....? I would love an XKR but a nice one is around 25K or so while I an get a nice XK8 for around 15 or so. How do they drive ? Reliability ? Any major problems? Also any major differences from a 1997 or so to the 2001-2002 range ? The other major cars I am looking at would be a E46 BMW 330CI sport pack, Porsche Box, Merc SLK 320. How does the jag compare ?

[Triple7]

New to Jags? You can easily get a nice XKR for your money and is the only way to go. Go for 2001 or newer as the earlier cars had issues with the nikasil engine liners. You can get these engines checked, but saves the hassle. 2001 cars also have a face lift with tweaks. Look out for XK100 Ltd Edition. I had this car and it gas all you could ever ask for as standard and it only comes in black! They are rare, but aren't impossible to find. They are usually up for £15k-ish now.

The only other thing to be wary of are the timing chain tensioners on the 4.0ltr cars, they need to be changed for the latest generation ones, if they haven't already. As the engine can go pop. Other than that, make sure full service history, looks suitably loved and sub 100k on the clock.

[nickco201]

Here is one that I was looking at. MY99 but only 25K miles.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car...

[Triple7]

Ahh, you are in USA.....Certainly looks nice and tidy. You need to put some bigger wheels on it. As has been mentioned a car with so few miles may not be showing any nikasil issues and I'm sure the timing chain tensioners are original, so both these would need investigating as they can be very costly to replace the engine. Other than that, the only other things that will probably need attention is the waterpump (blades on pump break with age), the engine temp thermostat (can break) and maybe some of the suspension bushes may have perished (cheap rubber). Also make sure everything works. The convertible roof hydraulics may give you issue so check these out. Aside from that they are great cars, and with that sort of mileage and having checked out those items highlighted, you should have a great car.

Edited by Triple7 on Sunday 9th August 16:45

[nickco201]

Ah ya forgot to mention being in the US. A big thanks for the advice. If I did buy It I would put a sport exhaust on it... perhaps a blueflame... cant be too expensive but it would be neat if it sounded anything like AM V8 vantage.

[Triple7]

Very easy to make these cars sound glorious.....

[nickco201]

haha whats in your opinion the best way to make it sound better ?

[markgregory1]

Send me your email ([e-mail]) and i'll provide you with some puchasing advice, if that helps?
www.xkec.co.uk

Edited by markgregory1 on Monday 10th August 10:46

[Jimbeaux]

My best advice is to get a 2003 or newer one. Different Engind, better transmission, etc. Can be had for around $23,000.