XK FOR A YOUNG DRIVER
Discussion
HI ALL 
Looking to spend between £3,500 - £5,000 on a 4.0 Jaguar XK.
Thought it was unrealistic until I got an insurance quote and it came to £1,000.
The question is ...
Are they money pits?
I expect high fuel costs but it's not the kind of car you floor often. More waft around and enjoy the luxery ...
Any opinions appreciated.
90
Looking to spend between £3,500 - £5,000 on a 4.0 Jaguar XK.
Thought it was unrealistic until I got an insurance quote and it came to £1,000.
The question is ...
Are they money pits?
I expect high fuel costs but it's not the kind of car you floor often. More waft around and enjoy the luxery ...
Any opinions appreciated.
90
In the XK8/R Club www.xkec.co.uk we have quite a few young members
OK it's not a Sports car, but they drive well and there are Specilists out there that can also make improvements
You only have to look at mine to see what can be done, I'm now in the process of fitting a Manual Gearbox
OK it's not a Sports car, but they drive well and there are Specilists out there that can also make improvements
You only have to look at mine to see what can be done, I'm now in the process of fitting a Manual Gearbox
You asked if they were going to be money pits and the short answer (if you buy a cheap one) is 'yes'.
That is why they are cheap.
Although saying that, you could buy one at twice the price and it could still be a money pit.
So, (perhaps) buy the cheapest you see (say just for example) £4000, and put another £4000 by to spend when the inevitable diagnostic trouble codes show up and the gearbox goes pop at the obligatory 105,000 miles.
You will have a fabulous car, but remember they are old things now, and you will always be watching the dash for that amber light and 'restricted performance mode' showing up, and believe me, that is a sinking feeling.
That is why they are cheap.
Although saying that, you could buy one at twice the price and it could still be a money pit.
So, (perhaps) buy the cheapest you see (say just for example) £4000, and put another £4000 by to spend when the inevitable diagnostic trouble codes show up and the gearbox goes pop at the obligatory 105,000 miles.
You will have a fabulous car, but remember they are old things now, and you will always be watching the dash for that amber light and 'restricted performance mode' showing up, and believe me, that is a sinking feeling.
SV8Predator said:
So, (perhaps) buy the cheapest you see (say just for example) £4000, and put another £4000 by to spend when the inevitable diagnostic trouble codes show up and the gearbox goes pop at the obligatory 105,000 miles.
Best advice, find a good Independant Jaguar SpecialistGet them to have a look at the timing chain tensioners, maybe change them
Change the gearbox oil and filter, that will extend the life four fold
I'm not old !!
I have to say I wouldnt have an XK8, as I wanted the R. Thats because its a weekend toy.
In short, if you take someone with you that knows the weak points, then you'll get a great car for that money but there are some dogs out there. I have no fault codes or issues, runs perfect (better than factory standard) BUT I have spent some money on it to make it perfect.
If worried, buy an OBD fault reader from ebay for 20 and plug it in before you buy/ on test drive. It will instantly give you the history of fault codes.
For me, the main issue will be rust/condition
I have to say I wouldnt have an XK8, as I wanted the R. Thats because its a weekend toy.
In short, if you take someone with you that knows the weak points, then you'll get a great car for that money but there are some dogs out there. I have no fault codes or issues, runs perfect (better than factory standard) BUT I have spent some money on it to make it perfect.
If worried, buy an OBD fault reader from ebay for 20 and plug it in before you buy/ on test drive. It will instantly give you the history of fault codes.
For me, the main issue will be rust/condition
I've had Jags since i was 21 and picked up a 98 XKR when i was 32 - not old!
As bang for your buck goes I say the XKR is very good value. As people have said buy a good one that has had the tensinors, water pump etc changed. Mine bit me to the tune of £3k a few years back. Running cocts are on the high sides as frugal they are not. They are bucket money but still come with service costs that a £50k+ car did in its day.
Neil
As bang for your buck goes I say the XKR is very good value. As people have said buy a good one that has had the tensinors, water pump etc changed. Mine bit me to the tune of £3k a few years back. Running cocts are on the high sides as frugal they are not. They are bucket money but still come with service costs that a £50k+ car did in its day.
Neil
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