Discussion
You will want to know what tensioners it has, whether they have been changed to the later metal ones. (not sure what year they were changed). Ask if the gear box oil has ever been changed. Sealed for life officially but it is recommended to get it changed at around 60k.
Check all the electrics work. check for uneven tyre wear. Check for rust on wheel arches and try to have a look under the seats on the floor pan (from underneath)for any signs of corrosion around the metal plate. I have found loads of really useful info on the link below.
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-17/xk8-x...
Check all the electrics work. check for uneven tyre wear. Check for rust on wheel arches and try to have a look under the seats on the floor pan (from underneath)for any signs of corrosion around the metal plate. I have found loads of really useful info on the link below.
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-17/xk8-x...
Take your time, see a few and find a good one. Do not buy a tatty scrapper.
1. Check for corrosion on the underside, particularly on the wheel arch lips, the sill flanges, and round the rectangular plate below each footwell. They almost all go there, and the solution will be to cut out and replace a section of each footwell. Also check over the condition and serviceability of the suspension components
2. Is the car clear of any Nikasil problems? At this point it probably doesn't have them or has a replacement engine. Either way you are better to know.
3. Gearbox oil, supercharger oil should be replaced.
4. Hood, if a convertible should work reasonably quickly and smoothly, and hydraulic fluid tends to solidify so this should be replaced as well.
5. Water pump may be worth replacing along with thermostat.
6. Timing chain tensioners, as previously mentioned, should be upgraded to last (2002) type.
7. Everything should be in good condition and work. Do not believe that all of these cars have tatty defective interiors, there are quite a few good ones - it is a combination of mileage and care.
Finally, I would recommend that you get an experienced XK8 engineer check out the car you select and give you a report. And watch out that he doesn't give you a good seeing to as well. You may wish to consider upgrades like a sports exhaust and various people can crank up the supercharger for you. If all works out, you should get a very serviceable and most enjoyable car to drive.
1. Check for corrosion on the underside, particularly on the wheel arch lips, the sill flanges, and round the rectangular plate below each footwell. They almost all go there, and the solution will be to cut out and replace a section of each footwell. Also check over the condition and serviceability of the suspension components
2. Is the car clear of any Nikasil problems? At this point it probably doesn't have them or has a replacement engine. Either way you are better to know.
3. Gearbox oil, supercharger oil should be replaced.
4. Hood, if a convertible should work reasonably quickly and smoothly, and hydraulic fluid tends to solidify so this should be replaced as well.
5. Water pump may be worth replacing along with thermostat.
6. Timing chain tensioners, as previously mentioned, should be upgraded to last (2002) type.
7. Everything should be in good condition and work. Do not believe that all of these cars have tatty defective interiors, there are quite a few good ones - it is a combination of mileage and care.
Finally, I would recommend that you get an experienced XK8 engineer check out the car you select and give you a report. And watch out that he doesn't give you a good seeing to as well. You may wish to consider upgrades like a sports exhaust and various people can crank up the supercharger for you. If all works out, you should get a very serviceable and most enjoyable car to drive.
cardigankid said:
That reminds me. Why not avoid some of the problems and buy a later 4.2 model like a limited edition Carbon or XKR400.
3 years trouble free, I had with my Carbon. It went to a good home but yes, definitely worth paying extra for the later run-out 4.2's with no issues.......Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff