Buying an older XK8- Any recommended sellers

[ewan221]

Im looking at possibly selling my boxster and buying an XK8.

I would know exactly where to go if buying another porsche (Hartech, JMG etc) but no idea where to look for older Jags?

Any pointers would be great

[plasticpig]

Arun always seem to have decent stock of XK8's

[pete5570]

Usedjags.com do some nice cars. Tasker and lacey do a few also.

[NormanD]

You could join the XK8R Club www.xkec.co.uk
You could get a lot of info there

I see you are in Scotland, as I'm down south I can't be of much help

[Jaguar steve]

If you're after an older car I'd avoid the specialist car dealers - admittedly there are a few gems here and there but pretty much of what I've seen on their forecourts over the years had been overpriced, high mileage, stone rashed rubbish with a warranty that's less use than a damp paper bag. Independent Jaguar garages that make a living servicing and repairing cars and just occasionally have a couple of cars for sale on the other hand usually have very nice examples - try Les Paul or Wyn Thomas if you're looking in the south east

Ideally you want to find an enthusiast owned car with a massive history and evidence of real care, not a shagged out main dealer px which is where much of the dealers older stock comes from.

Go and have a look of course and blag a drive or two and make your own mind up but in my experience that's not usually where the best cars are.

Maybe start with Robert Hughes, or jagads ( the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club and Jaguar World magazine classifieds ) or see if there's a branch of the JEC in your area and ask if anyone is selling.

Ah...Just noticed you're in Scotland.. this is not very helpful then..

Edited by Jaguar steve on Sunday 19th September 16:46

[deadslow]

Jaguar steve said:

Maybe start with Robert Hughes,

Only if you are a millionaire.

[CarbonXKR]

ewan221 said:

Im looking at possibly selling my boxster and buying an XK8.

I would know exactly where to go if buying another porsche (Hartech, JMG etc) but no idea where to look for older Jags?

Any pointers would be great

Go approved used via Jaguars own website. I bought mine last year and they delivered from Kent to Scotland with years warranty etc.

Jeff.

[a8hex]

deadslow said:

Jaguar steve said:

Maybe start with Robert Hughes,

Only if you are a millionaire.

In my experience he only sells really good cars and so his prices aren't really out of line.

[deadslow]

a8hex said:

deadslow said:

Jaguar steve said:

Maybe start with Robert Hughes,

Only if you are a millionaire.

In my experience he only sells really good cars and so his prices aren't really out of line.

Yes, he sells phenomenal classics with appropriate prices, but his new stuff is way over the top and can be bought cheaper from equally well respected specialists. There are literally thousands of XK8s for sale, unlike XK120s or XJCs. For a newer car, R Hughes simply does not add up imho.

[drummerboyXJR]

In my experience, a phone call to most dealers to enquire about a car, results in very shallow knowledge of what they are selling.
'Have the top tensioners been swapped out and chains done?'....'Its got a good history mate, so im sure the BELTS will have been done'
'Any rust bubbles appearing on the arches?'....'well its a 10 year old car guv, if you want perfection, go and buy a new one'
'Your ad says premium sound, so its got the power amp amd extra rear woofer?'....'its got the CD whatsit in the boot'
Believe me, all genuine answers i have had. Just giving a car they bought down the auctions a quick jet wash, and sticking it up on their forecourt for a grand profit. I think most of us in our day to day jobs have to put a bit more time and effort into what we are selling/making.
Just my thoughts...

[ewan221]

Thanks all, some helpfull stuff. I have no prob travelling for good car lol think 200 miles has been the nearest place in recent years.

Think joining JEC or XKEC is the way to go.

As mentioned will have to sell the Boxster first and its prob not best time of year for that

[Markymark69]

Iv never seen anyone charge like Arun for very mediocre cars.

[macar]

Markymark69 said:

Iv never seen anyone charge like Arun for very mediocre cars.

+1

[pr100]

macar said:

Markymark69 said:

Iv never seen anyone charge like Arun for very mediocre cars.

+1

+2. How do they ever sell any?

[Jaguar steve]

macar said:

Markymark69 said:

Iv never seen anyone charge like Arun for very mediocre cars.

+1

Now it's funny you should mention them on the same thread I'd posted about overpriced, high mileage, stone rashed rubbish. Mind you, they are not alone.

Another Jaguar specalist somewhere - exactly where at the moment is anybody's guess, they keep moving premesis and have recently changed name too - near Bristol comes to mind as well.

No reason not to have a look of course but I'll stick with what I know. If you're buying a newish car it's not usually a problem using a dealer if they've got the car you want but with an older Jaguar you've got to get the very best example you can find and that usually means either paying a premium for a pristine car from someone like Robert Hughes or spend maybe weeks scouring the classifieds and driving all over the county to find that ellusive enthusiast owned one that's immaculate and perfectly maintained.