Discussion
Hoping to buy an XK8 soon. Budget is <£18000 so it will probably be a 4.0. What should I go for? a newer car with more miles or the lowest possible mileage? I know sevice history is important. Is it worth paying main dealer prices for the warranty or are these cars reliable? What should I look for when I go to view ?
Any help appreciated
AndrewL
Any help appreciated
AndrewL
As I put on another thread contact and join www.xkec.co.uk we have members in your area and a very active members only forum.
Good luck in your search, for 18K you should now be able to get an 'R' the extra BHP makes quite a differance.
Good luck in your search, for 18K you should now be able to get an 'R' the extra BHP makes quite a differance.
I don't think you can get an XK that is earlier than mine:-) It is on a P plate with 64,000miles, I have put around 5,000 miles on the clock since I brought it and haven't had an ounce of trouble with it, oh I tell a lie, the front near side ABS sensor wire came adrift but I simply plugged it back together and it has been fine ever since. The engine was a bit noisy on start up, thus I changed the secondary timing chain tensioners, I would advise all owners to do the same as they were a weak point right up until turn of the century.
Alastair
Alastair
Andrew...
...go for it
They are fantastic cars and a great way to get into superb luxury GT motoring for Mundano money!
If you trawl through some old posts you might find some more info, and also check out www.xkec.co.uk/xkforum/ for some friendly advice.
Essentially there are some basic rules:
You are looking at a NIKASIL lined engine for that age, which if driven stop/start and fed with poor quality high-sulphur fuel in late 90's, may have eroded the bores. Get a 'blow-by' check done and ask for the reading. Anything under 40 is a pass, but I would look for one with less than 20 to be safe.
A rattle from cold start-up may indicate secondary tensioners are on the way out. If they have damaged the primary chains as well you will be looking at a bill over 4 figures to put right and total engine failure if not corrected!!!
Check servicing records.
Water pump vanes have been known to fail causing overheating. Take it for a proper long test drive.
That said, an XK will put a huge smile on your face if you do your homework and find the right one.
I am not too far from you if you fancy a drive out and need any more advice.
I have one of the earliest ones, a late '96 Coupe now with 75k mls. It had 62k in Jun04 when I got it for less than £17k...and a blow-by reading of 15
Rgds
...go for it
They are fantastic cars and a great way to get into superb luxury GT motoring for Mundano money! If you trawl through some old posts you might find some more info, and also check out www.xkec.co.uk/xkforum/ for some friendly advice.
Essentially there are some basic rules:
You are looking at a NIKASIL lined engine for that age, which if driven stop/start and fed with poor quality high-sulphur fuel in late 90's, may have eroded the bores. Get a 'blow-by' check done and ask for the reading. Anything under 40 is a pass, but I would look for one with less than 20 to be safe.
A rattle from cold start-up may indicate secondary tensioners are on the way out. If they have damaged the primary chains as well you will be looking at a bill over 4 figures to put right and total engine failure if not corrected!!!
Check servicing records. Water pump vanes have been known to fail causing overheating. Take it for a proper long test drive.
That said, an XK will put a huge smile on your face if you do your homework and find the right one.
I am not too far from you if you fancy a drive out and need any more advice.
I have one of the earliest ones, a late '96 Coupe now with 75k mls. It had 62k in Jun04 when I got it for less than £17k...and a blow-by reading of 15
Rgds
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