The old Jaguar XK8
Discussion
Just noticed that there is a hige selection of cars below £10k, high milers down nearer £7k...
I still think it's a lovely shape and quite like the idea of smoking up and down the motorway in an old GT coupe with a V8 up front.
Are they a money-pit at the cheaper end of the scale, or quite robust?
I still think it's a lovely shape and quite like the idea of smoking up and down the motorway in an old GT coupe with a V8 up front.
Are they a money-pit at the cheaper end of the scale, or quite robust?
Matt UK said:
Just noticed that there is a hige selection of cars below £10k, high milers down nearer £7k...
I still think it's a lovely shape and quite like the idea of smoking up and down the motorway in an old GT coupe with a V8 up front.
Are they a money-pit at the cheaper end of the scale, or quite robust?
People run XJ's that are cheaper and essentially the same components underneath. So can't see it being a major problem.I still think it's a lovely shape and quite like the idea of smoking up and down the motorway in an old GT coupe with a V8 up front.
Are they a money-pit at the cheaper end of the scale, or quite robust?
Sure it might not be as cheap to run as a Fiesta, but you wouldn't expect it to be.
I say go for it.
I've been hankering after a XK for years. These guys seem to carry a nice stock of well cared for examples. http://www.nmjags.co.uk/index.php?p=2_1&price_...
JohnnyE said:
I've been hankering after a XK for years. These guys seem to carry a nice stock of well cared for examples. http://www.nmjags.co.uk/index.php?p=2_1&price_...
Cheers for that link, they do seem to have some nice examplesI have started considering these, always liked them but can't quite work out why, but the value for money they represent is astounding
I'm looking at these and RX7's at the moment, 2 very different cars i'll admit
Yup, they are auto only. But my 2002 530i is an auto as well - suits me fine for the daily driver living in the SE.
Appreciate that it won't cost pennies to run one and I wouldn't want to skimp.
The BMW is not cheap to run, but it does seem to be quite a tough old bird and still feels nice and tight.
I'll have to get out a try a few. Do they go baggy with age/miles?
Appreciate that it won't cost pennies to run one and I wouldn't want to skimp.
The BMW is not cheap to run, but it does seem to be quite a tough old bird and still feels nice and tight.
I'll have to get out a try a few. Do they go baggy with age/miles?
sday12 said:
Good thread, thanks chapPost 1999 models have a revised engine with cast iron liners instead of Nicasil coatings directly on the bores, and a more durable waterpump and throttle body. Secondary timing chain tensioners on both engine versions are made of plastic and can fail without warning. The third generation metal bodied tensioners must be retro fitted to all 4.0 engines (£400). Headgaskets will eventually fail if run low on coolant, big end bearings will fail straight away if run very low on oil.
Gearboxes are auto only and are sealed for life. Several have failed prematurely due to lubrication breakdown. Oil can and should be changed in both 'box and 'diff on semi-regular intervals.
Engine and driveline should be silky smooth and quiet. Carefully check for any hesitation, clonks or harsheness in taking up drive or up and down changes - that's a sure sign the 'box is badly in need of an oil change at the least (£200) or completely FUBAR'd at worst (£2k+). Stalling at speed indicates throttle body failure (£1k). Although rare now check early engines for any sign of poor starting from cold or a lumpy idle or oil in the air intake trunking and throttle body - classic symptoms of Nicasil failure. Several engines in early cars have been replaced under warranty with a later cast iron version.
Suspect any of the above? Just hand the keys back and walk.
Floorpans rust badly. Hard driven cars will wear suspension and brakes rapidly. Feel tyres for uneven wear - often a sign suspension bushes have gone. Hood mechanisim on convertables needs a complete oil change and flush. Front is very suceptable to stone chips - if none suspect paintwork has been done so ask why.
Expect up to 30MPG with care, a whole lot less without. Routine servicing is cheap, parts costs are in line with a £50k car if you buy from the stealers, less if you use an indepndent.
Shocks can get a bit clonky with miles and cabin trim is not the best. FSH is essential - try to buy one from a real Enthusiast who's looked after it and taken care of all the issues and chances are you'll be fine, buy a duff one and it'll end in tears.
Gearboxes are auto only and are sealed for life. Several have failed prematurely due to lubrication breakdown. Oil can and should be changed in both 'box and 'diff on semi-regular intervals.
Engine and driveline should be silky smooth and quiet. Carefully check for any hesitation, clonks or harsheness in taking up drive or up and down changes - that's a sure sign the 'box is badly in need of an oil change at the least (£200) or completely FUBAR'd at worst (£2k+). Stalling at speed indicates throttle body failure (£1k). Although rare now check early engines for any sign of poor starting from cold or a lumpy idle or oil in the air intake trunking and throttle body - classic symptoms of Nicasil failure. Several engines in early cars have been replaced under warranty with a later cast iron version.
Suspect any of the above? Just hand the keys back and walk.
Floorpans rust badly. Hard driven cars will wear suspension and brakes rapidly. Feel tyres for uneven wear - often a sign suspension bushes have gone. Hood mechanisim on convertables needs a complete oil change and flush. Front is very suceptable to stone chips - if none suspect paintwork has been done so ask why.
Expect up to 30MPG with care, a whole lot less without. Routine servicing is cheap, parts costs are in line with a £50k car if you buy from the stealers, less if you use an indepndent.
Shocks can get a bit clonky with miles and cabin trim is not the best. FSH is essential - try to buy one from a real Enthusiast who's looked after it and taken care of all the issues and chances are you'll be fine, buy a duff one and it'll end in tears.
I have never driven one, can you explain what they are like to drive?
Maybe if I explain my thinking...
I enjoy driving and would hope to one day have a dedicated track car, when money allows
I've looked at RX7/8 as well and a whole host of cars in the 5-8k bracket
The thing is, a lot of the very driver oriented ones, where do you egt to drive them as intended? I live in SE London and my journeys involve A Roads and Motorways 70-80% of the time so while I would love a focused Rex or a Boxster I cant help feel I would be wasting it
But a nice big comfy Jag that would make mincemeat of the motorway miles and I assume provide a bit of fun if I do hit B roads?
Maybe if I explain my thinking...
I enjoy driving and would hope to one day have a dedicated track car, when money allows
I've looked at RX7/8 as well and a whole host of cars in the 5-8k bracket
The thing is, a lot of the very driver oriented ones, where do you egt to drive them as intended? I live in SE London and my journeys involve A Roads and Motorways 70-80% of the time so while I would love a focused Rex or a Boxster I cant help feel I would be wasting it
But a nice big comfy Jag that would make mincemeat of the motorway miles and I assume provide a bit of fun if I do hit B roads?
I was considering the exact same thing, but have been put off by a couple of things. First, I've driven the newer XK and the new XKR and really I'd always feel like with the normal version I was missing out. I suspect that the same would apply to the XK8/old XKR. Also, the sub 10k XK8s are likely to be the old smokers, and whilst running costs on a big cat are ok (obviously not fiesta money, but ok), the costs of fixing the potential problems on a poor version are likely to spiral to beyond economical repair. Lastly, I'm not old enough. I don't mean for insurance and the like, but being in my thirties, I couldn't get over the feeling that I'd be prematurely aging myself by driving the big jag. Better to wait a few years, til I can afford a better looked after XKR, and am too old for something more dynamic (obviously I have no idea whether this applies to you).
I'm still looking at the Rex (8) - but am still hunting for suggestions on alternatives ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=879... ).
I'm still looking at the Rex (8) - but am still hunting for suggestions on alternatives ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=879... ).
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I've got an R and while supremely comfortable on long journeys it is seriously quick once rolling. It's got a great blend of supple suspension and good body control that few other cars have. Grip limits are high, too high for the flat, narrow seats (mine didn't get the optional Recaros) but still a lot of fun in the twisties. It will cruise at any speed you care to go, and an overtake will find you way beyond the speed limit before you know it. The interior, as others have said, isn't the best but I'm really starting to like mine. I'd look for one without Satnav as it looks like a reject from the Dos age. The stock exhaust is too quiet, but nothing that a pair of aftermarket pipes can't fix. Mine has got a nice V8 burble that gets drowned out by the whine of the supercharger at high RPM. I'm completely smitten with mine now but I suggest you try before you buy as it may not be for you. As Steve said, get one from a real enthusiast or from a Main dealer for the warranty but choose very carefully. They are fantastic VFM right now.
Ephraim said:
I was considering the exact same thing, but have been put off by a couple of things. First, I've driven the newer XK and the new XKR and really I'd always feel like with the normal version I was missing out. I suspect that the same would apply to the XK8/old XKR. Also, the sub 10k XK8s are likely to be the old smokers, and whilst running costs on a big cat are ok (obviously not fiesta money, but ok), the costs of fixing the potential problems on a poor version are likely to spiral to beyond economical repair. Lastly, I'm not old enough. I don't mean for insurance and the like, but being in my thirties, I couldn't get over the feeling that I'd be prematurely aging myself by driving the big jag. Better to wait a few years, til I can afford a better looked after XKR, and am too old for something more dynamic (obviously I have no idea whether this applies to you).
I'm still looking at the Rex (8) - but am still hunting for suggestions on alternatives ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=879... ).
I know what you mean about not getting the normal version. I feel short changed too by anything but the faster model, even if the lesser powered one is sometimes better. I decided in my late 40's that hatches are no longer for me. I'm sure I qualify as the right age for one of these now although I'm sure the demographic for the newer model is considerably younger.I'm still looking at the Rex (8) - but am still hunting for suggestions on alternatives ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=879... ).
unpc said:
Ephraim said:
I was considering the exact same thing, but have been put off by a couple of things. First, I've driven the newer XK and the new XKR and really I'd always feel like with the normal version I was missing out. I suspect that the same would apply to the XK8/old XKR. Also, the sub 10k XK8s are likely to be the old smokers, and whilst running costs on a big cat are ok (obviously not fiesta money, but ok), the costs of fixing the potential problems on a poor version are likely to spiral to beyond economical repair. Lastly, I'm not old enough. I don't mean for insurance and the like, but being in my thirties, I couldn't get over the feeling that I'd be prematurely aging myself by driving the big jag. Better to wait a few years, til I can afford a better looked after XKR, and am too old for something more dynamic (obviously I have no idea whether this applies to you).
I'm still looking at the Rex (8) - but am still hunting for suggestions on alternatives ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=879... ).
I know what you mean about not getting the normal version. I feel short changed too by anything but the faster model, even if the lesser powered one is sometimes better. I decided in my late 40's that hatches are no longer for me. I'm sure I qualify as the right age for one of these now although I'm sure the demographic for the newer model is considerably younger.I'm still looking at the Rex (8) - but am still hunting for suggestions on alternatives ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=879... ).
I will _definitely_ own one sometime... I love the way they look, the way they go, and the fact that they are British. But £8 or 9k is my limit this time, and I think that it'd be better to wait til I can afford better than this will buy me. After all, don't want to spoil the XK ownership experience with bad problems.
Have you ever sat in one? I would advise you to do so before you sign any cheques.
If you are like me and over 6ft then you will really struggle to get comfortable - seating too high and steering wheel too low; proper ballbag rubber. Your head will be about 1mm from the roof if you are lucky.
But hey - look great though
If you are like me and over 6ft then you will really struggle to get comfortable - seating too high and steering wheel too low; proper ballbag rubber. Your head will be about 1mm from the roof if you are lucky.
But hey - look great though
Pig Skill said:
Have you ever sat in one? I would advise you to do so before you sign any cheques.
If you are like me and over 6ft then you will really struggle to get comfortable - seating too high and steering wheel too low; proper ballbag rubber. Your head will be about 1mm from the roof if you are lucky.
But hey - look great though
Second this, for such a large car they are absolutely tiny inside. Definitely sit in one before you get too into the idea, the interior is the make or break on this car. If you are like me and over 6ft then you will really struggle to get comfortable - seating too high and steering wheel too low; proper ballbag rubber. Your head will be about 1mm from the roof if you are lucky.
But hey - look great though
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