'96 XK8 - what to look for?

[mark387mw]

Here in NZ is an early XK8 for sale at a independant dealer. I'd like to think all would be good from a specialist but what do I need to know with these cars? It came via Singapore and here is the ad.

I had a 1996 XJ 3.2 Sport (X300) back in the UK and do like the Jaguar experience, so am considering the XK8.
Its up at $17990 so approx £9,000!

I've searched back a few pages and most advice refers to the later cars, do these suffer the same nikasil issues?

[XKRacer]

They can do but I would of thought any nikasil cars with issues would of shown up by now?

Rust is an issue under front foot wells, rear wings where it joins the bumper, rear sill bottoms

Engine wise ask if the tensioners have been changed, this is very important, just google XK8 tensioners and you will bring up a multitude of forums discussing this!

Join a club like the XKEC, can not fault the enthusiasm and back up a club like this can offer to keep early XKs on the road

I am sure many will come along with many other things, but most of the big issues are well documented.

[NormanD]

XKRacer said:

Join a club like the XKEC, can not fault the enthusiasm and back up a club like this can offer to keep early XKs on the road

I am sure many will come along with many other things, but most of the big issues are well documented.

I agree join the club www.xkec.co.uk
There is a members only forum with a wealth of info to read




I'm sure XKRacer or one of us would come out to NZ on a fully paid flight to help you look!!!

Edited by NormanD on Thursday 5th May 09:38

[xkrGiles]

Cant comment on the price, but i'd be tempted as I guess they are pretty rare in NZ are they ?

Get it up on the ramps and hunt for rust with a screwdriver. Dont be put off by rust or a hole, it can be easily fixed, but in that climate you may find its cleaner underneath.

[XKRacer]

NormanD said:

I'm sure XKRacer or one of us would come out to NZ on a fully paid flight to help you look!!!

Indeed I would more than happy too


There is actually a car out there with one of my kits on it, I do beleive Bazzo sold his XKR and had it shipped out to NZ

[NormanD]

XKRacer said:

NormanD said:

I'm sure XKRacer or one of us would come out to NZ on a fully paid flight to help you look!!!

Indeed I would more than happy too


There is actually a car out there with one of my kits on it, I do beleive Bazzo sold his XKR and had it shipped out to NZ

Now that's a thougt, I look for a good RHD here in the UK and drive it over for you

[mark387mw]

I can't help with the flight as that would make the car expensive overall! I can sort out accommodation on delivery of the car to Hawke's Bay

[NormanD]

mark387mw said:

I can't help with the flight as that would make the car expensive overall! I can sort out accommodation on delivery of the car to Hawke's Bay

Looks as if were on a promise!!!