Author Topic: Jaguar Experts: Desperate for advice on 2000 XK8 (Read 1628 times)

adellisanti · « **on:** June 17, 2005, 07:18:56 pm »

I'm looking into purchasing a 2000 jaguar xk8. the car is originally from California and the owner has brought it into Vancouver. It has 75,000 miles. What would I have to be weary of? Need advice.

articsteve · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2005, 07:43:01 pm »

Other than 2 KNOWN problems they are excellent cars for the money.

First problem is that the plating that Jag used on the cylinders wears off with certain gasolines.

The second and just as deadly is the plastic cam guide for the variable valve timing breaks apart. This was changed in mid year 2001 I believe. Jag admits this and will replace the motor under warranty. After warranty you out of luck.

Go here: http://forums.jag-lovers.org/rg.php3

It is all there; pics and the all the info.

I would not buy this vehicle until you confirm warranty work.

initial_D · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2005, 10:27:11 pm »

Peter Egan, editor-at-large of Road and Track mag, author of Side Glances, wrote about his little and his XK8, and said that "it is my favorite GT car, would get one if I am restoring a Lotus". Seen one in Alberta with the top down not long ago, very sexy.

initial_D · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2005, 11:32:24 pm »

That should be wrote about his little brother and his XK8

Peter's brother's XK8 was in an accident, and bought a Corvette to replace it. But he got the XK8 fixed and kept both caqrs.

barrie1 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2005, 12:19:24 am »

The last Jag I owned I put a Chev in it which made it reliable enought to be driven everyday then. Parts are very expensive for these cars. You may need deep pockets to be able to afford the normal repairs. Check out some part prices as a suggestion. Brake pads and tie rods ends and the like. I would also look at the Alt and starter replacement prices as this vehicle is 5 years old now.

johngenx · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2005, 08:11:58 am »

What would I have to be weary of?

Well, you should be wary of the history of that car. Imported cars are to be treated with suspicion. For a car of that expense, you should have very complete records.

And understand that this is a $100K+ car when new, and Jaguar built it for a very well-heeled client. They did not make anything easy to service and all systems are highly complex. There is no attempt to keep service costs anywhere reasonable. Many people buy expensive cars once the depreciation has kicked in only to become frustrated by repairs and service costs.

All parts will be priced high and you will be forced to return to the dealer for most of them.

safristi · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2005, 09:47:19 am »

Sweet machine but Egan was a mechanic and has rebuilt a Lotus Elan,Jag E Type and Porsche "recently" and I trust he helps Bro' out.
Prolly no more stressful owning one these days than a 911,M5/M3 or other "must have,in our dreams" ,car.If it floats yer boat and you have the "ready" and a lil left aside fer maintenance why NOT.

adellisanti · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2005, 11:03:35 am »

Thanks everyone..and thanks to Articsteve for the web page.