I have an XK8 of 1996, probebly one of the first sold in the Netherlands. I have it now for over 6 years, no mayor issues had occured to me. Of course maintainance is a must! Don't budget on oil or gas; in the Netherlands we have 2 choises. The cheaper one; with a lot of "natural" additives. Or the more expensive one, wich is better for the fuel system when you don't drive it weekely, like I do. I did let do the tensioners and the waterpump replace to start with. The bearings of the wheels were worn out; made noise, with 120 000 km on the clock. So they needed to replaced as well. Buy good tires, the car is heavy, so the strong ones are needed. Al season tires are a bit difficult to get, you need to search for them. Rust is a serious thing, even when I have the car in a garage. The fittings of the rear bumper, and the places here mentioned. Do I still like the car? A LOT!! It drives supurb, you get attention from others, and yes.... women as well. (I am 62...🙃) Spareparts are not as costly as Porsche for instance. With a modest budget, the car is good te keep on the road. When I start the engine, I start smiling! Succes for who wants to buy one. I had a specialist to look after, before buying. I advice everyone to do this as well!
Great review! Interesting that convertibles are still more expensive in the UK, as here in the US the coupes have started to overtake them in price, as they are both rarer and better looking.
Saw the first of these built in their factory outside Coventry, Brown's Lane in L-somewhere, in 1995. Line split, one way for six cylinder, other to V8 engine fit. Wood panels department down the side.
I do like these and had a 4.2 convetible for a while. Think perhaps the rust issue was not emphasised enough in this summary. Lovely cars and very undervalued overall though.
I owned one of these, an XK8 2001 coupe, back in 2008-2010. For me this remains one of the most beautiful cars ever made, up with the E-Type and Vanquish, and I prefer it to Ian Callum's replacement in 2006. I also loved the cossetting, luxurious interior which was a lovely place to sit on roadtrips, and that V8 made a gorgeous sound. However, there was ALWAYS something wrong with it despite it having a comprehensive service history and only 50,000 miles when I bought it. It was a very fragile car and expensive to maintain -- suspension bits always wearing , electrical gremlins, including the ABS module going kaput and sensors failing, and of course I had to replace the chain tensioners which was a pricey upgrade. Even as a 7-year-old car, rust was forming on the rear wheel arches. Very thirsty but you know that buying one. As a classic car for summer Sunday drives, it probably makes more sense if you are willing to maintain it.
The XK8 is one of the most expensive cars I have ever owned in terms of running costs. I have spent mega money with so called Jaguar specialists. There really are some cowboy Jag specialists out there which spoils the ownership experience
I've had my 2001 xkr convertible for 18 years now. I maintain it myself and installed all the upgrades from the 4.2. Exciting to drive and I STILL can't stop looking at it! Great report, very accurate. As mentioned , not enough emphasis on the rust issues particularly the rear of the sill. Can be horrific if you don't keep on top of it. Take off the rear silencer box and run a straight pipe through. Sounds fantastic!!
should we avoid the versions before 2001? I am considering a 1999 with metal chain tensioners and a clean service book, but your video makes me think again...
My XKR well maintained 2002 MY car was absolutely superb.. Never buy one of these (or any other used car) without a full service history.. Why would you.
My only comment is Jaguar is sold in Europe ànd the US. Give me the prices in UA dollàr. Personally the XKE was the last really a JAG. I LOVE THE XKE 120, 140 and the XKE. I love British sports cars!!!!
I always fancied one but the government CO2 BS has put paid to that. All cars should pay the same VED, not split into some farcical whim. I had a pre 2005 Vauxhall Monaro and then the tax brackets shifted.
