warranties

[richardsiddell]

Hello All

I have recently purchased a 96 XK8 (as per my post about cigar lighter removal) and I now have another couple of questions that I hope somebody may have answers to.

I purchased the car privately so it did'nt come with a warranty, so my question is, does anybody have any knowledge of a decent warranty package that can be taken on at a not to expensive cost. The car has had a replacement engine fitted at 45K (presently 52K) and all the usual jobs (water pump,tensioners etc) have been done , plus there is a huge history file with the car, so I am reasonably happy that I have got a "good un"
However things do happen! so any advice would be much appreciated.

My second question concerns the electric windows. No matter how many trimes I reset the windows to open and close when you open the doors, they seem to work a couple of times and then won't close again when you close the doors. This problem is definetely more prevelent with the drivers door. I worry that this may turn out to be an expensive fix!
Any ideas anyone?

Aside from these couple of niggles I have to say that I am over the moon with my XK8 and it always puts a huge grin on my face every time I look at it never mind drive it!!


Richard

[peterdyer]

Hi Richard. Not a big problem there. Sounds like the "battery" is not 100 % , try getting it checked at a Tyre/Battery place first. Two years ago simular problem with my XK8. Drivers window required reset, all the time. Passenger one only occasionlly, but then I only carried passengers occasionally. These cars are extremely sensitive to battery voltage,seems to require "near perfect" battery,or strange faults manifest themselves. Bear that in mind , before spending lots of money with a main dealer. 3 choices, cheap battery,
Jag battery,
Hawker Oddessy battery (only if keeping for a long time, expensive !!)

Regards , Peter . Merry Christmas

[peterdyer]

Hello again Richard, Warranties, these companies will come out of deal the best ! Compare JEC warranty (contact Bristol number) ,
Warranty Direct & RAC Warranty. Consider paying for a year or save the same amount ,which could pay bills as/when you get them. I continued one i had from a dealer, saved half price of gearbox o/haul ( got £1000. ) Better than £5000,quoted at Main Dealer. You pay your money and takes your choice. In the end , I have come out about even with them. If this happened all the time would they stay in business ?
Kind regards, Peter.

[richardsiddell]

Hello Peter

Sorry about the delay, i've been away on hols. Yes its about what I thought so I shall try the three you suggested and see what I can come up with. But i,m thinking it may be just as wise to hang on to my money for repairs and hope i'm not to unlucky year on year

Thanks for the reply
Richard

[alanXK8]

In my many years experience I have found warranties often offer a kind of peace of mind until you want to claim, then it can get difficult. The main issue seems to be distinguishing between a mechanical "failure" and wear and tear. Having said that I have usually got something but even the RAC warranty on my Audi would only pay an hourly labour rate which was half the main dealer figure! If you get the warranty from a dealer they can usually use their leverage to get a bit more.

On batteries I always use a battery trickle charger (Optimate) to keep the charge up when the car is stored in the winter.

Hope that helps,Alan
PS I bought my XK8 conv. this time last year and had a great summer with it. I'm looking forward to lots more fun trips this year.

[richardsiddell]

Thanks for all the replies. I changed the battery and it has solved the problem and with regard to Warranties I've decided not to bother with one as I think unless you get a dealer/garage warranty with the car, if you don't buy privately, then they are not worth what you pay.

Thanks again for the help everyone
Regards
Richard