Potential XK8 purchaser

[JONNJAGS59]

Hi all,

As a potential buyer having joined a few weeks ago..sorry for not introducing myself before, but was initially looking at an XJS but decided likely XJ8/R more suitable.

Anyway, wondered what you would make of this...on ebay..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181722313920

follow on post..

Jon

[JONNJAGS59]

same car on their website...

http://www.sterlingjaguar.co.uk/car12.php#description12

???

Jon

[JONNJAGS59]

Summer madness maybe???

Nice car but think I may look further afield. Some nice ones in the May magazine.

Comments welcome.

Jon

[mike020150]

Forgive the cynicism but any car can look good in photos. You can't beat looking at the car in the flesh, so to speak, and driving it. The 4.2 litre cars are excellent mechanically, provided they have been looked after properly which also means servicing the transmission, ignoring Jaguar's sealed-for-life designation. Any 12 years old steel car needs checking thoroughly for rust and the XK8 is no exception. Condition is more important than price because a cheap car can harbour expensive repairs that an expensive car may not suffer. Good luck with the search. There are some excellent cars out there. Make sure you find one! Mike.

[Cossington]

Lovely cars if a little limited on headroom and certainly rear seat space. I had one as my daily car for 2 years. If it is a 4.0 litre, just check it has the timing chains and thermostat changed, which many enthusiast-owned cars have had. These cars can be had for little money. There are penty out there, so you can afford to be choosy and avoid ones with ltd service history, lacking evidence of timing chains (on 4.0) being changed etc.

As Mike says, check for rust, particularly under the wheel arches. There is a double skinned panel under the passenger footwell which is a renowned problem area. they are generally robust, enjoyable car. Several specialist dealers sell them (eg Chiltern of Bovingdon etc).

Do you want a coupe or a convertible? XK8 or an XKR? Any particular colour schemes/ features are definites (or no-nos?) for you?

It is an exciting search - enjoy it.

David

[JONNJAGS59]

Thanks Mike and David. Much appreciated views. I will certainly take my time. That particular vehicle looked good but was querying the price increase...same vehicle...confused!!

I'l take note about the rust areas for sure. I have Swallows Indy nearby who have a good rep. They would have the servicing etc, any essential jobs.

Looking for either coupe/convertible, not fussed as long as it has excellent history, prefer the 4.2 XK8 or XKR. So that does give a wide choice. I've looked at Chiltern. Lovely cars there and a decent choice. Ideal colour is BRG with oatmeal or similar. I had an X-Type 3.0 Auto estate few years back that was, I think, Ultramarine blue? Very nice and one I'd love again. Seafrost which seems rare and actually, Black with charcoal is very tasty.

So, think there's quite a market out there. I'm waiting on an inheritance that will be clear next 2-3 months, so won't go out searching for little while, but watching what comes up and prices. Good numbers between £8-12k. Would stretch a bit more for a diamond!!!

Many thanks again,

Jon