m

Anyone had experiences with an XK8? Early examples are turning up for less than 13k now and that seems like lots of car for the cash - tempted!

Ta

TopBanana

Went to look at an XKR but the cabin was cramped and orrible - head hit the headlining

lowlander

My cousin has a 1997 4 litre. Lovely car to look at and sit in. Feels very special. Quite quick. Handles well. Fuel consumption not too bad (around 22mpg in town).

There were problems with the early engines but I think these were sorted around 1998. 4.0 puts out 290 bhp. XKR is around 370 bhp. I might be tempted to get a XJ with the supercharged engine. That would be a real sleeper.

Looks like excellent value for money if you want a big coupe.

Only thing that puts me off id the autobox.

Hope this helps.

Martin.

m

thanks chaps - the age I'm looking at is a 96-98 car - when you say engine probs at around that age what are we talking about?

cheers

lowlander

Not sure of the exact details but I believe there were issues with bore wear on the early engines. Best to check this out from someone who knows more than me !

My Cousins car runs fine and I'm sure that not all cars were affected.

All the best.

Martin.

Rabid

Nikasil bore wear problems like the BMW units I believe.

Jonathan Davies

Aye, Nikasil liners that were damaged by non-low-sulphur petrol. Many Jag V8s have new engines cos Jaguar replaced them, out of warranty in many cases.

Some say the problem is overstated but personally I wouldn't buy a used one without a satisfactory blow-by test or a replacement engine in it.

Beautiful cars. XJ is probably better value used, but the XK is purdy. Neither is very spacious inside.

I thought 97 was the earliest XK?

m

thanks for the info - i went to see one today and it was v cramped in the back but i'll give that up for that shape. 110k but full jag history - does that sound too miley?

bush360

One of my dads mates went from a 911 to a XK8 and he was very happy and kept it for 2 years since then he changed into a 5-series the 645 now has a GT continental. Basically he knows cars and nice ones at that. So go for it.

Petem95

Test drove the entire Jag range with the old man a few years back, and the XKR was very impressive. Cabin is a really nice place to be, and makes the german stuff feel very clinical in comparison.

Performance was obviously very good, and they sound great because you get the smooth roar from the V8, but also a very errie supercharger whine when you accelerate hard. Hard to explain, but its an unusual and addictive noise - would make constant bursts of hard-acceleration difficult to resist!

One thing which surprised me with the car was the ride was comfortable, despite the firm suspension and 20" wheels.

m

went to see the 110k miler yesterday - on arrival the trader told me that a 'sensor had malfunctioned' on a test drive earlier that morning and the car had been taken by the aa back to the jaguar dealer. didn't exactly fill me with confidence. will keep looking.

thanks

eldudereno

Check out the XK forum, there's a none members area where you can find out everything you need to know.

http://www.xkec.co.uk/

I've been looking to buy one recenty, just waiting for the right one to come up.

The major issue, as was mentioned earlier, is the nikasil lining on the cylinder bores. The other main issue relates to the timing chain tensioners which can fail prematurely.

Check out the XK forum for more detailed information.