New to these type forums but have found a lot of good info. I have driven American Convertibles most of my life and moved to S.C. 8 years ago. Wife wanted me to get off my Ultra Harley Davidson so agreement was would do so if I could find a nice convertible. The Jag HK8 has really taken my fancy. I never liked the older ones because of the nightmares I read and heard about.
Fast foreward I'm as confused as hell , about the time I find a nice low miles vehicle I research it and find that it was timing chain tensioners, sulfure fuel causing cylinder problems or something. else. Example. Found a beautiful 1999 XK8 with only 56 k miles. When I asked the dealer about if the car had been upgraded with the timing tensioners etc I got no response. so avoided it.
I guess what I need to know is if I go to a 2003 XK8 will I advoid some of the pitfalls??? I know Im either going to have a nice one or a money pit. Way different than American cars I suppose. But I love the looks of that car inside and out. Thanks for listening..
Do these cars once brought into top shape cost that much more to maintain?????

 

Welcome to the forum Badlandsnative,

You've clearly been doing your research on the XK8. Plastic timing chain tensioners on the early ones are an issue. Nikasil on the cylinders can be ignored as sulphur in fuel that caused the problems is long gone. Any Nikasil lined engine still going strong isn't likely to fail now.

These cars need regular maintenance to keep them running sweetly so Service History is critical. Question any gaps in the history of a vehicle you are considering. No Jaguar is going to be cheap to run but, if you do your own repairs and maintenance, costs aren't unreasonable.

The later 4.2 litre cars benefited from development and many improvements. I would not reject a good early vehicle but the later ones are perhaps a safer choice.

Follow this link XK8 / XKR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the XK8/XKR section for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top there is a good place to start for info on regular issues. Nything not covered that you need to know - post a question in the XK8/XKR section.

You may also like to visit the US Lower Atlantic Region section by following this link Lower Atlantic - NC SC FL GA - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the search for your XKR and enjoy the forum.

Graham

 

Welcome Badlandsnative..... when you do make a purchase be sure to let the forum know. Friendly people and great advice, hand holding, and a wealth of knowledge here

 

Yesterday purchased secondary tensioners for 2001 XJR 84109 miles] from Ford dealer Arlington Tx
Not in stock ordered from Ford
2W9Z6K254 BA @ 78.82 2W9Z6254CA @ $87.98
4 bolts 500301 S300 @$1.00 ea { shipping out of Detroit}
Thanks to information from this forum's great members am tackling the job myself using the 'zip tie"method. Shortening the dip stick bolt was a must.
Dreaded tensioners were ORANGE ! Looking perfect prior to removal .

 

Welcome to the forum Badlandsnative,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't already done so you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.

 

Thanks Guys, I already have a Jag salesman that is a husband of wife's girl friend who is in Tenn on the watch. Says from time to time he gets in very nice trade ins that have extremely good service records from repeat customers. Guess thats a good place to start.. So I will proceed with caution and eyes wide open. with all the research I can dig up. Thanks will post when I find something.

 

Please do. There are lots of folks here willing to help.

No car will be perfect. If you are willing to fix a few things yourself with the help of the forum you will save a lot of money.

 

welcome to the forum badlandsnative! you couldn't ask for a better place for information and support. I see you are just up the road from me - will keep my eyes open down here - there was a sweet one a few weeks back I saw for sale but it didn't last 3 days on the lot.

 

Hey there and welcome aboard....... good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

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