So two of my buddies are searching for 1997 - 2004 XK8 Coupes with blown motors or other mechanical issues but with near perfect paint and NO RUST.
They are looking at doing 400 to 550 RWHP Chevy LS engine swaps and 4L70e transmissions so neither motor or trans are relevant. Basically they both fell in love with the look of my 2000 XK8 Coupe but underwhelmed by the HP including the supercharged version. Having been on the forum for a while, I shared what I thought was tribal knowledge that they should be able to find one for $4k to $7K with engine problems but otherwise good. So far despite glowing descriptions of conditions the cars they have found in that price range are crap as far as paint condition and/or rust (I told them where to look for rust thanks to this forum). Any leads would be appreciated. I would say east coast cars and any that have seen salted (gritted) roads probably need not apply. Thanks !

 

If you do the Jaguar specialties conversion it can only be 97-2002 model years, they have not decoded the 03 and older models for this conversion and do no plan to do so.

 

Non running/good body/paint convertibles are a dime a dozen around here With asking prices between $1500 and $3000, but a non running Coupe is a tough score.

All of the coupes in Dallas/Houston seem to selling. When I bought mine last month for $4500, there were about 6 listed in Dallas between $5K and $7K (for good runners), now there are just the dregs.

Houston had a beautiful Bright red coupe with full suspension overhaul for $6500. That looked like a good car.

Here is whats left in Houston that looks like a Project Car:

$3800 Cash Luxury car

 

Well that is good info to pass on. I will say however that the referee inspections only care that you have the correct ECU and TCU from the donor, so I wonder if you could use an older BCM if you were very clever. I think you meant 03 and newer , but thanks for that info.

 

I'll pass that on. When I was looking for a 2008 Z06, Texas seemed to have the best selection, interesting. So far when they have asked for detailed photos of the rust-prone areas they have been met with silence, and when they have looked at the cars they have been disappointed. Perhaps just need to be patient and perhaps spoiled by seeing my car and having higher expectations.

 

I guess the fact that fewer coupes were sold in the USA creates a "supply" problem. At any rate, I think having some patience. Here is an example of one not meeting their condition criteria and yet still sold for $7500 on eBay. BTW for that condition NADA retail is not $11k !


"Interior: Headliner is starting to sag in spots, needs re-glued or replaced. Driver window button cap missing.
Exterior: Has some scuffs/dings/scratches, etc. typical wear & tear, but overall, a great looking car.
Current NADA Retail Value $11,637.00. Reserve is WELL below Retail."

Jaguar XK8 XK Series XK8 2dr Coupe | eBay

 

Here is another typical Houston Coupe for $4900:

'99 Houston XK8 Coupe

I'm not a big fan of beige cars, so it's not my cup of tea. Red, white blue or green and I'd have been all over it.

The Wyoming car was likely purchased by a rustbelter east on I-90. Wyoming performance cars are generally rust free, because the winters are too brutal to drive them.

Patience is key. My car the seller was asking $7500, then $6500, then $5500 - I thought it was sold at $5500, then, a couple days later it relisted for $5000, and as I was typing my offer of $4500, the seller changed his advert to $4500, so I bought it.

 

Thanks, one more to look at, although I think most folks do not care much for that color. Should have considerably more photos first. I think it is kind of funny when folks will have a photo of the back seat which has probably never been used, and then no photos of the front seat.


One factor common so far with the two they have found with trans or motor failures is that they were both put away to "fix later" and of course the owners never got around to fixing the cars so they just sat and deteriorated cosmetically.


Personally I think paying a couple of thousand more for the perfect car running or not compared with what they are planning on spending for an LS swap is well worth it.

 

I agree 100%.

I bought a running car because plan to daily drive mine for a few months so I've fixed (or at least pin pointed) any issues not related to the swap.

It would suck to buy a non running car, do the swap, then have to tear it all apart again to fix something that was easily accessible with the motor out (but required driving to diagnose).

 

That'll be a Wanted to Buy advertisement.

Moved from XK8 / XKR ( X100 ) to PRIVATE For Sale / Trade or Buy Classifieds forum.

Graham

 

Obviously your call to move it, however I considered this location and while it might attract someone with a car for sale, the XK8 forum is much more likely to attract responses from folks who have seen or may know about a car for sale that fits the criteria.

 

yea 03 and NEWER not older.