I am interested in purchasing a 1998 Jaguar with 65K on it, it is in beautiful shape, asking price is 13K, according everything I have read that seems a little high. My question is 2 fold, Is there any way of checking out to see if the motor has any problems related to the Nikasil cylinder liners, and is a well maintained 1998 XK8 worth 13K
Thank you in advance for your opinion/knowledge'
Vin#SAJGX2240WC018643

 

Welcome and as this is your first post, please stop by the New Member section and post an intro.

I wouldn't be worried about the Nikasil, the bigger concern would be timing chain tensioners, the transmission, upper shock mounts and water pump/hoses. Does the owner have service records available

The 1st gen tensioners were plastic bodied and crack leading to failure and possible grenading the engine. If they have not been replaced - that would need to be done ASAP.

The transmission A-drum is known to fail and although Jaguar sold this as a never needs servicing transmission, XF recommends later changed their status and recommends regular drain/fill replace filter.

Upper shock mounts are foam and disintegrate over time - can lead to lowered look on the front end and premature wear of the tires due to out of alignment issues

Original water pump had plastic impellers and was prone to failure - also hoses are probably as old as the car so would be prone to failure - especially with as little driving as the car has done.

To me - 13K may be pushing it when I've seen newer models years with low mileage at that price

 

Agree w/ the moderator. 13k is too much. Out here, there are several nice 2004-2006 convertibles w/ reasonable mileage for the same price. I'm looking at a 2004 w/ 52k. Asking is 12.9

 

It all of depends what you're looking for. I paid 10K Canadian for my 1997 XK8 in 2019 with all the known issues taken care of and all maintenance records from day 1. I bought it even though I found newer ones for around the same price. I like the look of the older coupes better. 13K USD does seem high.

 

Dan, which Mount Pleasant? VT, NC or -----
If a member is close they might be able to look it over and ask the right questions.

 

Iowa

 

If you have the time I would do a little more research. I own a 2000 that I am happy with but I paid no where near 13k for it. As with all cars the XK8 was improved during its production run. If you are going to spend that kind of money then I would definitely focus on a 2003 or later 4.2 car with the 6 speed ZF. Make sure you get a solid service history and I would not consider a car with rust or accident issues.

I would research the XK8's being auctioned on Bring a Trailer to see what "mint" cars are going for. The XK8 is a pretty rare car and you may have to look out of your local area.

Good luck and for what you seem willing to spend you can really get a very nice car.

 

2003-2004 is a great mix of early (cleaner) style and the increased reliability of 4.2/6. Agree solid service history. I will not buy another XK w/o it. Well maybe cosmetically good 1-2 owner, Car Fax w/ service entries and detailed 2 hr pre purchase inspect by an Jag indie that has a lift. Out here, sales are mostly dealer. It's hard to find a private sale but they do pop up occasionally. These cars are temperamental but a well maintained example may be a little less likely to have problems. You can also see what problems have been fixed and when. Bring a Trailer is an interesting site. I signed up to bid. There have been some very nice low mileage XK's.

 

I looked around trying to find an XK8 that I liked before I bought mine. I found it in Florida, near Tampa (about 900 miles away), and asked the seller - who was a Brit BTW who dealt mainly in Jaguars, if he would give me a deal on shipping and he agreed to throw in the shipping for free, so I paid the asking price. I've never regretted it.

 

BAT prices must be taken with some skepticism. Click on the winning bidder and runner's up and check their bid history, especially this past year. The winners on BAT seem to frequently be major collectors. When the top two or three bidders have bought a half million dollars worth of cars or more in a year, then the price may not reflect the "retail" value of the car because those two or three guys don't need to worry about losing a few measly thousand dollars. They may be motivated more by just trying to keep the other guy from getting it.

And for the most part, they're gambling, bidding sight-unseen. I've tried to bid on a few online auctions, but I can't gamble like that. I have to see the car, drive it, make sure there's a real car that's not made of hardware cloth and bondo just to look good in photographs. I managed to win one 68 Mustang online on Ebaymotors but it was local so I got to see it. Everything else I've always found thousands of dollars worth of repairs needed that didn't show up in the photos and videos. Afterwards I just shake my head that the winning bidders got taken to the cleaners but they probably can afford it a lot easier than I can. (Tho for the most part, its almost impossible to arrange an inspection long-distance within seven days, especially when the seller doesn't respond for the first three days and then seems to go out of their way to make it inconvenient to schedule, but that's a gripe for another thread).

So basically, assume that the winning bid reflects absolute perfection because that's what the winning bidder most likely assumed, and assume he has an extremely high risk tolerance profile, much higher than average and much higher than your own.

 

Completely agree. With our cars, there are so many possible issues that an actual inspection and drive are important. There's currently an XK for sale on BAT. Helpful that seller includes 2 videos. First video shows convertible top going up and down correctly. The second show (marked second top operation or similar) shows it again. Get the impression that seller is trying for fully disclose any issues. Sometimes private on line sales look tempting. A FL woman sold her 1 owner XK w/low mileage (around 50k) and dealer service for 10k. Almost made an offer but again, until you actually drive one, it's a gamble.

 

Today, top bid for the 2003 XK (no reserve) is only 8,650. There's 1 day left. Be interesting to see the final price. Buyer is obligated to buy for winning bid. Wonder if the seller can decline offers when it's a "no reserve" listing? The XK's that are super low mileage one owners or rare versions do get top dollar. If someone is paying 15-30 for an XK, don't think paying a little too much is an issue.

 

I am in the same boat as you, looking at cars on BAT and getting serious to bid on cars. I think if they have a good carfax and the car is a clean, original low milage car its a pretty safe bet. The pictures also tell the story, if its looks neglected in the interior, paint or trim then it is likely routine maintenance was also neglected. I also think price wise and car condition it is better to deal with a private party then a dealer. I also avoid cars from a harsh winter area to avoid rust and corrosion issues. My impresson of BAT is many of these cars are purchased by dealers from individuals and show up on BAT for a quick flip. It is what it is.

Regarding the price, a car is worth what people are willing to pay for it. There is sound reasons why collectors are willing to pay top dollar for original, well maintained, completely stock, and low miles cars. I believe all cars have a hidden reserve and the seller has the right not to complete the deal if the reserve not met. What BAT does do is if the car is not sold it will not let the seller keep listing it with a absurd reserve. Keeps the dealers somwhat in line.

 

Agree all your criteria. I always look for good brand tires. On an XK, even if different brands, it's matching fronts and matching rears. Another trick is hood struts. Don't hold the hood up? No one's been working on the car. Owner
doesn't bother w/ simple repairs. I've bought many cars privately. Usually ask the owner to drive so "I can listen from passenger seat". Actually like to see how he/she drives. Looked at a Z3 (M3 version). Owner started the car then immediately drove it.
Drove aggressively pushing the car hard. Useful info.

Thanks for the wisdom on BAT. I visit mostly out of curiosity. Many dealers still don't seem to like these cars. Old, hard to sell, the reputation? They advertise and also list on Car Gurus, Carfax, eBay. The private sale low mileage one owner car (in FL) was on line for 10K. Full dealer service history. I called but it sold instantly. Now someone has listed it for 18. If you want, let me know what you're looking for. If we're not competing, I'll send possibles. A 2004 w 52k just sold locally for 12.9. Metallic charcoal (?) w/ black interior. I did make an offer but low end dealer sale w/ no history. Mismatched low grade front tires, alignment, interior smell. Am guessing auction purchase (which I may visit one of these days). Prices seem to be rising.

 

The 2003 (58k) is at 10,500 on BAT. Private sale and 4 hours left. Videos of the top opening /closing 2x was helpful. Color and shipping cost from PA (and possible CA smog) make this one a pass for me.

Looking at a 2005 (70k) in the Bay Area. Blue/tan. Seems a little pricey at 14.9 since dealer, no history other than CarFax. He's going to send me a video of the top open/close. No idea why but he told me what he paid for it (12.3) and it's been sitting for more than a month.

There's also the 2000 (98k) "check engine light special" locally (P0300) Price has dropped (7,500>5,000). Black, looks ok. Seller won't answer tensioners question. I've learned my lesson on early fixers.

 

I like my 2000 XK8 but hold out for a 4.2 6 speed. Actually the 6 speed is the big issue for me.
What I am looking for now is a early XF with the 5.0 NA engine. Not a big fan of blown engines. Don't see many on BAT as not yet in the classic group.
One car on BAT I have my eye on is a 2004 Maserati spyder in red. 77K on the clock, That a lot of miles for a Maserati. But the transmission has been rebuilt and that is the real nightmare on those cars, setting at 7,500 with 2 days to go. Its red with a tan interior, lovely. I likely wont bid as my garage is full but it is tempting.

 

The 2003 is now at 11.5 w/ 30 mins to go. Agree on 4.2/6 Don't know if you've driven one but the 4.2 has a lot more bottom end torque and feels faster. Def agree on the 6 speed. I don't really want to rebuild a 5 speed w/o a lift. Rebuild is expensive. My 2000 is a great entry in the world of Jag. I may keep it because of the color (Sea Frost) and add a 4.2/6 to the collection. With either one, It's hard to beat top down in the country. First long trip is from Sac to Seattle so reliable preferred. The sound of a Maserati is distinctive. I've seen at least one article about installing a Masi muffle on a Jag

 

So i paid $16k for my 2006 Victory Edition with 36,000 miles..... car is in pristine condition, just had it serviced at JLR and they told me it was well taken care of. Did i overpay?

 

That's a great deal. Where did you find it? Right now, 15-16 out here gets 2005-2006 base model w around 70k. Also the 2003 (58k) on Bring A Trailer just sold for 17,500. Private seller.

 

Local owner here in Minneapolis and was on Craigslist the guy had too many vehicles and one had to go.