Bear with me....I found another opportunity, and the advice from this forum on my last inquiry was so helpful that I am throwing this one out here.. 1999 XK8 Alpine Green Convt with 73,000 original miles.. Clean title, no accidents but 5 owners.. Paint is pretty good, but shows some light haze. Carfax shows some intermittent service records. Redone leather looks good. Issues are cracked windshield and broken rearview mirror.. It also has an owner installed fuel pump which needs to be redone because gaskets were not replaced--some fuel odor in the engine bay. No record of timing chain update, so need to deal with that... Convt top works now, but no record of hose update or hydraulic repairs, etc. Anxious seller needs money quick.. I think I can get it for about $4200. I figure it might need about 2k of potential work.. Wonder if Alpine Green is a negative issue too? Thoughts?

 

Just my 2 cents but I think the Alpine Green is one of the best colors!

As for mechanical issues, as described I think you maybe low on your 2K estimate for repairs. Even with you doing the work parts add up quick but that is a good price, I'd low ball offer and see if they bite. If it's a hobby car then I'd probably go for it but as a DD you might be disappointed with maintenance issues.

 

I agree that it sounds as if you'll be spending much more than two grand on potential repairs needed. Without reliable service history receipts I would be walking away in a hurry....

 

I like the Alpine green as well, so rare, but I also think your $2000 estimate is low as well. Figure the needed repairs in the purchase price.

 

I agree with jondreu: for a toy, it could be a fun project, but too many negatives to be a daily driver. Some of the issues could be corrected over time, but the timing chain tensioners shouldn't be put off. I would be concerned about regular maintenance -- oil change, fluid checks, brakes bled, etc. -- being performed due to the five previous owners.
The color is a matter of personal taste, so I don't think it should be a factor in your decision unless you don't like it yourself.
Have it checked by a knowledgeable Jaguar mechanic to be sure there are no other unidentified problems, and if it checks out, got for it.

 

I actually meant to say it will need $3000... I figure timing chain, windshield, rear view mirror, reset fuel pump, and major service of all components.. The current owner bought it only a few months ago, but says he lost his job and needs to sell his car.. I might see how hungry he is after some more research.

 

The fuel pump is behind the rear seats in the tank, so missing gaskets would cause fuel odor in the interior of the car. Fuel odor in the engine bay is another different problem.

 

Thanks, that was quite helpful.. The fuel odor was mentioned by the seller as the only current maintenance issue that he knew of. I just assumed it was in engine bay.. When I asked him to clarify the location of the odor, he said its from around the at back of car and under rear end... That is why this forum is such a valuable resource. Thanks. So, wondering how much of a job is it to pull the pump and buy/install the gaskets/parts to remedy this issue?

Edit: I found a video on youtube of the tank removal/fuel pump replacement.. It's not highly technical, but looks like a major undertaking to pull the tank etc...

 

Maybe I'm paranoid, but sounds like a lot of issues to address unless you're buying it for a project.

More worrisome for me than the various issues is his eagerness to sell. Most sellers think their car is worth top dollar, lost job or not. If he is lowballing it right out of the gate, personally I would walk away.

It's been said before, a cheap Jag never is.

For $7200 (the car plus your maintenance budget) you could probably find a nice runner in that MY without all the issues.

 

OP take a look at this

Jaguar XK Green | eBay

 

Just paid slightly more than the above e-bay price for a Titanium Grey 2000 XK8 with 58,000 original miles. Did I overpay? Likely, but the mileage was low, the interior and exterior look incredible, it runs like a dream, and everything on the car works.

As a precaution (and in addition to prayer) I'm having the tensioners addressed as well as having the transmission oil and filter changed. Unfortunately, I'm awaiting a shoulder replacement with the ensuing recovery period and can't do the work myself, so I'm having a local reputable independent shop do the work. Just for your reference here are their estimated costs (assuming they don't have to replace hoses, etc.)

New tensioners, chains, water pump and thermostat housing - $ 1,850.
Change transmission oil and filter (using ZF fluid) - $ 325.

Obviously, if its found that the tensioners, water pump and thermostat housing have already been changed, the overall amount will drop significantly. The reality is that I might end up spending $ 2,500+ as a worst-case scenario. And it still will have cost me less than anything else in its class.

 

That looks like a nice one.. Thanks.. I pulled CarFax on it and it shows first registered owner at over 12,000 on odometer--with first event being listed as manufacturer's auction...?? Makes me wonder if this was a buyback car or a Jaguar exec car?

 

Weird thing about that Ebay
car is that it appeared to have sold yesterday night on a Buy It Now deal, but today it appeared in a new dealer ad on Auto Trader for $100 more than the Ebay ad, with a set of new photos? I have to wonder how could it get turned around so quickly? Oh well.

 

I have seen non runners go for $3500.

 

Walk away from this car. That's my advise as I owned a 99 purchased new. These early XK8s had a ton of problems (1997-2002). At least I got a few of mine fixed under warranty. I would never buy a used one of these. Get a 2003 or later with the 4.2L V8.