Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
#1
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Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
My grandfather is giving me his 1998 XK8 convertible. It only has 35k miles on it and just hadsome sort of major service done on it. My grandfather says that it has been regularly maintained andthat he has had no problems at all with it. My experience withJaguar is pretty limited...mygrandfather has owned a few in the past and I know for instance his '88 XJ6 VP would not turn offhalf the time...my father had a '96 Range Rover which also hadLucas electronics and the car wouldstart up by its self in the parking lot all the time, and it eventually caught fire.
I knowthat Ford has improved these reliability issues greatly...but what should I watch out for?
I know theseearly XK8s had a Nikasil block...whichin my fathers old 840ci had to be replaced...but this was not the case with theNikasilblockin his '95 355 Berlinetta. Is there still an issue with gas destroying these engine blocks?
Also I have heard that there are suspension issues...but I do not really know more than that. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I knowthat Ford has improved these reliability issues greatly...but what should I watch out for?
I know theseearly XK8s had a Nikasil block...whichin my fathers old 840ci had to be replaced...but this was not the case with theNikasilblockin his '95 355 Berlinetta. Is there still an issue with gas destroying these engine blocks?
Also I have heard that there are suspension issues...but I do not really know more than that. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
Yes he is giving it to me...but that does not eliminate any problems I may encounter during my ownership of the car. I am going to be using it as my every day driver. I am also going to be taking it on a 900mile road trip from Vancouver BC to California...I doubt it has ever been run straight for much more than an hour.
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RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
I would be worried about the tax ramifications, and set up a slush fund in which to stash some money or the IRS...
and I would be worried about jealous peers who are saddled with far less good fortunein their XK8 ownership experience, and far worse Grandparents. I recall reading something about Kazsam's Grandpa making him cut the lawn with a pair of scissors. He still has the scissors, so if you see him running towards your car with them be very aware...
and I would be worried about jealous peers who are saddled with far less good fortunein their XK8 ownership experience, and far worse Grandparents. I recall reading something about Kazsam's Grandpa making him cut the lawn with a pair of scissors. He still has the scissors, so if you see him running towards your car with them be very aware...
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#8
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
This poor guy is probably sorry he asked us bunch of jerks in the first place
Anyway, before buying my XKR, I did endless scouring of websites like this, and talked with and or visited at least half a dozen independent local mechanics that were very familiar with Jaguars. I was able to satisfy myself (and much more importantly the wife) that these cars are pretty much as reliable as other sport/luxury type vehicles in the same class.
Doug
Anyway, before buying my XKR, I did endless scouring of websites like this, and talked with and or visited at least half a dozen independent local mechanics that were very familiar with Jaguars. I was able to satisfy myself (and much more importantly the wife) that these cars are pretty much as reliable as other sport/luxury type vehicles in the same class.
Doug
#9
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
ORIGINAL: HapsburgHC
...I truly am surprised at how rude and unhelpful this forum seems to be. I guess I will have to seek advice elsewhere.
...I truly am surprised at how rude and unhelpful this forum seems to be. I guess I will have to seek advice elsewhere.
If you seek other websites to ask the same question, I recommend downplaying that you are being given the car and just ask the pertinent questions. Again, just my boorish 2-cents.
Doug
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RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
People like myself would consider the lack of a sense of humor to be a detriment when contemplating the long term ownership of an XK8.
If the fortunate but cantankerous young man is already aware that his gift posesses a Nikasil engine, then he posesses the resources to read all of the information he requires. Maybe he's just using this one for bragging rights.
If the fortunate but cantankerous young man is already aware that his gift posesses a Nikasil engine, then he posesses the resources to read all of the information he requires. Maybe he's just using this one for bragging rights.
#12
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
ORIGINAL: SeismicGuy
I gotta say that you set yourself up for this kind of abuse. And it certainly is not limited to the Jaguar forum website. I am on several car forums and, on any of them, if I were to start a post by saying "someone is giving me this car, what should I be concerned about" then I would expect to get some good-natured flaming.
If you seek other websites to ask the same question, I recommend downplaying that you are being given the car and just ask the pertinent questions. Again, just my boorish 2-cents.
Doug
ORIGINAL: HapsburgHC
...I truly am surprised at how rude and unhelpful this forum seems to be. I guess I will have to seek advice elsewhere.
...I truly am surprised at how rude and unhelpful this forum seems to be. I guess I will have to seek advice elsewhere.
If you seek other websites to ask the same question, I recommend downplaying that you are being given the car and just ask the pertinent questions. Again, just my boorish 2-cents.
Doug
As far as your situation goes; I would make two assumptions. First of all your Grandfather would not 'give you the car' if he thought it was a POS in need of major repair. And, secondly, it is a 10 year old car that is out of warranty. Someone has suggested that you establish a 'slush fund' (to pay gift taxes); I would expand the amount to also be prepared to pay for repairs.
If you don't have the means and/or desire to drive and maintain an XK8...you could always trade it in on a 'brand new car that has a warranty' .......... to use as your daily driver.
good luck
#13
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
The question was too open ended. Look around on the forum for a couple of hours and you'll get a good read on what to expect from the XK8. Grandpa has probably adressed some of the mainteance issues. That said, A 10 year old car (hi-performance car), is going tocost some bucks for up-keep. As for long trip, I drove mine to Reno and back from So. Cal (1200 miles) with no problems, and would do so tomorrowwithout thinking about it. If you are so concerned about a breakdown, the XK* is probably not the car for you.
#14
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
OK here goes, if your Grandfather serviced the car regularly and has had no problems with it you should be OK unless tour grandfather is sadistic and wants you to hurt yourself. Before you take the long trip have all your fluids (the cars) changed and filters( the cars) changed including the trans. Have your pressure checked (the tires). Then, enjoy the ride
#15
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RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
My current daily driver is a '79 911SC...the parts are very expensive but it is completley reliable...there is a lot more to go wrong with an XK8 and I was just wondering if it would be possible get some owners input on what to watch out for...I do not mind little nickel and dime things here and there but if I am spending thousands of dollars every year to keep the car running then I do not want to deal with it. My grandfather has had no problems with it...but he only puts about 3.5k miles on it a year...I will probably be puting 15,000 on it every year so things are going to start wearing out a lot faster.
#16
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
Nikasil is a non-issue if you dont already experience cylinder wall problems. Highsulpher gas has been phased out for years now.
The early models chew up the rubber bushing parts on the front control arms. They also have underengineered front wheel bearings. These parts experience slow wear, with plenty of warning, neither of these will break on your upcoming trip.
Search for tensioners and chains on this site. Lots of stuff you need to know.
The rest is Car Care 101. Read the posts and get under your own car once in a while.
PS. It is not good manners to ask a favor, then complain that people aren't helping you enough.For someone who comes onto our forum;without ever contributing one positive piece of information; then criticizes active contributing members who are joking around about your good luck... Youend up looking pretty much self absorbed. Nothing personal, just telling you what it looks like to us.
Good Luck with your new car, and have a safe trip. gordo
The early models chew up the rubber bushing parts on the front control arms. They also have underengineered front wheel bearings. These parts experience slow wear, with plenty of warning, neither of these will break on your upcoming trip.
Search for tensioners and chains on this site. Lots of stuff you need to know.
The rest is Car Care 101. Read the posts and get under your own car once in a while.
PS. It is not good manners to ask a favor, then complain that people aren't helping you enough.For someone who comes onto our forum;without ever contributing one positive piece of information; then criticizes active contributing members who are joking around about your good luck... Youend up looking pretty much self absorbed. Nothing personal, just telling you what it looks like to us.
Good Luck with your new car, and have a safe trip. gordo
#17
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RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
ORIGINAL: GordoCatCar
Nikasil is a non-issue if you dont already experience cylinder wall problems. Highsulpher gas has been phased out for years now.
The early models chew up the rubber bushing parts on the front control arms. They also have underengineered front wheel bearings. These parts experience slow wear, with plenty of warning, neither of these will break on your upcoming trip.
Search for tensioners and chains on this site. Lots of stuff you need to know.
The rest is Car Care 101. Read the posts and get under your own car once in a while.
PS. It is not good manners to ask a favor, then complain that people aren't helping you enough.For someone who comes onto our forum;without ever contributing one positive piece of information; then criticizes active contributing members who are joking around about your good luck... Youend up looking pretty much self absorbed. Nothing personal, just telling you what it looks like to us.
Good Luck with your new car, and have a safe trip. gordo
Nikasil is a non-issue if you dont already experience cylinder wall problems. Highsulpher gas has been phased out for years now.
The early models chew up the rubber bushing parts on the front control arms. They also have underengineered front wheel bearings. These parts experience slow wear, with plenty of warning, neither of these will break on your upcoming trip.
Search for tensioners and chains on this site. Lots of stuff you need to know.
The rest is Car Care 101. Read the posts and get under your own car once in a while.
PS. It is not good manners to ask a favor, then complain that people aren't helping you enough.For someone who comes onto our forum;without ever contributing one positive piece of information; then criticizes active contributing members who are joking around about your good luck... Youend up looking pretty much self absorbed. Nothing personal, just telling you what it looks like to us.
Good Luck with your new car, and have a safe trip. gordo
And I apologize if I am coming off rude. My friend told me this would be a helpful site and I was just a little disappointed with the first few answers I got...Yes it is true I have not contributed anything to this forum as of yet...but to be fair I have never owned a Jag before and my knowledge in this area is relatively limited.
#18
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
No problems here Hapsburg. We are actually a very helpful crew, and go out of our way to help new Jag owners.Its always difficult to get a read on people when you cant see them so sometimes feelings get bruised when there was no intent.
BTW I forgot to mention convertible top latch hoses. They're just simple hydraulics, but the problem is compounded becausethe hose breaks at a point on the header bar and the oil drips down onto the console. Quite a mess.
I am six months into ownership on a 65k mile '97 Vert. I have spent about $2500 (incl $900 for tires) on fixing all the known defects. Today I think I have a daily driver that is every bit as dependable as my 300zx TT and/or the BMW 325xi.
The old rap on Jaguar build quality is not true on these cars... That being said, they are still expensive to repair and require moderate attention to keep in good working order. We tell people who can't handle these cars to buy a Toyota or Honda. They are like appliances... you just plug them in and drive them for 150K miles. Jaguars are a little more tempermental. But they are beautiful cars and when running right are powerful, smooth, quiet and very roadworthy.
Peace. Gordo
BTW I forgot to mention convertible top latch hoses. They're just simple hydraulics, but the problem is compounded becausethe hose breaks at a point on the header bar and the oil drips down onto the console. Quite a mess.
I am six months into ownership on a 65k mile '97 Vert. I have spent about $2500 (incl $900 for tires) on fixing all the known defects. Today I think I have a daily driver that is every bit as dependable as my 300zx TT and/or the BMW 325xi.
The old rap on Jaguar build quality is not true on these cars... That being said, they are still expensive to repair and require moderate attention to keep in good working order. We tell people who can't handle these cars to buy a Toyota or Honda. They are like appliances... you just plug them in and drive them for 150K miles. Jaguars are a little more tempermental. But they are beautiful cars and when running right are powerful, smooth, quiet and very roadworthy.
Peace. Gordo
#19
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
Welcome hapsburg, can't add too much to the above help from our members. To summarize most of our ownership, here and other forums you will find out, that on the Xks, there are a few trouble areas to watch out for, and most likely repair during your reign. Once you do that, the car should be very reliable for another 7-10 years. If i were to think of one area where your year model may be weakest, it would be in the older-style transmission. Sounding like it has low mileage on it already, if you implemented a fluid change and filter schedule now, you may easily avoid any future problems.
Your question is one of common occurrence at our site, and if you are not new to forums (and we all had to start at one time or another), my first recommendation, and others will sugguest, is to read thru all of the older posts...maybe up to a year old in the xk8/xkr section...you will learn from other's experiences and troubles more than you ever will from a broad-stroke question like you tried. After many hours of reading, I guarantee you that you will have 99% of all your curiousities fulfilled. One thing that I never understood, and it is a negative aspect of this forum, if you can call it that, that googling doesn't bring up any threads within the forum. I do not know why this happens, but the information isn't readily available to most internet browsers that I have tried. The only way to get the info is to dive right into the XK boards themselves and begin reading.
Now, once you have immersed yourself into all of the old knowledge, issues, and fixes that have been discussed at length in the posts, fire up more questions and inquiries that may not have been answered in your research. That's where the fun really begins.
As for my XK, it is a daily driver for me, and I put about 19,000 miles on it my first year. Brakes here, suspension work there, (no vert hydraulic failures yet), steering wheel reach motor went out, and a new set of tires has cost me some of my time and money, but only slightly higher expenses than a typical vehicle will require. From your experience with ownership of porsches, I doubt you will find any large discrepancies between maintaining either one.
Drive for awhile, subscribe to a few sections of the forum, and get involved whenever you can...time w/ ownership will help that. Welcome again.
Your question is one of common occurrence at our site, and if you are not new to forums (and we all had to start at one time or another), my first recommendation, and others will sugguest, is to read thru all of the older posts...maybe up to a year old in the xk8/xkr section...you will learn from other's experiences and troubles more than you ever will from a broad-stroke question like you tried. After many hours of reading, I guarantee you that you will have 99% of all your curiousities fulfilled. One thing that I never understood, and it is a negative aspect of this forum, if you can call it that, that googling doesn't bring up any threads within the forum. I do not know why this happens, but the information isn't readily available to most internet browsers that I have tried. The only way to get the info is to dive right into the XK boards themselves and begin reading.
Now, once you have immersed yourself into all of the old knowledge, issues, and fixes that have been discussed at length in the posts, fire up more questions and inquiries that may not have been answered in your research. That's where the fun really begins.
As for my XK, it is a daily driver for me, and I put about 19,000 miles on it my first year. Brakes here, suspension work there, (no vert hydraulic failures yet), steering wheel reach motor went out, and a new set of tires has cost me some of my time and money, but only slightly higher expenses than a typical vehicle will require. From your experience with ownership of porsches, I doubt you will find any large discrepancies between maintaining either one.
Drive for awhile, subscribe to a few sections of the forum, and get involved whenever you can...time w/ ownership will help that. Welcome again.
#20
RE: Grandfather is giving me his XK8...What should I be worried about?
ORIGINAL: HapsburgHC
And I apologize if I am coming off rude. My friend told me this would be a helpful site and I was just a little disappointed with the first few answers I got...Yes it is true I have not contributed anything to this forum as of yet...but to be fair I have never owned a Jag before and my knowledge in this area is relatively limited.
And I apologize if I am coming off rude. My friend told me this would be a helpful site and I was just a little disappointed with the first few answers I got...Yes it is true I have not contributed anything to this forum as of yet...but to be fair I have never owned a Jag before and my knowledge in this area is relatively limited.