Hi everyone,

Looking to get a 2003 XK8 convertible but wondering what to look for? I'm going to see this one tomorrow

Pre-Owned 2003 Jaguar XK8 Convertible in Laguna Niguel #23445P | Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel

Also, is the XKR a lot better in terms of handling/power?

Thanks,

 

Welcome to the forum kingcobra,

You'll find information about regular issues on the XK8 in the FAQ's at the top of the thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ts-data-29800/

Three topics will stand out:

1. the major concern with early XK8/XKR is plastic timing chain tensioners. This was resolved with the later 4.2 version and will not be a problem on the model year you are considering.

2. cooling system - overheating can rapidly cause serious engine damage. Look for signs of coolant leakage

3. transmission - although not a Jaguar scheduled service item, a fluid change is highly recommended at around 70k miles to prolong unit life.

In addition, with a convertible, check the top raises and lowers smoothly and the windows open/close correctly (look for references to 'green shower' for convertible issues.)

Spend some time with the Driver's Handbook and make sure everything works. A lot of time and money can be spent correcting apparently minor electrical faults.

Make sure the vehicle has 2 x Master Keys (black headed), I x Valet Key (green headed) and 2 x Remotes. Keys have to be programmed to the vehicle and it costs into 3 figures to replace a missing one.

On any used Jaguar, regular maintenance is critical. Check the maintenance history is complete. Servicing interval 12k Miles OR 12 Months so a 2003 model should have 12 stamps in the service book.

The supercharged XKR is no different in handling but is up on power over the normally aspirated XK8. I've had two XK8 Coupes and been happy with them but some members would only have an XKR.

I hope it checks out and you are soon here as an owner.

Graham

 

Checkout the Pistonheads X100 buying guide.

 

It would be worth it to run a Carfax on it. Also ask for service records. Check that the headrests move up and down both with the switch and when the seat is tilted forward. This is the most common non working part of the car. Run the top up and down several times. It looks nice and the price is about right for a dealer sold car of that vintage. I'm in San Diego if you do get it and have any questions.

 

This is the only article that I've found that says that the Mercedes tranny in the xkr has severe issues.

'With the Mercedes gearbox of 4.0-litre XKRs, the output shaft and planetary gear assemblies can let go, resulting in the gearbox seizing. A replacement secondhand ’box is around £600. The six-speed ZF gearbox used in all 4.2-litre XK8s is reliable and trouble-free.'

 

I would never claim that the six-speed ZF is "trouble-free". If you don't refresh the ATF periodically, you're going to have sporadic and intermittent shift issues at the very least....

 

Here is another article on the 2003 and up models:
Jaguar XK8 and XKR buyers and owners guide and tutorial - TheJagWrangler

 

Looks like not a bad deal. I have found that the best place to get a deal on "luxury car brand x" is when it is being sold at a "luxury car brand y" dealer. For example there is a Mercedes dealer down the street in Encino that occasionally has previously owned Jaguars for sale. A while back they had a 2010 XKR that I was very tempted to look at and recently they had a 2008 XK. They always start by advertising at a decent but not great price but within a week or two they put these on special and reduce the price by $5K or so. I think dealers like MB get these for a steal on a trade-in, try at first to sell at a high Bluebook price, and then end up dumping at a great price if the car doesn't sell in the first week or so--they just don't want it cluttering up their lot anymore.

Doug

 

while test driving, run it thru a car wash.

 

LOL thats the funniest suggestion ive ever read

Thanks everyone for your posts and help, I'll be sure to follow up with them and test drive the car

Any reason to go for an 04-05-06 instead? What changes happened in those years?

 

There was nothing different of mechanical significance in the 2004 or later models other than the front face lift and the rocker panel covers. Actually I like the 2003 front bumper better since the later ones look blunter and not as svelte.

Doug

 

Thank you so much everyone, I got the car!!!! Even though it didn't have all the keys, it was super clean and owned by an older person.

Will be posting pics in the new member section!!

Now it just needs a nice exhaust to hear that v8