Hello XK Lovers

[dantheman]

I am new to the Jaguar forum & have already been welcomed by Old Peter & Ken33y just thought I would say hello over here in the forum I am interested in.  I am interested in buying a XK8 but Ken33y said I should look at the XKR's also. Very similar to the XK8 & just as beautiful, I like it. This actually broadens my search.   

A couple of questions if I may. I have never owned a Jag but hope to very soon.

Is there any inherent  problems with the XK models from 2000 to 2006 that I should be aware of?

 In my reading about the different drive trains it  seems the 4.2 engine is favored over the 4.0 engine. What is the reason for that? Other then increased power.

 At how many miles should the Timing Chain be changed.

I am going to buy a convertible seeing as I live in The Land Of Sunshine & No Basements!

Thanks for your help & like the man said  "I'LL BE BAK"

Danny

 

 

[KEN33Y]

Hi Danny, a full explanation to the timing chain replacement and intervals for both the XK8 and XKR (which of course is the same engine) can be found by opening the following link; The document is in a pdf format and may very well be worth filing in your documents.

http://www.xk8-parts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Jaguar-XK8-XKR-V8-Engine-Timing-Chain-and-Tensioners-Article.pdf

Again the following link will give an understanding to why the engine was taken from 4ltr to 4.2ltr;

http://www.jagweb.com/aj6eng/v8_performance.php

[dantheman]

My Man KEN33Y;  What an unbelievable amount of critical information ( in a concise, to the point article )   that every Jaguar owner should have,especially if you are looking to buy a used one!   It's forums like this & members like KEN33Y that make a forum like this worth while.

So, correct me if I'm wrong but for the extra couple of  grand it is definitely worth it to either have the timing chain work done on a pre 2002 if it has not already or look for a later model XK8 or XKR to buy.

 

Thanks KEN33Y

 

Danny

[KEN33Y]

You are very welcome Danny, if I can be of any further assistance then feel free to PM me or post within the forum.

[KEN33Y]

Shame about the high mileage Danny but I love the colour, would go for that colour if I was in the market to buy even if I had to travel 300 miles;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/xk/used-jaguar-xk-4-2-2dr-mansfield-fpa-201505223681695?logcode=p

[dantheman]

HI KEN33Y, I found a XK8  that I am waiting for the owner to get back to me. It is a 2005 4.2 ltr Carbon Fiber Body Edition. It has 55,200 miles on it from a lease, one owner & all the service records, with what looks to be a clean carfax. Thing is I don,t know anything about a Carbon Fiber Edition. I want to make arraignments to look at it & test drive it. Can you give me a Heads Up on what I should be looking for & what questions I should be asking?

Thanks

Danny 

[Old Peter]

Hi Danny,

 

The carbon fibre edition on the XK8 was first fitted on the Silverstone model in 2005/2006 as an alternative to wood which is usually either Burr Walnut or Maple.

 

Kenny will advise you on what to look for on the XK8.

 

Regards

 

Peter.

[KEN33Y]

Hi Danny, unfortunately I am not aware of or seen the Carbon Fibre model so have not got the information on that score to assist you with an heads up. Is it an actual Fibreglass body or is certain parts of it Fibre? If the body then from experience (my old Lotus Elan Sprite) many years ago look for cracks and bubbling with the paintwork, it can be costly to repair. 

 

You are half way there with the service history but I would check it carefully to ensure it is truthful. In the UK we have to MOT the vehicle every year and all the data to such is recorded by VOSA and you can go online with the registration and check its history and verify mileage and more. I am not aware if that system is the same in Ireland.

 

The 4.2ltr V8 Supercharged engine is excellent and very powerful has a Porshe found out on the weekend :-) Obviously listen for any rattles and the like and a good tell tale sign of a well looked after car with low mileage would be the state of the interior i.e. no cracks or holes in the leather etc.

 

Good luck buddy

[Old Peter]

Hi Kenny,

 

The carbon fibre is the interior trim and it is on about 200 cars -- the dashboard is the main bit where the wood is replaced with carbon fibre.  Looks quite good, although I prefer wood.

 

Peter.

[KEN33Y]

Any luck with the owner getting back to you or finding another yet Danny?

[dantheman]

Hi KEN33Y, I lost the Carbon Fiber Body, however a guy just posted in the area where I live ( about 3 miles away)

 a 2001 XJ8 with 67,000 mi's on it. He says mech. in great condition (Yea Right) we'll see, but needs a little cosmetics on the seats. He is asking $10,500 US.  I know the first thing I will ask is about the Timing Belt Change & service records & if he is the original owner.

Should I buy a XJ8 with 67,000  miles in good shape & have the entire timing system changed, if it has not already been or just stay away from it.

What else should  I look for or listen for. I plan on having it checked out by a Jaguar Mech. if it gets that far. 

It is a Silver Convertible.

What do you think KEN33Y

Danny

[KEN33Y]

Danny only you will know the answer to the question; Should I buy an XJ8 (XK) with 67,000 miles in good shape & have the entire timing system changed. If you are asking my advice with a tatty interior I would stay well clear being what I have previously stated a sign of wear and higher than normal mileage. I don't know what sort of money is being asked for it but I think I would save a few more pennies for a later model, silver is also not a favourite colour choice for me being harder to sell on with it showing all blemishes and rust etc.

This is my opinion Danny and you should form your own, good luck

[dantheman]

KEN33Y I respect your opinion very much & thank you very much for being honest with  me please continue. I understand & I am  passing on the car waiting for a later year. My biggest problem is controlling myself . It's just that I want to get into an XJ.  I just have to cool my pits & wait for the right one. 

Thanks KEN33Y 

 

Danny

[KEN33Y]

Hi Danny, I can understand your frustration when you want something badly. I bought my XKR when on holiday, well paid a deposit on the basis that if I did not find the car to match the description then I would demand my deposit back (I've studied law. On my return from holiday I travelled 200 or so miles to see it and viewed the car and went for a test drive without the salesman knowing who I was. He had a big shock when I found all to be satisfactory and revealed that I was the person who made the deposit, even got something off the total price left to pay because he was embarrassed.

If I were in your position I would be prepared to travel even if it means coming over the water the ferries are cheap enough these days to take the car back. May be a good idea to also look out for a solid colour reds black blues etc, they are much easier to patch up should you be unfortunate to get a scuff or scratch.

Good luck Danny

[dantheman]

I hear ya KENNY. You know us Yank's we all have that "I Want it Now Syndrome".  I am actually looking to buy a red or black . Thanks for the understanding, my quest continues. Only this time with a little more patients 

Danny

[KEN33Y]

Good man Danny, by the way I wish I had held out for a red one. I seen one on the weekend and even though I was blasting my XKR (Blue) I was envious of the red XKR