Vercingetrix

Thank you, Jim for your words. I too am thinking the mechanic probably had it right and as you say, if the dealer is prepared to stand a two years guarantee behind the car, it's probably not something to worry about. Thank you Jim, I appreciate your taking time to respond. Regards

Thank you Peter for your response. It's just a concern for me with that big V8 there and the possible problem I'm imagining Regards

Hello I've been looking to purchase an XK8 and viewed one recently. I unscrewed the oil filler cap and found a pale white greasy substance on the underside. The oil on the dipstick is clean and clear and smells fine. Suspecting it may signify a head gasket problem, I mentioned this to the seller, a Jag main dealer who said he would ask their head technician. Took the car for a test drive, had a look again at the filler cap underside and it was completely clear. Oil pressure was constant and good as was the temperature. The mechanic arrived, had a look and said he suspected it was simply condensation as the car has barely been used other than ferrying it a short distance to and from the workshop for various jobs. The car seems well looked after and comes with a two year guarantee on a forty five thousand mile car. What do members think? Do you think this could be a head gasket problem on the make and would you go ahead with the purchase? Or could it be simply condensation or something else? Your opinion would be appreciated. Regards

Dear Ken, Trevor and Charlie, Thank you for your comments. The 2002 car does seem expensive but I have to balance the age of the car with the very low mileage, the looks of the older model and the benefits of purchasing a younger model with a 5litre monster engine. I have a lot of thinking to do. It would be a done deal were I to go and look at that red one and do something about the price. Is there anything to look out for with the earlier 4.2 engine that the 5.0 litre engine resolved? Comments noted about the 20 inch rims too, thank you Charles and Trevor. I'll keep noodling around. Thank you every one for your time. I do appreciate it. Regards

Oh dear, so much enthusiasm pushing me ever closer to buying one. Thank you, all of you. I saw a fabulous looking XKR 2002 4.2 Supercharged with only 19,000 miles but at £25,000 - Arden body styling. It's presently for sale on Autotrader http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201407185919140/sort/default/radius/1500/page/1/onesearchad/used,nearlynew,new/usedcars/model/xkr/postcode/ll151yn/make/jaguar/colour/red?logcode=p If I'm honest, I really love the older body style of the XK but what do you think of this 2002 model? It looks fabulous to me. Trevor - you said you were having your car serviced on Monday and would let me know how much it cost. I hope it wasn't too painfil Regards

Hello Trevor Thank you for your response. I have already replied to you but my reply doesn't appear here so I must have done something wrong. You is a wicked man ! Encouraging me to plunge in like that. I'm convinced once I had a test drive, I'd be hooked. I've been running BMWs for a few years so your comparison is useful, thank you I'd be interested to know how much your service costs. I hope it will not be too expensive. I hope you get a good long night's sleep tonight as your reply was posted very early this morning. Thank you for your time Trevor

Hello Ken Thank you for taking the time to reply. I suppose I could ask around here for an independent Jaguar specialist and find out some more information regarding servicing costs and the like. I'd imagine with driving an XKR you have a continual smile across your face. I've read something about wheel-size and it seems the 20 inch wheels are not the best and should be avoided. Any thoughts on that ? Anyway, thank you Ken for your time and reply, it's appreciated Regards

Hello Peter Thank you for your response, it's very kind of you to spare me some of your time. I am sure you're correct that were I to have a test drive I'd be convinced. I am presently resisting the temptation - which is exquisite in a way - but I'm sure that one day, I'll be behind the wheel and searching desperately for a reason not to part with my savings. I'm glad you think I don't need to be a rich man to drive one as rich I am not. If I purchase an XK, I'll let you know. Thank you Peter. Regards

Hello, I'm new here and wet behind the ears as far as Jaguar is concerned. I feel something of a fraud here as I do not own a Jaguar now so please forgive me. Always loved Jaguars, promised myself I'd own one before I fall from the twig. That day seems to have arrived and I am presently considering purchasing an XK. I was considering a 2009 or later model. Trouble is that I'm wary of the running costs. I'm not concerned with the mpg so much as the servicing costs, service interval, insurance, tyre wear, those sorts of factors. I am nearing the end of being shackled to a mortgage and presently have about £300 a month to spare or squander. I usually cover about ten thousand miles a year on fast country roads in Wales. Do members think I should take the plunge and treat myself to an XK or is there another model members consider I may be better purchasing. Or should I steer clear of this beautiful car and dream on? Your viewpoints would be very much appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you. Regards