I have an XK8 of 1996, probebly one of the first sold in the Netherlands. I have it now for over 6 years, no mayor issues had occured to me. Of course maintainance is a must! Don't budget on oil or gas; in the Netherlands we have 2 choises. The cheaper one; with a lot of "natural" additives. Or the more expensive one, wich is better for the fuel system when you don't drive it weekely, like I do. I did let do the tensioners and the waterpump replace to start with. The bearings of the wheels were worn out; made noise, with 120 000 km on the clock. So they needed to replaced as well. Buy good tires, the car is heavy, so the strong ones are needed. Al season tires are a bit difficult to get, you need to search for them. Rust is a serious thing, even when I have the car in a garage. The fittings of the rear bumper, and the places here mentioned. Do I still like the car? A LOT!! It drives supurb, you get attention from others, and yes.... women as well. (I am 62...🙃) Spareparts are not as costly as Porsche for instance. With a modest budget, the car is good te keep on the road. When I start the engine, I start smiling! Succes for who wants to buy one. I had a specialist to look after, before buying. I advice everyone to do this as well!
Great video, thanks! I have owned my 2000 XK8 convertible for 15 years. I’m in Canada so obviously never sees winter. I have done all of the engine mods you mentioned, plus front struts and a couple of suspension odds and sods. Thanks for reminding me to exercise the convertible top - I’ll do that more often. Another thing to watch for are the hydraulic lines and rams for the soft top. A leak from the front lines that run through your windshield frame - affectionately called, the green shower - can ruin your interior! I have replaced all of my lines. You touched on this but other things that can go bad that will result in that annoying “restricted performance” warning or the “check engine” light are ignition coils (x8), oxygen sensors and knock sensors (2 per cylinder bank). I’ve replaced all of these. Cheers!
Saw the first of these built in their factory outside Coventry, Brown's Lane in L-somewhere, in 1995. Line split, one way for six cylinder, other to V8 engine fit. Wood panels department down the side.
Great review! Interesting that convertibles are still more expensive in the UK, as here in the US the coupes have started to overtake them in price, as they are both rarer and better looking.
I do like these and had a 4.2 convetible for a while. Think perhaps the rust issue was not emphasised enough in this summary. Lovely cars and very undervalued overall though.
I owned one of these, an XK8 2001 coupe, back in 2008-2010. For me this remains one of the most beautiful cars ever made, up with the E-Type and Vanquish, and I prefer it to Ian Callum's replacement in 2006. I also loved the cossetting, luxurious interior which was a lovely place to sit on roadtrips, and that V8 made a gorgeous sound. However, there was ALWAYS something wrong with it despite it having a comprehensive service history and only 50,000 miles when I bought it. It was a very fragile car and expensive to maintain -- suspension bits always wearing , electrical gremlins, including the ABS module going kaput and sensors failing, and of course I had to replace the chain tensioners which was a pricey upgrade. Even as a 7-year-old car, rust was forming on the rear wheel arches. Very thirsty but you know that buying one. As a classic car for summer Sunday drives, it probably makes more sense if you are willing to maintain it.
should we avoid the versions before 2001? I am considering a 1999 with metal chain tensioners and a clean service book, but your video makes me think again...
The XK8 is one of the most expensive cars I have ever owned in terms of running costs. I have spent mega money with so called Jaguar specialists. There really are some cowboy Jag specialists out there which spoils the ownership experience
I've had my 2001 xkr convertible for 18 years now. I maintain it myself and installed all the upgrades from the 4.2. Exciting to drive and I STILL can't stop looking at it! Great report, very accurate. As mentioned , not enough emphasis on the rust issues particularly the rear of the sill. Can be horrific if you don't keep on top of it. Take off the rear silencer box and run a straight pipe through. Sounds fantastic!!
My XKR well maintained 2002 MY car was absolutely superb.. Never buy one of these (or any other used car) without a full service history.. Why would you.
My only comment is Jaguar is sold in Europe ànd the US. Give me the prices in UA dollàr. Personally the XKE was the last really a JAG. I LOVE THE XKE 120, 140 and the XKE. I love British sports cars!!!!
I always fancied one but the government CO2 BS has put paid to that. All cars should pay the same VED, not split into some farcical whim. I had a pre 2005 Vauxhall Monaro and then the tax brackets shifted.
I owned that very xkr after you guys. It's gone to a new home and had an absolute fortune spent on it. Love the xk8/r.
Glad to hear it's in good hands!
Good video, no waffling and straight to the point.
I have an XK8 of 1996, probebly one of the first sold in the Netherlands. I have it now for over 6 years, no mayor issues had occured to me. Of course maintainance is a must! Don't budget on oil or gas; in the Netherlands we have 2 choises. The cheaper one; with a lot of "natural" additives. Or the more expensive one, wich is better for the fuel system when you don't drive it weekely, like I do.
I did let do the tensioners and the waterpump replace to start with. The bearings of the wheels were worn out; made noise, with 120 000 km on the clock. So they needed to replaced as well. Buy good tires, the car is heavy, so the strong ones are needed. Al season tires are a bit difficult to get, you need to search for them.
Rust is a serious thing, even when I have the car in a garage. The fittings of the rear bumper, and the places here mentioned. Do I still like the car? A LOT!! It drives supurb, you get attention from others, and yes.... women as well. (I am 62...🙃)
Spareparts are not as costly as Porsche for instance. With a modest budget, the car is good te keep on the road. When I start the engine, I start smiling! Succes for who wants to buy one. I had a specialist to look after, before buying. I advice everyone to do this as well!
ALL Jaguars seem beautiful to me. This model definitely so. Thanks for the great maintenance and buying advice. 👍
Our pleasure!
Great video, thanks! I have owned my 2000 XK8 convertible for 15 years. I’m in Canada so obviously never sees winter. I have done all of the engine mods you mentioned, plus front struts and a couple of suspension odds and sods. Thanks for reminding me to exercise the convertible top - I’ll do that more often. Another thing to watch for are the hydraulic lines and rams for the soft top. A leak from the front lines that run through your windshield frame - affectionately called, the green shower - can ruin your interior! I have replaced all of my lines. You touched on this but other things that can go bad that will result in that annoying “restricted performance” warning or the “check engine” light are ignition coils (x8), oxygen sensors and knock sensors (2 per cylinder bank). I’ve replaced all of these. Cheers!
This was really nice and informative, thank you! :)
Glad it was helpful!
Saw the first of these built in their factory outside Coventry, Brown's Lane in L-somewhere, in 1995. Line split, one way for six cylinder, other to V8 engine fit. Wood panels department down the side.
The XKR 400 is the one to have. Supercharged 4.2 400bhp.
Great review! Interesting that convertibles are still more expensive in the UK, as here in the US the coupes have started to overtake them in price, as they are both rarer and better looking.
Interesting!
In the US, and I hate convertibles. They diminish the aerodynamic styling that a coupe has.
my 01 xkr has no rust, i dont drive it unless weather is fitting, regular scheduled maintenance is key too.
Featured proudly in one of my favorite films Memento.
I do like these and had a 4.2 convetible for a while. Think perhaps the rust issue was not emphasised enough in this summary. Lovely cars and very undervalued overall though.
Good stuff!! Very excited about a 04 Convert XKR in my future 👍😎
Those lovely old days . The 2009 XJ was the last real Jaguar .
What a gorgeous car!
I agree with the rust. Not only in the bodywork but in the chassis and horrendously expensive to fix on a car that will be worth less than the repair
be smart go buy a new pickup truck for 69K and stop whining,,you sound like an old ex wife
Great Vid. I want one !
Thanks for this I am going to buy one.
Good choice!
how is it?
I had to have the floor pans replaced on my 2001 XKR in 2011.
Good, useful guide👍🏻
Glad it was helpful!
I owned one of these, an XK8 2001 coupe, back in 2008-2010. For me this remains one of the most beautiful cars ever made, up with the E-Type and Vanquish, and I prefer it to Ian Callum's replacement in 2006. I also loved the cossetting, luxurious interior which was a lovely place to sit on roadtrips, and that V8 made a gorgeous sound. However, there was ALWAYS something wrong with it despite it having a comprehensive service history and only 50,000 miles when I bought it. It was a very fragile car and expensive to maintain -- suspension bits always wearing , electrical gremlins, including the ABS module going kaput and sensors failing, and of course I had to replace the chain tensioners which was a pricey upgrade. Even as a 7-year-old car, rust was forming on the rear wheel arches. Very thirsty but you know that buying one. As a classic car for summer Sunday drives, it probably makes more sense if you are willing to maintain it.
dont maintain it of course ,,get a kia
The £735 pa road fund license for the XKR can be a bit of a downer for some - me included.
Very helpfull
Glad it helped!
And most of them are ULEZ friendly too. Values on decent 4.2XKRs are definitely on the up, and not before time
What's not to love?
should we avoid the versions before 2001? I am considering a 1999 with metal chain tensioners and a clean service book, but your video makes me think again...
Not at all! If it's rot-free and has the later water pump and metal tensioners, you're good to go :)
@@ClassicsWorldUK thank you 😊
Excellent video 🚗🚙🚘👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏
Thank you 👍
The XK8 is one of the most expensive cars I have ever owned in terms of running costs. I have spent mega money with so called Jaguar specialists. There really are some cowboy Jag specialists out there which spoils the ownership experience
I've had my 2001 xkr convertible for 18 years now. I maintain it myself and installed all the upgrades from the 4.2. Exciting to drive and I STILL can't stop looking at it! Great report, very accurate. As mentioned , not enough emphasis on the rust issues particularly the rear of the sill. Can be horrific if you don't keep on top of it. Take off the rear silencer box and run a straight pipe through. Sounds fantastic!!
Love mine!
6:32 Climate Display (not clock on these)
Hi so does the 2002 XKR have the plastic timing chain tensioners?
They do rod bearings on the ring apparently, just ask tavarish 😁
*Ahem* yes...
XKR100 would be my choice, too.
Agreed!
The nose cone came out of the factory not quite matching. Why should it start now 😂😎
My XKR well maintained 2002 MY car was absolutely superb.. Never buy one of these (or any other used car) without a full service history.. Why would you.
The plastic lower dash panelling looks very 1980's Austin-Rover MG, bit tacky.
My only comment is Jaguar is sold in Europe ànd the US. Give me the prices in UA dollàr. Personally the XKE was the last really a JAG. I LOVE THE XKE 120, 140 and the XKE. I love British sports cars!!!!
I always fancied one but the government CO2 BS has put paid to that.
All cars should pay the same VED, not split into some farcical whim.
I had a pre 2005 Vauxhall Monaro and then the tax brackets shifted.
Used Jaguar buying guide: don't.
6:20 🤮 That interior is rank
Don't buy one then 😁
They're brilliant car to own on drive suffered with rust