DROVE A 1999 BLACK ON BLACK XK8 THIS WINTER AT A FOR DEALER..PERFECT, LIKE NEW 60,000 MILES AND I CAN'T FORGET IT. I WANT TO BUY ONE BUT JUST HOW BAD WILL IT BE?

I READ THE POSTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSIONS THAT REGULARLY BLOW UP ETC.

BUT A REALTOR TOLD ME HE HAD ONE AND IT WAS THE BEST CAR HE EVER OWNED.

WHATS THE SCOOP.

THANKS.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 00:54

Jay, as you said in your post the cars are virtually identical electronics wise. It appears that you have allready had most of the issues i was referring to. From now on expect mainly electronic problems and in particular the various modules. I estimate the usefull life of these cars to be around 12 years, from that point one can expect constant deterioration. The fact is so many of them self destructed much sooner from tensioner breakage or Nikasil poisoning!

Submitted by jpbii@yahoo.com on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 22:33

William,

What all problems are you refering to regarding the XJ8 (recently bought a 1999 XJR which from my understanding is identical to the XJ8 with the exception of the Supercharger on the XJR). Mine has111,000 miles and runs strong. It's had the transmission replaced with one that has 60,000+ miles on it. I was surprised to find out that the Jaguar XJR uses a Mercedes transmission. The plastic timing chain tensioners have been replaced with metal ones. The only problems I've had so far are intermittent warning lights. Failsafe engine mode light that resets if I turn the car on and off most of the time, tail lamp failure which seems to be the license plate illuminating lamp. And the other problems are a non functioning sunroof and a partially sagging roof liner. The sunroof motor seems to be operational but the top won't tilt fully, closes crooked and will not slide back to the full open position. Can you tell me what other common problems I can expectfor fear?

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 21:22

Edited on 2011-08-24 21:27:56

You arent any madder than the thousnds like you who have bought these models! Most people know that the early cars with the 4.0 engine had serious design faults. If these things have been taken care off and the car is in good condition then have it inspected by a mechanic familiar with it. Otherwise, move ahead to the 4.2 engine cars, they are much more reliable, but obviously more expensive. ps; Is the caddy a Seville? My seville was the most beautiful car i've had.