Re: 1997-1999 XK8 Convertible - opinions needed (archive)

Here's what I posted on the Jag newsgroup in response to your question. Unfortunately that group has gotten involved in a name-calling war right now....

There were minor improvements from year to year. I believe the brakes were upgraded slightly in 98 or 99. Rumor has it that in 2000, Jaguar went to iron engine cylinder liners to eliminate a problem with accelerated engine wear. I'd suggest looking into the 2000 models, see if you can find a Jag dealer or info source who can confirm the engine liner issue (the first few years the engines had Nikasil cylinder linings, which is just an electro-plated coating). In 2000 or 2001 the headrests on the seats changed, became adjustable.

Now this is very important - if you buy a car that is still under the original 4 year warranty, you can buy a 7 year extended warranty from Warranty Direct for about $1500, however once the car is out of the 4 year factory warranty, it's more like $3200 for 3 years. I've been through this unfortunate learning experience personally. For that reason, if you plan to keep the car, I'd
strongly urge you to find a car that is still under it's original 4 year factory warranty, and then buy the 7 year extended warranty from a place such as Warranty Direct (no, I don't work for them). When I bought my used 97 XK8 in 2000, the car salesman told me that the car was under the Jaguar Select warranty, which was good for 7 years from the date of sale of the car. They way
they described it, I was getting a warranty for 7 years from the day I bought the car. WRONG. That 7 year warranty is 7 years from the day the car was first sold when it was new, so it really only adds 2 or 3 years of warranty to a used
car. This is why if you buy a 4 year old car still under the 4 year factory warranty, I'd urge you to also buy the 7 year extended warranty.

Jeff

I'm considering buying a used Jaguar XK8 Convertible. The amount I'm
willing to spend dictates that the year I'll be able to afford is 1997-1999.

Assuming the same, or close to the same mileage, are there any mechanical
reasons for buying a 1999 over a 1998 over a 1997?

It stands to reason that many manufacturing flaws would be ironed out after
the first year, and a few more the second, and so on. But perhaps they got
it right the first time.

Thanks for your time.

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