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[Diamond Black Geezer]

Ok, so I'll never, never, ever sell my beautiful V6 Lady, I'm slowly amassing enough parts to make a whole new Omega one day haha. But as something silly, something fast, and something beautiful, for a couple who don't have any kids, mortgage, or any real ties/worries we both independently thought of an XK8.

Obviously there's a host of bits from the Ford parts bin which will take some getting used to (there hasn't been a Ford in our family since pre-Thatcher  ) but what are the things to look out for? All the common obvious ones, service history, rust, damage, signs of accident reepair blah blah we all know, but what about specific XK stuff? Cambelts, known issues, 'don't buy one unless it's had its --- done recently' etc.

They look a hell of a lot of fun and car for not much money. Also being a Jaaaag it's got a lazyybox which I like. 

Thanks in advance.

[Sir Tigger KC]

My mate had one a few years ago and it was a nice car but he did have a few problems with it.  It was generally known as 'The Saggy Jag'

Just to add though, it's probably a good enthusiasts car.  Expensive if you use garages but OK if you're prepared to delve in yourself.    As TB points out below... Iffy electrics hmmmm. 

[TheBoy]

My old neighbour has one, though the supercharged R variant. Quite spritely, obviously, but thirsty when pushed.  Not good on wintery roads, even with winter tyres.

Niggling electrical issues, an as yet unsolved clonking from rear suspension, and an intermittent overheating issue.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Sounds much like Omega ownership to me, so far! 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

In common with  several Jags I have sat in the cabin is a tight squeeze.

I believe Jaguar use the term 'intimate'

Nice looker though in a girlie sort of way.

[Viral_Jim]

I've seen a couple with rusty sills (just in front of the rear arches). Don't know if its a common problem or just coincidence.

Other than that, I really like the look of them and would love to own one :-)

[Lazydocker]

As with most Jags, they have suspension bushes galore and can make Omega suspension seem robust

But I quite like them

[BazaJT]

Engines have chains  not cam belts.First V8s had plastic tensioners which broke up and trashed engine.Later upgrade was to plastic/metal tensioners which broke up etc.Final upgrade came with 4.2L engines and were sound,so you want to see evidence of upgrade to 4.2 spec chains/tensioners or be ready for a big bill to have them done,last I knew-a couple of years ago now-approx. £1700 at an Jag independent.Thermostat tower is plastic and goes brittle/breaks up/leaks with age,metal ones available from U.S.A.Gearboxes are "sealed for life"variety.lastly if looking at early car with Nicasil cylinder bore lining-if it's lasted this long it should be fine but they don't like lots of short journeys-then consider having a blow-by test done for peace of mind.

[Mr Gav]

A lad at work has just had his crank snapped on his and it`s only done 120k and he`s only had it three months.

[tunnie]

I'd personally have to get XK-R rather than normal one, they look great. Not sure I'd want to DIY service one though!

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Thanks all, Baza, that's a comprehensive list, thanks for that, make sure you claim your free pint next time you're in Clee! 

[BazaJT]

It does sound quite damning,but isn't meant to be.As said evidence of chain/tensioner replacement for 4.2l items is a bit of a must although if you know what you're doing they are a d.i.y proposition.If you see an early car advertised with a steel linered engine consider this a bonus point.History preferable buy wisely and they're a damn fine car

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Oh, that's fine, didn't see it as off-putting at all. Just exactly what I was looking for, in that let's say a 199k Omega Elite for £200, all that leather, electric everything etc... but in 6 months you have to change the cambelt, idler, wishbones, eat through a set of brand new tyres, and then realise you need the suspension replacing and a full geo doing.. then another set of tyres. That lot could easily be well over £1000, but if you go into Omega ownership aware, eyes open (or better, buy a car that's had that lot done recently already) then you're onto trouble free(ish) motoring.

Currently at 21.6mpg from the old girl, so expecting similarly-woeful fuel economy, but that I can cope with... four figure bills on the other hand we can't be doing with. Clearly worth spending a shade more and getting the right one... to avoid buying a right one