Used XK8

Do we have any XK8 owners out there? I have
recently discovered these gorgeous cars have dropped in value down to what I would concider to be a bargain! I dont know if there is a glut on the market or what the reason is but, I am seeing the 97 year model cars offered for sale at less than $30,000! These cars sold new for almost $70,000. Does anyone know if there is some sort of problem with these cars? Or, possibly high maintenance costs that would cause such a drop in resale value? I wonder if there is still a fear in the general public of buying a used Jaguar that is out of warranty? I thought I would see what kind of feedback I get before I rush out and buy a car that I will be disapointed with. Can anyone enlighten me?
:JW

[ 01-23-2002: Message edited by: JW ]</p>

I think the pricing is in line with normal depreciation. Obviously have the car gone over by a competent mechanic..

Jaguars usually run a few points below other brands due to long gone past history before the XK8 was even built....I believe the XK8 to be among the most beautiful cars..and a great car to own..

The one great part of Ford purchasing Jaguar was that it forced higher quality supplier parts to be integrated into the Jaguar production cars..

The bottom line became...screw with Jaguar..was screwing with Ford...No supplier would ever want to risk quality control issues and then meet with Fords wraith..I'd feel comfortable buying a second hand Jaguar that checked out.

A good option is to try and grab a nice extended warranty from a reputable company if you. I would probably consider it down the line just for the peace of mind. I have one on my 99 Corvette that I've owned since new..thats been problem free..just for the peace of mind..I took the highest deductable..because..I doubt I'll ever need it..the cars been that good..I've thought about grabbing an XK8 for the wife..but although the Jag XK8 is her favorite car..with a kid..shes' still doing the practical SUV thing..so I haven't gone for it..but I've certainly considered it as you mentioned..Tons of great deals..!

What color and what options..

Is it a coupe or convertible..

One other thing to remember ..the used car market is in a terrible slump right now due to financing deals as well as leasing deals given on new cars..

Best time to buy a used car..

As a reference..a friend of mine just picked up a 40K mile Lexus SC400 .. I believe it was a 98..

He just picked it up for 25,800 for his daughter..

So the 30 for the jag is inline and not something to be overly concerned about..

I'd suggest having a mechanic go over it..its the worth the few dollars for a peace of mind..

The XK8 is a truly stunning car that is rarely abused by its owner. JMO

Let us know how you make out.

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: JBsC5 ]</p>

Did you go for it?

No, I chickend out. I had someone tell me that there were a lot of problems with the 97 yr model. He wasn't specific but, I think I'll wait a while longer. See how the market goes and do some more research.
JW

Don't believe what you hear about problems with the 97 models. I owned one for 4 years and never had a problem. I'd still have it if I hadn't rolled it one icy morning....