Jaguar XK8 - It's Back! How Much Did It Cost?!

My Jaguar XK8 is finally back from the garage after having work done to the gearbox and the bodywork. In this video I go through the work carried out and a breakdown of cost, as the work is mainly based on labour rates these are only really a guide and will vary depending where you are in the world!

[@AnthonyDick-n4t]

Too me, this is the most stylish, elegant and sporty car ever!!! The British corvette!

[@cheddarfish225]

I have just had our 1999 XK8 fully resprayed and also they refurbished all 4 alloy wheels to be like new. Total cost was 1600 euros. That was all done in Bulgaria

[@granblogismo]

Yes labour cost is the main factor!

[@umbertide1973]

Thanks for the update. I had a lot of work done to the underside of my 1998 XK8 convertible , in the region of £8000 !. After the shock of that, I've had to put the bodywork and respray on hold for this year. Thanks for the info. will update with my prices later if any one interested.

[@granblogismo]

umbertide1973 wowsers £8k! Well done for going through with it, at the moment it doesn’t seem economical to do stuff like this but someone has to keep these cars on the road if we don’t want them to disappear! It’s easy for people to say it’s not worth it but they struggle to understand the difference between ‘a car’ and ‘my car’ 😁

[@swansong007]

Thats Beautiful car deserves to have a fastidious owner like you to give it some TLC. Great pairing.

[@mickyeverton]

Many Thanks, recently purchased a very low mileage XJS V12 1989 from DD CLASSICS!! Had a few in the 80's, driving it sure brings back memories. Even looking at it puts a smile on my face!! Stay Safe, Peace From London. 🙏🙏

[@markcarter9476]

Great to see your commitment to investing in a beautiful classic Jag.

[@granblogismo]

Thanks!!

[@_kodojak]

I love my 2002 Aspen Green XKR. Love it mate. Drives like a dream and such an eye catcher!

[@korkyrougewhite864]

Nice, honest & helpful video - hope you still got the XK8. This is so useful for future buyers of these lovely cars.

[@granblogismo]

Thanks! Yes still got it, love it, got some bits to sort out but hoping to do another trip in it soon 🤞

[@NickMoodyComedy]

Great set of videos. Have always loved the shape of these cars and am now seriously thinking of purchasing one as a “weekend” car. Any buyers guide videos would be appreciated. Cheers, Nick

[@granblogismo]

Hi Nick, thanks for the comment! I started doing some ‘in detail’ videos about the car that might help with deciding what to look for when buying (think there is a playlist on my channel) but I’ve not finished it all yet! Best thing to do is get a dedicated buying guide, one that I’ve got is old but has lots of info called ‘Jaguar XK8 a modern sporting icon’ which was made by Jaguar World magazine ages ago so might be able to pick up on eBay or something

[@geoffdundee]

absolutely love the engine sound - awesome stuff......your cars lovely....perfect colour and interior too - very classy

[@granblogismo]

Thanks very much for the comment and kind words! 😎👍

[@sevenoaksdayton]

I love the fact you are treating your XK8 properly, with particular attention to the wheel arches! A lot of parts I cannot even get at the dealer anymore (for some work I'm doing on my XK8), so I was surprised you were able to source the necessary parts for the re-finishing job. Amazing results though, and keep up the fabulous videos!

[@granblogismo]

Dayton thanks for the comment! Yes I’m planning on keeping the car a while so thought it deserved proper attention, it seems that some specialist companies are making repair panels for things like wheel arches which makes it easier but the bodyshop did have to fabricate some parts! Thanks for watching and good luck with your XK 👍

[@philipcummings4604]

Have u tried the likes of British Parts Stevenage got all the parts for my brake renew disc’s etc & S.Barretts and more out there .

[@Therighteousone522]

Enjoy these videos and your honesty . Keep it up

[@yosoyyo9359]

Wish I had one. Amazing car.

[@alexesposito4347]

I am really considering about buying this car. It definitely will bring some attention in the future but it would be a pity considering buying it just for that reason: it has beautiful retro shape,inspired by the E type,but also original and representative of the 90s/2000s GT era. It has comfortable interiors,a nice v8 and the J shifter,that is a little step above the simple automatic transmission,allowing the driver to choose what gear to use. Style,power and an affordable price makes this a candy for automotive enthusiast that like to drive cars out of the spotlight

[@granblogismo]

Alex Esposito yes I really enjoy my car and I can recommend it as a nice GT car, you’re right that you shouldn’t buy a car like this thinking of it as an investment as it’s very likely to cost more than it’s worth maintaining it over a long period of time!

[@JorgeTuna]

Beautiful car! 😍

[@granblogismo]

Thanks Jorge!

[@kevinetheridge8818]

Good to see you’ve got the XK8 back and with most of the bodywork sorted. When I finally got round to replacing the headliner on my XK8 I asked the supplier to include extra cloth for the door pillars so this shouldn’t be a problem. However you may also be interested to know that this particular headliner was flexible enough (some aren’t) to allow it to be gently folded and fed through the open door without the need to remove the seats or the centre console. As a result the process was fairly straightforward, although you do need two pairs of hands!

[@granblogismo]

Kevin Etheridge that’s good to know, the main thing that concerns me about the headliner is taking apart the console and taking the seats out so if that can be avoided brilliant! Which company did you use? Headliner world?

[@kevinetheridge8818]

granblogismo I ordered mine from Myrtle Ltd, based in Ramsgate. They were recommended to me by a friend who has fitted a range of headliners in the past and he found theirs to be the easiest to work with. The only issue for us was that the cut out for the rear interior light was a little too small for the plastic surround although this was easily fixed and all other pre-cut holes were fine. It’s probably best to talk to them on the phone regarding your Jaguar model/year as the number and location of these pre-cut holes will probably differ. I found them very helpful.

[@granblogismo]

Kevin Etheridge brill, thanks!

[@kevinetheridge8818]

granblogismo Hope it goes smoothly for you when you finally get it done.

[@MaxiBela]

Was nice, became even nicer! I really like your Jag, especially with this new exhaust! ;-)

[@timshannon999]

Ouch! But looks really fab. Very reassuring to know all rust cut out. Such a smart colour - same as my ‘97 convertible. Look forward to updates (and seeing underside?) Thank you.

[@granblogismo]

Tim Shannon thanks, yes glad to have to work completed, underside tricky to film without a ramp but not much to see as the previous owner had it undersealed, probably hiding all sorts of horrors! Still, that’s probably some future content right there 🤣

[@stuartmackinnon]

Finally watched the whole video. Well done on the high-quality work. As my account tells me about my X100, "a wise man wouldn't own it". This applies to all motor vehicles over a certain age though. These cars provide maximum joy for the money. My front bumper has a slightly different finish noticeable in different lights and I've convinced myself that its normal and to do with the different materials.

[@granblogismo]

Yes very much a heart over head purchase but that’s kind of the point, thanks for the info on the front bumper, I’m not too worried about it but will probably get the bonnet and bumper done to remove stone chips but no rush I guess, cheers! 😎👍

[@TheLRider]

Always keep a modern classic on a battery conditioner. Never fails. I used to regularly check mine every autumn and fully rewax the underside with the inner arches taken off. Never had any rust. Folks just don't seem to look after their cars any more only when it's too feckin late.

[@Hopgoodd]

Excellent stuff!

[@harryscott1445]

Hi, The car looks so much better for the work, and hopefully the gearbox settles down correctly.

[@granblogismo]

Harry Scott thanks! Yes gearbox seems totally fine now so fingers crossed!

[@tzazarizona2676]

I just happened unto a 2008 XK convert, in the same green as yours, 97k miles, a California ,Arizona car no rust out here. Dealer asking $14,000. Have to consider this toy.

[@granblogismo]

Sounds nice!

[@Paul-tk2my]

Even allowing for the fact that this is now a few years ago, I probably wouldn’t be able to get a wheel arch replaced for what you’ve paid to get all that work done. Chips Away quoted £960 to fix a 3 x 4mm stone chip on the very edge of my passenger door!

[@frederickhauser2783]

Hi,Really enjoy this channel,keep it going

[@granblogismo]

Frederick Hauser thanks for the comment and for watching! I enjoy making the videos so I’m glad you’re enjoying them 😎👍

[@carlplz00001]

Ditto...!

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

Looks and sounds beautiful!

[@granblogismo]

Thanks!

[@MitchGrooms]

Incredible work they did. I said before I live in the US and where i live, we have no rust, on the other hand you mates have it rough with the rust. WOW. How does the undercarriage look? I will always follow your progress. I just did "Part 14" on the series of the 2000 Jaguar XjR on my channel, please take a look.

[@granblogismo]

Mitch Grooms yes I’m pleased with the work, underneath seems ok although it’s hard to tell with the under seal, I’ll find out in time I’m sure! Yes been following your XJR project with interest!

[@MitchGrooms]

@@granblogismo Imcredible car you have, question, What does MOT stand for?

[@granblogismo]

Mitch Grooms it stands for ‘Ministry of Transport’ and refers to the annual test cars have to pass to be considered ‘roadworthy’, cars under 3 years are exempt as are older classic cars bizarrely! The test is a check of brakes, suspension, body condition in key areas like sills and seatbelt mounts, lights, windscreen (wipers and wash included!), emissions, horn plus loads of other stuff!!!! It’s a pain but means a car with an MOT test certificate is ‘safe’ to drive

[@yves2075]

Great car, great vid. Nice watch. Can't understand a word though.

[@ccuk]

Great video. I fear I might hve some issues too. Just pulled up my carpet and found some corrosion. I cannot wait to see how your new project develops.

[@granblogismo]

Hi, unfortunately it is a bit of an issue on these but the good thing is that the parts are available to repair the floor and things 👍 yes my new project is going to take a bit of time I think but should be a good learning experience!

[@madformorgan7848]

I can that you absolutely love that car and quite rightly so it’s a stunning looking machine. So was it worth spending over £3k on it. Of course it was. If it brings you joy, which clearly it does then it’s worth every penny. Enjoy. Jeff

[@granblogismo]

Ha, absolutely! Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@ToTheGarage]

Love this video love the car and the engine note. A great investment in a great car

[@granblogismo]

To The Garage thanks! I know this won’t be the last of the big bills but I feel its worth every penny keeping these fine cars on the road!

[@v336518]

Now that was a bargain if they did it correctly and the rust doesn’t come back. I spent £12k last year just on rust underneath and cills and still need to do the arches and then have it fully re sprayed.

[@granblogismo]

This was a couple of years ago I fear that I’ll have to spend again to get a lasting repair, hopefully not 12k but bodywork quickly adds up! If keeping the car it will be worth it longer term though 👍

[@tubeviewer-qp1fb]

The 'flat' colour on the front bumper is a XK8 'thing' so nothing to worry about there. They are all like that. :-)

[@granblogismo]

Oh right! That is good to know, might still see if anything can be done to smarten it up when I address the stone chips, no rush though as they are bound to come back with use! Thanks for the comment and for watching! 😎👍

[@Adam-Adamson]

I Miss my XK8 now live in Australia prices are crazy for these as they are quite rare

[@granblogismo]

Adam Adamson oh right! Still fairly numerous on UK roads, something like 3.5k coupes licensed 1.5k off the road, slightly less convertibles but in steady decline!

[@rovdam1]

hello. i can answer that qustion for you. i had all the same bits of metal cut in to mine in 2017. after spending much the same as you have on the parts the full respray was £3600. my front seats were a bit manky after 100000 miles so i had those recovered with a perfect match for the ivory and that was £660. both prices include VAT. No change from £5K to get the car back to showroom condition. for a car thats probably only worth 6 or 7 it doesnt make financial sense but who cares. its the second most beautiful car in history. if money mattered we woudlt buy them. Keep up the good work

[@granblogismo]

Great stuff! Yeah that broadly aligns to what I’d expect I suppose, must be nice to have the car refreshed outside and in! Totally agree about why we spend the money, it’s not because we expect it back, it’s because we want to keep these cars in nice condition so we can enjoy them for years to come! 😎👍

[@darrensurrey]

Well, the gearbox fix costs 10x less than I imagined it would!

[@robwalton2276]

I’ve genuinely been looking forward to this video. Are you driving in the winter or garaging it? I’ve garaged my XK8 for the winter then found a mouse in the engine bay! Maybe keep driving mine as I don’t want the battery to go flat. My headliner was changed and looks great but I didn’t change the material on the front 2 columns and they now look dated. Your XK8 looks great now and sounds amazing. Such a beautiful car. Keep the videos coming I love them.

[@granblogismo]

Rob Walton thanks very much for the comments, hoping to keep driving mine through the winter but being diligent about keeping the underbody salt-free! Sounds interesting about the headliner/a-pillar, I’ll have to look into that when I do mine 👍 Thanks for watching, planning to make more XK8 videos in the near future, hopefully they live up to expectations 🤣

[@hekatonkheires4564]

Hi, just become the proud owner of a silver 2000 XK8 with 44k miles. Always thought they were fantastic looking motors. Yours looks superb. Where did you get your bodywork done, for future reference. Great series of videos.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@peterknapp1784]

Great colour scheme, for me the Detroit alloys are my choice but yours are a classy second.

[@granblogismo]

Yeah I do like the 20 inch wheels, would love a set of Detroit or Montreal wheels but so expensive even second hand, thanks for watching and for the comment!!

[@peterknapp1784]

Just found a sky blue 4,2 with Detroit alloys, 80,000 miles & i want. Probably get dragged off the motorway, haho . Great watch ty for doing your videos.

[@granblogismo]

peter knapp excellent!

[@Redeye196513]

Nice report back. Looks so much better without any obvious body defects! Was wondering, did you get the ZF/garage guys to do trans reflash (update) and adaptations reset as the 'box was uncoupled from the car? You didnt mention it so I guess not. I've read reports from other owners of the benefit of doing this generally for an XK8/R but even more so if the gearbox has been taken out for any reason.

[@granblogismo]

Jules Redeye thanks for the info, I didn’t ask specifically so I’ll find out, my weird gear selector issue keeps coming and going so perhaps related?! More investigation needed!

[@Redeye196513]

granblogismo The reflash only effects the TCM (transmission control module), so no impact on your selector issue of it is an intermittent electrics fault. In respect of that, first test the battery voltage and if anything under 12.6 get it charged (CTEK trickle feeds are good). Otherwise try a hard reset via your battery. This often gets rid of little electrical gremlins the XK8’s ECM often suddenly develops. Just remember to find your radio code first, and know what you need to do after - ie window sets, but other stuff too.

[@granblogismo]

Jules Redeye cool, some easy stuff to try then 😎👍

[@oldhippy8475]

Well it looks great, excellent work, but ouch over £3k at one time. I would be interested to know if you will 'winterise it' as the Americans say, or keep it on the road. My XK is going away for the winter, fortunately I have a garage. I am already having electrical issues despite a new battery and new key fob batteries so will need to keep it on a trickle charge. Thanks again for the video, oh and Happy Christmas, Paul

[@granblogismo]

Old Hippy yes a tad expensive this one but hopefully keeps bodywork bills at bay for a while, in terms of using the car over winter I will definitely be using it but probably keep under cover when not in use! Thanks for the comment and a happy Christmas to you too 😊👍

[@stuartmackinnon]

Lovely car and enjoyable videos about it. Thank you. It sounds great! Have you modified the exhaust or is it standard?

[@granblogismo]

Hi! Thanks for watching, yes the exhaust is modified, a kit from Adamesh, there’s a before/after video elsewhere on my channel if you’re interested?

[@Nialletto]

Stunning, and a nice informative video, too. I'm considering an XK8/XKR. Can I ask for a rough estimate of your annual running cost bill (excluding fuel). i.e. just wear and tear? Regards. Niall.

[@granblogismo]

Hi Niall! I’d guess maybe £1000 a year for a car already in good condition, in that I would include the annual service then that might leave £500-£600 a year to accrue for more expensive consumables like tyres, brakes, suspension etc so some years might be more expensive some years might be cheaper, hope that helps!

[@Nialletto]

granblogismo Thank you - that’s very helpful. And sorry for the late reply (just moved house)!

[@mistermikeanson]

Worth doing on a great looking car!

[@granblogismo]

Mike Anson thanks!

[@Biggles]

The Jag is looking beautiful there, and the respray work is good. I wonder if there was paint work previously done on the door jamb was because someone trapped the seat belt in there and shut the door? Also it's pretty common for the front bumper to get pretty bad stone chip damage, hence they are often painted on the cheap.

[@granblogismo]

Biggles thanks, yes I’m pleased with the work that’s been done, interesting theory about the seatbelt, very possibly what happened! Yeah the front bumper definitely looks like a non-factory job, next on the list after the headlining I think!!

[@tariqtvproductions]

Do you think it's better to buy a more expensive one to reduce likelihood of expensive expenditure? Car looks good in that colour like the etype!

[@charlieharper4975]

A respray in California will run about $15000 w/o tax.

[@granblogismo]

Wowsers only just read this comment, that is a lot of money! I guess paint jobs can cost anything really depending on who you go to and the amount of work involved, I suspect a top paint job on a world class restoration or show car would run many times higher than that 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@stephendavies6949]

Car looks great! I've git a copper black one: I'm sure I've seen yours around the Weybridge Surrey area?

[@granblogismo]

Thanks! I am in Surrey but towards the east side around Redhill/Reigate, could have been me or maybe a doppelgänger 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DominicFerry]

Nice work. Where did you get the work done?

[@granblogismo]

I had the work done via my local Jaguar specialists Surrey Jag Centre.

[@ustradingdiary]

Really beautiful car. Just a pity, I 'm not able to do import for jag xk8

[@granblogismo]

Jun Long Lu thanks! Do you have import restrictions where you are then?

[@ustradingdiary]

Yes. Need either 3 years or less for car age or above 35 years old for classic car

[@granblogismo]

Jun Long Lu ah! That’s a shame 😔 still lots of older cars to choose from though, like the XJS or the XJC both with wonderful V12 engines

[@AndyK.1]

Nice work. I think you have spent enough on paint for a few years.

[@granblogismo]

Andy Kirwan thanks, I hope so 🤞 time will tell I suppose!

[@stephendavies6949]

It's a truth universally acknowledged that pretty much all electrical gremlins on an XK8 are battery related

[@granblogismo]

Yes I had heard the same, oddly my issues seem to be genuine, I fixed the J-Gate issue in the end by practically bathing the linear switch and associated connectors in contact cleaner 🤣

[@roylcraft]

Where do I get the interior chrome door handle trim? Love those!

[@simonnicholls9651]

Hi- need some work done, almost identical to yours- which garage did you use??

[@alzdeane]

What body shop did you use? I need most of the same work doing, would rather use a recommended / proven body shop than just picking one randomly!

[@granblogismo]

Alan Deane I’m not sure what the actual bodyshop is called but I went via Surrey Jag Centre in Redhill who use a recommended bodyshop, the folks at SJC are very helpful and I expect would gladly talk through your requirements 😎👍

[@alzdeane]

granblogismo thanks, will give them a call tomorrow.

[@48sydney]

The bumpers are plastic and could just polish up with a good polishing machine and compound maybe.

[@granblogismo]

Yeah they might do, I’ll have to look into that 👍

[@stevenslight2607]

Who does your the work on your car .?

[@granblogismo]

I normally use Surrey Jag Centre in Redhill

[@stevenslight2607]

@@granblogismo I have a chap that lives in Charwood. James Rawlings jag specialist. I have used Surry jag center to put in a air compressor for my air con.

[@mikerichards8016]

Dose it need any welding underneath the car, thanks for the videos, just looking to get one

[@granblogismo]

No welding required as far as I’m aware but who knows what the next service/MOT will bring!

[@mikerichards8016]

Just starting to look for one hopefully find a nice soft top in the 8 or r, do like the green or blue with cream interior

[@mikerichards8016]

Well deposit paid on a red xkr hope to get it Friday 😁

[@granblogismo]

Wow excellent! Congratulations on your new purchase, hopefully you’ll get as much enjoyment from yours as I have done from mine, good work! 😎👍

[@philipcummings4604]

Mike Richards save some penny’s for roof repairs if its a convertable.Not cheap parts & a pain to do

[@HazaraMasih]

Which exhaust system are you using?

[@granblogismo]

Hi! It’s the Adamesh exhaust with the over axle sections, there’s a couple of videos on how it sounds on my channel if interested 👍

[@HazaraMasih]

@@granblogismo Sounds great. To me like a muscle car slightly muted.

[@Camrocok]

My XK8 cost me £8 grand in the first year of ownership. You got off lightly

[@granblogismo]

Wowsers! Was that all bodywork? Or mixture of things? I can see how a few jobs on these could quickly add up...

[@Camrocok]

@@granblogismo very hard to find people who understand these cars so simple jobs take forever and rust is not your friend. Have you had the front chassis legs checked? This is a subframe out job and normally missed by MOT testers and inexperienced Jaguar mechanics.

[@granblogismo]

Jeez, I haven’t but I will now! Thanks for the tip 👍

[@Camrocok]

@@granblogismo the biggest challenge is finding a competent specialist because these are far more complicated than other vehicles I own. If you think using a professional is expensive try using an amateur has been my lesson

[@garyvanremortel5218]

Get with the program and download everything you always wanted to know about the XK8. drive.google.com/file/d/1u9PUp1K_9svxlSGfWI7DhKI4-uvbw3X2/view

[@granblogismo]

This comment was held in review for some reason! Really useful article, thanks! 👍

[@peterm3964]

Gearbox??? It is an automatic transmission . Call it a transmission .

[@yogibear3161]

Instead of making videos, you should watch some, and learn your car, Jaguar say that the fluid and filter need to be changed every 50k, the people that make the box for Jaguar, say every 25k, i do my 3 jags every second service i have dealt with Jaguars all my life, that's what the body shop i worked in, specialists on jags from the XK 110, D types, E types, XK8's, XJ's., if your doing more than 5000 miles per year, change your engine oil and filter, carbon is the killer. And the best one to have now is the XK8 soft top, which them go. hope this helps.......

[@granblogismo]

Yeah I made that video over a year ago now (less than a year after I bought it) and I’ve learned a lot since! Thanks for the advice 👍

[@garethmiles9984]

Don't tell the wife what it cost

[@granblogismo]

Gareth Miles haha tell me about it! 😅

[@bernardbrown7133]

O