Putting $4K into a car that's worth $8K? CAR WIZARD explains if it's a wise move on '98 Jaguar XK8

Repairs are necessary on all vehicles, but is it wise to put $4K into a car that's worth $8K? Let the CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ show you this sweet 1998 Jaguar and breakdown what the owner decided to do.
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[@robertmontgomery7158]

If the car could be replaced for 8k, then spending 4K to repair is nuts. But try replacing this car? Can’t be done. So if you love the car, then spend the 4K. If the car is junk, then don’t fix it. It isn’t rocket science

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

It's up to the owner

[@ArthurGraham88]

Maybe the car has sentimental value?

[@mattmurray3183]

The up side to spending the money You know what you got. Find a jaguar with belt service done with a car this nice and for 12k?

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

@@mattmurray3183 exactly

[@timberry1135]

No idea where you could get one of those in that condition for 8k. In the UK it would be at least double that. I dont get the $4k estimate though. In the UK the main dealer will do the job for a fixed price of £1400 !

[@theshadowman1398]

Really love this design. It hasn't aged at all, it looks timeless.

[@cheddarfish225]

When we bought our XK8, the first thing we did was the timing chain and guides. Glad we did too, as the plastic on the guides was cracked. Replaced them with metal guides, so we can now run it for at least another 100k miles, trouble free. The other thing with these, is that they are a future classic. Absolutely beautiful.

[@risinbison1106]

Owned one of these. On a fall day there is no better car to drop the top on and go for a road trip. Engine is smooth and has decent enough power and highway cruising is a joy. Wind noise was much better than many convertibles and just felt solid on country back roads. Definitely worth the money spent.

[@HypocriticYT]

Getting everything fixed including the small things ensures it doesn’t turn into a beater that is no longer worth repairing. The styling is very much like the E Type and is timeless 😊

[@jameslaidler2152]

Thank you! I'm not the only one who sees it!

[@dennisrobinson7587]

I agree 100% you can’t beat the design of an old school Jag.

[@emixmim]

I love this generation of Jags! Some of the most beautiful they've ever produced.

[@bh2155]

Yes I always wanted one of these in all black. However I was a broke college student back then and I could not afford it

[@burntnougat5341]

Agreed. It has aged so well and pays a good homage to the aesthetics of the etype

[@exparrot9074]

The '04 - '08 XJ8 and XJRs are some of my favorite cars of all time. Jaguar started making these cars out of aluminum in '04.

[@darylkik6204]

@@exparrot9074 And because of that they are so light and fast. Load up you and three other people and watch the Boy_racers get further away in the rear view mirror. Fast, quiet, great looking and the end of an era sadly. And what is nicer than a Leaper on the hood. Today its a giant plastic cat on the back. That is not the same.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

If it doesn't have any rust it's totally worth it! Had 2 of them and they are brilliant. The owner knows exactly what condition that car is. Find a car that does all this offers for less than 30k

[@lne9070]

R129 Benz, R230 Benz (namely SL55 amg), and Lexus SC430 comes to mind for under 30k…..and all more reliable. The Jag is still a sweet looking car though

[@brycehosseini3319]

@@lne9070 Not sure I'd call the SL's more reliable to be honest. Drivetrain-wise, I would agree (although the XK's drivetrain is still way, way better than the XJS's in terms of reliability). However, the R129 had issues with its top and wiring harness, while the R230 had the notorious ABC suspension.

[@grahamwalker6395]

I'd recommend changing the thermostat housing for the after market aluminium one. It's a very common point of failure.

[@throwback19841]

Was that a standard upgrade after a certain model year, or completely aftermarket?

[@petescarport]

I have an xj8 with 200k miles. Runs amazing but that dumb plastic octopus is the worst design ever. Changed mine out but unfortunately didn’t know about a man aluminum one but have a new plastic one that will probably last 20k miles.

[@Punisher9419]

@@throwback19841 Supercharged models all had aluminium cast housings.

[@grahamwalker6395]

@@throwback19841 after market but only for the XK8 not XKR

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Is that the one on front of engine? Leaks oil and throws a dash light... most people go to the little header tank but that's not where the issue is.

[@robinosborne266]

My wife and I owned 7 new Jaguars and as you say were fantastic cars. We maintained ours exactly to the book - usually once a year because we do a very low mileage (about 2500 miles per year) at a Jaguar main dealers. Our last one was an XJ 2.7 Diesel and we sold it at five years of age with a mileage of only 5,40. It had never missed its yearly service but we still had a few faults with it. To us it was the last of the real “proper” Jaguars. The shape was so elegant and the ride so comfortable. When we saw the latest version of the XJ when it was released we couldn’t believe that it was a Jaguar. It could have been made by anyone. We didn’t even test drive it as the looks of the thing put us off. We now have Mercedes-Benz and we absolutely love them. We are now on to our 5th one and we have never had a single problem with any of them. Again our cars have been properly serviced at a Mercedes main dealer (we have no independent garages in our area that have a decent reputation). Hoping that Mrs Wizard, you and your excellent staff have a great Christmas (I am old fashioned cannot call it “the holiday season”). Thank you for the great videos. Take care.

[@robinosborne266]

Mileage of 5400 not 540!!

[@Veikra]

timeless design. They'll still look good 20 years in the future

[@byronmills5952]

The old motto prevails - better the devil you know than the devil you don't. Worth every penny of its repair. 👍👍

[@genericsomething]

That's why I keep fixing my old Ford. It drives almost like new, I'm used to it, and it's still cheap to maintain.

[@jackiejorpjomp]

The car's value isn't the real metric. It's the cost of replacing the car. Can't be done for 4k. And this way you know the car is fixed/maintained rather than gambling on a replacement.

[@DaBaltimoron]

Boggles my mind people don't understand this. Spend $4k and have a great car you know the history on, or double that on a mystery car?

[@lukeshardlow768]

Probably best to do the water pump whilst your in there, the older ones are plastic impellers and get sucked into the engine. The thermostat might be original too. The problem with the chain tensioners is that they can sound fine until you get them out and find they are minutes away from destroying the engine!

[@04dram04]

This may be with 8k now, but it will be a future classic thats worth much more. These are absolutely worth spending the money to repair

[@fixyourautomobile]

They are criminally cheap right now. The early coupes with a handful of small issues sell for $1000-$3000 in my area. I'd happily take one and fix all its issues and daily drive.

[@annahopp]

Low mileage XK8 are already increasing in value. They are no longer just used cars.

[@tylersanders2388]

This is not a good justification. You will never get your money back maintaining a car for decades until it’s a classic. Fix the car if you love it but never expect any return on investment

[@mariocooldude9092]

No it'll be a worthless yard ornament coz the communists are going to outlaw gas ⛽

[@marcaurele3027]

Thank you so much for reviewing this Jaguar! Prices are now climbing really fast and a good convertible 2003 XKR with less than 50K miles will cost you around 35-38K Euros in continental Europe. I absolutely love mine. People usually don't notice it right away when on the road but as soon as they are near it, most of them will admit it a timeless piece of design...

[@LoudModeOn]

To be fair to Jaguar, when they were making retro looking cars in the 2000s with the X and S-Type, everybody said they needed to look more modern. They did that with the current crop of models, then everybody said they needed to be retro. They can't win. They still drive nice. And nobody can say the F-Type isn't a beautiful looking modern Jaguar. It's still one of the prettiest cars on the road today.

[@Brew-doo]

You should record the entire repair in full and release it in a series. It would be awesome to see how it's done.

[@louisjones2653]

There’s a whole series already if you’re interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2XIfZWXgs-qfac

[@MitchGrooms]

agree

[@victorstandiford9724]

I have a 2003 XK8 that had 23 k miles on it when I bought it. Went through it. It is essential that all the electrical connections, including grounds to the chassis, oversized fuses in the trunk, and in line with the fan motors, be cleaned and either ( depending on size and location) brushed in graphene power ( wear a mask with an acid brush before reattaching to the chassis). Graphene is very conductive and stable, so don't use it on closed-spaced multipin connectors, I also use it on the battery terminal once they are clean. The car hates low battery voltage. The wheel speed sensor connectors tend to distort ( open ) on the female side and make them intermittent or appear to fail. Many times, the real issue is the barrel connector inside the connector needs to make better contact. I use a male pin to check if one barrel is distorted. Most times, a squeeze adequately applied at the connector can do the job. The same happens with the connectors going to the ballast for HID headlights. Lots of current there, and carbonization is an issue. Cleaning connectors are a must. For the susceptible ones, you may want to use a cleaning product called KONTAK. You can see it work, removing any corrosion or film. Then it is up to you to use a contact stabilizer like Furetech nano liquid or stabilant 22a. ( or if not comfortable, just the stabilant 22a polymer, which will not short between connectors or a little de-oxit ) Use tiny amounts. Kontak is the best there is for reducing a connection to near zero ohms, so definitely clean the MAF sensor connector with it, if nothing else. . But I would recommend all the connectors under the hood be cleaned with it. . I cleaned all the fuses in the trunk under the hood and on both the passenger and driver sides with KONTAK...just plain works...I am a little crazy, so after connecting the battery, I cleaned the ABS and computer connectors with Kontak with an acid brush ( clipped) . Referred to in the Navy and contact integrity. ., The car started to run SOOO well. No hesitation, no mid-rpm lag, and it pulls so strong. Something else I did that worked out well had to do with the air filter box. Air is introduced via a snorkel tube, and it is not enough. Remove the air canister and drill four or five half-inch holes in the bottom. This will allow more air, and the car loves it. Definitely more and smoother power delivery. I checked the trim levels after doing it, and they were good. This is pretty esoteric, and I would not blame anyone for not wanting to do any of it.

[@abarratt8869]

I like the flying goggles hanging up, a determined open roof motorist!

[@lyfandeth]

When my last car was stolen at 10 years old, I got a surprise call from a detective three nights later. He said they'd found (most of) the car, and when he saw how clean the engine bay was, he thought the owner might want to know. About every years, I'll find a car wash and give the engine bay a good cleaning.

[@Neil542]

I wish I owned a car at 10 years old 😂

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Owning a "less than reliable" Jaguar is far better than the burden of owning a late model BMW/Audi that is intentionally designed to fail.

[@davidmoushey6185]

/sigh. Ford reliability in a Jaguar skin. My BMW heart yearns. Oh the songs of oil leaks.

[@middletownmookie1904]

I worked on plenty of them, own one myself now, and just love them. Chains and tensioners number one issue. Top hoses number two. Eventually the trans fails. We were seeing them as low as 60k failing. Mostly 90-100k. Jut a flaw in a ZF box. Shock mounts. Engine mounts. Nothing out of the ordinary for any car when they go more and more miles. Ours is BRG with tan interior. Cheers Wizard!

[@andregoodwin890]

Shit,you get a amen

[@burntnougat5341]

@@grahamr1234 and upgrade the pressure regulator valve with the transgo unit

[@maxnicholls7254]

had a load of these; never had a significant transmission failure

[@mrlafayette1964]

Any old car that's in good shape,no rust and low miles for it's age is worth repairing and using...figure up the 500+ monthly payment plus the higher insurance on a new car and you'll see that it's 3 times more expensive than the old one,the key is to maintain it and fix things right away and keep it looking good so you'll be pleased when you look at it. The Wiz wouldn't like my old BMW but I love it!

[@berwhaletheavenger]

You're so right about modern Jags. Trouble with the old ones is that any that have lived in a colder wetter climate (UK) are so rotten.

[@Infini327]

I've lucked out with an '87 XJ6 VDP... dull paint, but no rust (EXCEPT the one spot on the sunroof) and 206k miles in NY. It's still used almost daily. They break less when they're actually driven. I trust that car with just about any trip, it just has a drinking problem 🤣

[@Paul58069]

@@Infini327 drinking problem ? Yours must be the only one ... :)

[@josephpatricio851]

I have this exact car,although a 97 triple black. I bought it 15 years ago with 100,000 miles on the odo and have loved and enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately I live in Canada and during our six months of winter the city puts course sand on the roads for traction and do a poor job of cleaning it in the summer. I don’t drive for six months of winter but it gets almost daily usage between my wife and I. Consequently the front bonnet and bumper are pitted. I bought a 2005 xk and love. We enjoy it every summer driving in the country and the Canadian Rockies. If you’re lucky enough to pwn one I hope you’re enjoying it.

[@digitalrewindvideos]

I needed this considering I am about to dump a bunch of money and time into this exact model in BRG. Thanks again for another great watch!

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

Memento !

[@digitalrewindvideos]

@@johnmoruzzi7236 Literally the car! I totally forgot about that...I need a tan suit.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

@@digitalrewindvideos Lol you forgot about it.... need to make notes....

[@digitalrewindvideos]

@@johnmoruzzi7236 do I get one of those vanity plates that just says "Leonard"?

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

@@digitalrewindvideos get the window fixed too…

[@billpar]

I bought a brand new 1986 Jaguar XJS with the v12 drove it for ever and never had a ounce of trouble I loved it and the smell of the leather was heaven

[@ToJoseGarcia]

Also someone like me that hasn't been to a mechanic in 20 years will get massive sticker shock from latest shop labor rates.

[@detonator2112]

The new Jaguar that you showed in the picture was actually very good looking. It doesn't look like old Jag though... but definitely not bad looking car.

[@lifeisamazing9980]

Old cars have slightly different rules. I got a car for 8.5k and did some work and cost reached 15k. If I wanna sell it off, it'll reach 10k but knowing the car has been fixed makes me feel good.

[@JoeUrbanYYC]

Well and you get to enjoy the car fixed and working properly. Really the only concern with dumping a lot of money into an old car is if there a serious flaw that might total the car (Eg engine or transmission tends to go) or if you got into an accident that totalled it. In both scenarios you won't get that money back but otherwise keeping a nice shape car in top repair is always a good buy in my books.

[@buzuxi]

You rarely get your money back on classic cars. It's a labor of love. Sentimental value that you want to fix up and feel it's a sin to send it to a crusher.

[@Entrelanieve]

Once the car depreciates, but is a good and reliable car that you enjoy driving and you are aware of its mechanical condition , it is better to keep it, not selling it for a couple of dollars.

[@Barbarapape]

Admit it, we are capable of making stunning cars in the UK. Having owned two Jag's they are superb to drive and have a level of luxury that few others can match. But it all comes at a high price, no luxury car is cheap to own, and Jag's are no different. If you have one in this condition, then i say yes to spending half it's value if you intend to keep it. The latest models don't even come close to this standard, they rattle and creak from day one, i rejected a brand new one, they just couldn't fix all the rattles that drove me nuts! Please keep these classic samples going, only a few are in this sort of condition.

[@htimmermans1938]

Try a Lexus?

[@Barbarapape]

@@htimmermans1938 I did, I had an LS430 for couple of years, very refined but let down by the cheap interior compared to the Jag's.

[@joetz1]

Alright, I admit it 😮

[@Barbarapape]

@@joetz1 Thank you, sadly the days of Jaguar making desirable cars is long gone.

[@heint8169]

@@Barbarapape I can imagine!

[@user-sy1ed9ex5m]

Hi Wizard, this type of rear suspention is called Chapman strut (from Colin Chapman). Lotus implemented them first in their F1 cars in the 50s.

[@petrolbokehlicious]

Er, not really, it's still a long/short arm suspension. In a Chapman strut the strut acts as both a load bearing and a locating link. On Jag IRS', the strut acts only as a load bearer, it doesn't contribute to the suspension's geometry.

[@user-sy1ed9ex5m]

@@petrolbokehlicious It's pretty hard to see a pure Chapman strut. Even in most Lotus iterations there was a radius rod to keep the suspention geometry. Also, in order to have a pure Chapman strut it would be a good idea to have rose joints instead of bushings, which would be unpleasant on a GT car.

[@hillbilly4895]

For a driving enthusiast, of course. For a used car dealer, of course not. The wife and I absolutely love our '99 just like this one. If you can find one that isn't ragged out, buy it. And, even if it is, probably worth restoring...so much fun to drive.

[@Czechbound]

A friend bought a brand new one back in 2000 in Italy. Within a month it was broken. The garage gave him a courtesy XJ8. Both cars were very nice, with acceleration that was unnoticeable ( like a strong God-like hand pushing the car along smoothly ). Very good quality interior. There was a tax break in or home country where if you owned a car for 12 months outside the country, and kept it for 6 months when you imported it, you saved a registration tax that was 22% of the new value. So he brought it home, kept it for a year, and sold it for a $20k profit. Nice !

[@sevenoaksdayton]

Nice to hear about estimates, especially about changing the cabin air filter. However, that estimate will likely change, because a lot of U.S. XK8 convertibles do not have a pollen cabin filter housing, so unless this vehicle was custom fit with it by a dealer or customer, it probably doesn't have one. The only way to change the cabin filter is pulling the windshield cowling apart! I learned the hard way pulling it all apart and didn't see one, so I searched all over the US for the pollen housing for a year, it was a hard find! Yes...I live in a place that gets a lot of pollen! :)

[@ejsgarage]

I love my 2002 Jaguar XJR and 2011 Jaguar XKR 175 even though they cost a lot of money to keep. That XK8 convertible looks very clean! I rescued my 2002 XJR and gave her a 2nd life by changing all the spark plugs, coil packs, fresh oil change, air filter, brake rotors, brakes pads, new set of wheels, ABS sensors, undercarriage frame, etc. It is worth it because it is a special car! Thankfully, I did most of the jobs myself in my garage lol.

[@interceptor124]

I have seen your vids and your XJR is a real beauty!

[@ejsgarage]

@@interceptor124 Thank you very much

[@Alegrus375]

This is not fixing the car, this is maintenance.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Door card a classic xk8 job. Check for rust in front of the rear arches. Great mod is the over rear axle parts of the exhaust. Leave centre resonator and rear silencers. Just straight pipe that 3/4 back section to release power from crushed pipes.

[@sunbeam8866]

One of the small handful of good looking modern vehicles. Not crazy about all the engine plastic, but love the wood dash, unspoiled by a touch screen!

[@itsnotme07]

"They shouldn't sit for 3 years on a battery tender!" Shots fired at Hoovie and his Ferrari, which only needed a new battery? LOL Always loved the XK convertible! So pretty, and looks pretty on the back of a flatbed. LOL I'll keep my 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited. It's pretty too, and reliable.

[@lucverdaet2578]

It is not Hoovies Ferrari.

[@PseudoSpaceMarine]

The words 'Sebring' and 'reliable' don't belong in the same sentence.

[@itsnotme07]

@@PseudoSpaceMarine Normally, I'd agree...and you bet I laughed when I saw your comment. But mine has been very reliable for over 20+ years.

[@jimapplegate3523]

@@PseudoSpaceMarine Same as “Sebring” & “pretty” don’t belong in the same sentence!

[@jimapplegate3523]

I maybe a little biased, but I’ve had 8 Jaguars & have never had significant issues with any of them. Can’t say the same for my experience with American (or German) cars.

[@Going3]

Now that is an iconic 90's era classic!

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

I worked for Jaguar Cars NA when those were introduced. I had one exactly like that, colors and all for a company car. It was the first one in the USA, drew a crowd whenever I parked it. If the two I much preferred the coupe, and unsung great Jaguar.

[@vidguy007]

30 years ago todays valuable Porsche 911 wasn’t worth what it cost to replace the Bosh fuel pump

[@NYKgjl10]

This XK8 is a timeless classic and yes, Its worth fixing this beauty. I prefer the OG Jaguars over the modern Jags of today, even twice on Sunday!!

[@wotrulke5868]

Definitely worth spending a ton of cash 💰 into this car 🚗 it’s a future classic I love the design of this car it’s beautiful 🤩, I hope everyone stays safe in the terrible weather ❄️☃️⛄️🌨️ you’re about to get stay safe 😮

[@serhadcoban8699]

worth every penny its jag and they live forever jags have soul and its strong

[@carguyuk7525]

I had the xkr and it was a money pit. Great to drive but don't keep it too long. The timing chain is a must and make sure you fit the uprated parts. The suspension parts are very costly and if you don't use the car on a regular basis the bushes full apart and the bolts g3t stuck in the aluminium wishbones. If it gets any body work rust then sell it quickly.

[@JonDingle]

Look after it better then.

[@throwback19841]

I have a 2002 xkr too, but only for 5 months so far. Still need to do chains and tensioners but mine only has 37k on it. When suspension needs done I'll just put on adjustable coilovers and not bother with replacing the active CATS suspension.

[@carguyuk7525]

@throwback19841 I had mine for 6 years. At 100k miles the big ends went and the cheapest option was an engine from a breakers yard. I loved driving it, especially when the supercharger got up to speed. They are very quick cars. Easy to modify for more power as well. If your roads get salted watch out for rust behind the rear arches and also the floor below the drivers seat. Waxing helps.

[@carguyuk7525]

@Jon Dingle I think the damp uk weather and salted roads in the winter was the main problem. Looking after it is why it's a money pit. You think it's sorted and then the engine warning light comes on or the suspensionsrarts knocking. There is always something to sort. The view from the drivers seat is worth it. Over 6 years ownership it worked out at about £2k per year to keep it good.

[@throwback19841]

@@carguyuk7525 California here (used to live in the UK) so being able to pick these things up for a song with low mileage and (relatively) cheap gas an no rust, I mean, I just had to... Doubt I will mod it beyond chains and tensioners though, I have a very rapid modified mx-5 for that kind of thing. A sports car it is not - it is a comfortable grand tourer with a warp drive you can engage when you need to. Also a HUGE boot. Can fit so much luggage/wine/oil paintings/bullion/bodies in it. Kinda perfect for chomping up long drives out in the states. These cars make almost no sense in the UK. I laugh when people tell me about the "green shower" problem though with the hydraulic soft top latch leaking on you as if its an exclusively jaguar problem - ive seen videos by people with R129 Mercs complaining that their 25 year old hydraulic hoses have gone... thats just a hydraulics problem, not a jaguar/mercedes/whatever problem...

[@canto_v12]

Absolutely worth it, you'd be $12k into a beautiful, well-sorted Jag. The ricer in me likes an original XKR Coupe with the tuner style 2-piece wheels, but those base XK8 wheels are just so special.

[@darrensanimalsreptilesfish30]

Sometimes it makes more sense to keep a car on the road you care about. You'll never get every dime back.

[@ChristianACW]

What a wonderful Jag!! I absolutely agree with everything you say! As an XK8-owner I can say: this car is worth every penny you put into it in maintenance! Maybe not in terms of market value, but driving this beautiful, elegant and luxurious car knowing, that cars like these are something of the past that will never come again is priceless! I love the XK8 (and the XJ/XJR) of that time! ...and I have the same doorpanel-issue, it's just a broken mount in the left top corner, there are lots of cheap plastics underneath... and by cheap I don't mean cheap to buy as a spare part 😉

[@bryduhbikeguy]

I don't think you'll find another Jaguar in that good of condition for $15-20k even.They obviously like their vehicle,so yes,it's worth the money so it'll be around for another 20 years. *Merry Christmas to all there,and the fans everywhere.*

[@throwback19841]

I bought a 38k miles 2002 xkr convertible for 16k about 5 months ago. Rust free California car. Still gotta do the chains and tensioners. I was also quoted 4k for that so seems to be the going rate. Most jag specialists actually do have a fixed price for that particular job. Basically a whole "chains tensioners thermostat tower hoses belts upgrade/service" all in one deal. Essentially of you buy one of these budget an extra 5k to drop on it immediately unless the previous owner already did it. Also 2003 and later cars already have the upgraded parts from the factory. So that's the year tog et if you want the original shape but also the upgraded parts and the 4.2 engine (vs the 4.0)

[@jamesellison7982]

Always learning something new watching the Wizard 😊🇺🇸

[@kellingtonlink956]

Great approach for a quality shop. Thanks for the video. Is it to soon to say …”Merry Christmas” Mr. & Mrs. Wizard (and family and employees)? … Thanks for the video.

[@henrysboy2]

Love the video quality. Very clear and improved detail. Beautiful car. Well worth the investment.

[@RonKnowsStuff]

I have a 1999 SLK230 with 107,000 miles. Garage kept. Thank God for JB Weld as the plastic parts are so brittle! Runs like a beast though

[@mrpbody44]

JB Weld and German cars go together like peanut butter and jelly. Ask any VW owner. I just repaired the door panels on my 1999 VW Bug with it.

[@TargetedWestShow]

I rescued a 2000 XK8 coupe with 60K miles from a failing dodge dealer for cheap. Took it to my trusted Jaguar dealer and had it gone over with new tires, and it was a dream. It was post-nikasil coating and ran well with bigger wheels in the back. Had one of the first nav map systems that worked well.

[@captainvector]

The convertibles are more common , but I think the coupe version is a beautiful car.

[@TargetedWestShow]

@@captainvector agreed

[@MuzixMaker]

@@captainvectoryes, it’s sex on wheels.

[@bh2155]

I remember this car when they were new. I always loved this car it's just so classy and elegant. They don't make beautiful cars like this anymore.

[@delaware137]

This video is so timely for me. My mother-in-law is gifting her 1998 XK8 to my daughter who turns 16 in June. I just had the timing chain tensioners replaced last month at of a cost of just under $3k. Dave Wall of Dave's British imports in Phoenix did the work and did a great job.

[@billmercer9917]

Did that include the water pump and thermostat ?

[@jimr5703]

I would not hesitate to replace those strut bushings. 4k into a wonderful car like a Jag? No brainer. Such an enjoyable car. Keep it on the road. If your client would like to sell that car for 8k please contact me. I'm in.

[@hadtopicausername]

I've long since stopped measuring my car's worth in how much money I can get for it if I sell it. What matters to me, is that I know the car's entire history, that I know what I should keep tabs on in order to keep it reliable and usable, and that the car does exactly what I need it to. It'll take something really major before I replace it with something else - something beyond what is really just regular maintenance.

[@politicalfoolsandhorses]

Wizard is so right. These are real Jaguar cars and they are timeless! The new once look like anything but a Jaguar. I have a 2006 S Type 2.7 twin turbo and wound never exchange it for these 2024 new models not even if it is a straight swap. The XK8 is even more beautiful.

[@alexanderthegreat6480]

THANK YOU so much for the comment on modern jags! I always say the same! They look like Toyotas or Hondas, whatever used to make it a Jag is gone! Might as well buy a cheaper car with lower maintenance costs. One exception is the f type, which keeps the xk family lines. Get an old (not too old) post 2001 jags, or better one between 2004 and 2009. They're more reliable than thought. Jags inherited the bad rep of late 80s and 90s cars. They got better. And they are beautiful! Of course a vintage xke or x120 is dreamy but that's another story as you'll need to be rich to afford one. Enjoy and thanks Wizard!

[@man_on_wheelz]

I've driven one of these and it is a phenomenal car to drive, feels nice in the hands, feels nice around your body, everything looks and feels of quality. If I had one, I would absolutely dump the money in it to keep it running well, despite its market value.

[@plektosgaming]

It's basically a clone of the same era Austin Martin and also a future classic. And as cars like it go, very reliable as it has a lot of Ford components that they borrowed. Not bulletproof, but certainly worlds ahead of the old junk that was in European cars of that era.

[@darylkik6204]

I have had three Jaguars so far and loved them all. In fact none of them ended up at the shop. They were from the Ford years which helped greatly. Mrs. Wizzard. When you looked at the nice gated shifter remember next to look at the shape. Its a J gate in the shape always of J for Jaguar. That is why all the cars had the same looking gate for so many years. I cannot wait until I can buy Jaguar number four and it will be a 2006 XJ8R as the last of the real Saloon Jaguars before India bought them and made them look like Volvos. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and the family.

[@TheJVCMan]

I bought the coupe version about 2 years ago. I had to spend just over £2k on the tensioners etc.. as they had not been done. I didnt want to risk driving it and having the engine go. I already put the money in my budget so I was prepared to spend. When you take on an old car you must be prepared to spend.

[@daviddougherty8492]

I have a 2000 and you are quite correct on the required maintenance. I do all my own work and it took about 18 months to get it sorted out. Once its stable it is a pretty reliable car. However mine is just a toy and if you needed a daily driver this is not the car for you. I have a Honda for that.

[@markguillory281]

owned several in the past well worth it, beautiful cars

[@Venem1975]

Hi Guys. I would like to wish you, your family and friends a Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Thankyou for making my year a very happy one. Keep up the great content. You Nail It! Best wishes Matt

[@ericmzink]

I just picked up a 91 Mercedes 300TE 4Matic wagon, and I'll easily put at least as much into it to sort it as I paid for it. Owning an older foreign car is a labor of love, and if you go into it expecting to come out ahead on the dollar amounts you're going to be disappointed. The math may not add up, but that's not what these older cars are about - instead, they give back to you in so many non financial ways that new cars just can't give you. The driving experience and those feels you get are unmatched.

[@ahmetalkn2073]

lovely video, I love xk8 convertibles, I also like the nova two doors , just as the orange one standing in the bacground. Maybe you will do a short video on the orange nova too.

[@sp4604]

i always wanted a silver XKR coupe the body is timeless

[@reginaldbowls7180]

It's always worth it because the car you might buy to replace it might have the same problem later on.

[@rogerpritchard]

These are wonderful cars. Definitely worth all the effort.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Oof...K&N. They will be needing a throttle body soon. 😏

[@MrPabsUk]

I`ve had a K&N in my XJR since 2008 & the throttle body is fine?

[@31dknight]

Another great video from the wizard. Keep it going

[@thomasfarley6052]

Thank you Wizard the jaguar is so very much a beautiful car, enjoyed the video, take care and God bless.

[@trickylong17]

Merry Christmas Car Wizard I own a 2004 XK8 4.2 (later model) this engine had all the plastic removed from the lifters and other parts upgraded so I would always recommend the 4.2 litre V8 also the North American had terrible looking wheels compared to other countries

[@lothar52]

Sounds like I’m gonna be taking my 2012 supercharged V8 with 105k miles in soon. I like how you guys take care of Jags. It will be a drive for me but well worth it regarding OMEGA level care!

[@Simple_Jack82]

Bro this video is so right on. The truth is, if you own any foreign luxury car that isn't Japanese, that is more than 7 years old...set aside the same $3,500-5,000 in maintenance or just get a Lexus.

[@garymcaleer6112]

I'm with you, CW on the graceful aesthetics of the design. This machine is the perfect sculpture on wheels. As you may know, Malcolm Sayer designed the E-type: the only car that Enzo Ferrari declared, "the most beautiful car in the world." And only the XK-8 & XKR give honor to Malcolm Sayer.

[@burntnougat5341]

Xk8 is one of a kind in looks. Worth fixing up. The ZF5HP transmission can be easily fixed

[@AMStationEngineer]

I'm impressed by the "beefiness" of the metals used to form the suspension, drive line, and just about everything that's part of a critical system on the underside of that very nice Jag!

[@lyfandeth]

Love the old style pilot's goggles for when the top is down.

[@MyDyerMaker]

The XJS from the 70s and 80s is one the best looking cars ever made.

[@paulinfrance5]

The timing chains are a 'must' on these models, one of my timing chain guides which are tentioners ( plastic shoe ) broke and the timing chain jumped 2 teeth on the camshaft, no the pistons didn't touch the valves, the whole lot changed on both banks, 8 spark plugs, oil change and a couple of smaller jobs, totalled at 8.000€, it's worth it here as my 2001 convertible is worth around 22.000€ here. I will be changing the differential oil this week.

[@jordanimatedstreaming]

These were so obviously a car born from it's former Ford ownership back in the 90's. It's styling conjures thoughts of the Ford Taurus with it's almost complete lack of hard edges, a total departure from the classic Jaguar look of the past. This looks much easier to work on than an older Jaguar.

[@ulyssessalazar2317]

I own a jagur xj8 and the ended of your video couldn't have been said any better !

[@davidmckinney6577]

I've got a 99 jaguar vanden plas I love them ol jaguars..very good advice wizard

[@melanie7781]

Well like the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so fixing a car is truly up to the owner on how much the car is worth and buying a car like this would cost more than fixing it.

[@Rareparrot]

Hi - Wizard (and Mrs Wizard) thanks for all the videos this year very entertaining and really informative.....I thought (being a DIY mechanic at home where I don't know much) timing chains don't need changing that often. You mention oil soaking into plastic but the actual timing chain is metal I assume which should be OK for a very long time....If anyone can clue me in on these jag timing chains? Xmas Cheers to all from Perth, Australia PS I really enjoy learning about cars with the time you both take to explain things, kudos to you both!

[@sandhaug67]

The tensioner housing is in plastic an will crack, the same for the chain guides. It is 25 year old plastic, thats the problem. The chain it self is OK, but all chains stretch , so you changes those too.

[@wydopnthrtl]

The original guides and tensioners are a well know fault. If you have a 4.0L (97-03) just count on replacing them sooner rather than later.

[@MitchGrooms]

THANK YOU for this, so true

[@randybills3848]

NOW THAT is a picture two one a JAGELLE and one JAG

[@andrewwithers6627]

Haha before I even started the video I knew why it was in the shop. Did this exact same job on a '97 convertible of the same color

[@Mityob67]

Huge shop. Diversity of vehicles is very cool.

[@thomascampbell5633]

Great video. I'm wondering if there are any symptoms that indicate this work is necessary before the age factor kicks in and if they were present on this car. Thanks.

[@TheBibliofilus]

As long as parts are available and the vehicle is in better than expected condition it's worth putting money into it.. When parts start to get scarce then sell as quickly as possible!

[@steveatx8295]

There are many cross over parts and secondary market parts.

[@mattsmith6514]

I love a Jaaag. Anytime the wizard gets one on the channel, that's a must watch for me. And one in that condition is definitely worth spending the money on. Disagree about the XF though - I love mine!

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

If I move to Kansas, I will bring my car to you, and you only. You are a legend in my mind

[@04dram04]

While the hood opening in reverse, looks cool. It also looks like a pain to work on the front of the engine with that.