1997 Jaguar XK

4.0L V8

Automatic

SAJGX2741VC002006

Clear

Gasoline

Do you employ your car, or ENJOY your car? Here for your consideration is a 1997 XK8, Anthracite (black) exterior, black convertible top, "mocha" interior - kind of a light brown. 108,000 miles. I have owned it for three years. You can do your research on this car, when new, it cost $68,000.00. If you have never driven one, then how to explain... I also have a Dodge Magnum. The Jag, not just little bits of wood trim, but the whole dash is this burled walnut plank that runs door to door. The wood is also on the steering wheel, shift knob, power window controls... and what is not covered in wood is covered in leather - door panels, dash, center console. The feeling is so rich, calming even, not the expanse of cheap smelly plastic on the Dodge. Sitting in the Jaguar, yes, it still feels like a car that I could never afford new. Likewise, if you have never owned a convertible, then you probably cannot appreciate the feeling of motoring around town with the sun and sky and wind surrounding you, almost motorcycle-like, and in this car, peering over the humps of the front wheels, with the door line lower than a Mini Cooper, well, it is so slick, like a luxury go-cart. The top is full power with no latches to work; just one button or key turn, even when driving (under 15 mph). For a car of its age, this Jaguar is in good condition. I think of it like a sexy older lady, a bit worn around the edges, but a thrill to be with, and still turns heads. Here is the rundown on what is an honest evaluation. Most everything works, it is a daily driver, and it still gets complements at gas stations and traffic lights. The top is in excellent shape and retracts with no problems. The engine uses some oil but not excessive, it just passed emissions test (June 6th 2013) with incredibly low numbers for a car of this age. I get about 26 MPG on the highway, and though it is not the fastest car on the road, it is quicker than most. There are some paint flaws, and it looks like the right front was repaired at some point and the hood poorly re-painted. The front bumper is peeling. The wheels are the revolver style that were chromed at some point and show some corrosion. The headliner needs replaced as it is dirty, though I have not tried to clean it (I have this sourced for $115). The front seats need recovered (also sourced with original leather for $650 plus another $300 to install). I have a set of color coordinated neoprene covers on the way that I was going to put on until I could afford to do the leather. It has some annoying things - rear brake light warning light, I fiddle with the bulb and it goes away. Not sure if it is a wiring problem or socket. Sometimes under hard manual shift I get a transmission error, which always clears after restart, so I pretty much leave it in "drive." I think it is a shifter gate problem and not in the transmission itself. When I run it daily or several times a week, there is no oil leakage, but when it sits - and the seals dry out I assume - there is a leak. Someone said that British cars are meant to leak. There is only one key and no manual or records. When I bought it, CarFax showed some 8 or 9 previous owners, all southern California. All said, this is a most excellent daily driver that still out looks and out performs nine out of ten cars on the road today. You can get into this at less than the cost of a used KIA, and have so much more FUN in it! Engine and Transmission: 4.0 V-8top speed 155.00 mph60-0 braking 136.00 ft. 0-60 6.10 secondsskidpad 0.86 g This vehicle is being sold as is, where is, with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself or she as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. * * * * * ADVERTISED LOCALLY, SUBJECT TO LOCAL SALE ! Update 6/22/13: Just changed the oil and filter, took it out for a run, nice! I appreciate the questions. As to the amount of oil that leaks, a drop or two overnight when driven regularly. Two more things that I must disclose:- While under the car for the oil change, I noticed the front tires are pretty worn and need replacing I will do this before the car is sold. - The air conditioner blows warm air. I will try and trace this down - the compressor does not want to engage, which could be a simple relay or fuse, there are no sounds when you hit the AC switch (normally there is a audible click of the relay and the engine speed drops temporarily as the compressor engages).