North Lincolnshire Newbie

srad34 · February 13, 2014

Hi all,

Just joined as I am on the lookout for an 96-99 XK8 Convertible. We have a Porsche Boxster just now but I have always wanted a V8 Jag so the search is on!

Off to see one this weekend so fingers crossed, in the meanwhile I will be going through buying guides with a fine toothcomb!

Cheers

Old Peter · February 14, 2014

Welcome to the Club, Matthew.

I see a similar car to the one you want parked in our road every day -- in gold. It does not look as good as the one I have seen in British Racing Green.

Enjoy your search.

Regards,

Peter.

srad34 · February 14, 2014

Thanks Peter!

We are looking for a Black or metallic Blue one, personally I want a coupé rather than a convertible but the wife has to approve so we shall see!

Old Peter · February 14, 2014

My Chief Executive and Financial Controller had to approve of my S Type. I am only a Technical Advisor, Valet, grease monkey, and general labourer!

Mind you, I wouldn't have it any different.

The Coupe looks far better, and a dark colour looks better. My S Type is in Indigo Blue Metallic which looks great in the sun and still pretty good in the wet.

Regards

Peter.

srad34 · February 14, 2014

Mrs srad34 would state that she was buying it for me, but strangely all of the purchase and running costs would come from my account and she will do the lions share of driving it too, strange that!

To update on the search, tomorrow I am going to look at a 2000 XKR that's about 40 miles away, its the right colour (Met Blue) with black interior.

Mechanically its apparently sweet, including the gearbox and as an ex-tech, not afraid of getting stuck in and a decent test drive will hopefully throw up any concerns.

I have a couple of questions if you chaps could help:

The wood section on the top and bottom of the steering wheel is a light different colour to the dash wood trim is dark, I have seen this on another jag, is this from an option?
With the exception of the engine and XKR badges, what are the differences with body, brakes and interior to a regular XK8? - Be great to clarify.
The front seats are scuffed and cracked on the base so will need to be sorted, but they are heated so big bonus points!.- Are there any recommended restorers on the forum you could point me towards?

Cheers guys

Old Peter · February 14, 2014

You sound that you have had a good day, Matthew.

Curiously my previous Jaguar, an X Type, and my current S Type have slightly different wood on the steering wheel as against the Maple on the dashboard.

There are a couple of websites that you can google into which might answer the questions concerning differences between the variants of the XK.

Unfortunately I know nothing about restorer of leather seats but I know someone will.

Regards,

Peter.

srad34 · February 15, 2014

Hi all,

Well deal done, what an amazing engine, V8 4.0 Supercharged, 360bhp!!

The car has a couple of cosmetic jobs needed, stone chips and one blister on the rear wing (bracket where the dirt traps). Plus the front seats need refurbing but everything else works, Jag history up to 90k, rear suspension has been removed rustproofed and refitted, handling feels pretty good for such a big car....pick her up tomorrow morning, pics to follow.

Found a couple of local Jag specialists too so all good.

knightsmith · February 15, 2014

Mathew,

Sounds fab !

Only had my Jaaaaag since October but i'm loving ever minute of it .

Far better than the Aston Martin in every way !

ATB,

Trevor

Old Peter · February 15, 2014

That sounds good, Matthew.

I bet it goes like the Chariot of Jehu --- verily like the wind.

You will now need a Jaguar Owners Club sticker!

Regards,

Peter.

knightsmith · February 15, 2014

I was flashed by a speed camera today.

No idea why, I was only doing 30 knots.

ATB,

Trevor (Drying out slightly)

Old Peter · February 15, 2014

Trevor, they were trying to get a photograph of something inland going as fast as a frigate!

Peter.

PS. Just had the car rinsed.

knightsmith · February 15, 2014

Peter,

I took it down to Newlyn. The house is nearly back to normal now .

ATB,

Trevor ( The webbed feet one)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26201276

srad34 · February 15, 2014

Blimey, just gone through a few of the videos on the BBC website, its truly devastating :( .

knightsmith · February 15, 2014

Mathew,

This is what has annoyed us down here in the West Country, and I wrote to the BBC about it.

Soon as it affects London or the home Counties it's big news, they even have "Flood Specials" and the Royal Family helping out!

I have got away quite lightly really, although I'm dreading the builders repair bill .

The poor devils on the Somerset levels have been under water for over five weeks and have lost everything. It just seems to us that it's London, the Home Counties, and then the rest .

ATB,

Trevor

Old Peter · February 15, 2014

We have felt excluded in the North for years. As you say, Trevor, London first, the Home counties second, and the rest when they feel like it.

The facts bear out everything you have said. I know London has been susceptible for flooding for hundreds of years, and they have spent vast amounts of money on flood prevention, but so has the Wye Valley since they stopped dredging the Severn, and what we have seen in Somerset was preventable, but it was not deemed important.

Something must be done in the next couple of years to stop such widespread disasters happening again.

Peter.