1999 Jaguar XK8 Convertible review from North America

One seal was replaced where the top meets the window ($90).

The car came with only one remote and one key. A new remote and key from the dealer was about $400.

The power antenna must had to be repaired (<$200).

After over a year of trouble-free motoring, one of the timing chain guide rails failed causing one or more of the tensioners to fail, so the engine had to be replaced at 65,000 miles. The new engine has updated timing components that are not supposed to fail. This job would have been $12,000 if it weren't for the Select Edition warranty.

This is my grandmother's car. The car has been great with the exception of the timing chain failure. Fortunately, this was covered under the Select Edition warranty. She was aware when she got the car that this problem exists with Jaguars of this generation. There are usually some indicators before engine failure such as clicking noises or rough startups. She experienced none of these warning signs.

If buying one of these cars, I would strongly recommend having the "third generation" timing parts installed as a preventive measure if it has not already been done. The preventive work costs $2,800 at a Jaguar dealer versus $12,000 for engine replacement.

The interior of this car is cozy and has a lot of nice features. The materials are top-shelf and the controls are well-designed. The Jag is very fun to drive and looks most dashing in British Racing Green with the Camel top.

I feel that this car is much safer for my grandmother than the Mustang convertible that she had before. The Jaguar has been a very reliable car with the one exception and is still her favorite car that she has ever had. The dealer, Jaguar Hilton Head, has been wonderful in helping her with the car and provided an S-Type 4.2 loaner without delay when the car had to stay overnight unexpectedly.