Used 1997 Jaguar XK-Series Consumer Reviews
Used XK-Series for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Jaguar XK-8 Coupe Saphire Blue
Ben Leone, 03/31/2010
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
41 of 41 people found this review helpful
When critiquing a vehicle like this you must look at the unique elements of the piece. This piece is nothing less than STUNNING. I bought my Jag used. I LOVE it! The original owner paid 80K for it. I paid 14K. I did the valve cover gaskets and the top tensioners and that cost me 900 bucks. So far knock on wood, the car has been great! I would recommend this car to anyone. I am tired of looking at vettes and porsches, nothing personal of course. My car is one of 40 to come to the US in Sapphire Blue! Now that is rare, coupled with the fact that only 1129 coupes were made for America that year!
Worth more to me than it's resale value!
robbyg@earthlink.net, 02/11/2006
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
My car has been great to own! It has been both fun to drive, reliable and reasonably inexpensive to service, less its gas mileage, which is 11-12 in town (on the good stuff, of course!). Really, my only problems have been with trim pieces; gear shift surround replaced because "S" mode switch got stuck in "S", both visors had mirrors that flopped open (replaced at about $375 ea), headlight assembly which fogs up (still not replaced), lumbar support (which inflates, then slowly deflates...) and the radio backlight is not lit...not bad for a nearly 10 year old car with 48k miles. I still love it and will probably replace it with a used XKR when I find a color I like for the right $. Thanks.
1997 Jaguar XK-Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 15 listings
- XK8 ConvertibleMSRP: $6,950125 mi away
- XK8 CoupeMSRP: $12,988738 mi away
- XK8 ConvertibleMSRP: $10,995752 mi away
See all 15 listings
Stunning cat
Ben Leone, 10/08/2007
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
This car is a sheer rush to drive. I have five other cars that all look great but this car is a stunner, stunner, stunner. The coupe is what makes it so different compared to today's vehicles that resemble soap bars. I have been taking care of some basic areas of maintenance, the tranny needed a fluid change. I put new platinum plugs in. Fixed the rear deck brake lamp. Now I am contemplating the engine timing tensioners which are said to be a weak point in the 4.0 motor. Mine is not showing any indication of ticking or jumped timing on cold start-up. I will look into this further. I still love the car, even if someday I put a ford 351 motor in it.
New owner
97jaguar, 02/22/2013
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
33 of 36 people found this review helpful
Set out to find a fun but cheaper car for the summer. It needed to do a few things...open air car, T top or rag, some power and must carry 2 sets of golf clubs. Looked at Trans Ams, Regal turbos, Corvettes, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche etc. A Jag had never even crossed my mind. Came across an ad for a 1997 xk8 in Alberta where I live, about 4 hrs away. Long story short, bought it and love it! 16 yrs old 80k, 50,000 miles and mint! British racing green, green rag and tan int. The car has 2 mods, cold air intake and a stainless exhaust that runs under the rear axles. Not sure what it does for power but milage is great! Drove it home at 130kph, 80mph and got 28 mpg!!
Great car IF you can afford maintenance
bcoreilly, 11/12/2009
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
30 of 33 people found this review helpful
It's a great car, and a lot of fun to drive. The exterior design is timeless and really does turn heads. But despite its exterior beauty and superior performance, it has drawbacks. The interior is cramped, and the back seats are laughably small - only small children or people with no legs could comfortably fit. My particular XK8 was fairly reliable until about a year ago, but now it's killing me with maintenance costs. When something does go wrong or require maintenance, expect to pay significantly more than you'd pay for a GM or Toyota.
Such A Sexy Beast (with a Maintenance Budget)
Andy S, 06/23/2017
updated 06/28/2019
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
If you could go out with Angelina Jolie, but she asked for a $250 lobster dinner, would you really care about the costs? My 1997 Jaguar XK8 Coupe is by far the sexiest beast I ever owned (out of 53 cars). This is a car you can fall in love with inside and out. And it runs like it is the last day to get a speeding ticket. However, she needs proper maintenance and a maintenance budget. I simply found a specialty shop and had them replace all the components that usually break after 20 years over time. Upper and lower timing chain tensioners, timing chain guides, all four(!) timing chains, water pump, thermostat, valve cover seals as well as a few hoses. $3,500 later she is ready for the next 20 years. Yes, a reliable Saturn coupe would cost a lot less in maintenance. But you won't arrive at work grinning ear to ear every morning.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Black Lemon
Art De Tomaso, 11/19/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car less than a year ago with less than 50,000 miles and replaced the front bushings, the steering rack and cylinder, the water pump, and now the engine cover gaskets. The inside mirror that has a photo cell inside also has failed and will cost me over $200, and I have been told that all XK's of this year have chain tensioners that are prone to failure.
Excellent Vehicle
happy/camper, 03/08/2002
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Acceleration is excellent, with 0-60 achieved in approximately six and a half seconds. Braking in this car keeps the driver comfortable as well as perfectly glued to the seat. Body roll is limited by front and rear anti-roll bars for controlled cornering. The road never feels jarring, and vibration is eliminated altogether, even through the curved tree branch of a steering wheel. The exhaust note is a true purr, and throttle is available instantly at any time.
best hi-performance car buy
tlee, 08/26/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Replacing my Benz, I wanted a hi- performance, unique automobile that did not make me look like a middle aged old fool in a fast car (I'm 44). The Jaguar XK fit the bill. There are tons of bmw's, vette's, Z's and porsche's on the road, but few XK's. I feel great every time me and my '97 blue XK with only 27k drives up and by those 'other' cars, looking pretty and sophisticated. Ford has done a superb job improving upon Jag's reliability without ruining the styling, but few know it, making the XK the best hi- performance used car on the market today.
xk nice to look at ,hope it doesnt break
kasalimeno, 08/11/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
this car is by all means georgous ,but the reliabity is terrible . it hit 50000 miles and is falling apart. the trani dropped and is costing $7500 out of warranty . i thought jaguar was trying to improve thier reputation ...? i will not have another one .
Incredible value
xkdave, 05/26/2005
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The XK is perhaps the best looking vehicle made, at least in coupe form. Even after all these years in production, the car gets the looks like it was a brand new design. Be careful if you're taller than 6'. It can be cramped inside.
xk8 coupe
jaguar52662, 02/27/2004
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
my 3rd jag, tis one is very fast at low speeds . it is not as warm as the xj6 or xjs it seems to have a cold almost german car feel to it , the perfomance is great, the suspension holds the road like no other car ( the factory tires are 12.5" wide) no out side noise but you can hear the exahust at low speeds, not a bad thing
Automotive art
geffel, 08/27/2004
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car has been a joy to drive for over two years. It has had its fair share of mechanical problems, and it does have some quirks (stalling at 90mph on the freeway once!), which are largely down to user error e.g. you should wait for the car to complete its diagnostics on start up before engaging a gear, otherwise you get an erroneous error message. There is nothing like an XK8 for getting admiring glances from those in the know, and from people who just love the classic lines of the beautiful cat. Despite the fact that I am trading mine in for something much more practical, I will always love the luscious feline with its muscular physique and energy.
Gorgeous, but high maintenance!
Charles, 12/13/2007
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this lovely car with only 64K miles on it and in beautiful condition. It is spectacularly beautiful! It may be even more pretty with its top up than down! I love it. However, during the first month I owned it, it cost me $4,000 in repairs, and that's seeking out the lowest cost for parts and labor possible! Still, it is running great now! I will keep my fingers crossed, because this is a comfortable and wonderful car - when it is working!
Stle galore
jmfishman, 05/06/2002
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
After 8 Corvettes, this is a different level of vehicle. Not as fast, but plenty. roomy, comfy, easy (one touch top action). Great trunk. Not worth 75K, but used prices are terrif.
XK8 Convertible
M. Coggins, 01/13/2005
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have always loved Jaguars, and have owned an XJS V-12 coupe before this car. The quality has really improved since Ford became the owner, bringing the factory and technology up to date. The cars have always been beautiful to look at (my first love was the E-Type coupe in 1961), but the reliability was less than ideal.That is no longer a problem. This vehicle has had only a few minor issues, including the CD changer, and requiring an adjustment on the latch mechanism for the convertible top. It still draws many stares and comments even today. This car is a classic. The new BMW's and others are too radical in their design. Sensual is the best word to describe Jaguars. I love them.
happy with XK8
jmnpet, 06/13/2002
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
very satisfied with the vehicle. it rides like a luxury car--very quiet with the top up.
1997 XK8 Conv.
Adamski4, 07/11/2002
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased a very low mileage 97 XK8. It is the best investment I've made. Turns heads everywhere you go. I say, as I pass boxsters, Z3, miatas, "That's a 'cute' convertible, buts it's no Jag." Even with faster covertibles on the market, only a few cars like an SL have as much class, style and luxury as a Jag. If all I wanted was performance, I'd buy a 74 Nova for $500 and drop a big block in it.
Jag owner
jpmack, 07/20/2002
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with only 27,000 miles on it...and am interested in finding out about extended warranties...It's an excellent ride and in excellent condition.
Awsum XK8 Sport Convertable Jaguar
Glenn Godden, 09/02/2002
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Leather wears out quickly on drivers seat
My 1997 "goldfinger" XK8 coupe
Bond Girl, 07/07/2019
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
It was gold with chrome wheels. Cream interior. Feline curves and symmetry similar to the 1978 Pininfarina XJ Spider. A gorgeous car that was my daily driver. Long gone are the problems with Lucas electrics and other reliability problems. In the 4 years I drove it, it only broke down once and gave me much pleasure. Pleasant ride with euro-GT performance. I even drove it from coast to coast with zero problems. It made me feel like a Bond girl and had nice touches like a secret keyhole for the trunk and deadlocking security along with other features that you only find on an exotic car. I bought it used for a steal. The reason I talk in the past tense is because an industrial truck crushed the front end with me and my spouse inside. Airbags deployed perfectly and we both walked away unharmed. If I had been driving a corvette I'd probably be in a wheelchair right now. The car gave me the reliability of a Toyota and the safety of a Mercedes. Luved it and I will miss it greatly. I would recommend this auto to anyone who appreciates automotive excellence.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Top Notch Rag Top
Mr Hooker, 10/27/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The latest Rag Top Cat is a wonderful car, with a little something for everyone. It's the very definition of "smooth" -- it drives like silk. There's lots of power, but it could use more low end torque. The suspension provides a very smooth ride, but it could stand to corner a bit better. The no-latch top raises/lowers quickly (you can drop it at a red light and not keep the folks behind you waiting) but the lack of automatic boot cover detracts. Special touches such as radio volume increasing with speed are excellent.
1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible
Skipper, 05/23/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used and got quite a bargain. I cannot imagine buying one of these new! The reliability has been excellent.
Jaguar convertibles
GLabelle, 01/28/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The most fun and luxurious car in the US today!!
Val's Jag
valdempsey, 06/10/2006
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought a low miles (17000) black w/tan interior convertible (from a music icon who bought he car off the showroom floor in Nashville). I am the second owner. I enjoy it. Only drive it on nice days. I rarely push it but when I do it performs. The interior quality is not up to what it should be and I would have put some metal in the front where that plastic piece is. I think this is the first year that Ford made the car. The technology on the engine was flawed in materials but does not seem to be too big a problem. Light lenses leak but glass is so much better than all the new plastic lenses. All and all a good car. Classic? Don't bet on it.
Chicks Love Cars
So Cal Lady, 10/15/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with this "factory special" 2 years ago. It is colour-change blue, with a subdued green/grey interior. Form not only follows function, but establishes equal playing ground. The car is absolutely beautiful, aggressive, & handles well in the L.A. traffic! Truly a timeless, minimalist design, it can "bust a 1/4" with the best of 'em while still maintaining class. 56,000 mi & no
XK8 Surprises after 3 years
commuterjag, 01/04/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought primarily based on looks with some attention to features like horsepower, big tires, interior -- and I still think it's one of best vehicles you could ever own. I thought I'd be paying for all the fun someday in repair bills, but to my surprise, the vehicle has been very reliable and trouble free. Knock (dashboard) Wood.
Fine car
RMason, 06/19/2003
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. The sleek design is very pleasing. It's fast, responsive, corners well and has a beautifully finished interior and exterior. Have driven the car in southwest Florida since 1997. The only negative is the bushings in the front have needed to be changed twice. Now I'm told the new bushings are much better than the original. All in all, a world-class car.
The Best Car than they have been Invente
Jimmy, 03/28/2010
1997 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
2 of 10 people found this review helpful
This car is the best car than they have been invented in its category, the car everything is of an exquisite quality, I have had Mercedes Benz SL500 of 1995 and I assure to them that this model of Jaguar XK8 is far better in all but comfortable but pretty better service and east durability vehicle is for all the life.