Used 1999 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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 XK-Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the XK-Series since its last redesign.
Champagne motoring for fish 'n chips money.
rick161, 05/07/2015
updated 05/21/2018
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
102 of 103 people found this review helpful
My '99 XK8 convertible is my dream car, after 40 years of Jags, BMWs, Mercedes, etc. The key to happy motoring with these cars is 1) inform yourself about the issues, mainly the 4.0 liter's needs re upgraded timing chains, tensioners & water pump, and 2) have a local Jaguar specialist (not dealer) who can bring them up to standard & maintain them there. My XK8 cost me $5800 in 2015 with perfect body & interior, no accidents and with the engine upgrades already done & convertible top hydraulic lines replaced. After new tires, shocks, motor mounts, front brakes, mass airflow meter, valve cover gaskets, plugs & filters, she now runs & drives like new for a total all-in price of around $11k. I couldn't be happier. UPDATE: 15 months into ownership of my '99, I've spent very little on the car except for oil & gas. Classic/specialty auto insurance (Hagerty) has reduced the cost of comprehensive insurance to less than $400 annually on an agreed value of $15k. Costs since the initial review have been limited to a new Jaguar ignition coil ($128) & professionally repainting the front & rear bumpers (approx. $600), a project I intended since purchase. There have been no other costs; everything works great on the car & it runs & drives beautifully. I still marvel at how much car you get with the XK8, compared with much more expensive GTs like an Aston Martin DB7 or (especially now) Porsche 911. It took nearly 20 years for the XK8's predecessor, the XJS, to begin to appreciate in value, so it will be awhile before XK8 values start climbing. In the meantime, buy the best accident-free XK8 you can afford, have a local Jaguar specialist maintain/service it, and take care of it like it deserves. Great value, great motoring, great experience. UPDATE (5/16/17): 30 months in & still loving my XK8 - she's a keeper. A few months ago, I decided to fix some miscellaneous leaks (oil, coolant), a part of owning any British car. My local Jag specialist replaced the coolant bypass hose, water distribution pipe & thermostat housing, plus some o-rings & the coolant cap. The shop also replaced the oil pan gasket & drain plug. The fixes weren't cheap but they worked. Costs: parts ($321.32) & labor ($284.20) totaled $624.80 w. tax. The car is now approaching 130k mi. & drives as sweet as ever. I'm planning some road trips for the summer, including a couple of British car shows. The body & paint is excellent, the black leather interior has that aromatic richness of Connolly leather that I love, and the power top, AC & electricals all work perfectly. It's still a few more years before XK8s start their upswing in value as a modern classic, so find a good 'un now while they're cheap & enjoy! UPDATE (5/17/18): Quick update on my XK8 after 3+ years of ownership - she still looks great, comes out of the garage on sunny days, and runs like a top. No issues at all during the last year - I've added about 2000 miles since the last update. Hard to believe my XK8 is approaching 20 years old, but it's true. I sometimes get a yen to sell it & get something else, but what would take its place? A drive in the country, top up or down, is all it takes to remind me what a great car it really is. She's a keeper.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great value, but requires some patience....
remsenburg, 05/05/2011
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
39 of 39 people found this review helpful
As someone who has owned two other Jaguars, an XJ6 and an XJ8, that were purchased new and kept for 7 or more years and 100k miles, without any problems, I was optimistic that my purchase of a 1999 XK8 in the spring of 2010 would not present any problems. I researched the car and was aware of the timing chain issue (which I replaced immediately on purchase of the car), but I was unprepared for mysterious "check engine" light problems. After several unsuccessful attempts by my repair shop the problem ultimately was the electronic throttle control module (a very expensive part). After replacing the ECM - no problems. All in all still a lot of car for the money!
1999 Jaguar XK-Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 20 listings
- XK8 ConvertibleMSRP: $8,917347 mi away
- XK8 ConvertibleMSRP: $8,995448 mi away
- XK8 ConvertibleMSRP: $6,999449 mi away
See all 20 listings
Love This Car!
Dennis L., 08/04/2008
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
34 of 34 people found this review helpful
Even though my car is a 1998 it's a little embarrassing when people stare and point. The top is easy to operate and the car drives like a dream. I know the previous owner and aside from very minor issues the 54000 miles it has have been trouble free. It was intended to be a luxury car more than a sports car and it fills the bill perfectly. While not a "neck snapper" like my Corvettes were, the power is delivered smoothly without reserve. This will probably be the most quiet convertible you ever ride in. At the used prices today, find a nice one and live it up!
Worth the headaches
Sutzme, 04/15/2010
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
48 of 49 people found this review helpful
Bought this gem used with 21K miles on it. Good thing I had an extended warranty. Plenty of electrical problem, traction control fail, antilock brake fail, convertible top lines fractured (not covered), fuel pump fail, starter fail, etc. In spite of all that, this car is just fab. It drives like a dream now that everything is fixed. She is a thing of beauty. I never get tired of starting the engine. She handles so well on the road and is great on the highway (gets 26 mpg believe it or not). These cars have lots of computer glitches. You have to get used to them. Thing you need most is a mechanic you trust who can keep your gem running smoothly. Dealerships are not always the best at this.
Wonderful Brit Ride
Preston, 09/24/2007
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
28 of 28 people found this review helpful
Purchased the XK8 used, after correcting a few neglected maintenance items the car drives, rides and runs excellent. I have taken several long trips of 8 hrs in a day and found comfort to exceed expectations. Fuel economy on the road exceeds 25 MPG. As a used car it is an excellent value! I've had 3 Jags in the past, this is the best including XKEs.
Unreliable
MorMat, 11/13/2003
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
For sure it is a fun and sexy car to drive and has lots of power. But for the price it is very cheaply built. A lot of things fall apart, there are plenty of electrical problems, overall you always feel what is gonna go wrong and break next. Recently the engine has given me problems. During the last three months my car has be out for service for one and half months. I'll never buy another Jaguar.
The Brits can still make a great car
Richard Hill, 05/20/2005
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
I had resisted buying another Jaguar since my bad experiences with the XJ models of the 70/80s. However, since Ford has dragged this famous marque into the 21st century, with good quality control & finish, I decided to give the make another go. I have not regretted it for one moment, because this beautiful lady will make you feel 20 years younger without surgery & hours in the gym (as did XKE in the 1960s). The performance & endless power is captivating (forget the nonsense of 0-60 & top speed).The ride is firm, but comfortable & the road holding is like a go-kart. The design team of Jaguar has blended luxury, style, performance & feel good factor in one car, which is hard to beat under $100K.
Jag is a dog
nojags, 05/22/2003
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
Nothing but problems. After 48,000 miles replaced cracked motor mounts, timing chanin and tensioners, ignition coils. Window operation failed. Traction control failed. Various electrical problems
A great old girl
Markas, 10/11/2007
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have a friend who owned this car and was moving out of the country and couldn't take it. I have been salivating over it for some time, so buying it was a no-brainer. I haven't owned a convertible before, so it has been a delight driving around topless this summer. The interior is comfortable, but those back seats are a bit silly. The acceleration is good and the hum of the engine is delightful. I've had quite a few people ask me about the car at stoplights and stop signs. What a fun car to drive.
Beautiful car
sammy500c, 04/11/2010
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
I purchased as a second owner... Love the car, it's pure white with tan interior. I have to say that this car gives you a different feeling than any other. I have had many convertibles but none compare to the XK8 and performance.
A proven winner
Reglio, 09/08/2003
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
This car has been extremely reliable for me over the years. Gas mileage runs just under 20mpg for me, and it constantly turns heads, even today. A real winner. The coupe is extremely rare and provides a better overall styling exercise, structual integrity, heat and cool abilitiy.
Reality
greyfox, 08/13/2007
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
Great looking but no real substance. At 65000 miles, I have repaired timing chain guides, motor mounts, tilt wheel electronics, door lock electronics, memory seat electronics, Mass Air flow meter, throttle body module, fuel pump, fuel regulator, plugs and it still is a big question mark. Can shut down in traffic. No notice. Can be hard to start up with shaking for 2 minutes. Shows failures but the computer reads unrelated problems which if fixed would not make any difference. Intermittent ability to start up. Sometimes seems like no starter connected.
Be careful
Michael M., 10/02/2009
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
30 of 33 people found this review helpful
Do a web search for secondary timing chain tensioners and you'll read about what happened to my car at 58,000 miles. If I didn't have an extended warranty to pick up the tab for the month long rental car and ~$8000 worth of engine replacement work, this would've been a total nightmare instead of just a bad dream. Look elsewhere unless you want a car that will get you looks as well as get you stranded.
So-So car
tomeyeman, 06/08/2011
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
27 of 30 people found this review helpful
I traded a 98 Porsche Boxster for a 99 Jaguar XK8 a few years ago.son I did it was to have a back seat for my kids to ride. Unfortunately the back seat is so small only kids under 5 can fit. Exterior: No complaints. It's a sleek, nice design. Interior: Extremely difficult to enter/exit but once inside is comfortable . The wood interior is nice but the rest is cheap, easily breakable plastic. Mechanical: The well-known cheaply-made plastic timing chain tensioners should have been replaced on all the XK under warranty. Overall by no means a luxury car. Then again, I'm comparing it to an LS Lexus.
Great Car
dadjar, 09/21/2003
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
This has been the best car I have owned, including a number of Porsches. What you give up in terms of ultimate performance (which is always difficult to use), you get back in comfort and drivability (which you use everyday). Very reliable. Excellent cargo and passenger space for a convertible and one of the best looking cars ever made.
Pretty good car
JZL, 03/03/2005
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Overall good car. It's a kick to drive and it looks great. Put Pirelli tires on it and it really handles. Car was reliable until about 75,000 miles. After that, transmission and instrument pack had to be replaced. Car also jumped timing and timing chain needed to be repaired. Premature in my book. Make sure you purchase the extended warranty. It's worth its weight in gold!
Great Car for the Money
wbouton, 05/03/2005
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
When I say money, I don't mean original sticker price, but rather the purchase price of one that is a few years old. Prices drop like a rock on both the XJs and the XKs. The other XJs that I've owned (95' and up) have been dead reliable (one with 186k miles) and we are hoping that the same can be said of this XK, since they share a lot of parts. Much better built car than my Porsche 968 and mostly just as much fun, even without a manual transmission. Old XJS platform has some cowl shake, but it's pretty much kept under control. It's a very nice car to drive to work everyday or take on weekend trips. Luggage space, mileage and noise isolation are decent for a convertible.
Makes Seniors Look Good!
Thomas McCullough, 03/27/2016
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
20 of 23 people found this review helpful
Great car for old men who enjoy the sport car feel with the luxury ride.....
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love that car!
ndb, 04/06/2006
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Have owned this one 4 years. Acquired as certified used car with less than 6k miles! This is fun to drive, great to look at and absolutely trouble free! Timeless design for sure. Handling is quite responsive just not the fastest pony around, but if you like smooth this is the ticket. Highly recommend and looking forward to the 2007 model which just came out this week.
Mixed feelings
One more thought, 03/27/2008
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I love the looks and the ride is exceptional for a sports car. Long trips are no problem, the car is easy to drive and very responsive on the highway. It could use more low end torch, and the transmission is a concern sense it is a closed system, unable to change any fluids. I had to change motor mounts and the safety monitoring system for the transmission is very touchy. The vehicle brakes very well and stability is exceptional.
Great bang for your buck
allen/kym, 11/24/2009
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
19 of 23 people found this review helpful
I just bought my Jag Xk8 convertible a few months ago. It is black on black with chrome wheels. The car gets plenty of looks. People cannot tell what year or what I paid for this baby. The car is beautiful to look at in motion or while sitting still. Under the hood is a monster. the car has power the run a quarter mile when needed. In short, just buy it. You treat the car good, and she'll treat you real nice.
98 XK8 Coupe
brobin111, 04/15/2003
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Other than a few problems with the tilt wheel motor the car ahas been virtually perfect.
The Designers Got It Right
Bob Burger, 10/25/2004
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
I've longed for this car since it was introtuced in '97. The only way I was able to "get into" this car was to wait and buy a pre-owned Jag--let the original owner take the "depreciation hit." My '98 had 40,000 miles on the odometer, but it was like new; hardly a blemish on it. I assume the original owner paid at least $75,000 for it new. It had all the special assessories with the exception of the headlight washers. The chrome wheels are beautiful on this "meteorite" colored convertible. This design has been on the road for eight years, but it is still a "head turner." It'e an expensive car to drive; high insurance premiums, expensive oil changes (oil filter) and when those
Sammy
Annette LeClair, 10/10/2002
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car drives like the dream it looks like... it handles like butter oozing on a hot griddle! It hugs and responds with a light touch on the wheel, yet feels solid and tight in the suspension.
wants to run
Clayhunter, 11/29/2002
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a great driving/touring car. Suspension is stiff and responsive but not harsh - more civilized (no kidney damage) than Porsche. Engine/tranny very powerful and smooth. Very well appointed and handsome interior that could use some ergonomic attention. Expensive new, they depreciate quickly and become a much better value as they age.
Love everything about this beautiful car
D.G.W., 08/07/2004
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I hate to part with this car as I really do love everthing about it. I have had no trouble with it and I love to drive it. Also , everywhere I go I get complements on it's beauty; however my age tells me that I need a different kind of a car.
Reliable...but
California man, 05/14/2004
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
It is a fun car to drive I even had a police officer stop me to admire the car, honestly no ticket. I had the engine replaced at 34,000 miles because of no oil. I don't know if the servicing dealer didn't put in enough or why or how it lost it. It was covered under warranty after a fight with Jag reps. What I did find out is the gauges are not reliable because prior to dying, the engine temp and oil pressure guages all said normal nor were there any red lights lite on the dash.
A Quality Vehicle-Really!!
kase, 07/08/2004
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
All the horror stories must have occurred before the 1990 model for I have had very reliable cars/ My MB's over that period were no more reliable and lack styling. For a convertible it is super quite compared to other 1998 cars I have driven.
Love the Car
SteveC, 03/03/2005
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Im 48 and wanted a sports car that I could have and hold on to for a long time. I looked at Vets but I decided that its really for a younger person. I've had the car for several years and I really enjoy it. Its not nearly as fast as a vette but its quick and it is the best cournering car I've had. I have great fun taking it into a winding road with really sharp turns and curves. In the summer its great fun to drive with the top down. The car does not stand out and most folks dont realize its a high end car, which I like a lot.
The Cat's Meow
Lionel Sully, 05/16/2018
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
There are well documented, long-term issues with the XK8 that should have been addressed in a car that is 20 years old. Regularly maintained at dealers over the years, with a few exceptions, all these have been attended to in my car. My car has the original nikasil-bored engine; high sulphur fuel has never really been a problem in the USA. My main maintenance problem has been the reliability of the air conditioning system with most of the system being replaced over the years. The car has never let me down on the road. It was my daily driver when I was still working - all year-round. Snow and ice were a challenge without snow tires and no weight in the boot. The Harmon Kardon sound system is superb. The XK8 convertible is a pleasure to drive and, even given its age, still turns heads. I will never regret buying it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Stay away
ex-fan, 05/02/2008
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
After 80,000 miles, the timing chains came off. The engine was destroyed. And the warranty had expired. Jaguar must have known about this issue -- the issue has been widely written about by other owners on the internet and my dealership stated that chains typically come loose between 80,000 and 100,000 (but a small oil leak usually leads to a repair before all timing chains come off). But no one warned me. Not Jaguar, and not my dealership. Don't be a fool. Don't buy junk.
Venerable old lady
Shirl, 02/07/2022
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love my car . She is a beautiful and stately old lady and I will love her for ever.
convertibel fun
don30, 06/06/2002
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Absolutely no problems. Not your 'fathers' Jag. Fun to drive gets plenty of looks. Needs a 'tip-tronic' type of transmission to really have fun
Great Car
paperman1, 08/20/2013
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
13 of 37 people found this review helpful
The feeling you get driving this car is unsurpassed by any other vehicle I have owned. It is now a 15 year old car but it still turns heads. I picked mine up from the original owner for less than 25% of the sticker price. Problems associated with this car can be remedied for a small price if you can do some of the work yourself. example: cam chain tensioners can be replaced with common hand tools for less than $250. With care and maintenance this car can last for many years to come and is a blast to drive
Bad Luck
Car Buff, 02/03/2006
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
My favorite car yet, when it's not in the shop. It's too bad that they also still make lemons at Jaguar. This is one of those. It only has 29000 miles on it. I bought it with 4000 miles in 2000. It's had a new steering wheel motor, transmission, three batteries, new heater hoses and several new computer modules. The latest cost $1100. It needs a new top motor ($2000) and a flush of the old, jelled hydraulic fluid that runs the top. That doesn't work at all. My former Lexus coupe was a dream with no problems after 60000 miles. All my MBZs together didn't have as many problems.
Loosing value
Greg G, 12/14/2023
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's a pretty car but it's not worth anything
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
This is really for my 1999 xk8, but not a choice
Troy LL, 01/17/2019
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It is great all around, and makes me feel pretty special driving it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
my XK8 rescue
j hudson, 10/08/2024
1998 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From calif,,no corrosion or any issues for and aft,,44K one family owned,,95%car the rest done by me plus,,beautiful and runs so well it scares me,,
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Personal driver review
David S, 04/09/2022
1999 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Compared to other convertibles I have owned, quiet with top up. Warm winter car should you need year round. Rides comfortable but excellent handling. Women love the car. Has beautiful metallic paint. Good gas mileage. Tight car. Solid.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value