Need quick advice on a Jaguar XK8 situation (Germany / possible US history):
I’m looking at a 1999 Jaguar XK8 (X100, 4.0 V8, ~112,000 km / ~70k miles). The dealer advertised it clearly as “DEUTSCHES FAHRZEUG” (German car) and even stated “German first delivery”. Based on that, I paid a €500 deposit — but I clearly said I would only buy the car after a test drive (which was scheduled).
Now I checked CarVertical/AutoDNA and it shows at least ~50,000 km (~30k miles) in the US with 2 owners there. That was not mentioned anywhere in the listing or documents.
Dealer says the car was never in the US and claims CarVertical can be wrong (says he had a similar case with a Porsche). He wants to confirm with Jaguar on Monday.
What the ad says was done:
- “German vehicle / German first delivery”
- full service history
- timing chain + coolant hose done at Jaguar
- gearbox oil (10/2025)
- engine oil (10/2025)
- wheel bearings front & rear new
- ignition coils, thermostat new
- control arms new
- starter new
- coolant level sensor new
- strut mounts new
- brake discs + calipers new
- spark plugs new
- convertible cylinder new
- lambda sensor new
- upgraded sound system (€1850)
- invoices available
Actual condition:
- 4.0 AJ-V8 (Nikasil engine)
- timing chain tensioners replaced (2011)
- suspension done
- convertible top hydraulic hose currently broken (will be fixed)
- battery dead (only ~1500 km / ~900 miles driven in last 10 months)
- minor issues: headlight seal loose, antenna broken, rearview mirror aging
- rear left wheel arch liner has a large hole (plastic, not metal — I have photos)
- underside looked okay at first glance (not fully inspected yet)
My concern:
If it really had US history → higher sulfur fuel back then → possible Nikasil wear risk.
Questions:
- Would you be concerned about possible US history + Nikasil at this point?
- If the engine runs fine today, would you still consider it safe?
- Would you wait for Jaguar confirmation or already walk away?
- As a non-expert without a lift, can I realistically spot serious rust on this car myself?
Appreciate any input.