Need advice on pre owned XK8 Jag

We have never owned a Jag. We live in the SF Bay Area, CA
We are thinking of buying a pre owned XK8 Convertible.
Model year 1998 to 2003.
The prices seems to range from $18,000 to $30,000.
We are not sure which model year we will end up with...
it will depend on the deal we get.


We are undecided as which XK8 to get..convertible or hard top ?
Any thoughts?


We would like to get a convertible.
Though we have a few friends who say convertibles may bring a set a
problems...
1. the rag top may need replacing every so often and that could be an
expensive issue.
2. The temp inside the car may not be like a hardtop when it is comes
to
AC or heating or there may be leaks.
3.There may be a lot of noise.
4.The wear and tear on mechanisim of raising/ lowering the top may be
expensive if it needs attention or replacement. Are these prone to
problems?

Can anyone who has had such a car please comment on the above
Jag convertibles vs hardtops?
Any advice as which one is better in your opinion?

In terms of model years..are there any that are better than others ?
or any model years to be avoided ?

We would really like to get a convertible.


Any other tips would be highly appreciated.


Thanks in advance for your input.
Kim