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By MYCaptainChris at 2006-08-22 13:13
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This is a road test for the Jaguar XK8. Example used is a 2001 XK8 Convertible in the sunshine state of Florida USA
As an owner of a Jaguar XK8, in fact the aforementioned Jaguar XK8, I obviously felt that the car would suit my needs and wants. But does it? How many people can really tell if a car is going to be ideal for them after a 10 minute test drive? Well in reality when I buy a car I research the car and all aspects of buying the car to death. I don't test just the one car, I'll test many different models from different dealers to help me assess what I really want or need from my new car. Here is where I hope to save you all this time I spent researching the Jaguar XK8.
My needs: There weren't too many needs really, more wants but I did need....... erm........ a car. The XK8 is a car!
My Wants: A hell of a list, Convertible, V8 or V12 power plant, very good sound system, good turn of speed, air conditioning, fun to drive, nice looking, heritage, warranty and reliability....... oh and I forgot fuel economy. (yeah right!!!)
The Jaguar just about pulls off all aspects of my want list with 5 stars all the way, but since owning I have found numerous points that are both good and bad that I hadn't considered before buying this car. The boot/trunk is suprisingly large and very capable of carrying a number of suitcases and I guess Golf Clubs if you must. Often on convertibles the space is taken up with the roof and mechanisms but in this case not, the extra space here could be could for passengers as the back seat is useless. Have you ever sat in the back seat of a Jaguar XK8? If you have then I think someone didn't like you. I think the back seat is either there for asthetics or some kind of insurance thing, but in no uncertain terms would I really call it a seat. On three seperate occasions I have had people sat in the back, with the front seat all the way forward and the roof down was the only way to make it possible. You can actually fit a small handbag on the back seat which does count for yet more storage space I guess, so even that negative is a plus really because lets face it, this isn't an SUV.
My example has the Alpine stereo upgrade which I must say sound great, not amazing but great. It kicks out alot of volume and the sound quality and presense is fantastic. I may consider upgrading the speakers at some point but for now it certainly gets a thumbs up. Another plus on my XK8 was the fact it had a DVD based sat Nav system. I didn't have the sat nav on my wish list but since owning a car with it, I can't do without it. If I could put a figure on how much time and fuel I have saved because of the nav I would say it's an option that has paid for itself many times over. Once you get used to it the Nav is very easy to use, giving clear and accurate directions to any street, town, or even restaurant. The down side is the american accent, on this earlier nav system I still have to follow the highlighted rowt, rather than route!!! Lol
The Standard V8 powerplant is fantastic, giving supersmooth power at all levels, and when you push that right foot into the carpet she'll give you plenty of accoustic entertainment too. Something great about this all aluminium 90 degree V8 is it redlines at 6800 rpm!!! That is a sound everyone should hear at least once in their life. The 290 hp will take you to 60 in 6 and half seconds, not the fastest car with a V8 but you really don't care because it just feels so good. The suspension gives a great ride that would put most competitors to shame, yet you can still give it a push and enjoy your drive, this doesn't require much encouragement in my case.
Some might say the interior is a little cramped, but I say that I want it that way. When you drive a sports car that really includes the driver in the whole driving experience as does the XK, then you want the car wrapped around you. It feels like a proper sports car. The seats are super comfortable giving support exactly where you need it. They adjust in every direction you can imagine so there is no excuse for being uncomfortable.
Now for a down side: The old 4.0 V8 (later models had 4.2) had issues with the tensioners. I am not sure if they were ever recalled but the issue was definately there. Sometimes the engine will make no noise at all and the first thing you know about the tensioners is when the engine fails. In my case I got a rattle on start up, so I then took the car in to have the third generation tensioners fitted at Jaguars expense. (thank you Jaguar) If I were to buy another 4.0 I would probably fit third generation tensioners straight away as a precaution. If your buying from a dealer then I suggest you get them to do it as part of the sales deal.
All in all the Jaguar has been a joy to own and has never let me down. It's one of those cars that always recieves admiring comments from passers by and that you can sit and look at for ages. The XK is surely one of the most gorgeous cars you can buy and being an owner certainly makes me proud. Is there any other car in the same class and price range I would buy? Absolutely not, the XK is in a class of it's own. My boss has a 2005 Merc SL55 AMG that cost exactly twice that of my car when new and I still prefer my Jaguar.
Thinking of buying? Just do it, you'll not regret it.
Which model: I would have to say buy the lastest XK8 you can find, don't be too frightened by the mileage as the V8 has been known to purr along for years (assuming tensioners replaced I guess!!!). My perfect car would be the 2005 XKR Convertible with the 20 inch wheels in Radience Red.
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