Thinking of...

[Big cheese!]

...Buying an XK8. Is there anything to watch out for or is it just "look, drive, like, buy, thrash"?

[Phil Hopkins]

It very much depends on the age of vehicle as regards to potential pitfalls etc.

What sort of budget have you got?

[triple7]

Are you talking new XK or out going model? If it is the old shape then you may be better off holding fire, as the the residuals are in freefall at the mo. Better off waiting for things to settle down a bit.

From my own experience make it the XKR, don't bother with the '8. If it is the 4.0ltr you are after make sure you go for a 2001 or newer (post facelift and nikasil probs). You would be looking at about £20-25k for one of these. If you add another £5k then you will get a 2003 with the new 4.2ltr engine. A couple extra grand would then get you the final facelifted car, which IMHO is the best looking XKR.

With these cars get the most options you can, this is can be done quite simply by getting a limited edition car.

XK100
XK400
XK 4.2S

They will have the required 20inch wheels, brembos, satnav, recaro seats etc.....................

G

[Phil Hopkins]

Aye, and don't accept a price increase justified by the fact it's a 'limited edition'. It's always just been spec differences, not performance.