Current shape XK8

[Ecosseven]

Morning all,

I’m considering a new shape XK8 as my next daily driver and would be grateful for some info. I’ll be looking at one of the early cars from 2006.

1. How much of the car is aluminium?
2. Is the handling much improved from the previous generation car?
3. How do you find the 6 speed auto? I’ve never owned an automatic before. My biggest worry is that I will find the car boring to drive.
4. What are the service intervals and what are these likely to cost from a jag dealer and from a specialist?
5. Do all cars come with the CATS suspension?
6. How does it compare to a BWM 6 series and Merc SL in terms of performance, handling and running costs?
7. Any thoughts on when values will drop to around 20K?
8. Any reliability issues?

Thanks and all the best.

Martin.

[Triple7]

1. How much of the car is aluminium?

All of it, the chassis, bodyshell, doors, bonnet, bootlid, engine!

2. Is the handling much improved from the previous generation car?

Toitally different league. I have had the new and old and the new one is light years ahead. It doesn't handle like an outright sports car such as a Porsche, but it's not a heavy slow GT. I call it a Sports GT. Best of both worlds.

3. How do you find the 6 speed auto? I’ve never owned an automatic before. My biggest worry is that I will find the car boring to drive.

The new ZF sports gearbox is awesome. It does have paddles, but in auto/sports mode with the downshifts and gear holding on corners or on throttle lift, it is fabulous. You will never want a manual again.

4. What are the service intervals and what are these likely to cost from a jag dealer and from a specialist?

15000miles/12months. Goes little big, little, Bigger. About £250 for a minor and £400 for a major at a main dealer. Too new for specialists.

5. Do all cars come with the CATS suspension?

The XKR's do, but is an option on the XK. Essential I think, if you want a sporty car.

6. How does it compare to a BWM 6 series and Merc SL in terms of performance, handling and running costs?
I can't say from experience, but it depends on the size of engine you compare between the marques . Compared to my mates MB SL it will be much cheaper to run, plus people respect you on the road while driving a Jag. Expect low to mid 20's MPG.

7. Any thoughts on when values will drop to around 20K?

Hmmm, I would say at least 4 years for the XK. Expect an avergae depreciation of £1k a month from new values.

8. Any reliability issues?
Launch XK's afew issues, but nothing that hasn't been quickly sorted. Other than that expect a very reliable car, it wins the JD Power awards in the USA each year for reliability, forget the old cliche of older Jags.

Even thought the XK is as fast as the out going XKR was, the XKR is the one to go for iof you want a true Jag Sports car, which has both power and grace.

G

[Halb]

Triple7 said:

3. How do you find the 6 speed auto? I’ve never owned an automatic before. My biggest worry is that I will find the car boring to drive.

The new ZF sports gearbox is awesome. It does have paddles, but in auto/sports mode with the downshifts and gear holding on corners or on throttle lift, it is fabulous. You will never want a manual again.

Can we get it without the flappy paddles?

Triple7 said:

7. Any thoughts on when values will drop to around 20K?

Hmmm, I would say at least 4 years for the XK. Expect an avergae depreciation of £1k a month from new values.

Whats the best lowest price new shape you have seen?

[Triple7]

No you can't, but they are discreet.

Seems the first cars are down to about £25k. They first appeared in March 2006.

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/JAGU...

G

[Halb]

Thanks for that. Oh well, it';s now off my shortlist

[a8hex]

It's actally an auto with full manual control rather than a manual with an electromechanical shifter. So it's not in anyway associated with the flappy paddle nonsense that JC keeps going on about.
Go take it one for a test drive.
Having driven an XKR some of the gear changes required are pretty quick even with the "flappy paddles"

BTW Jaguar use this system because it changes faster than any of the competitor electromechanical alternatives.

[Gnostic Ascent]

Do not write the car off on the basis of the flappy paddles. I was very nervous about the car being an auto with paddles but it is a great drive. Go drive one and see for yourself.

[doddze]

sorry to hijack the thread.. I am currently looking at 06 xk's... The question i have is re pre production XK's..

as is understand it there were about 1000 pre production new Aluminium cars..

A dealer has said that they were inferior quality which is why they are cheaper.. (around 29k from a dealer)as opposed to around 32-33k for a fully loaded model of non production spec..
so i guess my question is... how many pre production cars were made.. are they not as good quality and is this why they are cheaper?

thanks

[P700DEE]

They will be cheaper as they are 6 months plus older than actual production cars. Most will have been driven by journalists, I've not heard any reason why they should be less well made than early production cars.

[Paracetamol]

Do a search on the web. One of the american motoring magazines had a pre production one and slated the quality. There was no bearing on the quality I am experiencing with my 07 XKR. Its beautifully built and doesnt exhibit any of the issues raised by the magazine.

Edited by Paracetamol on Tuesday 17th February 11:26

[Triple7]

I was involved with testing these XK's, they will be on '55 plates, rather than '06's as the car was launched in March 2006. I would avoid them as they would have been trashed and were missing a few bits and bobs.



G

[EdJ]

Surely someone isn't dismissing this car because of the paddles?! I have to say, my 57 reg XKR was the best car I have ever owned. It ticked every box and I'd totally agree with Triple7's comments - I had a 997 Carrera S before the XKR and whilst I loved the Porsche, the Jag probably nudges ahead just because it is so effortless to drive. The ride alone makes it a winner.

[Halb]

Triple7 said:

I was involved with testing these XK's, they will be on '55 plates, rather than '06's as the car was launched in March 2006. I would avoid them as they would have been trashed and were missing a few bits and bobs.
G

So all the 'proper' XKs are from MArch onwards?
What bracket would they fall under here for road tax?
K, L or M?
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicl...

[Kevin VRs]

Halb said:

So all the 'proper' XKs are from MArch onwards?
What bracket would they fall under here for road tax?
K, L or M?
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicl...

XKR is 294g/km therefore M