I’ve had my ’04 X Type Sport for a little over 2 years now and I don’t know if I should keep going with it or move on. I really do like a lot of things about the X but the one thing I would like more of (power) cant really be added without blowing the T/C. I am just looking for a little input form some of the Techs or other members who have owned a XK8. I am going to look at an ’04 convertible with 40,000 on it tomorrow and I was just wondering if they are any better or worse as far as maintenance and reliability go. I assume labor cost would be the same and parts would be a little more but would it be in the shop more often? I think the XK8 is the best looking Cat since the XKE so that could play an emotional factor so I am counting on you guys to be the voice of reason.
I guess I get board quickly but I just love cars and though reliability is not their strong suit Jaguars in my opinion are the most stylish cars on the road.
Any input would be appreciated.

 

You might want to break your post in half - ask some of the reliability questions over on the XK board about that vehicle. Just a suggestion.

Two different animals, really.

 

Xk all the way....., and its been said here before, xtype, least expensive jag to buy, most expensive to maintain.. Besides dont you know someone local to help you out

 

I say go for the XK8.

 

Anything specific I should be on the look out for Bill? I've been snooping around the XK* site and I dont see a lot of repeat issues, most seem to be one offs. And yes it's nice to know I can call on some local help if need be.

 

Top lines at the latch, cam covers leak, motor mounts, before you buy you could always bring it over and let me look at it for the obvious....

 

the XK is a great car. A few things that you will want to do if you get one, always let the car warm up before driving it. Even if it is just pulling it into the garage. also, only use synthetic oil from now on. these 2 things will make the XK roll a very long time.

 

I ain't a two door guy that's why X Type lol

 

Well the question has been answered. (at least for now)
I went out yesterday and looked at and drove an '04 XK8 with 35k miles and an '05 XKR with 50k both silver on black. Both in good shape but the '04 was a bit cleaner and I liked the fact it did not have a Nav, I like the look of the gauges better and I dont use the nav I have now. The downside is the are a little small on the inside, I'm 6'3" and I think the car was built with somebody under 6 foot in mind. Both cars drove well and no wind noise to speak of, it was much smoother then I thought it would be. All of that said I am not going to get either, I not willing to be that cramped for a ragtop...... a coupe now thats another story. If I can find a '04 or newer coupe thats close and in good shape I will certainly take a look.

 

yeah Brian its too bad too since I had a customer (rocket scientist at NASA) that Ive worked on his car since new, and yes he was really picky and I was the only 1 to work on, including painting his calipers and install Akebono dimpled and slotted rotors with EBS pads. He was tall also and it was a silver couple with really nice aftermarket wheels no bling, look of performance with great fill of the wheel wells in front and rear. I found out he sold it from another customer that worked with him that has a XJR. I wish he had told me I might have gotten it for my wife cause I know he just sold quick for not as much as he should have

 

How about an X-Type 3.0 Sport with a manual transmission? When I was looking for mine I drove both the auto and manual and there really is quite a difference in the performance. Not sure how much more of a performance boost you are looking for, and certainly the difference between a X and and XK is big, but just thought I would throw that out there. They are pretty hard to find, but they are out there. Plus, if you drive it all year in an area that can get snow the AWD of the X makes driving in snow almost fun....notice I said "almost".

 

the coupe IMO is a much better looking car as well. I would get the coupe over the rag top any day. They are hard to come by, I looked for about a month and never found one just how I wanted it. Good luck on your search and I am sure if anyone finds one they will let you know.