I am new to the forum and fairly new to Jaguar. I have been toying with the idea of an XJS or XJ8 convertible instead of a Corvette after my son gets out of college. I'm want to spend around 15k-25k when I do buy one. Can someone give me the good, bad, and ugly of both models- sort of the Jaguars For Dummies lesson? What years are preferable and why, and anything else you feel is important for a newbie to know...

 

2003 XK8 convertible.

What sort of music do you write? If it is popular music of some genre, do you demo and promote your music personally?

 

I'm prejudiced, but would still opt for the XK8 or XKR if your circumstances allow. In other words, will a 2 seater do? If not then the XJ8 would be my choice...I think. If the kids have flown the coupe and you are looking for something that will turn heads, is dependable, etc. then I agree with JagtechOhio; XK8 or XKR for more of a kick in the pants. Save some of your money for maintenance and...either an extended warranty or a war chest for repairs, just in case. And be prepared for requests from recent college grads to "borrow the Jag"!
I didn't want a convertible and chose the coupe instead. If you do get a convertible, there are several threads on the forum regarding problems inherent to convertibles...and some good information about aftermarket products to eliminate the most common issues.
I also looked at other makes (Corvette, BMW and some Mercedes models) but when driving, I see a ton of them. I see very few XKRs and XK8s and Florida is prime country for these cars. I've had mine over a year and have loved every minute of owning a Jaguar.

 

If I were you, I'd go for the XJS! Just be sure it's a later model--'94,'95 or '96 with a 6-cylinder engine--because they are the most reliable. No other car turns more heads on the road!! And no other car has ever looked like it--and never will!

 

Drive both. At 90 mph you;ll have a death grip on the wheel of the XK8, in the XJS you'll adust the seat back a little, put in aother CD and cruise like a bird.

XJS is classic. I prefer the first "face lift" years ('92 & '93). In '94 they put aero stuff on that messed up the perfect lines (my opinion). If you want a coupe, go for the '90 or 91' pre-face lift (by this time, Ford had gotten rid of the worst of the Lucas electronics).

And if your a purist, look for the very early ones that were pure mussle and guts.