I currently own a 1998 XK conv with 28k miles. I'm looking to purchase a 2008 XK conv with 30k miles.

I like the ride of the 2008 much better. I'd like forum member thoughts on (1) problems with the 2008 XK and (2) thoughts/experience using this car as a daily driver.

 

I also traded my '05 XK8 for an '08 CPO XK. You are correct, the '08 XK rides better, likely due to its electronically controlled shocks. The transmission is also better sorted out. To me, even though the cars use the same 4.2 liter engine (you would still have the 4.0, I guess) the '08 seems to be noticeably quicker and more responsive to the throttle.

I had my '05 for 3 years without a single issue. So, far, nearly after 1 year, the '08 has had only minor issues, such as a check engine light that required the reprogramming of some smog parameters.

A number of people here report electrical issues, mostly minor and battery related. The exhaust sounds for some appear to be less pleasing than on the previous gen. Most '08 owners notice a slight exhaust drone at around 1200 RPM that has a dealer fix done under warranty.

Gas mileage is even better with the newer car, my last 2500 miles average is right at 26 MPG, mostly freeway miles.

All together, it is a good improvement over the previous XK8 models in nearly every respect.

Good luck in your search and purchase,

Albert

 

I've had mine (a MY2009 [Sep 08] XKR conv with 17k mi) for over 6 months now. The plan was to use it as a daily car, and I do (though I still can't get myself to drive it in bad weather ).

It's surprisingly comfortable, even though roads here (Malta) are on the terrible side. Only problems I had till now where a blocked aircon drain (probably through lack of use by previous owner) which was fixed under warranty and an ABS alarm when wading in water in Sicily (couldn't do otherwise) which went off after a restart.

From research I did at the time, it seems that the mechanics of the 2008 4.2L SC are quite pretty solid. This was evident also by the few Technical Service Bulletins issued by Jaguar on the powertrain (and indeed other systems). I would suppose that the 2008 4.2L engine was mature enough that all or most issues where resolved by then, before the 5.0L introduction. That was in fact one other reason I went for the 2008 SC model).

All in all, I find it as a brilliant package of performance, reliability, serviceability (Malta being a tiny 100sq mi rock), comfort and looks

good luck!

Andrew

 

I know I'm going to regret this but what is a CPO?

 

Certified Pre Owned. Basically it comes with a limited extended warranty after it meets inspection criteria set by Jaguar.

 

Jaguar refers to their CPO program as "Select Edition".