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I always loved the look of the XK but I fell in love with the F-Type when it was first announced. I ordered my F-Type new in 2014 and took delivery in February 2015. I drove the F-Type R at the Jaguar Performance Diving Academy (along with all the other "R" variants including an XK-R) in the summer of 2014. Jaguar factory drivers posted some seriously fast lap-times in the F-Type, F-Type is in a different class than the XK. The F-Type is a sports-car designed to take on Porsche, I think it is the best of German engineering "with a British soul" and styling. 35,000 trouble-free miles so far.
But my wife's reaction is worth reporting here: my dealer had a lightly used XK-R on the floor when I ordered my F-Type. She fell in love with the XK, loved the practicality of the back seats and the larger boot (in the convertible). Her boss had an XK which my wife has driven (boss now has F-Type). My wife finds the ride and handling of the F-Type harsh (drives her crazy when I do fast lane changes or pass slower cars -- she asks me to warn her!). She drives my F-Type, but thinks the styling is "too aggressive."
I've driven the F-Type 600 miles in a day and gotten out of the car refreshed and ready for more. My wife took the car on a business trip 200+ miles recently. It was a cold wet night when she headed home, wet snow, freezing rain, dark. She was nervous and called me. I told her about the tiny switch next to the shifter. She said "the switch you told me not to activate?" I said "yes, but I want you to push the switch forward until the snow-flake appears in the instrument console ahead of you." She loved the auto-windshield wipers and exclaimed how "planted" the car was once the snow mode was activated. She appreciates the F-Type for what it is now: a sports car with very special capabilities for going very fast safely, even in terrible conditions.
My 2001 XK8 has been my golf cart for 5 years. Bought it from the original owner with 42k miles. The dealer had always taken care of it and had made all the updates required. It just rolled over 59k. Everywhere I go, onlookers always comment that it is the best looking car they’ve ever seen. It is truly a classic touring car, super comfortable with enough power to impress. I would not trade up to a newer Jag... it’s paid off and insured by Hagerty. When I want to feel like I’m driving a sports car, I get in the 98 Cobra. It has teeth under the hood! I love the low roar of the exhaust of my 00 F150. That will be the next big change for the Jag.
Last edited by Cruisin01; Sep 24, 2020 at 04:08 PM.
Definitely trade for an Ftype! The XK is dated in every way now that it is 2020.
I purchased a ftype r white w red leather in January. I must say, this car is a beast! After a 10 year wait, I finally went to purchase a 991 turbo (My Dream Car), but came home with the 550hp R. My wife was confused at first, but after riding in the car,,,,,,, she said, "my God! I can feel the G force!"
I bought the ftype r and a 740i bmw for the price of the 911 turbo. 21" wheels front ///22" wheels back 22" white Giovanna's
And mine was a '55 MGTF1500, bought used by my Dad in 1957 for $1,500 and sold in late 1959 for $1,450 to buy my '60 Vette. It was a Sport's car, because you had be a Good Sport to put up with side curtains (no roll-up windows) that leaked like a sieve whenever it rained, a heater that burned your right leg just to keep the cockpit barely warm in the winter, and a 4-speed transmission without a synchromesh first gear that topped out at 10 MPH. So I had to learn how to double-clutch to downshift into first. That's a lost art today, unless you own an old car. It had unsurpassed reliability, because you could rely on it to break down at least once a month, thanks to Lucas Electric. It forced me to learn how to do basic car repairs. But it sure looked good and was the ultimate chick magnet! I don't miss it at all, but I'll never forget it! Those were the days!
That's a '55 De Soto in the background.
Last edited by Stuart S; Sep 24, 2020 at 12:56 PM.
Unless you are like the character from the TV show "Monk", you are not OCD. That is just what halfassed slackers call people, in an attempt to justify their own halfassedness.
I use it when I refer to people who insist on a level of precision where it is excessive for the use case and specifications.
.... Unfortunately, I do get tired of the brittle plastics... Ken
That's funny. When the Ftype first came out I sat in one at the dealer, and it struck me how plasticy it's interior was in comparison to my 2008 XKR (Portfolio).
Especially the center cubby door. I wouldn't expect something that cheap in a Kia let alone a Jag.
The XK model introduced in 2007 will stand the test of time as one of the most beautiful grand tourers ever.
I think this is a good point. The XK will always look beautiful and will never date. It will look as good in 25 years time as it does today, like many cars which have become 'classics' over time. The F-Type looks good today - it is a contemporary design. But it will date. Jaguar will move on to something else and in 25 years the F-Type will not be as sought after as the XK will be. One of the hallmarks of good design and true beauty is that it has a timelessness to it. IMO the XK has that, whereas the F-Type, good car though it is, does not.
For that reason, if I was considering an F-Type in addition to my XKR (note, not instead of), I would buy a Porsche 911. Similar money (for the F-Type spec I would want) and a similar size and even shape. But the 911 has basically looked 'right' since the mid-60s. And Porsche build a much better car than Jaguar. And a Porsche 911 is an icon in its own right. And a 911 has (small) rear seats, which are always useful, even if not for people to sit on.
Declaration of interest: I am a Porsche enthusiast and have owned five 911s. And we currently have a Cayman in the garage as well.
Ultimately, all of this is personal preference. No right or wrong to it.
.... Unfortunately, I do get tired of the brittle plastics... Ken
That's funny. When the Ftype first came out I sat in one at the dealer, and it struck me how plasticy it's interior was in comparison to my 2008 XKR (Portfolio).
The cubby doors between the seats especially surprised me. I wouldn't have expected anything that cheap in a Kia let alone a Jag.
Grumpy old man rant follows:
I agree the XKR nav is dated, but I don't care because I'll use my phone anyway. I still haven't seen any car's built-in nav system that's
as good or up-to-date as what comes on your phone for free. Heck in 2008 the XKR portfolio was the most expensive model in Jag's
entire range, but Jag stopped supporting my car's bluetooth updates when the car was only 3 years old (so the contacts screen
stays empty for any Android phone newer than about 2010, so now you can't make a call from the screen).
Just 2 years later Jag then stopped providing nav system updates for it.
Consequently I think us consumers are very much going the wrong way with car tech. Manufacturers are acting like of course
you want/need every faddy even ridiculous gadget in your car, but I for one much prefer cars with as little tech as possible.
Less expensive/irreplaceable stuff to go wrong, lower cost, less weight which directly translates to better performance and gas mileage.
I much prefer physical buttons and dials that you can find and use without having to take your eyes off the road, compared to
stepping through pages to find some button on an LCD screen, that will inevitably stop working when you can no longer
get replacements from Jag, so then the whole car becomes effectively useless.
Buying a classic car old enough to be pre-tech, just with a modern crate engine/trans swap keeps appealing more and more to me.
I reckon if any manufacturer made a fast, pretty car with minimal (only legally required) tech and no LCD screens, just a standard
stereo-sized slot like every car had before mid 90's, so anyone could easily fit whatever after-market tech they wanted,
they'd sell millions. At least I'd be first in line.
That said, why all the BS about sports car vs GT car and how do you define it?
I'd say a sports car is a car designed around performance as the top priority that invites me to drive it at the limit.
A GT is a car with adequate cabin and luggage space that invites me to drive it near the limit.
The GT is a compromising sports car.
In my opinion, the 1st gen Miata is one of the best sportscars of recent decades.
The F-type isn't what I'd consider a pure sportscar but it is a lot less compromising than the XK.
The F-type offers a manual, and that will keep it attractive providing they maintain that offering.
I traded my 2007 XK, in excellent condition, for a 2012 XK, also in excellent condition both with 30.000 to 35.000 Kmts.
On the 2012 XK I found some noises that bothered me a lot in the dash panel, behind the gauges.
I finished taking those out to find that there was a plastic piece that fitted in other, and that fitting was loose and made noise that only I could hear. It is not a very difficult job. Problem solved. That has been the only problem I've had. I find these cars are beautiful.
I would not trade it for an F type, no place for a pair of bags.
Don't get me wrong, I love my 2007 XK. I love the styling, the exhaust notes, the trunk, and even the back seats. Unfortunately, I do get tired of the brittle plastics, the rattles, the faded and tired navigation screens and all the other small things that make the car feel a little old and tired. Even my 2012 XF feels so much tighter, quieter, with materials that feel like a higher quality.
Has anyone thought about moving up to an F-Type? The 2014 examples could be had for around $30k.
This is a serious question and your opinions are welcome.
Thanks,
Ken
Whilst I understand your point, you are comparing a 13yr old car to an 8yr old car, more than likely the XF will not be quite the same in another 5 years.
My 2009 XKR whilst it may be a bit dated from a technological point of view it is still by far the best car I have had and its classic styling will last in my opinion.
Perfection would be a garage with and XK and an F-Type in it.
Whilst I understand your point, you are comparing a 13yr old car to an 8yr old car, more than likely the XF will not be quite the same in another 5 years.
My 2009 XKR whilst it may be a bit dated from a technological point of view it is still by far the best car I have had and its classic styling will last in my opinion.
Perfection would be a garage with and XK and an F-Type in it.
Good Luck
I'm 33 and work on automation, software engineer background in management. I'm just happy when i can choose the noise that comes out of the stereo! I burn cds for my XKRs. I will admit that i just ordered an ACM so i can add an aux jack though.
I guess I'm different in that I don't judge a car by its infotainment, but about things like driving experience and power. I just am wondering when new computer like tech became such a big deal to people. The climate control and radio in my 07 are user friendly enough for my purposes.
And mine was a '55 MGTF1500, bought used by my Dad in 1957 for $1,500 and sold in late 1959 for $1,450 to buy my '60 Vette. It was a Sport's car, because you had be a Good Sport to put up with side curtains (no roll-up windows) that leaked like a sieve whenever it rained, a heater that burned your right leg just to keep the cockpit barely warm in the winter, and a 4-speed transmission without a synchromesh first gear that topped out at 10 MPH. So I had to learn how to double-clutch to downshift into first. That's a lost art today, unless you own an old car. It had unsurpassed reliability, because you could rely on it to break down at least once a month, thanks to Lucas Electric. It forced me to learn how to do basic car repairs. But it sure looked good and was the ultimate chick magnet! I don't miss it at all, but I'll never forget it! Those were the days!
That's a '55 De Soto in the background.
Pretty cars. And incidentally, you mention a trait by which I judge all 'drivers': The value of double clutching.
Nope, I can fit two pieces of hold and hand luggage in my XK for jetting off to sunnier climes with a significant other and arriving at the airport in style.
Interesting,
Though many agree with you about the nav, not me.
I don't want to blindly follow navigation instructions. I want an idea of what surrounds me. And for that reason, I like the map displayed.
Besides, the voices on the new nav systems annoys me... can you imagine that person as your partner, talk about nag...
