XK for a daily driver including winter?
#21
07-17-2017, 03:05 PM
QuikCat,
I bought my 2008 XK 2 years ago, 24,000 miles for $30,000. Absolutely the best GT car I have owned, even better than the two previous V12 XJS’s. NC to Key West was a dream. NC to Portland, ME was delightful. Twisty roads in the NC mountains are a kick. At a steady 80mph it gets 26.2mpg, just cannot ask for anything better. I have put on 18,000 miles and the only problems have been a failed wiper switch and a short in the cigar lighter.
It is also my daily driver, sun, rain or snow. The extra power of a XKR might be nice but the XK has more than enough to get me in all kinds of trouble with the troopers (G).
Paul
I bought my 2008 XK 2 years ago, 24,000 miles for $30,000. Absolutely the best GT car I have owned, even better than the two previous V12 XJS’s. NC to Key West was a dream. NC to Portland, ME was delightful. Twisty roads in the NC mountains are a kick. At a steady 80mph it gets 26.2mpg, just cannot ask for anything better. I have put on 18,000 miles and the only problems have been a failed wiper switch and a short in the cigar lighter.
It is also my daily driver, sun, rain or snow. The extra power of a XKR might be nice but the XK has more than enough to get me in all kinds of trouble with the troopers (G).
Paul
#22
07-18-2017, 06:58 AM
Senior Member
I'd suggest a test drive of a Carrera not a GT or Turbo, they are a good combination of a comfortable ride and handling. I've bent two rims on the Jag in MI potholes never did on the Porsche which I put on 80k miles in MI all seasons (might just be luck of course).
#23
07-18-2017, 07:20 AM
Veteran Member
I have drove my 07 XKR through 2 winters and with Blizzaks there are no issue's. However that is in 3" or less snow as anymore you would become a snow plow. It also cannot handle any snow plow ridges left in the roadway. I try not to drive mine when the roads are covered but with working and all it is unavoidable sometimes.
#24
07-19-2017, 06:19 AM
Veteran Member
Doing some research, it looks like Jag changed things in MY 2010. Different suspension (no CATS), different engine, some visual items, etc. For what my budget is, I think I can get into an XK of 2010-11 vintage or XKR in the 07-09. Are the changes significant to go with the series 2 versus series 1? According to the EPA, the R only does 1 mpg worse highway and 2 mpg city than the standard XK.
I'm fine with RWD drive in the winter (drove an '06 Mustang, and the XJR year round), but winter tires are a requirement, so I'll budget for those. Any ideas on what to budget for the suspension rebuild? Is this something that can be done in my garage? I replaced the air struts and bushings on the XJR, so unless special tools are needed, hopefully its something I can do.
Other cars I've looked at include the Audi S5 and the BMW 6 series. Don't think there's much on the domestic front other than maybe a Cadillac with the magna-ride suspension...
I'm fine with RWD drive in the winter (drove an '06 Mustang, and the XJR year round), but winter tires are a requirement, so I'll budget for those. Any ideas on what to budget for the suspension rebuild? Is this something that can be done in my garage? I replaced the air struts and bushings on the XJR, so unless special tools are needed, hopefully its something I can do.
Other cars I've looked at include the Audi S5 and the BMW 6 series. Don't think there's much on the domestic front other than maybe a Cadillac with the magna-ride suspension...