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Every day I learn a little more about the Jaguar XK8 and I have developed some preferences thru the knowledge of others.
1. I prefer the first generation (X100) which was marketed as the XK8 from 1996 to 2006. Compared to the XK8 (X100), the XK (X150) is 61.0 mm (2.4 in) wider and is 162.6 mm (6.4 in) longer. It is also 91 kg (200 lb) lighter resulting in performance and fuel consumption improvements. Unlike the X100, the X150 has no wood trim on the interior offered as standard equipment.
2. The AJ-V8 (4.2-liter) engine which was introduced in 2003 is a better engine.
3. I like the convertibles more than I do the coupes.
4. I like the navigation system in a car.
5. I just realized recently that I like the front ends produced from 1996 to 2004 more than I do the ones in 2005/2006, because earlier ones look more like the XKE front end.
6. The years 2003 and 2004 are the only years that have the 4.2-liter engines and the E-type looking grill.
I have a 2005 Black/Black/Black Jaguar XK8 convertible. I will probably be selling this car to fund the purchase of another Jaguar XK8.
My local dealer considers 2004 to be the "sweet spot" of the model years, with all of the technical improvements and none of the road roomba plastics that were added 2005-6. I do agree with that and its why I bought a 2004.
I bet that most everybody thinks their model year is best though.
My local dealer considers 2004 to be the "sweet spot" of the model years, with all of the technical improvements and none of the road roomba plastics that were added 2005-6. I do agree with that and its why I bought a 2004.
I bet that most everybody thinks their model year is best though.
Good luck with your search.
Absolutely correct, 2004 is the sweet spot, as most everybody thinks. 2004 XK8
RoVerto,
I think you have a small error in the length comparison.
X100 XKR 2003 = 4760mm / 187.4 inch.
X150 XKR 2006 = 4791mm / 188.7 inch.
It's all a matter of opinion but I suppose 'Rothwell's Dealer is correct that the 2004 was a 'Sweet Spot' for the most mechanical upgrades verses least cosmetic changes.
However, for the 2004 MY, the side running strips were deleted (at indicator level). The 2003 MY retains them so perhaps is also in the 'Sweet spot'. It's all personal preference.
RoVerto,
...
However, for the 2004 MY, the side running strips were deleted (at indicator level). The 2003 MY retains them so perhaps is also in the 'Sweet spot'. It's all personal preference.
Yes no side strips on 2004 and another reason I bought that year.
2003 also introduced the side turn signal lenses in lieu of the leaper badges. A cosmetic travesty only rivaled by the side strips. Thankfully the strips can be removed and the signals relocated/replaced with badges. My DIY for that relocation is here.
I too thought the '03/'04 4.2L cars were the nicest. The only quirk to my '03 that might be improved upon could be the NAV Database. There are no updates to the '03 NAV data after Jaguar had a falling-out with Alpine. Maybe the '04 NAV is supported by a different Black Box manufacturer? That would definitely tip the scales to the '04.
The '05s (and beyond) just completely lost the feline sexiness of the original, '96 - '04 bodies (ESPECIALLY THE COUPES!)
I have an '06 coupe in black/tan. I would have much preferred an '04, for its cleanest lines, in BRG/tan. I would however have bought any year of the '03-06 if I could have found a decent west coast coupe in BRG but late model coupes are scarce, particuarly in the west so I settled. Well over four years later, I have yet to see a late BRG coupe listed (except one dodgy '03 in the southeast before I bought my '06) so I'm glad I didn't hold out and lose years of pleasure!
From: Somewhere south of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
I just might be slightly biased, but, I too think that the first generation XK8's are much better looking... They just look cleaner, less cluttered to me.
Last edited by Scottsgreenjag; Dec 19, 2020 at 06:54 AM.
There was once a list of production numbers for each year and export posted here. The numbers declined in the end of the run maybe because of the changes, maybe because it was long in tooth or whatever. I don't see enough difference to stop me if I was in a position to buy new (I'm Not) to forgo an '05-'06. Maybe word leaked out of the replacement XK and some folks waited to see. Nothing personal but we have the best of both worlds IMHO and I like the nostalgia of the glory years. TM
2003-2004 Jaguar XK8 (X-103)
