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I've noticed that the seats in the early xk8's give much more legroom in the back. It's such a big difference, I'm thinking about taking my 2005 'bulky' seats and replacing them with seats off a 1999
You have the right idea. keep the SUV for the family. Buy the XK for your use and enjoyment. With an automatic your wife can drive the Jag when needed. Also you both can enjoy the Jag as a date night car.
Don't give up and go SUV/Soccer Mom/Minivan just yet. Given that you are posting on this forum, it is safe to say you have been bitten by the Jag bug.
My predicament was much the same as yours. Kids fitting in the back seat for the next few years was a precondition for wife approval but my infatuation with the XKR was impossible to resist. This is why I went with the X150 (XK/XKR '07 and beyond) which has a bit more room in the back seat. The kids are now 8 and 10 pictured below. It is plenty roomy for 2 hour + drives (I'm 5'11) and they never complain (as long as the top is down!).
It is not as roomy in back as a Maserati Gran Turismo or a new S Class convertible, but it works for the younger kids and is subjectively better looking than those more expensive options.
I've noticed that the seats in the early xk8's give much more legroom in the back. It's such a big difference, I'm thinking about taking my 2005 'bulky' seats and replacing them with seats off a 1999
I was going to say, there seems to be lots of room in the back seat of my '97 Coupe for kids. Nothing like the "torture chamber built for two" in some GT cars.
I have an 04 Convertible with Recaro Seats. With the seats back to a comfortable driving position they actually contact the useless rear seats. With the integral headrests you can't even reach into the back seat area unless the top is down.
XK8 / XKR x100 are beautiful and reliable cars, but family cars, they are not.
Sadly, you guys were right... I wanted to be stubborn and push through but even as a second vehicle it barely gave me more space than a two seater. I'll be on the lookout for an XJR.
In case anyone was interested - this was the vehicle. Strangely enough, the price had been reduced to 21,5 last week and now it's back up to 23,5
You might want to consider a 2009 XJ Portfolio - it is the long wheel base with the 400 hp supercharged engine along with other special trim for this model - 140 made. There is one that came up for auction at mecum Houston that didn't hit reserve. No miles were listed - I called today and left a message requesting it. If you are interested you are welcome to look at and drive my car - I live in Sherman Oaks.
Every modern household should have (1) a SUV/crossover for monthly Costco trips, (2) a proper sedan for everyday business, and (3) a fun weekend roadster/coupe.
I also saw the Newport Beach XKR and it looks like a keeper. How did the PPI go?
1) 2004 Nissan X-trail miles. Worth nothing and my teenager drives it as his hack.
2) 2006 XJ6L. It is the only way to fly for business use.
3) 2005 XKR. Puts a smile on the dial and deliberately doesn't fit teenagers.
Every modern household should have (1) a SUV/crossover for monthly Costco trips, (2) a proper sedan for everyday business, and (3) a fun weekend roadster/coupe.
I also saw the Newport Beach XKR and it looks like a keeper. How did the PPI go?
And JLR has you covered!
Jaguar XKR
Jaguar XJR
Range Rover Supercharged
I'm on the prowl for a nice RR Westminter SC. I'd likely only drive it minimally and just have my mom drive it so it gets used but is available. I actually really like my old Jaguars, and they have been quite good (not a Civic or Corolla but better than an Audi) to me. Really great cars, and with either 400 or 510hp, they aren't turdish to drive like most SUVs.
I thought I was going to buy an X150 and maybe a X351 XJ, but I'm in no hurry, these old ones are a hoot and cheap to keep on the road. I may just give my current cars to my parents, they like them and honestly what are a 98 XJR and 00 XKR both with 95k even worth. I've babied them and PMed them anally, but still aren't worth squat. Luckily used Jaguars go for slightly more than squat lol.
