Hello!

I own a 2007 XK ( X 150 ), 4.2 lt NA Convertible. I am TOTALLY happy with the car.

But I feel the need ... the need for ... the urge to get another car. Wife is gonna kill me.

I KNOW this is a Jag forum. But the XK8 and the DB 7 being twins, what is your opinion:

what should I buy?

DB 7 or XK8 ( with that wonderful dash board ), both in coupe guise?

What are the respective pro´s and con´s?

Thanks in advance, Hermann

 

Surely a well sorted XKR would be the next step up.
Keeping the knowledge to fix one would apply to the other and not having to get a whole new learning curve to fix most things.

 

i6 or V12 DB7? Either one is much more challenging to run diagnostics on and some parts are VERY expensive.
The interior on the XK8 / XKR is much more durable, probably better looking and more comfortable, and the AC works much better.
The DB7 chassis is of earlier design, an XKR with Traction Control will run circles around a DB7 i6
but the DB7 looks so good, and there are those who say one has not really lived without driving a V12!

 

the aj6 sc car is a dog, the v12 is much better. parts prices are spiteful and at the end of the day it’s still a jaguar. neither the xk8 and especially the db7 are suitable for people above like 5’10


if you want an aston martin get a db9

 

Before I got my XKR I was crossed between the DB7 and the XKR. The Thing with the DB7 is you can get the straight six engined cars but they aren't as powerful as the Jaguar but granted do probably handle a bit better and have an LSD and a manual. They cost more and do worse on fuel. Or you can get the V12 which is heavy does have more power then the Jag but isn't very reliable and drinks fuel like no bodies buisiness. 12 MPG is pretty normal for them. So I took the sensible option and got a Jaguar which sounds strange but I think it's the sensible option. Parts will be cheaper and easier to find for the Jag as well. Really I think the Aston Martin Vantage would be better, with the AJ37 Jaguar engine in it.

 

Thanks to all! OF COURSE I wanted the V12 ...

;-)

And yes, I fear costs.

But "Aston Martin", "V12", that naturally aspirated power ...and they are reasonably priced.

I have heard, windshields are extremely expensive. What else to fear?

Have fun, Hermann

 

Second the recommendation to skip the DB7 and go for a DB9.

I picked up a 2012 Virage about a year ago to compliment my XKR, main motivation being that V12 itch.

Even being a decade newer the thing that struck my on the 1500 miles back home from picking it up was how similar it was to the XKR. Smooth and composed at speed, good ride, quiet. Outside dimensions are almost identical, the transmission is the same 6HP even down to the same 2-1 lurch so many of us are familiar with.

Where it differs is the experience is a bit more special. Nicer inside, higher end materials, even if a bit less durable. The valet will always put it up front. More composed in the corners when pushed hard than the x100 (probably more similar to the x150). Where the Jag feels out of sorts and a little jiggly when tossed around the AM keeps it’s composure. And oh boy that sound. I do like a V8 but there is nothing that compares to the sound of that big N/A V12.

Normal maintenance costs can be reasonable(ish) if you shop around. Ford oil filters rather than the AM branded one, etc. Repair items can be far worse, some are not too bad, others are single source AM items. $100 for a marker light, and to replace it you have to take the rear bumper half off. It is very pretty to look at but generally speaking everything is a much bigger PITA to work on than the Jag.

If you are willing to do some work yourself, running costs can be reasonable. If you send it all out to a specialist, best to have deep pockets.

 

While the AM's are surely beautiful and classy,(Bond....James bond) I still vote for the Jag. As I said many moons ago when I had a '67 XKE FHC, a Jag is the lease exotic of the exotic cars. Making it the easiest to live with. But oh what a looker and a pleasure to drive. When I go to cars shows or cruise-ins with the Jag and an AM shows up I DO feel a little out classed but I do not hang my head in the least. I know what works for me. We make many choices with our hearts (when they go pidder padder over something or some one) but it's all up to you.

BTW cc, that is an impressive look in that garage. But 2 black cars in Phoenix ?? OMG. TM

 

dream garage

 

Very interesting and honest observation regarding the 6HP transmission on the AM. Kind of confirms my suspicion that even those with the smoothest shifting of these gearboxes must occasionally feel the 2 to 1 downshift.

 

I have an 2007 Xk coupe and a 2003 xkr coupe. The 2007 is far superior in handling and feels very nimble in the bends. The transmission on the 2007 is much better as well with downshifts and holding rpms. Side by side in person the 2007 is a stunner in looks BUT for some reason I prefer the ride and less sportiness of the 2003, the interior in the 2003 wins it for me!

unfamiliar with Aston Martins but from pictures, too me the interior looks dated and cheap. If you want a V12 you should get an XJS those are nice!

 

The first time the Jag did it I thought: Oh no, there is something wrong with the transmission!

The first time the Virage did it, I thought: How funny, it’s just like the Jag.

 

One of the things, that sold me on my 2007 XK ( and Guys, I LOVE that car! ) was the aluminium body.

IIRC the Jaguar XK8 ( X100 ) has a steel body?

What is the DB 7 made of - steel or aluminium?

And I read complaints on AM Forums about corrosion after the AM 3 year "total" guarantee, and 10 years guarantee against HOLES from rust ... are AMs not made from alu anymore??

Thanks for all input, Hermann

 

steel, it's a dressed up XJS. corrosion resistance on both cars are marginal.

early aston martins are extreme rustbuckets hiding under aluminum bodywork. later aston martins from the vanquish can suffer from galvanic corrosion

 

A nice color DB7 convertible was listed on BaT today.

 

A big THANKS!