I have a 1996 XJ6 and a 2004 XJR. Thinking of adding a XK8. What is the best year for this model?

 

The latest year possible: 2005.

 

That being said, it's all price/milage/condition. The big turning point is the change-over from 4.0 to 4.2 engines, and the transmission upgrades that came with them. So, a hobbiest may want an early car for cheaper fun, and someone who wants less hassle will pay more for a more current car. Either way the car rocks if you're a Jaguar fan.

 

I wouldn't buy anything past an 05, I think they ruined the look of the car after that. Especially the classic front end.
Vector

 

In the North America market 2007 is the first year for the re-style, so we have MY 2003-2006 that are essentially all the same with the 4.2 liter and 6 speed transmission. I believe I read somewhere that all 2006 models were actually built on the same production run as and at the same time as the '05's, but held and titled as 2006 MY.

 

Good luck in your search, Kyle. Just watch out for chain tensioners in the early models. Personally, I'd avoid the Fu Manchu/Catfish models whatever model year they are, having seen your stable - an ugly car just wouldn't fit there....It'd likely never run right, always feeling inferior to your great-looking Jags!

 

I personally like the 05-06 MY upgrades, but anything 03+, IMO, if you're looking for the best reliability...

 

2006 but any Jag with the 4.2L will be OK. Do not buy anything before 2003 no-mater how low the price is.

 

I agree the 4.2L models (2003-2006 US) may be slightly better overall, but don't count out the 2001-2002 MYs either. My 2001 has been very reliable so far, with mostly minor fixes required, and it is my daily driver.

Your pocketbook may determine year, but whatever you end up with make sure it has been maintained. I'd rather have a well taken care of, well documented 2001 than a sketchy 2006.

 

When I was fortunate enough to be able to go Jaguar shopping, I was looking for the latest model that still had the sexy more traditional Jaguar curves.
I was lucky enough to find my 05 XKR Coupe.
Love it. Could not be happier with my choice.
When I sit in her, she feels like a well fitting glove. I take her out any chance can rain or shine........she just happened to be Black so a bit of a pain to keep clean.
The upside to that was finding the additional pleasure of hand drying her after the car wash. That gave me a much higher appreciation of those curves that always turn heads.

 

I have decided to look for the 2005-06 model XK8 or XKR in British racing green as that is the color of our 2004 XJR. Seems hard to find after several hours of searching. Anyway, I am in no hurry, so something will turn up eventually.

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

It took me almost a year to find mine 4500km from where I live. Bought an extended warranty for a few extra bucks and drove across the the country getting it home. Got it out of my system and had an outstanding drive. I would highly reccomend it.

It was well worth being patient. Good luck.

Happy New Year from Western Canada

 

There's a 2005 XK8 convertible and a 2005 XK8 coupe right now on autotrader.

 

I don't know anything about these cars other than the way they look...I vote for earlier models. Don't really care for later versions.

 

I was wrong, it's the 04 that was the last one with the classic Jag front end.

They started to destroy the look with the lower spoiler on the 05. I actually think the 07 looks better than the 05. The 05 looks like one of its Ford cousins.

Just MHO.

Below is a 2004, 2005 and 2007, left to right.

Vector

 

Agree. Not a fan of the lower spoiler.

 

I found a 2004 XK8 in Green. Sticker says built in 3/2003. It has 49K and looks pretty good. Asking price is 23,000+. I may bid at 17K. This is the 4.2 engine if I am correct. Two owners, the first owner was in HI. All service records are there. Does this sound like a good buy?

 

Just bought a "sea foam" green 2006 convertible in San Diego for $25,000 and some change. Had 28K miles on it and after market blue tooth voice dial. Two owners as well.

 

Yeah, if you're looking for a specific color combo, you might have to wait for a little while... they all tend to come around though, so just keep your eyes open.

 

If your budget allows, I'd echo the others and say the later the better with the 4.2 mill for the power and gradual improvements alone. However, from what I know in my recent due diligence, there's nothing terrible at this point with the earlier models either that have been kept up well (the n-word is irrellevant now!). Since the Jag is my fun 3rd car, my budget didn't allow this time for one of the later model XKRs. But of all my recent 3rd cars, this is already my favorite after just a week. If I trade again soon, it will be for a later model 05-06 XKR coupe.

That said, I can highly recommend a 2000MY that has been well kept... I absolutely love mine. But you'll get a more powerful motor and newer build out of the later stuff.

I also find the latest Jags these days, well not quite hideous, but they've certainly lost that classic Jaguar appeal. It's like the Ford bean counters finally got their heyday before tossing the keys to Tata, and had a mixer with the Buick styling team one year. New XK, XF, XJ... ugh, no thanks. I'm an Audi and Porsche guy at heart anyway. It's just the classic Jags that tug at my heartstrings!