So I have kept my beloved 97 XK a couple of years longer than I had originally planned because I love that car more than it is right to love an inanimate object and she really has been pretty trouble-free.
But the car now has 94K miles. It it is time to either allow her to retire to "weekend car" status or find a good home with someone who will use her as such.

Here is my dilemna - which newer model to buy? I had planned to buy a 2006, but they are very hard to find for sale right now. And in the meantime the 2007s are pouring in off lease - of course at a price premium in comparison to the 06, but still under factory warranty with select edition beyond that.



So here are the three scenarios I am having trouble deciding between:

• 2006 select edition with 21K. Select edition will expire in June 2011.
• 2007 - plenty out there with mileage from 10K to 20K. Still under factory warranty; with select edition coverage running from June 2012 to early 2013. Payments will run me $200-300 a month more than the 06 - but longer warranty coverage partially offsets that.
• Or...I've been reading really great reviews on the XFs. They had not previously been in my consideration set - but perhaps an XF as a daily driver and keep my 97 XK for convertible weather.

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

Has the car ever had the timing belt tensioner repair?

 

TJ, on an average of $250/month for the newer vehicle, that would be $15k over five years. You can buy a few repairs or additional warranty for that kind of money. Now with that said, if there is something about the '07 you like better than the '06, then I would say go for it.

 

I can buy a warranty for my 97 with 73k miles?

 

Of course you can!

It may have no value when you show up for repairs but someone will be happy to sell you an insurance policy before they go out of business.

 

ha ha ha, thought so

 

I have an 06 XK8 with the select edition warranty through Oct 2012. While making use of the warranty I was given an XF to drive for a week.

You really can't compare the two.... they are two totally different cars. The XF is loaded with whistles and bells and gadgets which make it a really user friendly car. Given my experience with Jag and Jag service departments I don't know how much faith I have in all those gadgets providing a trouble free ownership experience.

The XF has room for 4 big passengers.

The XF has a remarkably responsive power train, and I wouldn't be surprised if its performance numbers are better.

The XK8 is just pure sexy. It has no whistles and bells. It does not glide silently down the road.

And most importantly (for me) the XK8 goes topless.

I thought the XF was a great car, and would definitely consider it as a second 'sedan' car. However, I am a big guy and getting in and out of the front seat was a little close.

Just my thoughts

Dave B


PS - My XK8 gets complimented overly frequently, I doubt the XF would

 

02manyfish, thanks - you hit on several of the decision points I keep wrestling with. Financially, of course the '06 is the better deal, but if a couple hundred a month is going to stop you from buying one vs. the other you may not be cut out to be a jag owner

The new model does have all the bells and whistles and would have longer "model type appearance life" since it is the first year of the new gen - and I tend to keep my cars a long time (usually 6-8 years).

The two key sticking points for me with the '07 are:
a) first year with the new model means unknown life on key components and the potential for undiscovered issues, as happened with the 97-99 XK8s.
b) I do have some concerns in this economy about buying the newer model purely in relation to client perceptions. Not that many clients see my car, but when I first bought my '97, I did get some comments from clients and suppliers...until I used my stock "justification" of "single and no kids!"

Appreciate your perspective on the XF. I had thought the reported performance might make that a good daily driver, but truth be told, like you, the top is down 99% of the time.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'm netting out that if I am questioning whether I should buy the '07, I shouldn't do it. Buy the '06 for now and I can always pick up a next gen XK in a couple of years.

 

I woudn't hesitate on an '07 XK8, the model is not new, only a facelift and improvements to the old body style. Think about it, engine and transmission are almost identical (I think the engine is, not sure) the convertible hydraulics are new and improved, I woulodn't doubt the telescoping/reach steering was redesigned also...basically lots of little problems given more reliability. Given a chance, i'd jump in with both feet and both arms!