I am only 5' 8" but it is a struggle getting in and out of my xk8 convertible. It is really tight! Anybody else have this problem?

 

I'm just over 6' and find the ergonomics of getting in and out to be more difficult than the actual fit (the sill on these cars are high and the floor boards so low it feels like you're climbing into a bucket). That said, the fit once inside could be a bit better, such as the key not jabbing you in the knee, or my worst gripe which is my head hitting the roof (I've heard the newer model XK's have more head space).

I still prefer to drive our x350 if I want comfort. The space, ergonomics, and ride are far superior.

 

I am 6' and it is real exercise to get in and out. The car is low. When I'm inside, it's ok. My biggest gripe there is the small ridge at the bottom of the transmission tunnel. It keeps my foot at an odd angle to the gas pedal. I do hit my head on the roof sometimes. Top down is good.

 

I find it more difficult to get out if I cannot open the door all the way in a confined parking situation. Also much easier to get out if the top is down.

 

My 2003 is tighter than I remember when I had a new 1997. Then again maybe it's my waistline...

 

I'm 5'10", 260#, 62 years young, lets just say one might call me a big bugger! Anyway I went from a Miata to the XK8 so the XK8 is SPACIOUS.

As said before if in a tight parking space it can be difficult, getting out I swing both legs over and sit side saddle in the seat and just stand up, I have no issues getting in.

Does your steering wheel auto go up, if mine is down there's no way to get out. I think one of the issues with the XK8 is the long doors and the seat does not slide back far enough.

 

I'm 6'2" and I have to have the steering wheel all the up and the seat all the way back, and the seat very inclined to give me me approx 1/4" head clearance.

But I brought this car for fun - I have a Volvo for practicality - and despite the cramped cabin I still find the car comfortable on long drives, which is a bonus.

I drove some brand new XKs in 2000 and thought they they are to cramped and I would never buy one, but now they are so cheap I don't care.

 

I'm 6', old, fat, and arthritic but I manage. I know at some point the "jaws of life" will be necessary to get me out but until then I will keep driving it.

While I was at University, long time ago, I delivered pizzas in a MG midget. Not sure how that was even possible.

 

I am 6-foot-7, 260 pounds, with size 15 shoes and a 7-foot wingspan. I have no chance getting in or out of the car unless the top is down and the seat is pushed and tilted as far back as possible. Even then, I have zero legroom, knee room, or foot room. Good thing it is my wife's car - I drive it as little as possible....

 

Posted elsewhere on this same issue recently, so it must still be catching. Yep I'm tall, overweight, ours is a coupe and I admire the way my mid 40s daughter manages with far more grace than I.

But, this cloud has a brilliant silver lining . . . if you have trouble with an XK8, don't bother yearning after a Series1 E-Type FHC.

Cheers,

Ken

 

I am 5'10" and on the narrow side. This is a car that you wear, part of the experience. Once you get in and settled it is like a good set of well worn shoes. It took me months to find my driving position and settings and I have two for different situations. Interestingly it is a car that I get out of feeling better after driving it regardless of how inelegantly I must exit. Hint, the driver's seatbelt is the perfect handle; grab both lengths at the shoulder bracket.

What is a real thrill is watching a female in business attire who knows how to do it gracefully enter and exit this vehicle. It is pure class and elegance in motion.

Me I am glad that I do not land on my face on the way out. When in my narrow driveway I can only open the door about eight inches. I have a pad on the house to protect the door. Kind of like crawling into a bucket.

 

Indeed! I try to avoid being parked anywhere that keeps me from fully opening the doors. I'm 72 years old, just over 6' tall and weigh around 220 lbs, with size 14 shoes. I fit quite comfortably in the car but getting in and out is a challenge I accepted to drive such a surpassingly beautiful car (mine's a coupé). I get in by plopping my butt into the seat and then swinging my legs in. If I can't open the door fully, I have to sometimes use my hands to help pull my legs in. Getting out, I likewise swing both legs out first.

My wife is short so no problem for her but the issues are reversed for us with our Land Rover--a challenge for her but easy and natural for me.

Granville

 

I open the door, point my **** towards the seat and just drop in. I try not to get out unless I have to.

 

I'm still learning how to mount the beast. I often get my knee wedged under the steering wheel and have to kick my foot clear with the other foot. Silly problem!

 

I am hoping that hip replacement surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago will make getting in and out easier. Doc says it's another two weeks until I am allowed to drive.


Stu

 

Here in Los Angeles I always try to find the best spot or park away from everyone else. But no matter what you do, someone will park next to you.

 

I'm 5' 10' 190 LB. 70 years old. Once I park, I hit the #2 memory button on the door prior to shutting off the car. #2 is set to max rear and max wheel tilt up and in.

 

So simple! Why didn't I think of that? LOL. Thanks.

Stu

 

I don't have much trouble except in a tight space where I can't open the door fully. But whatever happened to this idea?

 

try getting out in heels and a skirt in a tiny LA parking space. ugh. valet when possible