Which is the best year of these 4 years for the Jaguar XK8, the last 4 years of the X100?

What changes were made with the X104 model?

Model Code X103
The 2003 Jaguar XK8 currently has 0 recalls. 4.5 Consumer Reviews
The 2004 Jaguar XK8 currently has 1 recall. 4.6 Consumer Reviews

Model Code X104
The 2005 Jaguar XK8 currently has 0 recalls. 4.9 Consumer Reviews
The 2006 Jaguar XK8 currently has 0 recalls 4.5 Consumer Reviews


2004 Jaguar XK8 Recalls
https://www.cars.com/research/jaguar-xk8-2004/recalls/

 

The VIN on my 2005 Jaguar XK8 ends with A41973 which makes it manufactured in 2004.

2005-current ....... XK8 – XKR...... A40265 – current......X104

https://www.jaguarheritage.com/files...is_numbers.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Robert/Downloads/Mo...2005%20(6).pdf

 

Short version is the body kit. The earlier model is the "best" if you like to stick with the original idea of a retro-modern car with the more obvious styling cues from the 60's XKE. On the other hand, the last version is the "best" if you like the updated, more modern look with the body kit. "Unfortunately", Jaguar did a very good job with the body kit, which makes these 2 versions tied for first.

Also, keep in mind that this car came out in '96 in the UK, and ended as an '06 model year. This is 10 years, which seems like an eternity for a single model. Therefore, Jaguar had to work hard to keep the model attractive enough for buyers the last couple of years, hence the body kit, super nice 20" wheels/brakes combo, special carbon-fiber Victory Edition with new pain schemes, etc. In that sense, the last iteration(s) can sometimes come out with an edge if these updates are attractive to you.

PS: pain schemes -> paint schemes

 

I know this is a typo, but somehow it still probably makes a lot of sense.

 

My quest (3 years ago) was also for those same 4 2-liter model years. As I sought a coupe on the west coast, my choices were very limited. I ended up with an '06 in black/tan XK8. Knowing what I know now, if I had the choice, my preference would probably be a 2004. Last year of the original nose cone and first year without rub strips on the flanks, ergo, cleanest look. I do prefer the appearance of the longer '05-06 nose as it allows the full width chrome strip across the mouth, downplaying the black-plastic-covered "fangs" but the chin scrapes on every slight dip, which I hate.

I would have loved the unneeded extra punch of an XKR but prefer the cleaner appearance and relative mechanical simplicity of the basic XK8. I would also have had to pay quite a bit more for an XKR but would have done so if it would have gotten me one in BRG/tan, the sacred color combo I truly desired. No luck there.

Granville

 

I had a 1998 XK8 Coupe, It was doomed with the Timing Chain Tensioner problem...Cost me several Valves and (2) Pistons...got a deal when I sold it to a Lady who thought it was the "Prettiest Car I ever saw!".....The Topaz Coupe was really good looking, Thank God for that!

Then the 2000 XKR Coupe was Black Anthracite...Had Black interior and the old 5 speed tranny....Super Car had18" Double/Fives and ran like Hell..after I changed the Pulleys and put on Water/Methanol Injecting. A little Lady wanted that Jaguar....Bad! She paid for it too!

Then the Best one I ever had was the 2003 XKR Black/Black with 20" Montreal's and active Cruise Control....It had everything they had on it1 Beautiful Car until a Lady turned left across 3 lane of Traffic to hit the Left-front and side.....Totaled!

Now it's the 2005 XKR Coupe...Onyx/Ivory.....It's Beautiful No Doubt! I've had all kinds of problems with it over the years but I just keep on driving it.....I love it but it has cost me some big "Bucks"! Most expensive Car that I have ever owned so I just keep on driving it hoping that some day I'll get enough miles on it to finally break even!

Good luck with that!

Billy Clyde

 

You know this can be fixed. Replace the upper and lower front shock mounts. Lots of info on the forum about
doing it or having it done. Believe me it really helps a bunch with chin scrapes.