Final series models? You mean post 2006? Also " the Halogen was fitted up to VIN A30644" obviously a year of manufacture but which year is that? Vin A30644 means nothing to me.

Thanks for the replies btw. It clarifies my choices so much.

 

Final Series was the 2005 XK8 and XKR 4.2-S. The last vehicle came off the production line on Friday 27th May 2005 and is now with JDHT (Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust).

If you go to a UK Jaguar Dealer for parts for an XK8/XKR, they will only ask for the last 6 characters of your VIN to identify the vehicle.

For example, the full VIN of my 2005 XK8 was SAJAC41P362A47776 but the Dealer only needs A47776 to supply the correct parts.

It's difficult to relate VIN precisely to Year as Jaguar are always coy about giving details of manufactured dates except for vehicles destined for Australia where completion date must be stamped on the vehicle.

Graham

 

So anything pre 2005 has halogen lights.

Thanks.

 

Not true! My UK 2002 XKR has xenons.

 

I drove back along the motorway today. Cruising along in my little BMW wondering why I wanted to get rid of it and get an XK8. It drives so smooth and quite but still quite a bit of poke. As good as you can get in a car..... Then a XK8 drove past....... yep now I know why

 

Now THAT gave me a chuckle! If you've got one, I'm sure you LOVE it! Nothing like an XK machine.

Really though, it's all about HOW you drive it.

Thanks for the post!

Sandy

 

What I cannot get over is the huge variation of car values. I have seen of older cars with a lesser spec and more mileage go for a few grand more than a car that is 4 years younger and has a higher specification.

 

There's always some dreamers advertising their cars at unrealistic prices but in the UK market, condition and service history count for a lot and add to value. Number of former keepers also impacts. Mileage isn't so critical over here.

Tired paint or interior trim missing/damaged drags the value down owing to the high cost of refurbishment.

Scuffed alloys with worn or non-premium tyres - knock another £k off or double that and more for split rims.

My shortlist of preferences starts at a one owner vehicle with average miles and full Main Dealer service history, no accident damage and original unmolested paint. That usually finds ones at the top end of the price range but anything falling short gives scope for negotiation.

Graham

 

Yep. Exactly my thoughts. I found what I thought was a good car advertised on AA used car site. Turns out it had 6 previous owners. Did not look any further. Another car I looked at had naff interior leather and the bezel around the gear change was damamaged, £110 on Ebay just for the bezel. Yet another had very bad exerior paint looked like it had never been polished so if they cant even bother to clean it some hope of proper care in other areas.
To me age should not deter from looking after a car. I defy anyone to look at my car and say its not been really, really well looked after. Probably why I am so fussy when I am looking for the replacement XK8.

 

Now I am torn. Do I fork out the extra for the xkr and the convertible option? I know it enhances the grin factor but my pockets will no doubt have to be deeper.......

 

Once you've driven the "R", you wont want anything else.........

 

lol. Probably true. But other factors have to be taken into my thoughts. Its a very impractical car for me to have. Just love the idea of owning and driving one. Living in the countryside is really nice but the nearest large town for me is 15 miles away. So in fuel alone its going to cost me £20 just to pick up a mars bar. Thats around $32.69 for you guys who have the steering wheel on the wrong side. Having said that I said the same when I got my beemer. Running costs etc. But I dont regret having it. I am going to get one. Just have to let the fates send the right one in my direction............ plenty out there but non yet quite fit the bill.

 

Have you any $$ you'd like to sell me for ££ at that exchange rate?

I'll take all you've got!

Graham

 

Yep forgot how pretty poor the dollar is right now. I have ammended the post to reflect that. Must be all these Jag spares we are sending to the states

On a footnote the Castle Bromwich plant is only 57 miles from me another hundred or so from you Graham?