Browsing through these threads, I notice almost all are for MY2002 and earlier (lots of 98's). Am I to assume that the MY2003 and later are near bullet-proof? There are very few of these later models in the marketplace, so they must be highly desirable for their rarity AND reliability. I found this nice one here --
2006 Jaguar XK8 XKR




Cheers,
Wolfy

 

It's the same with most manufacturers, they bring out a new model, there are inevitable problems and issues, over the forth coming years they get sorted and by the final model they have a perfect car (almost), then they dump and bring out a newer design and start thr process again......

So to answer your question, yes, the later cars are much better than the ealier even though I hate the 6 speed box!

 

why do you hate the 6-speed?


Wolfy

 

They did away with the double kick down, so the button under the accelerator peddle on 4.2s is just a stop, they also had software and torque converter issues

 

Another reason that could explain it is that between 1996 and 2002 (inlcuding) 76.540 cars where made, and 2003-2006 only 13.524.

 

In sports mode mine kicks down fine, anyway just use the left side of the J-gate!

 

I don't like that new style bumper and grill though.
Same for the side skirts, car just looks cleaner without these plastic pieces. I liked them then but nowadays not anymore.

For the rest, nice car and go for it