Newb here. Should I buy an '05 XK8 Convertible?
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Newb here. Should I buy an '05 XK8 Convertible?
Hi all, new to the forum here. Just when I was about to choose between a new ‘08 Cadillac CTS and a ‘06 BMW 525 with 5.5k miles, I was thrown a curve-ball. I came across on ‘05 XK8 convertible with approx 13k miles and I made the mistake of driving it. It’s a beautiful black beast with tan leather int. and I loved that V8 purr. I instantly fell in love with it and my wife did too. It seems like it’s the perfect combination of ride/handling/acceleration that I was looking for that could not find in any other car. The fact that it is a convertible and didn’t have rear doors (that I no longer need) only sweetened the deal.
I’m asking your help. If I purchase a ’05 XK8, will I be looking at excessive down times for repair? The dealer just got this car and said it could easily be Certified by Jaguar which would help me with warranty. I can also purchase extended warranty. I’m not so much worried about the cost of the repairs as I am the down time. I would appreciate any insight you may have about the ’05 XK8 and any links or threads that would help me make my decision. My thanks in advance!
Rob
I’m asking your help. If I purchase a ’05 XK8, will I be looking at excessive down times for repair? The dealer just got this car and said it could easily be Certified by Jaguar which would help me with warranty. I can also purchase extended warranty. I’m not so much worried about the cost of the repairs as I am the down time. I would appreciate any insight you may have about the ’05 XK8 and any links or threads that would help me make my decision. My thanks in advance!
Rob
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From: Ellijay
RE: Newb here. Should I buy an '05 XK8 Convertible?
Welcome Rob!
I can tell you with complete honesty that you will love the XK8. The only thing better is a XKR. In my opinion, there is not a better looking car on the planet. It is not a sports car but a grand touring automobile capable of making your feel great every day you own it.
By 2003 and the introduction of the 4.2L and 6 speed transmission the car had become dramatically more reliable than earlier years. Repairs are relatively expensive but no more so than the other cars you mentioned. You will find thousands of post on this and other forums about problem issues but if you search for those same issues on latermodel cars they seem to disappear.
One thing I am compelled to mention, because of the many early issues these cars have not retained their resale value as they should have. That is something on which you will have to reach a compromise between financial and emotional well being.
The other benefit you get with ownership of a XK8/R is all the great folks on this forum.
I can tell you with complete honesty that you will love the XK8. The only thing better is a XKR. In my opinion, there is not a better looking car on the planet. It is not a sports car but a grand touring automobile capable of making your feel great every day you own it.
By 2003 and the introduction of the 4.2L and 6 speed transmission the car had become dramatically more reliable than earlier years. Repairs are relatively expensive but no more so than the other cars you mentioned. You will find thousands of post on this and other forums about problem issues but if you search for those same issues on latermodel cars they seem to disappear.
One thing I am compelled to mention, because of the many early issues these cars have not retained their resale value as they should have. That is something on which you will have to reach a compromise between financial and emotional well being.
The other benefit you get with ownership of a XK8/R is all the great folks on this forum.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 289
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From: Chicago suburbs
RE: Newb here. Should I buy an '05 XK8 Convertible?
I had an '06 xk8 coupe that I bought new; put 7600 miles on it 18 or 19 months without a single problem.
[sm=signs007.gif]... I agree with Testpoint, the only thing better would be an xkr........... as far as the depreciation hit; all of these cars (except Ferrari v8's) fall like a rock. some just feel like boulders... it's the price you pay to play.
if I were you; I would do a quick search for an xkr........... when I bought my '06 I wanted an 'r' but couldn't find one..........
[sm=signs007.gif]... I agree with Testpoint, the only thing better would be an xkr........... as far as the depreciation hit; all of these cars (except Ferrari v8's) fall like a rock. some just feel like boulders... it's the price you pay to play.
if I were you; I would do a quick search for an xkr........... when I bought my '06 I wanted an 'r' but couldn't find one..........
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 289
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From: Chicago suburbs
RE: Newb here. Should I buy an '05 XK8 Convertible?
Robd1,
options...... it's good to have options
I saw an '06 xkr cnvt adverized in the Chicago Trib this morning.......... 14k miles... 800-972-1485.....
also, checked out my dealer's website (www.imperialmotors.com) and they have 2 '06 xkr and 1 '06 xk8 .... all convertibles and all low mileage.........
options...... it's good to have options
I saw an '06 xkr cnvt adverized in the Chicago Trib this morning.......... 14k miles... 800-972-1485.....
also, checked out my dealer's website (www.imperialmotors.com) and they have 2 '06 xkr and 1 '06 xk8 .... all convertibles and all low mileage.........
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Atlanta, GA USA
RE: Newb here. Should I buy an '05 XK8 Convertible?
I think you would love the XK8 as you have already experienced. Yes, the R is faster, but also more costly to maintain because of the more sofisticated parts. I just had to replace a rear shock and the R has the CATS suspension, so additional cost. I think you will find it a very reliable car. Just keep up the regular maintenance on it and drive it. These cars do not like to sit idle. The 05 model has one great advantage over the new generation XK series, a decent size boot.
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RE: Newb here. Should I buy an '05 XK8 Convertible?
I bought an '05 XKR convertible this past February and love it. I've gotten answers to any questions I've had pertaining to maintenance, warranty, and a couple of minor issues I've had with the car from others on this forum.
Go for it, and post some photos when you get it.
Go for it, and post some photos when you get it.
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