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.

 

The people who would tell you not to buy this car are not on this forum. Welcome. gordo

 

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..........

 

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.........

 

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.

 

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.