FYI
Just completed a 1700 ml trip in a 2001 xk8 car ran impeccable this was the first long trip since 2014 when I purchase her,. I admit I repaired all all the issues that this Btitish Marc had but I think all our members can do the same thing, I followed this thread and took members advice, and it has all paid of, a wonderful trip in a great car, can't wait to do it again.

 

I'd be interested to hear how you found the ride comfort on that length of trip. For example, do you think you would feel more fatigued or less fatigued after making the same trip in your 2015 Ford Escape? Other ride comments...?

 

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip. Your point is well taken. If our cars are maintained properly and repaired promptly we should have confidence in them. I took an over 2,000 mile trip in my '97 XJ6 after I bought it. Leaving on a long trip in an unsorted car is just asking for disappointment. Since many of us on these forums bought our cars used and sometimes quite a bit older than average, they will need some repair and deferred maintenance taken care of first. My XJ now needs to have the front end bushings replaced which I haven't done yet. Instead I put more time in the XJS which is finally a runner. Then I went out and bought that old Mark VII which is taking up even more time. It was my choice but maybe not the wisest decision, from a use of time stand point. Still, the work continues.

 

Hello Roger_B
I had already taken very similar drive down to Ashville NC in the Escape, Jag was more comfortable especially for the wife in co-pilot seat and definatly more fun for me.
I just wish it had been a little cooler on the ride so we could have put the top down, however the week prior to the solar eclipse and after it was brutally hot and if not baking then raining, but still very comfortable drive and first time I've seen wife pack with only one small suitcase lol,

 

My wife and I go from London Ontario to Myrtle Beach every year for the last 10. Up until 2 years ago when we got the XK8 we drove her Elantra. I am much more comfortable driving the convertible and have much more fun driving it through the mountains then the Hyundai. After I drove the Jag the first year with a little nervousnes; because of this group, I was ready to go back to taking the Elantra because I thought my wife was just humoring me the first time. Last year I said we can take your car if you want. She decided the Jag was more fun and comfortable to, even if she has to pack a little tighter. The Jag is now our long distance choice.

 

There is NOTHING wrong with my car.. yet after joining this "very helpful", wonderful group of guys forum, I'm afraid to go to the mall.

 

Anthony8858. I felt the same way until I was proactive and repaired or replaced items which I knew from this forum might bite me in the a##. My 01 had a tensioner failier that I was lucky enough to survive. So now I update older items as my budget allows ,she's worth it.

 

I'm not surprised ........... no one wants door dings in their Jaguar.

Graham

 

These cars were made to cover long distances at high average speed.

On three separate trips I've driven 2000 miles from the north of England to Gibraltar in two days in a 2001 XK8, a 2005 XK8 and a 2006 XK - all coupes. This was with my wife who doesn't drive. The return trips home were also each made in two days.

Neither of us (both in our late sixties) were fatigued but we have been doing extensive Continental touring for many years.

The least comfortable was the 2005 XK8 which had 20 inch Sepangs. I'll never have 20 inch wheels again.

Graham

 

Jeremy - glad you had an enjoyable trip - should you find yourself in SC again - we should meet up for a few cold beverages

 

I haven't been to a mall in years. They terrify me too.

 

There you go folks. All you need to make long trips is a disposable fleet of jags!

 

I've owned a lot of Jaguars in more than forty five years - they are all disposable!

Fortunately they no longer dissolve in the rain the way they did in the 60's and 70's.

Graham

 

I daily drive my XKR 9-10 months of the year, only using the XJR really in the winter. I put about 6-7k a year on the XKR, and about 3-4k a year on the XJR.

They work best when you use them. These cars are not rare, and just have fun!

 

Sitting is definitely not good for these cars. I try to keep my cars in a constant rotation.

 

I hope you have a turntable


Seriously, Jeremy is correct, do your research, do the work. Correct a few design flaws and you have a fun, powerful, reliable vehicle, capable of going anywhere.

My wife said to me this morning she wished I drove the Jag further and more often.

 

Just arrived yesterday after doing 6000 miles this month round Spain France England and Scotland, no issues. Just me driving, found that this is a car that doesn't get you tired. Just high speed cruising at 100 to 120 mph most of the time.
Did ​​​​have time to put a few bottles of single malt in the boot.

 

Does she want you to leave?

Graham