Not a very sexy venue for a glamor shot...but here she sits...

 

JC,

Very nice. I like the silver. You now have either an avatar or signature picture. Again, enjoy. You have had a miserable winter and it's time to party with your new best friend.

Dave

 

Hey JazzCat,
Welcome, and it seems we don't have to tell you to enjoy that "new" cat of yours. I'm about 5 years older but I still enjoy some "spirited" stoplight jaunts. I have to say that the 3+ years of ownership and 60K miles' worth of driving of my 2002 XKR has been both frustrating and rewarding. But finally, (and I hate to jinx myself) with almost 120,000 miles on it now, it is running more reliably, stronger, and without any of the idiot lights going on than at any time since I bought it. That is actually a tribute to how well built these cars really are. What I have found is a) the XK8/R is classically beautiful and garners more compliments than any other car I have ever owned, b) after you finally get rid of all the nuisances, it's easily converted to an enjoyable daily driver, c) because of the previous two reasons, I just don't drive my other sports cars anymore. They (especially the Pantera) just take too much effort and the XKR is just so easy to drive, drive quickly, and drive with the top down nearly every day of the year. Enjoy!

 

As you are finding, these things will keep you young. I am on my second and I believe there is a 3rd in my future. Maybe an XKR once I get my college-aged daredevils out of my house and on their own!

 

JazzCat - welcome to JagLand! The picture of your car makes it look very much like my '03 XK8 (see my avatar) in Zircon Blue. I'm just starting my third YEAR with mine and nothing has changed from the first day when it comes to the sheer pleasure of driving this vehicle and the reactions it gets from anyone remotely interested. If you are minimally mechanically able, the DIY stuff on the forum will keep your Cat in good shape. Enjoy!

 

Since when is 55 considered old? I am 75 and just got my 97 XK8 last month and am really enjoying it as it has been top down weather here in Rochester, NY. Tey are great looking cars and relatively rare up here in this area. Enjoy your new ride, I am.

 

Had my 02 XK8 for about two months and it's been in the shop for three weeks off and on. I'm dealing with all the things the previous owner ignored but now he's about ready for the road! I suggest if you have the hydraulic top hose issue rear their head, simply get them replaced with after market replacements, not factory.
Even with all the issues I've had to deal with since purchase, I'd never go back!!!LOVE this car!!!! (My 2010 XF is getting ticked off! I swear at night he plays mischief with my XK8 to keep him in the shop!)

 

Well Said!! I never thought my XK8 would be my daily driver but I honestly enjoy it more than my XF

 

JazzCat, what year Vette did you upgrade from? What are your thoughts on the xk8 vs the Vette?

I'm over in Romeoville and contemplating an XK to replace my '94 Corvette.

 

I had a '92 LT1 coupe, every option, back in '93-'98.

The Jag XK8 is much more rare, and twice the vehicle (at more than twice the price).

The Vette is faster and quicker............but there's always something faster and quicker

Your liable to see 10 Corvettes durring a 1/2 hour drive.......I haven't seen another XK8/R since i bought mine....

 

Not trying to answer Jazz Cat's question but I had a '94 vert Vette before getting my first XK8.
I found them as different as night and day. The Corvette (with the 6 speed) was the most fun car to drive that I ever owned but no room whatsoever. I couldn't even put the top down with 2small suitcases on a weekend trip. It was however in my opinion, a true sports car.
The Jag on the other hand I don't find particularly thrilling to drive. It's definitely a touring car. My wife and I can put 2 golf bags in the trunk, a couple of small suitcases in what they call a back seat,top up OR down, no problem.
Always wanted an XK8 since I first saw one, (its resemblance to the E type is what hooked me) and now on my second XK8.
Which one do I like best? The Jag hands down. Times ten!
Planning to keep mine forever.
2X

 

I had a 95 Coupe and never considered ANY Corvette since the C3 to be a "true sports car" but rather a sporty muscle car. In terms of pure kick-*** fun I always enjoyed driving the Corvette rather than the XKR during the time I had both. Also, while getting in and out of the Corvette was a bit of a struggle, once inside it was the most comfortable car I have ever driven (at least for me). Spending any more than about an hour in the XKR often results in cramping in my right thigh (this has been discussed elsewhere).

In terms of sheer beauty and perfection of design, the XKR wins hands down compared with virtually ANY other car out there. Never fails to get admiring looks that elicit compliments.

Doug

 

Grats on your new (to you) car! You know you're supposed to post pictures when you do this right?



I've seen as many as 4 in one day here. I usually don't see any, but I know of at least 6 different XK's in the immediate area and it seems I see another 'unknown' one every couple of months. Most of them are XK8's though.

 

Back around '96, I had had the vette a few years. I was reading a Road&Track mag and there was a small photo of an XK coupe with what must have been an Arden kit on it. I was knocked out with the body lines and almost instantly thought I wanted one.......untill.....I saw the price

 

Pricing was the biggest surprise to me for these cars but in the opposite way. Knowing the original sticker and assuming these cars had the same allure as the original E-type, I just figured these would also be untouchable on the resale market. Imagine my surprise when in 2008 I came across 3 or 4 year old samples starting as low as $20K+. These are an absolute steal.

Doug

 

I agree, a lot of car for the money!
As I said before, the Vette was more thrilling but the Jag is far more satisfying!
2X