Hi,
I am beginning my search for a convertible to be my daily driver. I will probably end up purchasing a vehicle in the February - March 2019 time frame as that will give me a chance to do research between now & then and ensure I get the right vehicle. What are your thoughts on a 1996 - 2006 XK8/XKR being used for a daily driver?

I saw a white 1998 XK8 convertible for sale in the Dallas area a few years back for $5,995 and fell in love with the design. I cannot get that car out of my mind. I also am partial to the 2004 - 2008 Chevy Corvette. There is also the Audi, BMW, and Ford Mustang convertibles to choose from. I would also consider a nice, older resto-mod convertible from the 60's or early 70's but my price range will probably preclude this option. My goal is to be in the $6k - $16k price range.

The convertible will eventually share daily driving duties with my 2000 Chevy K3500 crew cab long bed pick-up, which will be off the road for a few months for a partial - complete rebuild. My daily commute is about 35 - 40 miles, depending on errands and my 15 yr old daughter's (new driver) after-school schedule, with a monthly 1,200 mile highway road trip. I used to use my 1998 Ford Expedition for the daily driving needs & road trips but one of the heads finally gave up completely at 322,000 miles on a road trip when I was 5.5 hours away from home, and that was when my Chevy truck was forced into daily service, even though it needed a rebuild. So, 18 months later, I really need to put attention on the truck but need a replacement car in the interim. So, why not get a beautiful, fun car that has most of the depreciation already done?

I do know the XK8 has issues with Nicasil, plastic impeller water pumps, throttle body actuate motors, timing chain tensioners, and sealed transmissions. Those items will be reviewed before I purchase any XK8.

Thanks for your thoughts, on the XK8/XKR, and my other vehicle choices if you are aware of them.

 

Welcome to the forum pvxkowner,

It sounds like you've already researched the main weaknesses of the XK8/XKR. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.

No reason why a well maintaIned example cannot be used as a daily driver.

Good luck in the search for "your" Jaguar and enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

I have had my 2000 XK8 as a daily driver for over 6 years - purchased her with 91K on the clock and have added over 81k since then. I've had a few bumps along the way but enjoy every minute behind the wheel.

If possible, look for one with a maintenance history. You know the potential issues, so that is a plus - I was smitten by her looks and bought without knowing anything about the XK's quirks. Even so - am glad I did. The forum is your friend and as some members have said - "the best tool in a Jaguar owner's tool box"

Good luck in the search and enjoy

 

Thanks for the replies. That is good to hear others are using them as daily drivers. I figured there were some but I often see quality cars not driven much, for various reasons, and I was curious if there were any specific reasons why I could not use one as I would like. I typically do not rush when buying a vehicle so it may be awhile but when I find one, I will know it because I have done all the research.