Hi all. I'm usually in the X350 forum as I have an 05 Super V8. I drive it in the Summer and store it in the winter. I think I've put 4000 miles on it in 2 years of ownership.

Both my wife and I love the look of the XK8. My wife has interest in the Coupe only so my focus is on the coupe.

I know my car rather intimately but know very little about the XK's.

Ultimately, if I go down this path, I'll find another bloke who wants to trade straight up and I imagine the odds of that are slim...

I know comparing a sport car to a luxury car is apples to oranges so comparing the cars outright isn't valuable, unless someone who's owned or does own both the XK and the XJ, 04 or newer can chime in. But I don't expect to necessarily compare features. I'm really thinking overall experience and joy of driving. (and yep, I know that's subjective too)

Nevertheless, for those that have gone from one to other, what did you like?

What did you dislike?

Any regrets?


I know my model holds its book value better. Is that just due to demand or something else?


Opinions are like elbows. Most people have em. I'd appreciate yours, random or specific.

Thanks in advance.

 

How tall are you? At 6-feet-7 there's no way I can drive my wife's 2006 XK8 with the top up for more than 30 minutes without my neck, lower back, and knees all screaming at me to get out and unfold. I believe these XK8s are designed for folks who are 6-feet or shorter....

 

^^^^^^ Agreed with Jon. I'm 6'-2" and I could fit OK in my convertible, but I didn't care for looking out the top half of the windscreen all the time. As an option to the XK8, have you considered the XK 2007+? These ones are a bit larger, and one heck of a lot more refined (basically a Luxury-Sport) and a lot more powerful, especially in the R-variant. I do think that the XK8s are more attractive, but not by a bunch. Also, at least around here, there are a LOT more XK8s than there are XKs (if exclusivity is important to you).

 

Thank you John and Cee Jay. Yep I'm 6'3" and back pain is a concern. I'll jump over to the 2007 & up forum instead.

 

I dunno, I'm 6'8" and I fit fine, but I'm slim and my height is in my legs (38" inseem) The early seats are a little thinner, so that helps.

 

Why do people always assume a 2 ton sub 400hp car is a sports car? The suspension on the XK8 screams soft controlled ride, as does the soft seating. Jaguar hasn't made a sports car since the XKE, and that was a great one. I love the XJS, but it isn't a sports car either. People have turned the XJS and XK8 into race cars, but all that was left was the sheet metal, bolted to a 10 point roll cage.......gotta poop.....see ya.....Mike

 

Keith,

You also need to point out that you're just a kid (what, maybe 28 now?). Kids can fold up and fit into just about anything....

Most of us are grumpy old men compared to you....

 

i'm 6" 4' and fit just fine in my convertible, my head does brush the lining occasionally.
I would personally not put a human being behind me. I've take some extremely long road trips and never felt sore or hunched up after.

 

I've just sold my beautiful 2005 XJ 8 4,2 and bought an even more beautiful XK 8 2004. Must say it's à huge difference. But the engine and gearbox is the same, with was one of the main reasons to buy it.
I agree it's not a sportscar, but one of the most beautiful GT ever made.
I'm tall, but have no problem on longer tips, but I think that the cab is less spacious than the coupe'.
The big difference for me is that I could use My X350 as an everydaycar witch is impossible whith the XK8. It' s less practical and less comfortable.
I have no regrets thouh, since it give me more passion and fun. Go for it!