since I work on em all day go find a good deal on a 01 and up xk8, forget the X, while cheaper, its still a Jaguar and parts and repair on any luxury car are costly. The Xk is just a nicer, better car than the X(sorryX owners, its only my opinion, and we all know what those are like)

 

I did as much research as possible before diving in to buy my current car (2005 XKR). I have owned a variety of cars over the years (the Asian ones being the most reliable of course) and I had serious concerns about considering the Jaguar based on past reputations and concerns of maintaining such a vehicle.

With the XK series, I ended up narrowing down to 2003 or later based on the engine change and transmission change for the 2003 models. I have only had the car a couple of months now but, to my surprise, I needed a fairly major repair NOT related to the engine or drivetrain but, rather, for the stupidly designed hydraulic hose that powers the convertible top (apparently a chronic problem with these cars). If possible, try to get an XK that has some kind of warranty coverage.

Good luck.

Doug

 

On an early car 97-02; once you fix the tensioners, control arm bushings, wheel bearings, thermostat housing and water pump, and a few minor early model glitches, the car is dependable. If you do your own work, the early models are a steal. gordo