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Jaguar XK8/XKR (1996-2006) Review

Category: Convertibles 3.5 out of 5

Summary of the Jaguar XK8/XKR (1996-2006)

Price Range: No data available

Assets

Effortless, creamy performance make this the subtle powerhouse a Jaguar should be. Style ageing well, and reliability excellent.

Drawbacks

A bit dated compared with the Mercedes SL, and cramped too. Less of a sports car than a Porsche, even with the R handling kit.

Verdict

Ageing well - it was a good design to start with, and subtle but worthwhile updates have kept it competitive. The Mercedes SL is the better car, though.

Review

Running Costs3.5 out of 5

Not a cheap proposition. Servicing costs are similar to those for Jaguar saloons, but at least you'll only have to fork out every 10,000 miles. Insurance starts at a surprisingly low group 18 for the XK8, although the XKR is 20. Fuel consumption of 22mpg is fair for the performance, and surprisingly, marginally improved with the 4.2 engine. Resale values are competitive, but you lose a lot running this kind of car. The XK sports cars might be a familiar sight, but that hasn't dampened second-hand demand. By far the most sought-after model is the convertible, which gets snapped up very quickly. The lower-powered XK loses slightly less value, but is arguably a more desirable used buy. The XK continues a long Jaguar tradition of offering plenty of performance and equipment for the money, though prices aren't as keen as they were in the '60s and '70s. Then again, most buyers will be happy to accept the massively improved quality that comes with higher prices. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, an electrically adjustable steering column, a trip computer and a power hood for the convertible. The XKR also gets Brembo brakes, CATS adaptive suspension, radar-governed cruise control, 18 in wheels, power folding mirrors, headlamp washers, Xenon headlight and a memory function for the seats, mirrors and steering column.

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Best Convertibles

alt text here
Winner:
Mini Convertible
First runner up:
Peugeot 207 CC
Second runner up:
Nissan Micra C+C

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