Jaguar XK8
The Jaguar XK8 is unlike any other car. There are sports cars that are faster. There are sports cars that are more involving, and there are some that are more exclusive. But there are very few that can cross continents as comfortably and in such style.
Even though the car has been around since 1996, it still looks beautiful, and true to Jaguar's design philosophy it possesses an almost feline grace that, unusually for a sports car, appeals equally to men and women. This car is more organic than mechanical.
If you are seduced by the thought of a used XK you will find them reasonably easy to track down. Start by visiting the Jaguar website where there is a good selection of coupes and convertibles. All come with five-speed automatic transmission and the magnificent all-aluminium AJ V8 engine. These 4 and 4.2 litre engines are incredibly smooth and strong, easily capable of covering 120,000 miles without drama.
In 1998 Jaguar introduced the supercharged R versions, with power boosted from 290bhp to 370bhp, endowing the car with Porsche-eating performance. Supercharged cars were also fitted with a stronger Mercedes-Benz gearbox to cope with the extra oomph.
Fuel economy is pretty good considering the size of the car and its engine: the standard V8 will return about 22mpg, but the supercharged Rs depend very much on how you drive. I once managed 12mpg on a particularly enthusiastic drive down to Cornwall, but 18mpg is more realistic.
The coupe is arguably the more practical car, offering a fraction more headroom and boot space. Even so, the prospect of open-top Jaguar motoring is extremely tempting. Not least because the convertibles come with a proper glass rear screen and a triple-layer hood that insulates remarkably well and offers excellent refinement.
Almost all the cars you look at will have full leather upholstery, but some of the early 1996-97 models came with unappealing leather and cloth seats that don't suit the XK and should be priced accordingly.
The seats came in two designs; the classic style has fluted centre panels, the sport seats have a single panel embossed with the Jaguar emblem, but both are equally comfortable.
Digital climate control is standard and although individual temperatures cannot be set left and right, it is very powerful and demisting on a frosty morning is almost instantaneous.
In August 2001 satellite navigation became an option and in October of the same year Jaguar offered the world's first intelligent cruise control system, a radar-operated device that automatically maintains a safe distance between you and the car in front. Both options are desirable but not essential when buying a used XK.
If your dreams of a used Jaguar are tempered by stories of questionable build quality and reliability, ponder this: in January last year the already comprehensive three-year, 60,000-mile warranty was extended to three years with unlimited mileage. Such a confident move is hardly the action of a company that has reservations about product quality.
The XK8 is as near to perfection as any Jaguar ever built - and that includes its inspiration, the legendary E-type.
Vital statistics
Engine 3995cc V8
Power 295bhp
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Fuel 17mpg (combined) Acceleration 0 to 60mph: 5.8sec
Top speed 155mph
Check out
Bonnet
Supercharged versions are distinguished by bonnet louvres and mesh front grille. Service history
This must be from a Jaguar main dealer and impeccable. Satellite navigation
An option since August 2001. Seats
Avoid the very small number of early cars that came with cloth and leather upholstery. Leather
Ivory leather was an expensive option when new but can be a nightmare to keep clean. Exterior
The best colours are metallic with the exception of the non-metallic British racing green and the phoenix red which looks particularly good on the coupes. Bodywork
Check nose of car for stone chips - a lack of themwill often signal a respray Brakes
Brembo brakes were fitted to special edition XKR models and are now an option on all models. Wheels
Standard alloy wheels are 18in but Jaguar offers a 20in wheel - it looks incredible but is very easily scuffed and the tyres are expensive.
The one to buy
XK8 coupe in British racing green with cream hide, 1999 'S' with 50,000 miles. Expect to pay £26,000 at a Jaguar main dealer with a 12-month warranty or £22,500 privately.
© Jason Dawe Productions Limited January 2003