Used Jaguar XK Coupe 1996 - 2006 review
It has huge presence and ample power, but threatens big bills when things need doing
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What's the used Jaguar XK like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Jaguar XK like?
It's a two-plus-two coupe in the classic mould - a dead ringer for the Aston Martin DB7, but much cheaper to buy. The eight-cylinder engine burbles heartily and unleashes powerful acceleration with a prod of the throttle.
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Overview
It has huge presence and ample power, but threatens big bills when things need doing
Pros
- Big, luxurious cruiser that's beautiful to behold
Cons
- Older models can present owners with frightening repair bills
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Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£6,991
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£7,990
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£7,999
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£12,975
Jaguar XK
5.0 V8 Auto Euro 5 2dr
£13,000
Jaguar XK
5.0 V8 Portfolio Auto Euro 5 2dr
£14,350
Jaguar XK
5.0 V8 Portfolio Auto Euro 5 2dr
£14,995
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£15,995
Jaguar XK
5.0 V8 Auto Euro 5 2dr
£15,995
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However, driving an XK8 is all about covering big distances effortlessly rather than charging about town, although 300bhp is enough to make it quick enough. If you want more, however, there's the 400bhp XKR, although these are rare and incredibly expensive to run.
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The leather-and-wood cabin is as sumptuous as you'd expect of a luxury Jaguar, but it's also cramped. There's no legroom to speak of for passengers in the back, while space up front isn't that generous. The roof is very low, and unlike in the convertible, you can't throw it back if you start to feel too claustrophobic.
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Jaguar XK?
What do you think? While running costs aren't quite in the same league as a Ferrari's, routine servicing is expensive, as are spare parts. And, sadly, older XKs tend to need regular repairs.
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One way to cut costs is to use a specialist garage rather than pay sky-high main dealer labour rates. You'll find one by joining an enthusiasts' web forum and finding a garage that owners rate highly.
Insurance is expensive, too: the XK8 falls within group 18, and you'll need to contact a specialist to get a - probably much more expensive - quote for an XKR.
To cap it all, these cars guzzle petrol. Officially, the XK8 will manage up to 24.9mpg and the XKR 22.9mpg. However, you'll need to drive very gently to see anywhere near these figures.
Our recommendations
Which used Jaguar XK should I buy?
Choose between the standard XK8 with its 4.2 V8, auto gearbox and 300bhp, or the XKR, which has a supercharged version of the same engine, producing 400bhp. It, too, has an automatic transmission, although it's very different to the standard car's, and programmed to emphasise the XKR's sporty nature.
All XK8s have wood dashes, leather seats, climate control and everything else you'd expect in a luxury car. Beyond that, many first owners indulged in the long and lavish options' list.
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In other words, you should shop around for your preferred combination of kit, and buy as new a car as possible. 2003 models had improved engines and, a year later, Jaguar face-lifted the car.
Watch the colour, too, as picking the right one can add thousands to the price when you resell. Silver is reliable, as are copper, metallic blue or green, but black or non-metallic red cars sell for less.
How reliable is the Jaguar XK ?
Jaguar XK
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£6,991
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£7,990
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£7,999
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£12,975
Jaguar XK
5.0 V8 Auto Euro 5 2dr
£13,000
Jaguar XK
5.0 V8 Portfolio Auto Euro 5 2dr
£14,350
Jaguar XK
5.0 V8 Portfolio Auto Euro 5 2dr
£14,995
Jaguar XK
4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr
£15,995
Jaguar XK
5.0 V8 Auto Euro 5 2dr
£15,995
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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