Used Jaguar XK Convertible 2006 - 2015 review

What's the used Jaguar XK like?

The XK Convertible is a return to Jaguar's past form: fast yet elegant cars that don't look out of place on the Cote d'Azur. That's not to say that you need a playboy's income to afford one: it costs less to buy and run than more exotic rivals from Porsche and BMW, yet doesn't short change you on driver satisfaction.

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Overview

The classiest way to get the wind in your hair - without it costing a king's ransom

Pros

• A soft-top sophisticate with pedigree, panache and plenty of pace

Cons

• Running costs aren't cheap, and the rear seats are almost useless

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Jaguar XK

4.2 V8 60 Auto Euro 4 2dr

£6,000

Jaguar XK

4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr

£9,995

Jaguar XK

5.0 V8 Portfolio Auto Euro 5 2dr

£10,909

Jaguar XK

5.0 V8 Auto Euro 5 2dr

£11,000

Jaguar XK

4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr

£11,995

Jaguar XK

5.0 V8 Auto Euro 5 2dr

£11,999

Jaguar XK

4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr

£12,995

Jaguar XK

5.0 V8 Portfolio Auto Euro 5 2dr

£14,990

Jaguar XK

4.2 V8 Auto Euro 4 2dr

£15,990

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The XK's advanced aluminium construction gives the Jag a very stiff (and light) chassis, so it's great to drive for a convertible. It comes alive on fast, twisty roads, with impressive grip and nimble handling. If you want to take it easy, though, the slick automatic gearbox makes it easy to pootle around town.

Drop the fabric hood and you're sheltered from wind and buffeting, leaving you to enjoy the weather. The XK is best seen as a two-seater with some extra storage space - the tiny rear seats will take the smallest children only. However, the boot is surprisingly large, even with the roof down.

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Which used Jaguar XK should I buy?

From launch, you could have a 300bhp 4.2-litre V8 or a 420bhp supercharged 4.2-litre R model. Both are fitted with a slick automatic gearbox that has a sports mode and F1-style steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles.

The R is a much more aggressive-looking car, with a bodykit, larger wheels and sportier cabin trim. The standard car sounds great, but the R swaps the V8's growl for a roar under hard acceleration.

An active suspension system was available as an option on the 4.2 and standard on the R. This enhances the car's dynamics, giving a sportier and more stable feel - especially at speed.

The XK was overhauled in early 2009, with revised styling and new engines. The entry-level model has a 380bhp 5.0-litre V8, while the R gets a 503bhp supercharged version. Along with the new engines, Jaguar fitted the adaptive suspension as standard to all XKs.