SecondHandSense: Jaguar XK8A lot of people will have issues with a car that has two usable seats, an engine deliberately limited to a top speed of 250km/h, has about three times the power of an average family car and returns pretty ruinous petrol consumption figures. Others won't, and they may well be Jaguar XK8 fans already. The XK, which was first produced in 1997, is definitely one for the enthusiasts.
It has its origins in the glory days of Jaguar sports cars and the XK replaced the ageing and generally unloved XJS. When the car was launched, however, it was pretty much an instant hit because it was beautifully designed.
It has that long lovely profile redolent of the classic E-Type, which also makes it a bit impractical. Stepping into it you will find your leg fitting into long narrow footwells, your hip right up against a bulky centre console and you will feel distinctly close to the ground. You will also find yourself cocooned by luxury appointments. Most cars were sold with leather, there is real wood on the dashboard, the dials and instrumentation are classically inspired and there is a lovely finish to everything.
The 4-litre engine was increased in capacity in 2003 to 4.2 litres and, perhaps on the basis of looking for some relatively (very relative) good second-hand value, it might be better to look at cars before 2006 when the new model was introduced. The driving is great. An automatic gearbox shifts the car along beautifully and smoothly.
Purists may argue that the XK was never really going to cut the mustard as a true sports car because it is a bit soft in its handling when under pressure. However, it is not a huge criticism - this car is very capable and the ride is very smooth. The engine purrs when idling and never becomes raucous when pushed. The 250km/h/290 horse power output capacity is quite ludicrous and unnecessary. But you can't take away from the grace of the car and its proportions - the convertible version really is a treat to look at and drive, even sedately.
Beyond the driving experience there really is not a lot more to the car. The back seats are redundant, and the boot will suit a squash player rather than a golfer. This car is about driving pleasure, not driving challenge, but don't expect to accommodate more than yourself and one other.
The XK does not have a EuroNCAP crash test (perhaps it was simply too expensive to crash) and its product recall record is happily limited. The biggest problem was one that affected some 14,000 S-Type, XJ and XK cars recalled in 2004 when gearbox programming led to some cars engaging in reverse rather than drive.
You will pay dearly for an XK. A 2003 convertible with the 4.2 engine with lots of extras, including leather and satellite navigation, and 69,000 kilometres on the clock is on offer for €64,950. A 2003 coupé with the same level of equipment and 100,000 kilometres up costs about €52,500.
FOR:Elegance and style AGAINST:Cramped, and expensive