Jaguar XK (1996 – 2006) Review

Item: Jaguar XK (1996 – 2006) Review 2024
Author: Administrator

Jaguar XK 150 DHC '61

£85,000

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Jaguar XK (1996 – 2006) At A Glance

Still a head-turner and now cheaper than ever. Refined, sporting drive. Luxurious feel to the cabin.

Thirst exacerbates already high running costs. Potential build quality problems. V8 bore liner erosion on pre-2000 model year cars.

Launched at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, the XK8 replaced the XJS. Available in either coupe or convertible guise, both cars used Jaguar’s newly-developed V8 engine for power.

Project X100, as the XK8 was codenamed, was part of then-owner Ford’s plan to revive Jaguar’s fortunes. Designed by Geoff Lawson, the XK8 was a winner from the start with its graceful lines and smooth power delivery from its 290bhp 4.0-litre.

Things got interesting when the supercharged XKR arrived in 1998. With a 370bhp V8 under the bonnet, it was capable of hitting 60mph from standstill in 5.2 seconds. As well as the power upgrade, the suspension was also heavily revised resulting in a car that was much sharper, much more agile and much firmer than the standard version.

With more than 90,000 units shifted, the XK8 outperformed Jaguar’s expectations – despite complaints that it wasn’t a proper sports car (and that it used Ford switchgear). As a modern classic, the XK8 and XKR are well on the way. Just beware of early cars if there’s no evidence of the Nikasil bore liners or timing chain tensioners being replaced.

Ask Honest John

Would a 1998 Jaguar XK8 be a good investment?

"Would a 1998 Jaguar XK8 be a good investment? Where I work there is one stored in an open-ended barn. The (retired) owner does not appear to use it. I've had a look around and it all seems original and excellent condition, but I don't know the mileage. Does it have investment potential? I would need somewhere to store it and I have an excellent local garage who would maintain it."

Have you driven an XK8? Do you like them? What are you planning to do with the car? If you want to invest in a classic then you might need to look at different sectors of the market - premium sports cars like Ferraris and Porsches are often a good start. Not to say that's there's anything wrong with an XK8 - we're big fans. And we think they make an excellent modern classic that you can use for high days and holidays and enjoy. There's great club support but if this is your first step into classic ownership then we'd recommend doing your homework first. If you're settled on an XK8 have a drive of a few and get a feel for what's available. If you're not confident when it comes to inspecting a car there's a couple of options. One of the Jaguar clubs may have a local rep who'd be happy to assist, or you can see if you can get the car to a local garage to give it the once over. Once you've done that, you'll have a much better idea of how much it's worth and what it needs doing. The big question to answer here is why it's not getting used. It may look good, but there could be a nasty mechanical fault lurking.

Answered by Keith Moody

Which XK8 Convertible should I buy?

"I'm set on buying a Jaguar XK8 Convertible but am not sure whether to go for the aluminium one or the previous model?"

Personally, we'd go for the XK100 (1996-2006). The 2003-on XKR got all the toys and is good for nearly 400bhp. The later XK150 used many of the same mechanicals underneath the aluminium body. If you're not sure which is one is right for you, then you need to go and drive both examples back to back at a Jaguar dealer... not a bad way to spend a few hours.

Answered by Keith Moody