Discussion
I've had the SV8 about three weeks now so still in the "getting to know you" phase - I had an X350 XJ sport before this, which had the same 4.2V8, but without the supercharger. I've had no issues at all so far (touch wood!)- the toys are definitely a step up from my old XJ8- its almost like going from analogue to digital- Gearbox/DSC/Sport settings +the paddles give much more scope for how you want to drive - in Dynamic mode with track DSC and the gearbox in sport with full manual control of the gears it is an absolute beast,but in auto with three passngers its as docile as you get.
In the first couple of weeks I was regularly sampling the performance and when you combine that with the snowy weather and a lot of stop start journeys I only got 11-12mpg out of the first few tankfuls. With the weather getting better and a few longer trips around town I am up to 18-19mpg which is about the same as my old XJ. Its just as easy to drive slowly as the old car- perhaps a touch harsher in terms of the ride and its ability to soak up the bumps in the road but you can certainly pootle around town with no issues whatsoever.
From a driving position point of view its definitely more cosseting compared to my old car- at first I found the space slightly restrictive but once you set up the seat and the pedals/steering wheel as you want it, it definitely becomes a more comfortable place to be.
I've given her a wash and light going over with Auto Glym SRP, auto glym glass polish and poorboys wheel sealant- no chance to do a full on detail due to the cold weather but for me she scrubs up quite nicely:
and a couple of "arty shots"
No real plans for her at the moment - just going to enjoy the performance as it is for a little while and then maybe an XFR rear diffuser and if I can save the pennies a Spires Exhaust. I keep thinking about how the bonnet would look with the XFR vents but that maybe a step too far, as I want to keep the subtle look.
In the first couple of weeks I was regularly sampling the performance and when you combine that with the snowy weather and a lot of stop start journeys I only got 11-12mpg out of the first few tankfuls. With the weather getting better and a few longer trips around town I am up to 18-19mpg which is about the same as my old XJ. Its just as easy to drive slowly as the old car- perhaps a touch harsher in terms of the ride and its ability to soak up the bumps in the road but you can certainly pootle around town with no issues whatsoever.
From a driving position point of view its definitely more cosseting compared to my old car- at first I found the space slightly restrictive but once you set up the seat and the pedals/steering wheel as you want it, it definitely becomes a more comfortable place to be.
I've given her a wash and light going over with Auto Glym SRP, auto glym glass polish and poorboys wheel sealant- no chance to do a full on detail due to the cold weather but for me she scrubs up quite nicely:
and a couple of "arty shots"
No real plans for her at the moment - just going to enjoy the performance as it is for a little while and then maybe an XFR rear diffuser and if I can save the pennies a Spires Exhaust. I keep thinking about how the bonnet would look with the XFR vents but that maybe a step too far, as I want to keep the subtle look.
my my my, that is absolutely gorgeous. How much are these now roughly if you dont mind me asking?
I'd love to think i'd have chosen the SV8 too, but I think the MPG would lean me towards the 3.0 V6 supercharged which must have much better mpg and is about the same speed - what made you choose the SV8 out of interest?
I'd love to think i'd have chosen the SV8 too, but I think the MPG would lean me towards the 3.0 V6 supercharged which must have much better mpg and is about the same speed - what made you choose the SV8 out of interest?
lewisf182 said:
my my my, that is absolutely gorgeous. How much are these now roughly if you dont mind me asking?
I'd love to think i'd have chosen the SV8 too, but I think the MPG would lean me towards the 3.0 V6 supercharged which must have much better mpg and is about the same speed - what made you choose the SV8 out of interest?
When I bought my XJ sport I had my heart set on an XJR but could not find one in the right colour/ spec. So I thought I would chop the XJ in for one a few years later. Never did do that but always thought the 4.2 supercharged was the next step up. I kept the XJ for 4 years and I adored every drive in that thing- but over time you start to get used to the power so you crave more. I'd love to think i'd have chosen the SV8 too, but I think the MPG would lean me towards the 3.0 V6 supercharged which must have much better mpg and is about the same speed - what made you choose the SV8 out of interest?
When I first started looking I was all set to get a 4.2 XKR... Til I discovered its damn near impossible to get a child seat in the back. The next best thing for me was the SV8- little known, good spec, fantastic engine and a left field choice compared to the A4s, 5 series BMs and C classes that all of my friends drive.
They can be had for as little as £15k, I paid a few k more for a more desirable spec and approved used status. They attract much less attention than the more shouty XFR, and don't half shift.
I did think about the 3 litre, and my head was saying 3.0 diesel S, but- I do 8k miles a year, have access to the wife's Suzuki Swift for round town trips and as I don't smoke/drink- petrol is my recreational drug of choice. Big V8 with a supercharger in a sharp suit is my idea of the perfect car for me for now.
ali355 said:
When I bought my XJ sport I had my heart set on an XJR but could not find one in the right colour/ spec. So I thought I would chop the XJ in for one a few years later. Never did do that but always thought the 4.2 supercharged was the next step up. I kept the XJ for 4 years and I adored every drive in that thing- but over time you start to get used to the power so you crave more.
When I first started looking I was all set to get a 4.2 XKR... Til I discovered its damn near impossible to get a child seat in the back. The next best thing for me was the SV8- little known, good spec, fantastic engine and a left field choice compared to the A4s, 5 series BMs and C classes that all of my friends drive.
They can be had for as little as £15k, I paid a few k more for a more desirable spec and approved used status. They attract much less attention than the more shouty XFR, and don't half shift.
I did think about the 3 litre, and my head was saying 3.0 diesel S, but- I do 8k miles a year, have access to the wife's Suzuki Swift for round town trips and as I don't smoke/drink- petrol is my recreational drug of choice. Big V8 with a supercharger in a sharp suit is my idea of the perfect car for me for now.
I guess petrol is only going one way so get the big one while you can! absolutely gorgeous car and the best interior around IMO (bar the XJ obviously). hope it proves to be an enjoyable ownership OP!When I first started looking I was all set to get a 4.2 XKR... Til I discovered its damn near impossible to get a child seat in the back. The next best thing for me was the SV8- little known, good spec, fantastic engine and a left field choice compared to the A4s, 5 series BMs and C classes that all of my friends drive.
They can be had for as little as £15k, I paid a few k more for a more desirable spec and approved used status. They attract much less attention than the more shouty XFR, and don't half shift.
I did think about the 3 litre, and my head was saying 3.0 diesel S, but- I do 8k miles a year, have access to the wife's Suzuki Swift for round town trips and as I don't smoke/drink- petrol is my recreational drug of choice. Big V8 with a supercharger in a sharp suit is my idea of the perfect car for me for now.
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