Late 90s XK8 or a mid 2000s 6 series?

[nav2014]

Following on from my other thread re. Lexus RX or Landcruiser, I also want something a bit more toy like.

So, between an early XK8, maybe an XKR or a 6 series of some flavour is what I've narrowed it down to (don't care too much about 630/645/650 - general condition and look is more important than anything else).

Both are pretty in their own way, both have built in rear dog beds, both should, by this vintage, be reasonably reliable, at least the major stuff should have happened by now so I hopefully won't need to cross my fingers each time I set off, like I did in my XJS's...

Thoughts please? Pros/ cons? Alternatives?

[P700DEE]

XK8 and R can be used as a DD and are reliable. Watch for rust as this is the biggest issue with a 20 year old car. Drive an R , once driven most will not consider an 8 as for the cost of 1-2mpg average the miles per smile when supercharged is addictive and never fails on the rare occasion you need it. Can't comment about a 6 series as not owned but you will know if you try both wether you are a Jaag man

[SWoll]

Usually a BMW man but got to say I agree with the above and would go XKR without question. So much cooler than an old 6 series and the supercharged V8 is a beauty.

Alternatives

SL500? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CL55AMG https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

What's your budget OP?

Edited by SWoll on Saturday 2nd March 16:43

Edited by SWoll on Saturday 2nd March 16:43

[nav2014]

I'm thinking Jaaaaag too... Budget is maybe £5-7k, no more and I don't care if it's a bit rubbish as it'll rarely get used, but that's why I thought the 6 series might be a better bet, even a starship enterprise milage one for less money might be a safer bet than an average mileage Jag of this vintage.

I've had a load of XJS's in the past (before they became expensive classics!) and do love Jaaaaags, but know that whatever I buy is essentially a 40 year old design with a new dress. Are the ford era cars better than the crap I used to buy?

I like SL's but older modern ones (mid-2000's) mostly look like they're trying too hard (unless you find an elusive 1-2 owner car). Merc electrics scare me though plus no rear dog seats. A mid-late 90's SL is more my thing and has dog seats, and should be better built than a later one, but it does seem quite old now.

[nav2014]

Looked at CL55s but I'm not so sure, again the tales of Merc build quality doesn't inspire confidence. I haven't got time to mess around fixing daft issues and at that price it's too expensive to throw away if it breaks. I thought an early CLS might be a decent alternative though, and hopefully recent enough for Merc to have fixed alot of earlier borkeyness of the decade. Any ideas?

One thing I've taken to doing on my auto trader search is use a minimum 200k mileage, and see how many luxobarge / tourers actually make it that far. Contrary to thier reputation, Merc are right up there but that might be skewed with old taxi's for sale.

[SWoll]

I'd have a haggle at this.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

This CLS500 looks decent also. A lot less character and nowehere near such an event to drive as the XKR though?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[SWoll]

Just having a look at the MOT history for that XKR. Advert states vaid till 11/19, expired May last year according to the .gov website..

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say go for the XKR, the one below is a bit over budget but well worth a look.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The 5.5 CLS500 is well worth seeking out if you want a low bork option to the 55 AMG.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or the CL500

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...