Serious Jag XK or not Question
Discussion
At the turn of the new year I am contemplating trading my Z4 for either an 07 Xk or an 06 Merc SL500. The pre 07s are far cheaper due to the design change of 07 but still look good. Is there a huge difference in an 06/07? When did the all aluminum frame happen? What are some honest assessments of the 07 XK? I will not ask for comparisons to the Merc as that would not be balanced on a Jag forum. 
I have considered the Cayman and the Bimmer 645, but narrowed it don to the Merc and the Cat. BTW, my Z4 is doing great, just feel like a change.
I have considered the Cayman and the Bimmer 645, but narrowed it don to the Merc and the Cat. BTW, my Z4 is doing great, just feel like a change. I am in exactly the same position as you, I drive a z4 now but i have been looking for my next car.
my finalists are 911, 4.2 XK, or if I'm lucky a cheap M6.
I have driven a sl500 I was expecting a fantastic car, a sort of z4 plus but no sorry. It felt slow (not slow slow but no faster than my z4) I found it to be an armchair drive its a sports car for people that don't like driving just want to get there.
I suggest you try it because I was so shocked I sometimes think I have driven a bad one?
I change my mind from day to day but the last few weeks I am swaying more to the XK.
Oh and the xk is very nearly a quarter of a tonne lighter than the sl500.
my finalists are 911, 4.2 XK, or if I'm lucky a cheap M6.
I have driven a sl500 I was expecting a fantastic car, a sort of z4 plus but no sorry. It felt slow (not slow slow but no faster than my z4) I found it to be an armchair drive its a sports car for people that don't like driving just want to get there.
I suggest you try it because I was so shocked I sometimes think I have driven a bad one?
I change my mind from day to day but the last few weeks I am swaying more to the XK.
Oh and the xk is very nearly a quarter of a tonne lighter than the sl500.
Edited by gib6933 on Wednesday 10th December 14:36
gib6933 said:
I am in exactly the same position as you, I drive a z4 now but i have been looking for my next car.
my finalists are 911, 4.2 XK, or if I'm lucky a cheap M6.
I have driven a sl500 I was expecting a fantastic car, a sort of z4 plus but no sorry. It felt slow (not slow slow but no faster than my z4) I found it to be an armchair drive its a sports car for people that don't like driving just want to get there.
I suggest you try it because I was so shocked I sometimes think I have driven a bad one?
I change my mind from day to day but the last few weeks I am swaying more to the XK.
Oh and the xk is very nearly a quarter of a tonne lighter than the sl500.
I am beginning to think your way as well. Please keep me informed of your decision process, I am very interested.my finalists are 911, 4.2 XK, or if I'm lucky a cheap M6.
I have driven a sl500 I was expecting a fantastic car, a sort of z4 plus but no sorry. It felt slow (not slow slow but no faster than my z4) I found it to be an armchair drive its a sports car for people that don't like driving just want to get there.
I suggest you try it because I was so shocked I sometimes think I have driven a bad one?
I change my mind from day to day but the last few weeks I am swaying more to the XK.
Oh and the xk is very nearly a quarter of a tonne lighter than the sl500.
Edited by gib6933 on Wednesday 10th December 14:36
Soz bit confused over which cars you are talking about. Are looking at a last edition steel 4.2 XK compared to a 1st edition aluminum 4.2 XK?
If so it has to be the ali 4.2 XK. The 4.2ltr XK is just as fast as the outgoing steel 4.2 XKR. It handles beautifully, unlike the very lethargic steel XK. The only downside I think is that I prefer the old Jag interiors of the steel XK. But I would every time go for the newer XK. The new XK first arrived in March 2006 with the XKR arriving in Novemeber 2006.
If so it has to be the ali 4.2 XK. The 4.2ltr XK is just as fast as the outgoing steel 4.2 XKR. It handles beautifully, unlike the very lethargic steel XK. The only downside I think is that I prefer the old Jag interiors of the steel XK. But I would every time go for the newer XK. The new XK first arrived in March 2006 with the XKR arriving in Novemeber 2006.
Triple7 said:
Soz bit confused over which cars you are talking about. Are looking at a last edition steel 4.2 XK compared to a 1st edition aluminum 4.2 XK?
If so it has to be the ali 4.2 XK. The 4.2ltr XK is just as fast as the outgoing steel 4.2 XKR. It handles beautifully, unlike the very lethargic steel XK. The only downside I think is that I prefer the old Jag interiors of the steel XK. But I would every time go for the newer XK. The new XK first arrived in March 2006 with the XKR arriving in Novemeber 2006.
A bit of both really. The steel ones are much cheaper now and, like you, the interiores looked more "Jag". The newer ones will obviously handle better and have a nicer exterior IMO. If so it has to be the ali 4.2 XK. The 4.2ltr XK is just as fast as the outgoing steel 4.2 XKR. It handles beautifully, unlike the very lethargic steel XK. The only downside I think is that I prefer the old Jag interiors of the steel XK. But I would every time go for the newer XK. The new XK first arrived in March 2006 with the XKR arriving in Novemeber 2006.
It's such a personal one, Jim.
I had an old model XKR and an ali XJR, and without a doubt the XJR was miles away the better car to drive, far more agile and fast as greased lightning. The Callum designed ali XK Coupe is even better, with the wonderful paddle gearbox, I just couldn't go past it if I was in your position.
Your original question was did the '08 facelift make any difference. Was it not something to do with the radio aerial? I can't say that I noticed it, so I guess not. Obviously the 5 litre will be out soon, so the currently terrific bargains will get even better, and the 4.2 imho has all the guts you would ever need. The aluminium technology is far ahead of what Merc are offering. Ford paid for it, so it would be a pity not to take advantage of it.
I could never buy the SL over the Jag. Its like a dodgem for the WAG's.
I had an old model XKR and an ali XJR, and without a doubt the XJR was miles away the better car to drive, far more agile and fast as greased lightning. The Callum designed ali XK Coupe is even better, with the wonderful paddle gearbox, I just couldn't go past it if I was in your position.
Your original question was did the '08 facelift make any difference. Was it not something to do with the radio aerial? I can't say that I noticed it, so I guess not. Obviously the 5 litre will be out soon, so the currently terrific bargains will get even better, and the 4.2 imho has all the guts you would ever need. The aluminium technology is far ahead of what Merc are offering. Ford paid for it, so it would be a pity not to take advantage of it.
I could never buy the SL over the Jag. Its like a dodgem for the WAG's.
cardigankid said:
It's such a personal one, Jim.
I had an old model XKR and an ali XJR, and without a doubt the XJR was miles away the better car to drive, far more agile and fast as greased lightning. The Callum designed ali XK Coupe is even better, with the wonderful paddle gearbox, I just couldn't go past it if I was in your position.
Your original question was did the '08 facelift make any difference. Was it not something to do with the radio aerial? I can't say that I noticed it, so I guess not. Obviously the 5 litre will be out soon, so the currently terrific bargains will get even better, and the 4.2 imho has all the guts you would ever need. The aluminium technology is far ahead of what Merc are offering. Ford paid for it, so it would be a pity not to take advantage of it.
I could never buy the SL over the Jag. Its like a dodgem for the WAG's.
Good points; thanks. I was speaking of the 07 change over the previous ones, BTW. I had an old model XKR and an ali XJR, and without a doubt the XJR was miles away the better car to drive, far more agile and fast as greased lightning. The Callum designed ali XK Coupe is even better, with the wonderful paddle gearbox, I just couldn't go past it if I was in your position.
Your original question was did the '08 facelift make any difference. Was it not something to do with the radio aerial? I can't say that I noticed it, so I guess not. Obviously the 5 litre will be out soon, so the currently terrific bargains will get even better, and the 4.2 imho has all the guts you would ever need. The aluminium technology is far ahead of what Merc are offering. Ford paid for it, so it would be a pity not to take advantage of it.
I could never buy the SL over the Jag. Its like a dodgem for the WAG's.
Jimbeaux said:
Job38 said:
Jaguar XK over MB SL500 every day of the week!
The Jaguar XJ is VASTLY SUPERIOR in respect of quality, exclusivity, performance, handling, ride, etc., etc.
XK or XJ for your last sentence?The Jaguar XJ is VASTLY SUPERIOR in respect of quality, exclusivity, performance, handling, ride, etc., etc.
Edited by Job38 on Sunday 14th December 17:20
Edited by Job38 on Sunday 14th December 17:20
JagLover said:
I've only had 1/2 an hour in a new XK (Jaguar ride and drive day on a country lane "circuit") but that was enough for me to realise it was the best car I have ever been in.
The old steel XK may be cheaper, but that is for a very good reason.
Helpful info there Jaglover; thank you!The old steel XK may be cheaper, but that is for a very good reason.
New shape XK is waaaaaaaay cooler than a 911 or a Merc SL. It has real bond-car presence and every time I see one I want one. I haven't driven one yet but I bet its ride and handling are in a different league to the (very heavy) SL and that it's a lot more comfortable over a long journey than a 911.
Get an XK and people will smile at you and wave. Get a 911 and people will scowl at you if they notice you at all. I drove a 911 across London once. Never again.
It might not be fair (actually I think it is fair!) but it is true.
Get an XK and people will smile at you and wave. Get a 911 and people will scowl at you if they notice you at all. I drove a 911 across London once. Never again.
It might not be fair (actually I think it is fair!) but it is true.
Would be worth trying the SL 600 rather than the 500 and then compare it to the XK and 911. The boot is tiny in the Merc compared to the steel XK but as others have said the handling in the steel Xk is dreadful. The V12 twin turbo in the 600 is fantastic!
Test them all and make your decision.
Test them all and make your decision.
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