Is the XK convertible noisy?

[keiron99]

I test drove an 03 XK8 this morning. Car was in pretty good condition overal, and the roof seemed to be in perfect condition and seal properly. However, I was surprised at the level of noise leaking into the car - although it did seem to be coming mostly from the rear passenger area.

Is it just a fact of life that you get noise on the cabrio?

[Jaguar steve]

Drive another one - in fact, drive loads more. The age of car you are looking at will reveal huge differences in between - what on the face of it - may seem similar or identical examples.

If you drive lots, maybe over the same roads in your local area if you can, you'll really get a feel for wether a car is a good example or not. Just different (or knackered) tyres, slight suspension miss alingnment, worn shocks or out of spec bushes will make a huge difference to the feel and sound of the car, and will highlight any NVH issues.

Once done then take your own car straight away over the same road test route. That's the only way to establish using a car you are familiar with as a known benchmark if there's any issues with the potential new one that you've overlooked.

Hard to say if a particular model of car is noisy, unless there's somthing obviously wrong with it. Everyone has different opinions on what's acceptable, but it's a fact modern Jaguars have become far more biased towards handling and performance and in the process, have lost a lot of refinement and the superb ride quality that was so outstandingly good in the earlier models.

If you're considering a V8 XK then it's worth spending a hour or so having a read through the various posts on here - especially Broardbean747s post - regarding timing chains, gearbox oil changes and corrosion issues to make a well informed purchase.

Edited by Jaguar steve on Saturday 24th October 17:42

[cardigankid]

What kind of noise? I think these cars can be prone to rear shock failure, which sounds as if you have got a live goat in the boot. Not hard to fix though.

[Evoluzione R]

The convertible is not noisy because the high quality of the roof. Sometimes it can be a little noisy if there is a gasket in bad condition, like for example the gasket between the front and the rear window.

[the prescotts]

Forgive me if this sounds obvious but are you sure the rear three quarters were up all the way. They are the last pieces to operate when the hood is raised.

[SeismicGuy]

I remember the first time I looked at one of these (I was not yet seriously interested in buying but happened to see one at the car lot across the street from my office). It was a convertible and when I opened the door to look inside, the thing that struck me most was how un-convertible it looked like inside. The degree of finishing of the headliner was so good, I would not have known it was a convertible just from the inside. When I finally got around to driving one of these, I was just as astounded at the relative quietness given that it was a convertible.

Doug

[a8hex]

Even the late convertible XJS' where a quiet and snug place to be. I drove on in torrential rain down the M4 once and it was quieter than most tin tops.

[pr100]

a8hex said:

Even the late convertible XJS' where a quiet and snug place to be. I drove on in torrential rain down the M4 once and it was quieter than most tin tops.

Hailstones aren't pleasant on a metal roof either -- but they just trampoline off a soft top.

[keiron99]

Thanks for the replies. All rather academic now as I picked up my XKR convertible on Friday. Am I a happy bunny!

Whilst it clearly is somewhat noiser than a tin-topped motor, it certainly is not the issue I thought it would be, having driven in all conditions (heavy crawling motorway, pounding rain, etc etc). Certainly one I drove last week WAS noisy and I think on reflection, as suggested, the rear quarter light may not have been fully sealed.

One thing though, the inner liner is a little dirty. I have scrubbed it with 1001 caroet cleaner which has improved it somewhat but there are still some noticeably darker areas. Any recommendations?