XK Dare I? old or new model
Discussion
AS is on 2 other forums. I am looking for a change. I have gone from a Chim to a 2000 Boxter S and am looking for a change. Thought about a 996 but I don't really want to spend more than 15k....so that puts a strangle on the Porker. I could just keep the S, quick etc but I like to change my run around every coupla years or so and that time is now............hence looking at a Jag.
It'll be for fun, max 2000 miles pa, when the weather shines. XKR is too much for what I need/want so the basic XK would be fine.
I am having trouble finding what the main differences between the pre and post 2006 models are.
Would a pre model say for around 10k be OK or should I stump up the extra 5K and try for the newer model.....
It'll be for fun, max 2000 miles pa, when the weather shines. XKR is too much for what I need/want so the basic XK would be fine.
I am having trouble finding what the main differences between the pre and post 2006 models are.
Would a pre model say for around 10k be OK or should I stump up the extra 5K and try for the newer model.....
They are about as chalk and cheese as you can get for a car with the same name! 
The pre-2006 XK's are based on the old Jags of the 90's, solid, heavy metal but still a lovely place to be. The post-2006 XKRs are based on the aluminium technology developed and used in the X350 XJs which started about 2003, then into the 2006 XKs.
The leap of driver experience from the pre-aluminium Jags to the post-aluminiums is huge, I've done it with both XJRs, and this last year with the XKRs.
I bought a 2001 XKR 4.0 conv. a couple of years back, loved it, enjoyed it, great car. I swapped it up to a 2010 XKR conv. 6 months back and it's not just the outright uplift in power of the 5.0 engine, but also the lightness, stiffness of the body, the modernity of the gearbox, the electronics, the properly retracting roof, the handling, the fit and finish generally, etc... that make it just a much, much better car to be in and using.
The post 2006 XKs feel like a modern car. The pre-2006s XKs, although lovely cars in their own right and impressive at the time, are now starting to show their age , if only in the actual driving experience when compared to the newer models.
I would suggest you try both, and assuming you're looking for something to actually drive, you'll be buying the post-2006 model.
ETA: Deadslow above has summed this up in 13 words.
The pre-2006 XK's are based on the old Jags of the 90's, solid, heavy metal but still a lovely place to be. The post-2006 XKRs are based on the aluminium technology developed and used in the X350 XJs which started about 2003, then into the 2006 XKs.
The leap of driver experience from the pre-aluminium Jags to the post-aluminiums is huge, I've done it with both XJRs, and this last year with the XKRs.
I bought a 2001 XKR 4.0 conv. a couple of years back, loved it, enjoyed it, great car. I swapped it up to a 2010 XKR conv. 6 months back and it's not just the outright uplift in power of the 5.0 engine, but also the lightness, stiffness of the body, the modernity of the gearbox, the electronics, the properly retracting roof, the handling, the fit and finish generally, etc... that make it just a much, much better car to be in and using.
The post 2006 XKs feel like a modern car. The pre-2006s XKs, although lovely cars in their own right and impressive at the time, are now starting to show their age , if only in the actual driving experience when compared to the newer models.
I would suggest you try both, and assuming you're looking for something to actually drive, you'll be buying the post-2006 model.
ETA: Deadslow above has summed this up in 13 words.
The original XK (X100) was largely based on the floorpan of the XJS, and shares much in common with the Aston Martin DB7.
This floorpan can trace it's origins back to the Series 1 XJ6, of which the XJ-S, S as in Special, was a special development of the floorpan.
In reality none of this matters...
But I find it interesting.
I don't know much about the new X150 models.
I suspect dynamically the X150 is far superior. However whether that makes for a better car is probably down to what the individual wants. Personally I think the earlier X100's look a lot prettier.
This floorpan can trace it's origins back to the Series 1 XJ6, of which the XJ-S, S as in Special, was a special development of the floorpan.
In reality none of this matters...
But I find it interesting.
I don't know much about the new X150 models.
I suspect dynamically the X150 is far superior. However whether that makes for a better car is probably down to what the individual wants. Personally I think the earlier X100's look a lot prettier.
New XK 150 is a brilliant car and amazing value - Think the prices are on the rise so could be classed as a sound investment (In car terms).
Compared to the previous XK 100 its really is a leap and they do feel like classics now and many more issues with steel bodies.
I drive a Dec 2006 XKR 150 and I'm astounded at the running costs compared to previous M5's Porsches - Very good value servicing
Insurance costs are cheap too as all us Jag owners are old we only drive to the golf club.
They prove to be very reliable too with no major scares over the years.
It really is a little gem and people think they are worth way more than they actually are - which is a nice bonus.
Pity they are Auto only but its a nice place to be and it makes me smile every time I get in it. I usually change cars every 9-12 months and I have stuck with the XKR for 3 years!!
Looking at an XKR-S next I think. Go on do it.
Compared to the previous XK 100 its really is a leap and they do feel like classics now and many more issues with steel bodies.
I drive a Dec 2006 XKR 150 and I'm astounded at the running costs compared to previous M5's Porsches - Very good value servicing
Insurance costs are cheap too as all us Jag owners are old we only drive to the golf club.
They prove to be very reliable too with no major scares over the years.
It really is a little gem and people think they are worth way more than they actually are - which is a nice bonus.
Pity they are Auto only but its a nice place to be and it makes me smile every time I get in it. I usually change cars every 9-12 months and I have stuck with the XKR for 3 years!!
Looking at an XKR-S next I think. Go on do it.
This is interesting as I have an XK on my 'possibles' list.
I never cared much for the appearance of the earlier XK, but find the later design is visually much more appealing. I don't like the angled sides of the headlights but I suppose they had to do something to stop it looking like an Aston Martin.
Would I be right in guessing that the early XK is quiet and comfortable whilst the later one is bumpier and less refined, aka a 'dynamic driving experience'?
I never cared much for the appearance of the earlier XK, but find the later design is visually much more appealing. I don't like the angled sides of the headlights but I suppose they had to do something to stop it looking like an Aston Martin.
Would I be right in guessing that the early XK is quiet and comfortable whilst the later one is bumpier and less refined, aka a 'dynamic driving experience'?
My thoughts as well. The first just looks old and the second 2006 onwards much more "sporty". My problem is I'm a wimp and scared to splash out 15K ish. My porker is worth maybe 6k, so that's another 10 to find, and its bigger so it would squeeze my garage more. (I can just get 3 abreast and my bike behind with all our wood).
I just want a sporty fast ish rag top and if you discount any beemer/Audi your sort of stuck and the Boxster is fantastic value for money. And I'm 60 soon, although internally I'm 25!
I just want a sporty fast ish rag top and if you discount any beemer/Audi your sort of stuck and the Boxster is fantastic value for money. And I'm 60 soon, although internally I'm 25!
Simpo Two said:
Would I be right in guessing that the early XK is quiet and comfortable whilst the later one is bumpier and less refined, aka a 'dynamic driving experience'?
I don't think this assumption would be correct. My 2007 XKR is very quiet and not at all crashy over poor road surfaces. Its a mile better than my last Jag, X308 XJR, which, I believe would have been very similar to the X100 in the way it got down the road.The X150 is a major step forward, though nowt wrong with the older models.
Would I be right in guessing that the early XK is quiet and comfortable whilst the later one is bumpier and less refined, aka a 'dynamic driving experience'?
[/quote]
No problem with comfort. This is the second one I've owned and they are alright.
If you want to try one, let me know. If you are local to me (Oxfordshire), you can have a go in mine.
Jon
[/quote]
No problem with comfort. This is the second one I've owned and they are alright.
If you want to try one, let me know. If you are local to me (Oxfordshire), you can have a go in mine.
Jon
Edited by The Bodyman on Tuesday 6th June 19:34
I swapped my 996 for one of the last XK8 4.2 convertibles. The XK8 is definitely more of a GT than an outright sports car. Still fun though and great to drive in the sun. I've found the XK8 to be a lot cheaper to run than the Porsche and as reliable. Also XK8 values seem to be on the turn. Never driven one of the later XK's but my mate loves his.
Slackerdad said:
I swapped my 996 for one of the last XK8 4.2 convertibles. The XK8 is definitely more of a GT than an outright sports car. Still fun though and great to drive in the sun. I've found the XK8 to be a lot cheaper to run than the Porsche and as reliable. Also XK8 values seem to be on the turn. Never driven one of the later XK's but my mate loves his.
I've seen a cpl of 2006 models and I'm keen but trying to sell my boxster is a bit of a pitaSlackerdad said:
I swapped my 996 for one of the last XK8 4.2 convertibles. The XK8 is definitely more of a GT than an outright sports car. Still fun though and great to drive in the sun. I've found the XK8 to be a lot cheaper to run than the Porsche and as reliable. Also XK8 values seem to be on the turn. Never driven one of the later XK's but my mate loves his.
Nice one. Glad you found one.Jon
mikal83 said:
My problem is I'm a wimp and scared to splash out 15K ish. My porker is worth maybe 6k, so that's another 10 to find
Assuming you have the funds, you can either leave he money in the bank or converted it to metal. So it isn't really 'spent' - more temporarily converted. Then all that matters is depreciation. If you buy a £15k car and it's worth £10 k after 2 years that is the same as buying a car for £10k that is worth £5k after 2 years.I had a 2003 X100 XKR as a daily driver for 4 years. It was great. 115k miles when I sold it. But they do rot.
I'd buy an early X150 if I were you. In a fab color (like Emerald Fire Green or bright red). Not dreary black, grey, dark blue. They look amazing in spangly colours.
mikal83 said:
My thoughts as well. The first just looks old and the second 2006 onwards much more "sporty". My problem is I'm a wimp and scared to splash out 15K ish. My porker is worth maybe 6k, so that's another 10 to find, and its bigger so it would squeeze my garage more. (I can just get 3 abreast and my bike behind with all our wood).
I just want a sporty fast ish rag top and if you discount any beemer/Audi your sort of stuck and the Boxster is fantastic value for money. And I'm 60 soon, although internally I'm 25!
Well I'm now the proud owner of a 2006 XK 4.2 convertible so can share some thoughts.I just want a sporty fast ish rag top and if you discount any beemer/Audi your sort of stuck and the Boxster is fantastic value for money. And I'm 60 soon, although internally I'm 25!
The XK is an interesting mixture of other cars I've had - in size and over-bonnet look, the XJ40, in convertible-ness the TVRs, the binnacle and display the XF, the centre console the S-Type. With the roof down it makes a lovely wooffley noise; with the roof up it's very civilised and the cabin is big. I love the rear view and the E-Type-style grille.
However I wouldn't call it sporty; it's big and whilst the engine may have 300bhp it unwinds them slowly. It's a lazy big cat if you like
On the downside, the central area under the display looks cheap and sparsely-buttoned, the display itself is hard to see in bright light, and the binnacle is the same as an XF - ie just two dials, neither of which says 'Jaguar', and a nasty LCD bit in the middle for the rest. The X150 XF is where the proper (traditional) Jaguar meets the first of the new nastiness, but the latter is fortunately in a minority.The ride is rather firm for my liking, or for a luxury grand tourer for that matter, but every car has a bone-shattering ride now, sorry 'dynamic driving experience', and after 9 months of an XF I've forgotten what a comfortable car feels like..
Overall, I really like it!
I might have a buyer for my Boxster so that's will free up a few grand to put towards another car. Now the XK still has an attraction and theres a cpl on Autotrader around the 13/14/15K price. But what alternatives are there, smaller/ragtops. I don't like Beemers, want something that's quick and loud, and no , I don't want a TVR again. Kinda stuck really. Thought about a classic perhaps, I've got 15k ish.............
mikal83 said:
I might have a buyer for my Boxster so that's will free up a few grand to put towards another car. Now the XK still has an attraction and theres a cpl on Autotrader around the 13/14/15K price. But what alternatives are there, smaller/ragtops. I don't like Beemers, want something that's quick and loud, and no , I don't want a TVR again. Kinda stuck really. Thought about a classic perhaps, I've got 15k ish.............
SLK55 AMG?LordHaveMurci said:
mikal83 said:
I might have a buyer for my Boxster so that's will free up a few grand to put towards another car. Now the XK still has an attraction and theres a cpl on Autotrader around the 13/14/15K price. But what alternatives are there, smaller/ragtops. I don't like Beemers, want something that's quick and loud, and no , I don't want a TVR again. Kinda stuck really. Thought about a classic perhaps, I've got 15k ish.............
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