Second Hand SenseNOT MANY cars age as well as a Jaguar and few as well as an XK 8. It has been around for some 12 years, but put it beside one of the flashier sports cars around and its pedigree make its own statement.
It is, of course, a hopelessly impractical car - although it has four seats, the rear will barely accommodate infants. Its interior is narrow, low and cramped for a tall driver or passenger. The smallest engine is a 4.0-litre that will struggle to produce anything above double digit miles per gallon. The XK comes in coupé and convertible guises, but the coupé best fits that traditional design that is classically Jaguar.
While space might be at a premium, power is not. The V8 engine has pots of it and more than anyone needs.
The XK is built with aluminium - a more efficient metal than steel - but the interior is traditional and truly well crafted. Leather seats, beautiful dials, instruments and wood sorround are all classic Jaguar features and they all blend to add to the general air of luxury.
The newer XK has only had one major recall in 2004 for problems with gear selection in the automatic box. It would be best not to buy a car like this without knowing exactly how it has lived its life and a full service record would be a bonus. The car has never had a EuroNCAP crash test but there is traction control and lots of airbags.
There are quite a few XKs on the market but they are expensive. How far back you go obviously increases the risk factor and before 2000 is probably going back too far. A 2001 model with 4.0-litre engine, alloys, metallic paint, all electrics, leather upholstery, air conditioning and climate control, sports suspension and traction control and 75,000km up is on offer for €35,950. A 2003 model with 4.2-litre engine and bigger 19-inch wheels, full service history and a mileage of only 53,000km is on sale privately for €41,250. If you've won the Lotto then the 2006 4.2-litre with ivory sports leather and "warm charcoal upper fascia" - and lots more - might fit the bill for €94,995.
STAR RATING: 7/10