Jaguar XK8 Coupé (96-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The XK8 may have been on our roads since 1996 but you still give it a look as it goes past, don't you? It's got James Bond looks, with performance to match. Grand Touring ability makes it a pleasure over long distances. The supercharged R version is seriously rapid and makes a good budget alternative to an Aston Martin or a Ferrari GT. Thankfully in the UK it deals just effectively with traffic jams and the golf club car park. An all-new car was launched in 2006.
4 out of 5

Other Jaguar reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

There is no shortage of safety equipment, with an abundance of airbags, a traction control system and cruise control that reacts to vehicles in front of you slowing whenever necessary. It hasn't been crash tested but that long bonnet must offer a big crumple zone in a collision. An alarm and immobiliser are standard.

NCAP Test

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3.5 out of 5

Reliability

It's been around for a while now, so it's all well proven. Conventional wisdom says you might be better served by a German make but reliability surveys don't support this - Enjoy buying British. Ah, it's made by Ford...

Car check problem points

Body

Must be absolutely pristine.

Engine/Gearbox

Generally tough but needs full service history.

Other

Has been recalled for possible disengagement of diff output shaft, possibility of restricted throttle opening, gearbox lock-ups and for an auto box that mistakenly engages reverse while in a forward gear.