Must admit Jonathan I've always liked the XK8's. I'm hanging onto my youth (30 next month!) and some refer to them as older peoples cars but that's rubbish in my opinion. The thing that puts me off them though is the running costs. Fuel comsumption would be bad along with servicing and potentially bigger bills if things go wrong.

I agree the 3 series is a common choice but there seems to be good reason for that.

 

I'm sure the 3 is an excellent car... as you say, there must be some reason why they're so popular.

And you're right about the running costs. Jags aren't all that bad in terms of reliability (i've had an old-ish XJR for 3 years... <300 quid for service & MOT this year) but it will be quite fond of fuel and parts are not cheap. On the other hand, there are lots of good Jag specialists who can make the experience less painful.

Doesn't sound like an XK is really what you need, but it's a damn nice looking car for the money and not slow either.

If I had to have 4 proper seats I'd go for the A4 probably, which is mostly anti 3-series prejudice on my part.

 

To be fair my reasoning for wanting 4 seats isn't because I regularly travel 4 up. The reasoning is that I want one car to be used as a daily driver all year round and want the option of being able to travel with more than just one person as and when needed. How comfortable they are in the back is their problem not mine, they should just be thankful they're getting a lift!!!

 

Bob's your mother's live-in lover then

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/68087.htm

barely run in

If you're at all serious about buying a v8 Jag, you need to be aware of Nikasil issues. Pre MY2000 v8s used Nikasil cylinder liners which caused problems with some non-low-sulphur fuels. Jaguar replaced a ton of engines - up to six years I think. So there are lots of Xjs and XKs with replaced engines.

Equally though, lots of people say their Nikasil lined engines are going fine. The safe choice is to get a MY 2000 or later (last quarter of 99 onwards - vin ends A***** where * is a number) or one that's had a new engine already.

BMW used nikasil too but there's less fuss about it.

 

Screw the BMW get this mercedes instead.

 

Road / traffic noise.

 

I'd go for the XK8/XKR if I were you.

They are a step up from a 3-series/A4 convertible - and much more classy are rare (especially compared to the BM).

The interiors make the car feel very special, and ok running costs will be higher, but Im sure it would be worth the extra!