I enjoyed this video with the changes as the years progressed. The only model that was omitted was the 2006 XK8 Victory Limited Edition. The discussion of the Victory would be an interesting video
Always good/nice to see real-deal enthusiasts who have the Jag/classic car bug as bad as me! :-) Re the model history / spec; I had an absolutely beautiful / mint / very low mileage, 2005 XK8. Mysteriously, it was registered with DVLA as a 4.2 S (reflected on the V5 and when taxing it online etc), yet it was not badged as such and I think it was actually a standard XK8, BUT, as it was the 'final edition', it had every available 'extra' including the aforementioned 'body kit' styling, 20 inch Detroits and CATS suspension. The combination of this and a darker, slightly more contemporary dash / door inserts gave it a more purposeful / 'aggressive' look which I liked, however, ironically, the combination of the 20 inch wheels (which are very expensive to refurbish and very fiddly to inflate / check the tyre pressure!!) and the CATS suspension completely ruined the ride! It wasn't super super harsh, but it didn't float in a Jaguar-ish fashion particularly on country lanes. Worse still, the combination of the larger wheels and stiffer suspension actually made it feel less engaging / fun to drive than the standard suspension cars (with the slightly smaller wheels), which also handle so much better and feel more 'light of foot' with more body flex etc on acceleration. My car looked the part, but was less pleasant to drive than a lower spec version (several of which I have since driven). I sold the car to my next door neighbour (after replacing all 4 tyres at £1000!) and after a few months, he decided he actually wanted a convertible XKR. He ended up with a later (2008) XKR X150, which is inevitably a more engaging car to drive (more agile and faster), but while it is a nice looking car, it's not (in my view) as beautiful as the XK8. Most noticeably however, the seats are WAY less comfortable! I am now looking for a XJR X358 series - final edition between 2007-2009. Last of the real Jags?!
Interesting about your ‘4.2 S’ , I would really like some 20 inch wheels but your experience puts me off them a bit! Those XJRs you mention are really nice and definitely retain that classic jag look/feel, good luck with the search! Thanks very much for the comment always interesting reading about other people’s cars/experiences 👍👍
I agree ref sadness of demise of the X100. I had a superb 2002 soft top XKR. Adaptive suspension and 380bhp; marvelous and so comfortable and a pleasure to drive to anywhere. Properly serviced and had no problems, quite the opposite some stunning trips UK and EU.
A very interesting vid. It seems the 2003 is the best of the versions because it has the updated 4.2 engine with all the creases of the 4.0 ironed out, but also retains the original design intent because of the 2004 styling changes. Thanks for uploading.
Thanks Paul, I like these post-facelift, pre-extended bumper cars too but I think if I had the money I’d probably also want a 1996 XK8 and a 2006 XKR as ‘bookends’ on a great model!
Nice video ! The other special editions not mentioned were produced in 2004 /2005 being a limited run of 50 each of Convertables and Coupes that featured carbon fibre dash and interior trim,. They had all the available options and Recaro seating
Well safe to say that brought all that together nicely. Thanks for going into the history so well. I’m currently looking to buy, but was in the dark as to what the mods were and how the later cars changed and evolved. I’m looking towards an 04/05 XKR. I love the XK8, the only thing flipping over to the aluminium side (XK) is the dreaded hidden rust. I would tackle most jobs but don’t want to land myself a rotten lemon! Going to have to be picky when buying I guess. Thanks again, don’t fancy doing the same for the XK then?
Yeah it’s a bit of a risk, my approach is to go in expecting the worst and be pleasantly surprised rather than expecting everything to be fine.... the aluminium XKs are great though, I don’t know much about them except that you need a specialist to fix aluminium bodywork if it does get damaged but don’t have the rust issue, the 5 litre one is pretty potent!
Thanks for the video and the info. It is always an awesome car but am I the only one who finds the MKI nicer than the next updates? Especially for the wheels' size still "normal" and not giant, the dashboard with the good looking 3 circle instruments instead of the ugly navi screen and the exterior front grill way more elegant. I am thinking to buy one, a cabriolet but I guess I am gonna look for a MKI
Hi, thanks for the comment, you’re definitely not the only one who prefers the mk1, it’s the original design after all and the ‘purer’ shape. I personally like the larger wheels but not necessarily the extended bumpers of the later cars so that’s why I have the ‘middle’ shape but it’s all a personal preference at the end of the day, no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ 😎👍
Hi Mark, lots of advice out there but I reckon history of regular servicing is important if the engine is going to last high mileage, also corrosion is a big issue and expensive to fix so bear that in mind when looking the body over 👍
Interesting video and well presented, thanks for posting. When you mentioned that Jaguar were thinking of calling this car an F type, I thought your were going to add ‘until M.G. got there first’. Not that there’s any risk of these two cars being confused for one another so perhaps it was just a rumour?
Ha yes I suppose the MG ‘F’ would have been a similar name.... actually the ‘f-type’ was an abandoned project which was shelved due to budget problems in the 80s then revived/redesigned in the early 90s to eventually become the XK8!
granblogismo That was a missed opportunity and we could have had another classic! It would be interesting to see how those early designs compare to the later XK8?
Yes indeed! I’m not sure if it was the 80s design or a precursor to the final XK8 but one design I saw in a book was a bit like a Ford Probe (if you remember them?) around the windows/roof but with XJ220 headlights! I’m glad we got the final XK8 design!
I notice on your XK8 you have chrome interior door handle surrounds which look much better than my plastic ones. I have never seen these on any other XK8 and tried to find them on parts suppliers but nobody seems to sell them. They are not even listed in Barratts parts catalogue. I assume these were already fitted to your car when you got it. Great videos by the way
I hadn’t really noticed they were different to be honest but now you mention it I can’t find anything about them! I’m guessing they were part of the trim option to have the chrome gear lever surround and rings around the dials but I’m only guessing, I’ve ordered an old brochure for my car so maybe there will be more info in there 🤷🏻♂️ Thanks for watching, more XK8 videos coming in a week or so 👍
I also noticed the chrome escutcheons and have searched 4 different parts catalogs (incl the factory ones) but have come up empty. Have you ever removed one to take a closer look? I mean is it really chromed metal/aluminum, or is it possible a previous owner had the original plastic ones "chrome" plated? They do look very nice!
I’ve been doing some searching and I can’t find these things anywhere... but... I have noticed that the gear surround (also chrome) is not quite the same as the genuine Jaguar ones and I also have an ‘Arden’ gear knob (albeit missing the logo badge and a rubbish sticker covering the hole) so maybe all of these interior trinkets are discontinued Arden items??
I watch both of your channels and enjoy them very much! I own a 1998 XKR in BRG with ivory interior and a 2002 S Type R in BRG with ivory interior! Let me know if you’d like me to send you pictures of them together :)
Thanks James! Flattering to be complimented in the sane sentence as ‘To the garage’! John’s channel is an inspiration for me so thanks very much! Sounds like you have an enviable collection!! Thanks so much for watching and for the comment!
I enjoyed this video with the changes as the years progressed. The only model that was omitted was the 2006 XK8 Victory Limited Edition. The discussion of the Victory would be an interesting video
Always good/nice to see real-deal enthusiasts who have the Jag/classic car bug as bad as me! :-) Re the model history / spec; I had an absolutely beautiful / mint / very low mileage, 2005 XK8. Mysteriously, it was registered with DVLA as a 4.2 S (reflected on the V5 and when taxing it online etc), yet it was not badged as such and I think it was actually a standard XK8, BUT, as it was the 'final edition', it had every available 'extra' including the aforementioned 'body kit' styling, 20 inch Detroits and CATS suspension. The combination of this and a darker, slightly more contemporary dash / door inserts gave it a more purposeful / 'aggressive' look which I liked, however, ironically, the combination of the 20 inch wheels (which are very expensive to refurbish and very fiddly to inflate / check the tyre pressure!!) and the CATS suspension completely ruined the ride! It wasn't super super harsh, but it didn't float in a Jaguar-ish fashion particularly on country lanes. Worse still, the combination of the larger wheels and stiffer suspension actually made it feel less engaging / fun to drive than the standard suspension cars (with the slightly smaller wheels), which also handle so much better and feel more 'light of foot' with more body flex etc on acceleration. My car looked the part, but was less pleasant to drive than a lower spec version (several of which I have since driven). I sold the car to my next door neighbour (after replacing all 4 tyres at £1000!) and after a few months, he decided he actually wanted a convertible XKR. He ended up with a later (2008) XKR X150, which is inevitably a more engaging car to drive (more agile and faster), but while it is a nice looking car, it's not (in my view) as beautiful as the XK8. Most noticeably however, the seats are WAY less comfortable! I am now looking for a XJR X358 series - final edition between 2007-2009. Last of the real Jags?!
Interesting about your ‘4.2 S’ , I would really like some 20 inch wheels but your experience puts me off them a bit! Those XJRs you mention are really nice and definitely retain that classic jag look/feel, good luck with the search! Thanks very much for the comment always interesting reading about other people’s cars/experiences 👍👍
I agree ref sadness of demise of the X100. I had a superb 2002 soft top XKR. Adaptive suspension and 380bhp; marvelous and so comfortable and a pleasure to drive to anywhere. Properly serviced and had no problems, quite the opposite some stunning trips UK and EU.
A very interesting vid. It seems the 2003 is the best of the versions because it has the updated 4.2 engine with all the creases of the 4.0 ironed out, but also retains the original design intent because of the 2004 styling changes. Thanks for uploading.
Thanks Paul, I like these post-facelift, pre-extended bumper cars too but I think if I had the money I’d probably also want a 1996 XK8 and a 2006 XKR as ‘bookends’ on a great model!
Nice video ! The other special editions not mentioned were produced in 2004 /2005 being a limited run of 50 each of Convertables and Coupes that featured carbon fibre dash and interior trim,. They had all the available options and Recaro seating
Ah yes! There was a carbon edition! Totally forgot about that, thanks for the comment 👍
Well safe to say that brought all that together nicely. Thanks for going into the history so well. I’m currently looking to buy, but was in the dark as to what the mods were and how the later cars changed and evolved. I’m looking towards an 04/05 XKR. I love the XK8, the only thing flipping over to the aluminium side (XK) is the dreaded hidden rust. I would tackle most jobs but don’t want to land myself a rotten lemon! Going to have to be picky when buying I guess. Thanks again, don’t fancy doing the same for the XK then?
Yeah it’s a bit of a risk, my approach is to go in expecting the worst and be pleasantly surprised rather than expecting everything to be fine.... the aluminium XKs are great though, I don’t know much about them except that you need a specialist to fix aluminium bodywork if it does get damaged but don’t have the rust issue, the 5 litre one is pretty potent!
Thanks for the video and the info. It is always an awesome car but am I the only one who finds the MKI nicer than the next updates? Especially for the wheels' size still "normal" and not giant, the dashboard with the good looking 3 circle instruments instead of the ugly navi screen and the exterior front grill way more elegant. I am thinking to buy one, a cabriolet but I guess I am gonna look for a MKI
Hi, thanks for the comment, you’re definitely not the only one who prefers the mk1, it’s the original design after all and the ‘purer’ shape. I personally like the larger wheels but not necessarily the extended bumpers of the later cars so that’s why I have the ‘middle’ shape but it’s all a personal preference at the end of the day, no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ 😎👍
Hi I am collecting my xk8 2005 next week and I live Redhill can you give me any advice what to look for when I coliect it. Thanks Mark
Hi Mark, lots of advice out there but I reckon history of regular servicing is important if the engine is going to last high mileage, also corrosion is a big issue and expensive to fix so bear that in mind when looking the body over 👍
Hi it has a full jag service history and 58k miles I thought I would get the gearbox service/ oil change.
I think you live in redhill I have seen you video outside royal earlswood
Yep that’s right!
Hi again. I just wanted to know where you had your adamesh exhaust fitted local to Redhill. Thanks
I have arranged for gearbox oil change and also the Ademesh exhaust stage 1& 2 has been installed.
Excellent, I love the exhaust on mine so I’m sure you’ll enjoy it 😎👍
Thanks
Interesting video and well presented, thanks for posting.
When you mentioned that Jaguar were thinking of calling this car an F type, I thought your were going to add ‘until M.G. got there first’. Not that there’s any risk of these two cars being confused for one another so perhaps it was just a rumour?
Ha yes I suppose the MG ‘F’ would have been a similar name.... actually the ‘f-type’ was an abandoned project which was shelved due to budget problems in the 80s then revived/redesigned in the early 90s to eventually become the XK8!
granblogismo That was a missed opportunity and we could have had another classic! It would be interesting to see how those early designs compare to the later XK8?
Yes indeed! I’m not sure if it was the 80s design or a precursor to the final XK8 but one design I saw in a book was a bit like a Ford Probe (if you remember them?) around the windows/roof but with XJ220 headlights! I’m glad we got the final XK8 design!
Love the car and you are so cute admiring your childhood dream car :D
I notice on your XK8 you have chrome interior door handle surrounds which look much better than my plastic ones. I have never seen these on any other XK8 and tried to find them on parts suppliers but nobody seems to sell them. They are not even listed in Barratts parts catalogue. I assume these were already fitted to your car when you got it. Great videos by the way
I hadn’t really noticed they were different to be honest but now you mention it I can’t find anything about them! I’m guessing they were part of the trim option to have the chrome gear lever surround and rings around the dials but I’m only guessing, I’ve ordered an old brochure for my car so maybe there will be more info in there 🤷🏻♂️ Thanks for watching, more XK8 videos coming in a week or so 👍
granblogismo is noticed the handle surrounds too. If you do discover the source I would like to know too
👍
I also noticed the chrome escutcheons and have searched 4 different parts catalogs (incl the factory ones) but have come up empty. Have you ever removed one to take a closer look? I mean is it really chromed metal/aluminum, or is it possible a previous owner had the original plastic ones "chrome" plated? They do look very nice!
I’ve been doing some searching and I can’t find these things anywhere... but... I have noticed that the gear surround (also chrome) is not quite the same as the genuine Jaguar ones and I also have an ‘Arden’ gear knob (albeit missing the logo badge and a rubbish sticker covering the hole) so maybe all of these interior trinkets are discontinued Arden items??
@@granblogismo
I still can't find them. The chrome gear surround and chrome dials are easily available from many sources like Adamesh and Barratts
What engine it got ?
Hi Loved the video as usual 👍
Cheers John! Thanks for watching!
I watch both of your channels and enjoy them very much! I own a 1998 XKR in BRG with ivory interior and a 2002 S Type R in BRG with ivory interior! Let me know if you’d like me to send you pictures of them together :)
Thanks James! Flattering to be complimented in the sane sentence as ‘To the garage’! John’s channel is an inspiration for me so thanks very much! Sounds like you have an enviable collection!! Thanks so much for watching and for the comment!
@@jbdiablo22 Id love that picture James. I have got to pull my finger out and do some more Subscibers Cars segments
@@ToTheGarage I've shared an iCloud folder with the email address you mentioned in a video a while back. Let me know if it hasn't come through to you.
That's a thumbs up from me🤘
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Adamesh sell the chrome door handle covers.
J'adore cette voiture !
Advanced🧨🧨
great
💯🥳
LOUDER PLEASE
March 18,2021: Well Mark, it looks like you have abandoned your UA-cam site......I cancelled my subscription.....