Reminds me of my 86 1/2 Supra I had through the late 90’s. I always said it sat three. One relatively small adult could turn a bit sideways and be fairly comfortable in the back seat. 😎
@Davis Wall My father had one too. He loved that car. I learned how to drive manual on it too. As I got older I was the person who had to sit sideways in that rear seat. 😂
I remember there was one parked near my work back in the day and it looks SO good in the flesh. If I looked at a woman like I ogled that XK8R, I would have deserved a slap in the face...
@@DavidLopez-rk6em They are really well put together though. I think it's this colour combo that lets this example down as I've driven one with a cream and walnut interior and it looked and felt fantastic
Those weird cylindrical keys are actually really common on late 90’s and early 2000’s european ford cars. I had a Mondeo (Contour in the US) with keys like that and I’m pretty sure the Fiesta, Escort and Focus of that era had them too. Fun fact: On most ford cars from that era you use the key to open the hood, There is a keyhole behind the ford badge in the grille. You could flip the Ford logo up to expose the keyhole.
Ford Australia used them on Falcons (and their derivatives) from about 1989 to 2006. They were called a Tibbe lock and were supposedly more secure than a regular key. I assumed Ford in America used them too, but apparently not. Also, the Renault 16 had a bonnet that opened with a key
Always LOVED the look of this car. Super elegant and classy yet somehow aggressive at the same time. Some Jaguar cars are just stunning (XJ-220, XJR-15, XK8)
Speaking of aggressive, I hate that Doug didn't capture the iconic Jaguar exhaust note of this era. This car in particular had a really great sounding exhaust, you could even capture the essence of it whenever it was filmed in movies. My '03 e46 330i sounded similarly to it, but Jag's had that great sounding OEM sound that couldn't be replicated, hands down.
1. Yes, we do turn the traction off, & they do great burnouts.. 2. We do use the J-Gate, both to accelerate, decelerate, & when going down steep hills. 3. I`m glad you acknowledge the fact that its not supposed to be a 911 challenger (although the XKR will keep up surprisingly well in many circumstances), it supposed to be a relaxing, comfortable Merc SL challenger that will drive you 500 miles in 1 hit & you get out feeling great. The fact they are valued higher than the SL in Germany, should tell you something about them..
This is my favorite XK generation. The looks of these have definitely aged very well. You can put it in any environment and it would look fantastic moving or sitting still.
Disagree, that generation has some troubles with rear, rear bumper styling, but next one gen, especially some of first xkr's are best looking cars on earth. Still 2000 and around of is a great era ( second Mercedes CL etc)
@@Psych0technic I vehemently disagree. The second gen hasn't aged nearly as well. It's not ugly by any means, but this looks classic while the second gen definitely looks dated.
@@ThinkfreeorDie seen the second gen couple of days ago, beautiful, well proportioned, elegant car. Doesn't look very dated to me. Looks more chiseled and athletic than the original.
I think he has reviewed a Jaguar with that kind of key before. I've forgotten which one, but it was a sedan. I think the quirk is worth mentioning again to him.
@@damilolaakanni All Jaguars from 1989 onwards used this style of key, before the advent of keyless entry and Ignition. Doug knows Jack about cars sometimes.
He missed the ultimate quirk! The wooden dash is shaped like the wings of the Spitfire as the car was built in the plant that used to build Spitfire planes in England during the war.
Yes, Castle Bromwich is in Birmingham, It was where the body was pressed before being shipped to Browns Lane Coventry where the vehicle was assembled alongside the XJ.@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234
The J gate limits how high the transmission shifts. If you put it in 3 it’ll start in first, shift through the gears and stop in third. It’s pretty cool for in town driving.
@@VideoAmericanStyle you can leave it in 2, 3, or 4 for around town driving, your car doesn’t shift past the selected gear. Much more lively than when it shifts into 5th/ overdrive and you’re driving 35 mph.
@@derekl444 “lively”? It just wastes fuel to ride around in a higher gear than necessary. If you need to quickly accelerate, your transmission will downshift for you…
The story of the XK8 / DB7 relationship is actually more interesting than Doug tells it. Jaguar had been working on an F-type replacement to the XJS throughout the 1980s, but Ford killed it as production costs would have been huge and Jaguar had just lost money on the disappointing XJ220 launch and prioritized a generation of the XJ sedan. Jaguar's racing partner TWR had been involved in the F-type's development, and pitched a cheaper, simplified version of the concept using mostly XJS underpinnings to Aston Martin, who wanted a new coupe but had no money. When Jaguar saw the DB7 they realized their oversight, and rapidly developed the XK8 from the same platform. So a Jaguar, became an Aston, which became a Jaguar.
I think it's interesting how this worked out at well. The DB7 was definitely the sportier more engaging and exotic approach to this type of car, while the Jaguar was definitely the smoother, more relaxing and luxurious take on it.
I love how these look. I've got one of those 97 DB7s and it and the XK8 still look fantastic today. They're just crossing that line of looking classic and not just older versions of modern design. I drive mine to the office twice a week and it's holding up so far!
I totally agree. I've actually seen a couple XK8s in the wild recently, and I had to stop and stare. Mainly because I was amazed they were running, but also because I think they still look beautiful. The styling is getting dated, but as Doug said, not in a bad way. It looks its era, but it still looks damn good.
I wish the XK was offered with the DB7 inline six. The XK is such a great homage (styling wise) to the E-type. I could put up with an automatic... But I've driven that V8 and it's just... Not... Anything... Worth driving....
The DB7 is a better interpretation and distinctively Aston… I like how the doors scissor ever so slightly, the push button gear selection on the dash, and it’s very distinct sound. I was a pro detailer for 20 years, and clients of mine had both…
Absolutely love these, on my short list of future purchases. I think it really holds up with the E-type inspired design language, and getting a solid wood dash like that in something other than a Rolls is a treat to me. There's still a lot of people out there that appreciate a nice cruiser that gives a smooth but competent ride without all the Nurbergring inspired handling, these are a great way to eat up some miles.
These are GT cars, not sports cars. I don't think that Doug quite got that; ideal for blatting across Europe down to Italy. Glorious car but they do rust. Usual culprits are the rear arches and the sills. Engines can have fragile cam tensioners (plastic) and thermostat housings (also plastic). Nikasil liner problems shouldn't be an issue now with low-sulphur fuel. Most engine issues were fixed 2000 onwards.
This is the Doug I love. This and the BYD review. Supercar and modern luxury car reviews are fun, but I feel you're at your best in these quirkier cars - even when the cars quirkiness comes from context (like the BYD even though it is a modern luxury car) or the fact that this jag is so perfectly preserved
2003-2005 best years for these cars - 4.2 engine, 6 speed ZF, no nikasil cylinder liner issues, no plastic timing chain issues, and the XKRs all have the aluminum thermostat housing/tower so ironically the supercharged ones are probably more reliable, only issue is additional labor hours removing/re-seating all the extra cooling the engine needs when doing more involved service items (heater hoses, belts etc - just did a 40k miles service on mine and those heater hoses are a labor-intensive swine to repair, and getting very brittle now after 22 years)
@@foxtrotwhiskey874 why? my understanding was that the troublesome parts were all off the production line from august 13th 2001 onwards. My 2002 XKR has a plastic tensioner engine... built on aug 1st 2001. FML.
I have an 2001 Anthracite XK8 convertible that still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Ive had it almost 20 years and I absolutely love it.
I still have really good memories of traveling to England to visit my uncle and being picked up in his new XK8 convertible in british racing green. I was around 10 years old at the time. It was the coolest thing and I had to brag about it to all my friends back in Norway 😂
To me I can't get over the fact that it shares design with the Ford Taurus. Same oval rear window. Jaguar died when it was purchased by Ford. Gross. I was driving a "real" Jaguar XJ6 in 1998, made in England, by Jaguar, not by Ford.
I had one of the first XK8s in LA (black on black convertible). Arnold Schwarzenegger chased me down and asked me how he could get one! One of the most beautiful dashboards ever made. I also had both an XKR and a DB7 later on.
@@paulie-Gualtieri. I had 2 of those ('89, '94) and loved them both. I also had a '68 XKE. I used to be a huge Jaguar guy. Can't stand any of them after 2005, though. That's where I got off the bus. I'm all about 911s since then.
@Allen Haines I hear you, I'm the same too, and Mercedes-Benz is the same these days. Had a 1960 XK150 3.8S drophead coupe one of only 64 Right-hand drive models ever made.
Finally: Doug DeMuro reviews my dreamcar 😍 As an 2004 XK8 Coupé owner I totally agree - the coupé is the one to go for! The convertible is everybody's darling, the coupé is the enthusiast's choice. And you perfectly captured the feeling of driving this car: it's all about cruising relaxed and in style! It's all about wood, leather and this silky smooth V8 - this car just makes you feel special - even today! The XK8 is simply the car-love of my life, thanks for this enthusiastic review!
I had an XK8 and its DB7 counterpart in Need for Speed II High Stakes...loved driving in them, although I think the DB7 seemed lighter and more tossable in the game, especially after all the upgrades. I'll never be able to afford either one now 25 years later, depreciation bottomed out awhile back and now they're more desirable and cars from my teenage years are suddenly classics and rising in value. But I digress. Doug seriously was harsh on the styling score, maybe he was averaging the coupe out with the convertible for balance? He likes nice clean flowey curvy lines(he rated the Mazda RX7 highly) and the XK8 fits that criteria even though it's a bit larger and boaty overall....and in black, dark blue or dark green, these(and the similar DB7 colors) these are timeless exterior-wise, they still look modern minus lack of LED lights and the fact they're not an SUV. XD
I own a 2000 XKR coupe in sapphire blue with a tan interior, my dream car for quite a few years too! The smell when you first open the door to get inside.....if you know you know. I could care less if the guy next to me is faster on the road or if the guy in the EV is saving a ton of gas money. Everytime I drive it I'm just the happiest dude around hearing it roar smoothly!
@@goncalogoncalves7888 I agree, I own the same blue xkr coupe (2001) for 6 years now (imported from Japan), and drive it every day. It is still is a headturner. And it's fast, even nowadays, much faster then the xk8. Therefore Doug certainly would give it even a higher score
Had a 2003 XK8 4.2L Convertible, British Racing Green exterior, tan interior Really great looking unique cars, but unless super well cared for, they fall apart and become a heap of junk really fast. Hard to remember every little thing that went wrong with mine in the years I had it (third owner). Cracked leather everywhere, constant battery drain, window regulators that constantly needed to be reset even after being replaced, random engine faults on the dash that would throw the car into limp mode all the time, the rear view mirror fell off the windshield and needed to be remounted, the hazard button literally broke stuck into the dash from being used so much, the cup holders broke because they are flimsy and terrible, the seat motors both died, the latch in the passenger door failed on me and my passenger had to hold the door shut for the drive home, had to replace fuses all the time, and just a few other things. Otherwise a fun car that turned heads at 72k miles lol This one has been truly well cared for.
I had the exact same color and convertible mine was a 1997, interior was immaculate and a beautiful car, It was a total nightmare with exact same faults, it would go into limp mode engine light would come on and off cause all the dumb safety sensors.
Nnaahhh...imma cry. My dad has got an xkr from 98 . He's had it years but hasn't been able to drive it as it broke and got worse after a few months of pleasure. We must get it back on the road . He can't die without having driven his car again. Thank you for the vid Doug.
XKR and XK8 hardtops are top shelf collectible investments. Rare. Exotic but reasonable to maintain. Gorgeous. The 2003 got the improved 4.2 litre and ZF 6 speed while keeping the svelte style. The 2004-2006 got wider body sills and altered grills. So if you want the very best, look for a 2003 XRR hardtop in black. They sold 338 worldwide. I have one!
When the XK8 came out I was struck by its beauty, and I still am. As a child I was transfixed when I saw the Jaguar E type, and I think the heritage of the E type is the source of the XK8's appeal. Thanks for the video
I'm kind of tired of these "Doug is the kind of guy to", but this one.. this one hit home. Yes, Doug IS the kind of guy to have a glove collection in a glovebox.
I might add in the handling, Jaguar are always interesting in that. They don't do a 'hard' suspension like the Germans. They do a progressive suspension, so it starts out comfort and soaks up little bumps etc, But the more you lean into it the more it pushes back and therefore they are surprising good handling when you press on with the speed and cornering.
So true. I’ve had BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, and now Lexus. No one quite matches the ride AND handling balance like Jaguar! One trade-off is the suspension components wear relatively quickly versus the others.
Wish more car manufacturers did this nowadays. Everybody assumes harder suspension = better. Nothing beats a touch softer transmission that you can roll into turns and really transfer the weight in. Best of both worlds of comfort and handling!
I have this EXACT car in Saphire blue with 138k miles on it and mine is a 2000 model year where it had some up grades. I paid $4500.00 for mine and did a carfax and found that it had a BRAND NEW ENGINE INSTALLED BY JAGUAR! So my engine has less than 15k miles! Now for $4500.00 it needed some restoring but that is on thr interior so I've been finishing it on the weekend and modernizing it where needed. They only made less than 5k coupes for America during its entire run. Doug! You made me feel so proud of my purchase.
@Theodore.Frazier I think it did a perfect job of being it's more luxurious and comfortable alternative. The DB7 is just a sportier car, this is more like something you would daily drive.
I agree always liked the C5, I had one myself with the 2.0 140hp. Not a bad car. Especially the ground clearance when in its tallest suspension mode made it very practical.
@@justinkrizenesky Au contraire my friend, they were availible with everything from 1.6 liter petrol engines up to V6 diesels. Never V8s though. V8s are very uncommon in French cars generally, I doubt Citroen has ever made a v8 car at all?
My parents used to work for the NBA Knick player Greg Anthony back in the 90s. And he had a blue convertible version of this XK8. I have been head over heels for that car ever since. One thing though I actually liked the taillight design of the pre-facelift model (like this one has) before they made them jeweled where you can see the bulbs inside. I find the rougher textured look of the older taillights are more elegant and I’m actually happy to see that look making its way back with cars like the current Jeep Wrangler (non LED taillight option), Nissan Altima, and Chevrolet Blazer. The jeweled see-through lens which became popular in the early 2000s to me made the car look cheaper. And speaking of lights, I’m surprised Doug didn’t point out the headlight are made of glass, most cars with combination headlights of this time were plastic even on high-end cars. But in this car I was surprised to see the entire lens that covers not just the headlight but also the turn signal is glass.
I wouldn't be without my 1997 Jag Coupe. (18 Yrs)Stunning luxurious driving experience like no other. One of the nicest body Styles to Grace any highway anywhere! Thanks for the details Doug! Real cool video!
Cool car. Around the 10:30 to 10:45 mark Doug forgot to mention that the automatic transmission is from Mercedes. The black XJ8 on Drivetribe was converted to a manual transmission. And gained 10bhp in the process, as the old automatic sapped that much power. This is one of the cleanest and best looking XK8's I've seen in a while. Black cars are Very HOT in the summer. Thanks.
Just to add a bit more info to that, from 2002 all XK8's had a ZF 6 speed, and the J gate was updated to have 2,3,4,5 selectable, and that gearbox is much more sporty (partly as the car now has 6 gears), and also from 2002 the engine was bored to 4.2 which gave it a bit more power/torque.
Doug is a mind-reader! I've been browsing the classifieds for one of these 1st generation XK's recently, because I believe the time to buy one of these is right now! The design has aged very well indeed, it's a truly beautiful car with those sweeping lines echoing the E-type (which even Enzo Ferrari quoted as being the most beautiful car ever made), yet it's also extremely comfortable with many of the features of much more modern cars. Definitely a modern classic. Yes, it's not that spacious inside. Yes, it wallows and rolls around a bit if you push it. Yes, it's not that quick (by today's standards). But that's missing the point! If you look at the XK as the modern classic it is, it's a beautiful and elegant car designed for driving long distances in absolute comfort and style. It's still an incredibly cool car, which has aged like a fine wine, hence my search for the right one continues...
We had a 1997 XK8 coupe, exactly like the one Tim Allen had in For Richer Or Poorer. Gorgeous and fun car. Timing chains and all were updated at 29k miles, and old components already had cracks in the plastic guide rails and tensioners. Once that preventive bit was done the engine was solid though, and the rest of the car was reasonable considering what a relative exotic it was. Sadly, it was totaled by some klutz in traffic, and another coupe was gone.
This was my dream car in high school. I'll always remember getting stuffed into that joke of a back seat when my dad and I took a test drive at the Jag dealer.
Just one correction Doug. That cylindrical key was not exclusively Jaguar. every European Ford had a key like that. My grandfathers Sierra had the same key 😄
The mini gun equipped XKR convertible used in 'Die Another Day' is in the Jaguar Collection at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, England. There's also a union jack painted 'Shaguar' XK8 as used by Austin Powers.
Solid review of one of my favorites from the mid-90's. I have an old issue of Road & Track covering the XK8 when it was first unveiled (that issue is from 1996, of course. Got it when I was in middle school!), as has been mentioned it truly was a big deal back then. To this day I still think of this model as the understated luxury GT cruiser it was made to be that has stood the test of time style-wise like its predecessor. Compared to overall quality is the difference as the XJ-S has been known for the various issues it was plagued with, the XK8, not so much. Jaguar did a good job on this one indeed.
When these first came out I thought they looked like they were running around on stilts but now I think it was just an optical illusion due to the way the overhangs tapered upwards. They're actually great looking cars.
Always loved these when they came out. Really great and timeless looking car, when I was a kid they just had that cool factor. A neighbor of mine had one and I always thought it just was SO NICE and cool
I had the 1999 Jag XK8 Convertible and I LOVED IT! I would still be driving it today had I not hurt my back and getting in and out was a bit problematic given how low the car rides. But Doug, I personally am loving the hickey you have on your neck. Seems someone got them a little the night before the filming of this video. I love it! You go boy!
Playing Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 as a 10 year old is where I fell in love with Jaguar. The game had an XKR (I think). I've owned 6 Jaguars by far but not any of the XJ coupes. And it's Jag-U-R, not Jag-wahr.
While a bit bulbus, the overall shape of the XK is pleasant. Having seen this car in Need For Speed III and IV, I can't help but feel nostalgic when I see one. Also, special thanks to Jim for letting you review his Jagggg!
Came here to mention the car being prominently featured in NFS III Hot Pursuit...to me as a teenager at the time that was the biggest connection to the car. Surprised Doug didn't mention it speaking about all the hype around the car back in the 90s.
Always liked the J-gate. It was good to use. (Almost never used the left hand side) except it was really convenient to drop to 4th on long downhills. Just knock the lever to the left.
The instrument cluster reminds me a bit of my mom's old 2000's Buick LeSabre in regards to shape, font, and lines. The one very quirkiest thing about this that I wished you touched on because I can't think who else has it, is that the speed increments go by odd numbers. I'm not a big fan when speedometers indicate in 20mph increments, I much prefer 10's, but the XK8 is the most acceptable example version I've seen.
Ahhh the ole 2000 Buick LeSabre, my first car. I wish I still had that boat. I ran that thing harder than it ever should’ve been and that 3800 series 2 took it all. Such a good motor. But yes I was thinking the same thing for the gauge cluster!
The elliptical shape of the dash was in homage to the wing design of the WWII Spitfire, which was manufactured in the same Castle Bromwich factory as the XK8 and XKR. Only 1 out of 9 XK8 and XKRs were coupes.
I think this one was the one to review rather than the XKR with a more generic look. Styling deserved at least a 7. Thanks for reviewing a beautiful car!
My dad had an XJS when this came out, I remember us going to the dealership many times to gawk at it. Got offered a test drive and felt like kings rolling down the road. Some other massively hyped cars of that period were the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster and 996. Personally I'm really starting to warm up to the original Audi TT Coupe.
I have a 1999 xk8, despite popular belief, it is a very reliable car, people in public here in florida appreciate it more than they do supercars even. you see them less often than many and they are an overall a very pretty, human design. in the last year of daily driving, it needed nothing but an alternator in the span of 12,000 miles, however recently it will need a fair amount of money in coolant hose refresh. none of that is particularly “jaguar unreliability” though
@@mikewaite3746 it didn't, but any ajv8 with nikasil lining lasting to this day is fine, the issue was when the cars were new and the composition of fuel was different, any today were either recalled or are ok.
I found funny that Doug mentioned the key as a quirk since it's almost the same as any other Ford of that era. My dad had a 90s Fiesta and it had exactly the same key except for the logo.
Ford of Europe definitely used them, if anything, most of the part sharing in this car is from Ford of Europe as opposed to Ford of America, which is why Doug doesn’t realize that yes, there is indeed a lot of part sharing with Ford.
I'm surprised you didn't mention how the trunk floor slopes downward forwards. I always thought it was kinda neat for some reason, you can assure that all your loose items will be towards the front of the car in the trunk area.
Let's not forget Tom Walkinshaw Racing who massively contributed to birth of this XK and the DB7. Such legends of the 90's with their F1 team and endurance racing success.
My dad had a black on black 1999 XK8 convertible and I can still remember the day he came home with it and called me to come outside. I was absolutely blown away. It was such a ridiculously good looking and cool car at the time. Personally I always preferred the convertible, the coupe always just looked a bit odd to me. The convertible just looked so sexy even with the top up.
I have a 2001 Jaguar XKR that I’m planning to do a full series on cleaning it up and restoring it (but also adding a few modifications to it) this summer. Hopefully I will have a video up this next month as I clean it up and prep it to go over to my mechanic so we can get started diving into it along side my 92 Mercedes Benz 300E 2.6
Drove a used 05 XK8 for 7 years and put 120,000 miles on it without any major issues. Loved that car but got it up to 162,000 so it was time to move on. Swapped it out for a 14 XK and love it. Driving far less these days so I could keep the XK for 20 years and not put the miles on it that I put on the XK8. Highly underrated cars.
The gear selection works differently than what you said: it's a limiter not a manual mode, that's the reason why the first gear is missing. Putting in 2 it will limit the gear to first and second, in 3 up to the third, and so on.
Came here for this, at least in old european automatics thats pretty normal is it? Typically you only had 2 and 3 in say an old passat, but I even learned about it in driving school on how to engage motor brake in an automatic
@@HolgerNestmann you have one gear minus the maximum one: if you have 2 and 3, it means that the gearbox has 4 gears. In my 86 XJ6 there are three gears, so the lever has 1 and 2. I had a 2005 Mercedes CLK with a classic auto gearbox (torque converter) with 5 gears and like this Jag it had 2, 3 and 4 position.
@@patrizio.gagliardi Yep thnks for clarifying. I actually knew this, and was referring to Dougs comment about the 5 gears being novel in 1997. But I didnt make that clear, so thanks for pointing it out
Other than they can cost a fortune to fix and mechanics generally HATE them. I think the word here is "Passion" I just LOVE the Graceful look of the Coupe. I don't like driving around in an Egg on wheels, like most people.. The Jag is one of five in my "Stable" Thanks Again for the info!
This brings back memories! My step dad had a purple 98 convertible and we regularly took it to the alps for family vacation. I will never forgive my mom for splitting up before I was old enough to drive it haha
A lot of those bits you couldn't recognise as coming from 'other' Fords, came from European models. Pre modern decades non-US Fords were very different to the home Fords :-)
Over here in the UK the coupe was far more commonplace than the convertible, despite thr UK being the biggest european market for convertibles. Go figure! They've generally slipped into poor condition and look a bit sad. BUT it has aged well. It appeals more today than it did 5 or 10 years ago 😊
It always struck me as bizarre how the UK is the biggest market for convertibles. I’m an American who has always spent lots of time in England (lots of relatives there) and it’s not exactly a great climate for putting the top down and basking in the sun. You would think the south of France, Spain, Italy or Greece would be full of convertibles.
Beautiful Jag and great car at all. I always like those stuff, when they were new and now. By flow of time their appearance just become more and more gorgeous. And this particular one maybe is the best preserved among all XKs. and by the way, those keys were typical for Europeans Ford model from that era.
I owed a convertible one in 1998. Beautiful car and always got the looks. Not the most reliable, but certainly most beautiful blue exerterior and oatmeal color interior.
I was in my late 20's when this came out and I don't recall any hoopla at all. If anything Jaguar was seen as an old man's car, and this just solidified the image. I doubt my friends and I ever talked about it, certainly none of us aspired to own a late-model Jaguar. Sure it was in magazines, but it didn't excite adults - alternatively it seems to be a cherished childhood memory for Doug and I respect that. What I do recall thinking at the time was wow, that has one hell of a rear overhang!
Spot on, in the States it rarely if ever ended up on “top lists”. It was seen as frumpy and they changed hands often, not to mention depreciation was brutal. Doug just gave it more lip service in 5 minutes than it ever got in period. Now the F-Type - THAT was an actual hype launch.
I was in my mid-teens and even from a Jag family, my best friend and I were totally immersed in the car culture of the day. I remember some hype, a few cover spots on magazines, but I think Doug def over-exaggerated a little. IMO The Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3 and Audi TT were the hype cars of the late 90's.
;My 97 XK8 has been one of the most reliable cars ever! No leaks, nothing. When I drive it, people always smile and wave. It seems to make them happy. Totally beautiful car!
Missed a few quirks: headlight washing robot, radar cruise control in later models, hidden sunglass holder, in car phone with dialing on the radio keys, unlock only with handles on indoor, hidden key access to trunk, autodim rear view mirror, heated mirrors and a few others. Love this car and get compliments almost every day.
Where is the sunglasses holder? I have had mine a few years and have not seen the holder yet but I haven't searched for it either. Maybe it's an option. @@ThinkfreeorDie
I miss Doug climbing into tiny back seats. He should start doing that again.
Reminds me of my 86 1/2 Supra I had through the late 90’s. I always said it sat three. One relatively small adult could turn a bit sideways and be fairly comfortable in the back seat. 😎
@Davis Wall
My father had one too. He loved that car. I learned how to drive manual on it too. As I got older I was the person who had to sit sideways in that rear seat. 😂
Absolutely
how tall is Douglas?
Those were the good old days. Also, he needs to review the Yugo again with his new format.(it's been 6 years since that video dropped). 🤣
Was gorgeous back then and is still incredible looking by modern standards.
That ain't saying much. Cars have looked shit for over 15 years.
the interior is ugly for a car of this caliber
I remember there was one parked near my work back in the day and it looks SO good in the flesh. If I looked at a woman like I ogled that XK8R, I would have deserved a slap in the face...
@@DavidLopez-rk6em They are really well put together though. I think it's this colour combo that lets this example down as I've driven one with a cream and walnut interior and it looked and felt fantastic
@@mattjacomos2795
That's just a hilarious way to put it lmao
Those weird cylindrical keys are actually really common on late 90’s and early 2000’s european ford cars. I had a Mondeo (Contour in the US) with keys like that and I’m pretty sure the Fiesta, Escort and Focus of that era had them too. Fun fact: On most ford cars from that era you use the key to open the hood, There is a keyhole behind the ford badge in the grille. You could flip the Ford logo up to expose the keyhole.
Yeah, my first car was a Ford Fiesta, it had that key.
and those type of keys wear out
Even my Ford Transit from 1990 had that key😂😂
Ford Australia used them on Falcons (and their derivatives) from about 1989 to 2006. They were called a Tibbe lock and were supposedly more secure than a regular key. I assumed Ford in America used them too, but apparently not.
Also, the Renault 16 had a bonnet that opened with a key
@@brandywell44 No they dont... My fiesta was 20 years old and still had that original key working flawlessly...
Always LOVED the look of this car. Super elegant and classy yet somehow aggressive at the same time. Some Jaguar cars are just stunning (XJ-220, XJR-15, XK8)
☝️☝️C0NGRATUIATl0N FAN, l HAVE GlFT 🎁 F0R Y0U
Omggg let me sleep with you
Speaking of aggressive, I hate that Doug didn't capture the iconic Jaguar exhaust note of this era. This car in particular had a really great sounding exhaust, you could even capture the essence of it whenever it was filmed in movies. My '03 e46 330i sounded similarly to it, but Jag's had that great sounding OEM sound that couldn't be replicated, hands down.
Yes it has that rare skill of blending both masculine and feminine. Genius.
1. Yes, we do turn the traction off, & they do great burnouts..
2. We do use the J-Gate, both to accelerate, decelerate, & when going down steep hills.
3. I`m glad you acknowledge the fact that its not supposed to be a 911 challenger (although the XKR will keep up surprisingly well in many circumstances), it supposed to be a relaxing, comfortable Merc SL challenger that will drive you 500 miles in 1 hit & you get out feeling great. The fact they are valued higher than the SL in Germany, should tell you something about them..
This is my favorite XK generation. The looks of these have definitely aged very well. You can put it in any environment and it would look fantastic moving or sitting still.
This was always my favorite jaguar until the F-type came along. I still love this car though.
Disagree, that generation has some troubles with rear, rear bumper styling, but next one gen, especially some of first xkr's are best looking cars on earth. Still 2000 and around of is a great era ( second Mercedes CL etc)
2nd gen is better looking
@@Psych0technic I vehemently disagree. The second gen hasn't aged nearly as well. It's not ugly by any means, but this looks classic while the second gen definitely looks dated.
@@ThinkfreeorDie seen the second gen couple of days ago, beautiful, well proportioned, elegant car. Doesn't look very dated to me. Looks more chiseled and athletic than the original.
The 'weird' key was a Ford Europe design. It was used in Ford Europe products for a very long time.
yep, we had two different Escorts, same key. you can unlock literally every Ford Europe (and Ford Europe owned) cars with a single key.
I'm sure the Key finds Doug 'Weird' too
I think he has reviewed a Jaguar with that kind of key before. I've forgotten which one, but it was a sedan. I think the quirk is worth mentioning again to him.
Which worn out on most cars to the point you could open the lock with almost anything.
@@damilolaakanni
All Jaguars from 1989 onwards used this style of key, before the advent of keyless entry and Ignition. Doug knows Jack about cars sometimes.
He missed the ultimate quirk! The wooden dash is shaped like the wings of the Spitfire as the car was built in the plant that used to build Spitfire planes in England during the war.
Wow, now there's a truly obscure quirk. I love it!
Nice one!
NOT built in the same factory, built in the same town, "Coventry" England.
Isn't Castle Bromwich in Birmingham with the spitfire roundabout right outside the factory.
Yes, Castle Bromwich is in Birmingham, It was where the body was pressed before being shipped to Browns Lane Coventry where the vehicle was assembled alongside the XJ.@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234
I think that is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. I miss my 1998 XK8 convertible.
The J gate limits how high the transmission shifts. If you put it in 3 it’ll start in first, shift through the gears and stop in third. It’s pretty cool for in town driving.
☝️☝️☝️C0NGRATUIATl0N FAN, l HAVE GlFT 🎁 F0R Y0U
Its primary use is for driving in the mountains, limiting the upshift will let you use the engine to limit your speed going downhill.
How exactly is that “cool” for driving in town? It’s for downhill engine braking.
@@VideoAmericanStyle you can leave it in 2, 3, or 4 for around town driving, your car doesn’t shift past the selected gear. Much more lively than when it shifts into 5th/ overdrive and you’re driving 35 mph.
@@derekl444 “lively”? It just wastes fuel to ride around in a higher gear than necessary. If you need to quickly accelerate, your transmission will downshift for you…
The story of the XK8 / DB7 relationship is actually more interesting than Doug tells it. Jaguar had been working on an F-type replacement to the XJS throughout the 1980s, but Ford killed it as production costs would have been huge and Jaguar had just lost money on the disappointing XJ220 launch and prioritized a generation of the XJ sedan. Jaguar's racing partner TWR had been involved in the F-type's development, and pitched a cheaper, simplified version of the concept using mostly XJS underpinnings to Aston Martin, who wanted a new coupe but had no money. When Jaguar saw the DB7 they realized their oversight, and rapidly developed the XK8 from the same platform. So a Jaguar, became an Aston, which became a Jaguar.
And while Jeremy Clarkson praises the DB7 of this era as beautiful ... to me the XK8 is prettier. ... both inside and outside.
Sounds like England up the apple and pears to the smith and Weston
@@garthharpole6369it had to be a success or the workers would be claiming the mouse and mole!
I think it's interesting how this worked out at well. The DB7 was definitely the sportier more engaging and exotic approach to this type of car, while the Jaguar was definitely the smoother, more relaxing and luxurious take on it.
@@benpenagonzales6014
and maybe turning to Aristotles of ping-ping tiddly to put a roof on their Chevvy.
I love how these look. I've got one of those 97 DB7s and it and the XK8 still look fantastic today. They're just crossing that line of looking classic and not just older versions of modern design. I drive mine to the office twice a week and it's holding up so far!
They still look fantastic today, but the DB7 is a far better looking car in my book. I bet they fetch a good price, too.
I totally agree. I've actually seen a couple XK8s in the wild recently, and I had to stop and stare. Mainly because I was amazed they were running, but also because I think they still look beautiful. The styling is getting dated, but as Doug said, not in a bad way. It looks its era, but it still looks damn good.
I wish the XK was offered with the DB7 inline six. The XK is such a great homage (styling wise) to the E-type. I could put up with an automatic... But I've driven that V8 and it's just... Not... Anything... Worth driving....
The only problem with the design was that Sir Ian Callum used it for every single English sports car and GT of that era.
The DB7 is a better interpretation and distinctively Aston… I like how the doors scissor ever so slightly, the push button gear selection on the dash, and it’s very distinct sound. I was a pro detailer for 20 years, and clients of mine had both…
Absolutely love these, on my short list of future purchases. I think it really holds up with the E-type inspired design language, and getting a solid wood dash like that in something other than a Rolls is a treat to me. There's still a lot of people out there that appreciate a nice cruiser that gives a smooth but competent ride without all the Nurbergring inspired handling, these are a great way to eat up some miles.
These are GT cars, not sports cars.
I don't think that Doug quite got that; ideal for blatting across Europe down to Italy.
Glorious car but they do rust. Usual culprits are the rear arches and the sills.
Engines can have fragile cam tensioners (plastic) and thermostat housings (also plastic).
Nikasil liner problems shouldn't be an issue now with low-sulphur fuel.
Most engine issues were fixed 2000 onwards.
I have one, it has some rust, and 170k miles, but it does drive magnificently.
One of the most beautiful cars of that era, absolutely gorgeous and iconic design.
Yeah I'd say it's timeless.
This is the Doug I love. This and the BYD review. Supercar and modern luxury car reviews are fun, but I feel you're at your best in these quirkier cars - even when the cars quirkiness comes from context (like the BYD even though it is a modern luxury car) or the fact that this jag is so perfectly preserved
I agree! I wish more people watched, but the fact that we can tie them into auctions has made them worth doing again. It's wonderful!
@@DougDeMuro Happy Ramadhan 2023, Demuro san!
I had an XKR in that model, a 2005 version. Great car! Loved it! I did 200.000Km with it.
No problems what so ever.
2003-2005 best years for these cars - 4.2 engine, 6 speed ZF, no nikasil cylinder liner issues, no plastic timing chain issues, and the XKRs all have the aluminum thermostat housing/tower so ironically the supercharged ones are probably more reliable, only issue is additional labor hours removing/re-seating all the extra cooling the engine needs when doing more involved service items (heater hoses, belts etc - just did a 40k miles service on mine and those heater hoses are a labor-intensive swine to repair, and getting very brittle now after 22 years)
@@throwback19841 agree.
post 2004 are the model years to get, pre 2003 are ticking time bombs.
@@foxtrotwhiskey874 why? my understanding was that the troublesome parts were all off the production line from august 13th 2001 onwards. My 2002 XKR has a plastic tensioner engine... built on aug 1st 2001. FML.
I'm glad you're still keeping up the 90's cars. Keep them coming!
Only 90s kids will remember
I’m still waiting for him to review an 850R
@@jrc3757 me too one of them remembered those cars from PS1 Racing Games.
@@purwantiallan5089 Gran turismo was in any ps1 those days! Amazing game, GT2 was a lot of fun too
I have an 2001 Anthracite XK8 convertible that still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Ive had it almost 20 years and I absolutely love it.
I still have really good memories of traveling to England to visit my uncle and being picked up in his new XK8 convertible in british racing green. I was around 10 years old at the time. It was the coolest thing and I had to brag about it to all my friends back in Norway 😂
Imagine how cool this car must have been in the 90s . Still is
Meh, I was 30 when this came out, and I don’t remember much hype around it. I’ll take Doug’s word for it, but…
To me I can't get over the fact that it shares design with the Ford Taurus. Same oval rear window. Jaguar died when it was purchased by Ford. Gross. I was driving a "real" Jaguar XJ6 in 1998, made in England, by Jaguar, not by Ford.
@Justinian Yi oh wow didnt now that
@Justinian Yi XJR15 Sedan also based on this actually.
@@currentsupply i remembered this XK8 on GRAN TURISMO 2. My another alltime masterpiece racing game.
I had one of the first XK8s in LA (black on black convertible). Arnold Schwarzenegger chased me down and asked me how he could get one! One of the most beautiful dashboards ever made. I also had both an XKR and a DB7 later on.
Say thank you to the XJS which underpinned both cars. 👍
@@paulie-Gualtieri. I had 2 of those ('89, '94) and loved them both. I also had a '68 XKE. I used to be a huge Jaguar guy. Can't stand any of them after 2005, though. That's where I got off the bus. I'm all about 911s since then.
@Allen Haines
I hear you, I'm the same too, and Mercedes-Benz is the same these days. Had a 1960 XK150 3.8S drophead coupe one of only 64 Right-hand drive models ever made.
Dashboard was so cool. It really bothered me when they replaced the gauges in the center with a nav screen in the later years.
So, Ah-nuld thought you were a hispanic housemaid?
Finally: Doug DeMuro reviews my dreamcar 😍 As an 2004 XK8 Coupé owner I totally agree - the coupé is the one to go for! The convertible is everybody's darling, the coupé is the enthusiast's choice. And you perfectly captured the feeling of driving this car: it's all about cruising relaxed and in style! It's all about wood, leather and this silky smooth V8 - this car just makes you feel special - even today! The XK8 is simply the car-love of my life, thanks for this enthusiastic review!
you own a piece of fine art
I had an XK8 and its DB7 counterpart in Need for Speed II High Stakes...loved driving in them, although I think the DB7 seemed lighter and more tossable in the game, especially after all the upgrades. I'll never be able to afford either one now 25 years later, depreciation bottomed out awhile back and now they're more desirable and cars from my teenage years are suddenly classics and rising in value. But I digress. Doug seriously was harsh on the styling score, maybe he was averaging the coupe out with the convertible for balance? He likes nice clean flowey curvy lines(he rated the Mazda RX7 highly) and the XK8 fits that criteria even though it's a bit larger and boaty overall....and in black, dark blue or dark green, these(and the similar DB7 colors) these are timeless exterior-wise, they still look modern minus lack of LED lights and the fact they're not an SUV. XD
I own a 2000 XKR coupe in sapphire blue with a tan interior, my dream car for quite a few years too! The smell when you first open the door to get inside.....if you know you know. I could care less if the guy next to me is faster on the road or if the guy in the EV is saving a ton of gas money. Everytime I drive it I'm just the happiest dude around hearing it roar smoothly!
To this day, they are still beautiful!
@@goncalogoncalves7888 I agree, I own the same blue xkr coupe (2001) for 6 years now (imported from Japan), and drive it every day. It is still is a headturner. And it's fast, even nowadays, much faster then the xk8. Therefore Doug certainly would give it even a higher score
Had a 2003 XK8 4.2L Convertible, British Racing Green exterior, tan interior
Really great looking unique cars, but unless super well cared for, they fall apart and become a heap of junk really fast. Hard to remember every little thing that went wrong with mine in the years I had it (third owner). Cracked leather everywhere, constant battery drain, window regulators that constantly needed to be reset even after being replaced, random engine faults on the dash that would throw the car into limp mode all the time, the rear view mirror fell off the windshield and needed to be remounted, the hazard button literally broke stuck into the dash from being used so much, the cup holders broke because they are flimsy and terrible, the seat motors both died, the latch in the passenger door failed on me and my passenger had to hold the door shut for the drive home, had to replace fuses all the time, and just a few other things. Otherwise a fun car that turned heads at 72k miles lol
This one has been truly well cared for.
Lol, seems like an annoying nightmare
I had the exact same color and convertible mine was a 1997, interior was immaculate and a beautiful car, It was a total nightmare with exact same faults, it would go into limp mode engine light would come on and off cause all the dumb safety sensors.
Bought the convertible model new. Loved it. Very comfortable. Zero problems for the three years I had it.
Nnaahhh...imma cry. My dad has got an xkr from 98 . He's had it years but hasn't been able to drive it as it broke and got worse after a few months of pleasure. We must get it back on the road . He can't die without having driven his car again. Thank you for the vid Doug.
Alas…….it’s a Jag.
XKR and XK8 hardtops are top shelf collectible investments. Rare. Exotic but reasonable to maintain. Gorgeous.
The 2003 got the improved 4.2 litre and ZF 6 speed while keeping the svelte style. The 2004-2006 got wider body sills and altered grills. So if you want the very best, look for a 2003 XRR hardtop in black. They sold 338 worldwide.
I have one!
i have a 2002 xkr coupe in zircon metallic!
936off XKR 4.2 Coupes were made in 2003. Probably only 338 left though! I have one too!
When the XK8 came out I was struck by its beauty, and I still am. As a child I was transfixed when I saw the Jaguar E type, and I think the heritage of the E type is the source of the XK8's appeal.
Thanks for the video
☝️☝️C0NGRATUIATl0N FAN, l HAVE GlFT 🎁 F0R Y0U
Yeah I can actually see more original e-type in it's design than the f-type, which I also think looks great.
@@jjay350 I see it as a reimagined E type.
I’ve always liked how regular Jags of that era had green badges but the supercharged / R versions had red badges
I think this design is aging so well honestly! Timeless proportions and great styling
Doug is the kind of guy to have a glove collection in a glovebox.
😭😭😭😭
Dude. Why.
I'm kind of tired of these "Doug is the kind of guy to", but this one.. this one hit home.
Yes, Doug IS the kind of guy to have a glove collection in a glovebox.
@@gunnarmh and THIS is my special glove because I use it to wash off muck from the mudguards.
Doug is the type of guy to get sponsored by Flow Bee
I might add in the handling, Jaguar are always interesting in that. They don't do a 'hard' suspension like the Germans. They do a progressive suspension, so it starts out comfort and soaks up little bumps etc, But the more you lean into it the more it pushes back and therefore they are surprising good handling when you press on with the speed and cornering.
So true. I’ve had BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, and now Lexus. No one quite matches the ride AND handling balance like Jaguar! One trade-off is the suspension components wear relatively quickly versus the others.
Wish more car manufacturers did this nowadays. Everybody assumes harder suspension = better. Nothing beats a touch softer transmission that you can roll into turns and really transfer the weight in. Best of both worlds of comfort and handling!
I had a 1994 XJ6 and it was the best handling sedan I've ever owned. Was such a surprisingly good drivers car
I've got a '90 Sovereign. When it runs the ride is incredible.
I have this EXACT car in Saphire blue with 138k miles on it and mine is a 2000 model year where it had some up grades. I paid $4500.00 for mine and did a carfax and found that it had a BRAND NEW ENGINE INSTALLED BY JAGUAR! So my engine has less than 15k miles! Now for $4500.00 it needed some restoring but that is on thr interior so I've been finishing it on the weekend and modernizing it where needed. They only made less than 5k coupes for America during its entire run. Doug! You made me feel so proud of my purchase.
I love the XK8. Such a beautiful, sporty but elegant car. This is peak 90's car design. Hasn't aged one bit in my opinion.
@Theodore.Frazier I think it did a perfect job of being it's more luxurious and comfortable alternative. The DB7 is just a sportier car, this is more like something you would daily drive.
These old Jaguars are really cool. Man, the 90s were awesome
One of my NFS dream cars, with the C5 and Diablo 6.0. Never meet your heroes, but I LOVE these. Thanks Doug!
NFS 3. Yes
I agree always liked the C5, I had one myself with the 2.0 140hp. Not a bad car. Especially the ground clearance when in its tallest suspension mode made it very practical.
@@GoldenCroc I have no idea what you are talking about? C5's all came with a 5.7, 345, 350, 385, or 405 hp V8?
@@justinkrizenesky Au contraire my friend, they were availible with everything from 1.6 liter petrol engines up to V6 diesels. Never V8s though. V8s are very uncommon in French cars generally, I doubt Citroen has ever made a v8 car at all?
@@GoldenCroc Corvette C5... You thought there was ever a NFS game with a Citroën C5??
One of the Most Beautiful Cars ever made.. ❤
This continued the E-type, and nothing can live up to the E-type's design. I'll have to disagree with you.
@@groundedgaming that’s fine E-Type is also one of the most beautiful cars ever made…along with Ferrari 250 GTO and many others
The only best thing that Ford did to these brands, but later started copying their designs
Agreed!
@@vb2388 i mean, the XK8 can be dated
My parents used to work for the NBA Knick player Greg Anthony back in the 90s. And he had a blue convertible version of this XK8. I have been head over heels for that car ever since.
One thing though I actually liked the taillight design of the pre-facelift model (like this one has) before they made them jeweled where you can see the bulbs inside. I find the rougher textured look of the older taillights are more elegant and I’m actually happy to see that look making its way back with cars like the current Jeep Wrangler (non LED taillight option), Nissan Altima, and Chevrolet Blazer. The jeweled see-through lens which became popular in the early 2000s to me made the car look cheaper.
And speaking of lights, I’m surprised Doug didn’t point out the headlight are made of glass, most cars with combination headlights of this time were plastic even on high-end cars. But in this car I was surprised to see the entire lens that covers not just the headlight but also the turn signal is glass.
I wouldn't be without my 1997 Jag Coupe. (18 Yrs)Stunning luxurious driving experience like no other. One of the nicest body Styles to Grace any highway anywhere! Thanks for the details Doug! Real cool video!
Cool car. Around the 10:30 to 10:45 mark Doug forgot to mention that the automatic transmission is from Mercedes. The black XJ8 on Drivetribe was converted to a manual transmission. And gained 10bhp in the process, as the old automatic sapped that much power. This is one of the cleanest and best looking XK8's I've seen in a while. Black cars are Very HOT in the summer. Thanks.
Only the xkr had the mercedes gearbox. This one has a zf.
Is "project Jaaaaaaaag" still going on? It's been forever since the last video
Just to add a bit more info to that, from 2002 all XK8's had a ZF 6 speed, and the J gate was updated to have 2,3,4,5 selectable, and that gearbox is much more sporty (partly as the car now has 6 gears), and also from 2002 the engine was bored to 4.2 which gave it a bit more power/torque.
@@caliwator I believe the ZF transmission came in 2003
@@upssidep9283 yeah the 6 speed came around 2003 for all models. But the non R had a 5 speed zf prior for that
I fell in love with this car when I saw it in the movie "Memento". Thanks for the detailed review of this, Doug.
Spotted one of these last week, and honestly, this is an underrated Jaguar now!!
The mid-90s and early-00s are favorite generation of cars.
They have the perfect blend of analog and modern.
100% agree! Will go down in history as the sweet spot for the ICE I believe
@@hellogoato That and the 00's-early 10's. By the late 10's cars were getting too electronic and complicated.
Doug is a mind-reader! I've been browsing the classifieds for one of these 1st generation XK's recently, because I believe the time to buy one of these is right now! The design has aged very well indeed, it's a truly beautiful car with those sweeping lines echoing the E-type (which even Enzo Ferrari quoted as being the most beautiful car ever made), yet it's also extremely comfortable with many of the features of much more modern cars. Definitely a modern classic.
Yes, it's not that spacious inside. Yes, it wallows and rolls around a bit if you push it. Yes, it's not that quick (by today's standards). But that's missing the point!
If you look at the XK as the modern classic it is, it's a beautiful and elegant car designed for driving long distances in absolute comfort and style. It's still an incredibly cool car, which has aged like a fine wine, hence my search for the right one continues...
Stuart, you have the body of a goddess
We had a 1997 XK8 coupe, exactly like the one Tim Allen had in For Richer Or Poorer. Gorgeous and fun car. Timing chains and all were updated at 29k miles, and old components already had cracks in the plastic guide rails and tensioners. Once that preventive bit was done the engine was solid though, and the rest of the car was reasonable considering what a relative exotic it was. Sadly, it was totaled by some klutz in traffic, and another coupe was gone.
I love these retro reviews 90s-early 00s is my favorite automotive time period
This was my dream car in high school. I'll always remember getting stuffed into that joke of a back seat when my dad and I took a test drive at the Jag dealer.
Just one correction Doug. That cylindrical key was not exclusively Jaguar. every European Ford had a key like that. My grandfathers Sierra had the same key 😄
I was absolutely in love with this car in '97... reminded me of the Taurus... which i also loved 😘
The mini gun equipped XKR convertible used in 'Die Another Day' is in the Jaguar Collection at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, England. There's also a union jack painted 'Shaguar' XK8 as used by Austin Powers.
Solid review of one of my favorites from the mid-90's. I have an old issue of Road & Track covering the XK8 when it was first unveiled (that issue is from 1996, of course. Got it when I was in middle school!), as has been mentioned it truly was a big deal back then. To this day I still think of this model as the understated luxury GT cruiser it was made to be that has stood the test of time style-wise like its predecessor. Compared to overall quality is the difference as the XJ-S has been known for the various issues it was plagued with, the XK8, not so much. Jaguar did a good job on this one indeed.
I really appreciate Doug keeping track of the quality of turn signals and wiper stalks in these cars lmao
When these first came out I thought they looked like they were running around on stilts but now I think it was just an optical illusion due to the way the overhangs tapered upwards. They're actually great looking cars.
This is what a Jaguar should look like, both inside and out. I'd rather drive this than anything Jaguar currently makes.
I drove an XKR on the turnpike in Dallas... got it up to 147 without much fuss before I slowed it down
Always loved these when they came out. Really great and timeless looking car, when I was a kid they just had that cool factor. A neighbor of mine had one and I always thought it just was SO NICE and cool
Doug the kind of guy whose most reliable car is a Ford GT.
well, homie still has that land cruiser 🤔
Is this hate or jealousy?
Doug needs a chevy
He has an E450
Doug won't bash cars selling on his auction site.
Beautiful car. I had a 98 Jaguar xk8 about 20 years ago. Brings back a lot of memories.
It´s a beautiful design, those clean lines and nice proportions will always look great. I imagine many of nowadays cars gonna age like those 80s cars.
I had the 1999 Jag XK8 Convertible and I LOVED IT! I would still be driving it today had I not hurt my back and getting in and out was a bit problematic given how low the car rides. But Doug, I personally am loving the hickey you have on your neck. Seems someone got them a little the night before the filming of this video. I love it! You go boy!
Playing Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 as a 10 year old is where I fell in love with Jaguar. The game had an XKR (I think). I've owned 6 Jaguars by far but not any of the XJ coupes.
And it's Jag-U-R, not Jag-wahr.
While a bit bulbus, the overall shape of the XK is pleasant. Having seen this car in Need For Speed III and IV, I can't help but feel nostalgic when I see one. Also, special thanks to Jim for letting you review his Jagggg!
Where is it bulbous? It's smooth and lean
Came here to mention the car being prominently featured in NFS III Hot Pursuit...to me as a teenager at the time that was the biggest connection to the car. Surprised Doug didn't mention it speaking about all the hype around the car back in the 90s.
The side profile gives me a Mark IV Toyota Supra vibe, especially being a 90s car
Hell yeah. NFS 3 made me fall in love with this as a kid
Always liked the J-gate. It was good to use. (Almost never used the left hand side) except it was really convenient to drop to 4th on long downhills. Just knock the lever to the left.
The instrument cluster reminds me a bit of my mom's old 2000's Buick LeSabre in regards to shape, font, and lines. The one very quirkiest thing about this that I wished you touched on because I can't think who else has it, is that the speed increments go by odd numbers. I'm not a big fan when speedometers indicate in 20mph increments, I much prefer 10's, but the XK8 is the most acceptable example version I've seen.
Ahhh the ole 2000 Buick LeSabre, my first car. I wish I still had that boat. I ran that thing harder than it ever should’ve been and that 3800 series 2 took it all. Such a good motor. But yes I was thinking the same thing for the gauge cluster!
Saw this car in Memento and been in love ever since. Also, in Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit!
what with other cool/more reliable options.
Yooo Doug actually reviewing my type of cars and not boring new ones 🍿🍿🍿
The elliptical shape of the dash was in homage to the wing design of the WWII Spitfire, which was manufactured in the same Castle Bromwich factory as the XK8 and XKR. Only 1 out of 9 XK8 and XKRs were coupes.
The XK's were assembled in Browns Lane Coventry, the body shell only, was fabricated at CB then shipped to Coventry.
I think this one was the one to review rather than the XKR with a more generic look. Styling deserved at least a 7. Thanks for reviewing a beautiful car!
One thing most car people can agree on; Jags are gorgeous cars!
nah
@@ksawiprod9140 you probably like subarus
Except the XJS
I like the XKR, dopey face with nice sound
It’s a turd
It is one of the most beautiful cars ever created, park it next to anything an it always look classy. I am getting one for sure, but probably the XKR.
My dad had an XJS when this came out, I remember us going to the dealership many times to gawk at it. Got offered a test drive and felt like kings rolling down the road. Some other massively hyped cars of that period were the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster and 996. Personally I'm really starting to warm up to the original Audi TT Coupe.
I have a 1999 xk8, despite popular belief, it is a very reliable car, people in public here in florida appreciate it more than they do supercars even. you see them less often than many and they are an overall a very pretty, human design. in the last year of daily driving, it needed nothing but an alternator in the span of 12,000 miles, however recently it will need a fair amount of money in coolant hose refresh. none of that is particularly “jaguar unreliability” though
The only problem you got to make sure it had the nickelsil engine recall...
@@mikewaite3746 it didn't, but any ajv8 with nikasil lining lasting to this day is fine, the issue was when the cars were new and the composition of fuel was different, any today were either recalled or are ok.
I found funny that Doug mentioned the key as a quirk since it's almost the same as any other Ford of that era. My dad had a 90s Fiesta and it had exactly the same key except for the logo.
Ford of Europe definitely used them, if anything, most of the part sharing in this car is from Ford of Europe as opposed to Ford of America, which is why Doug doesn’t realize that yes, there is indeed a lot of part sharing with Ford.
Since when did Doug stop trying to get in the back seats of coupes ?
I had a 2000 XKR Coupe. It was FAST and FABULOUS. I wish I still had it. It's one of the few cars I regret selling.
One of my favorite cars, looks great in metallic purple.
NOTHING looks great in metalic purple
Doug the kind of guy who makes The Pontiac Aztek look handsome.
I'm surprised you didn't mention how the trunk floor slopes downward forwards. I always thought it was kinda neat for some reason, you can assure that all your loose items will be towards the front of the car in the trunk area.
Hey man, there's Cars and Bids to plug and parking-brake operation to marvel over. There's only so much time!
Wouldn't it be better if it was opposite? Then you wouldn't have to reach so far to get to your stuff.
@@JaredConnell The car really ain't that big. Even if you're short, it's not really a problem in this car.
I'm more surprised that he didn't mention about the interior door handles. You push it inward and it locks the car.
Like a fine wine.
Better with age.
I love when an owner really takes great care of their car. That engine bay is sooooo nice! Credit to Jim from Idaho.
that wood interior on the shifter, wheel, dash and doors are amazing
Let's not forget Tom Walkinshaw Racing who massively contributed to birth of this XK and the DB7. Such legends of the 90's with their F1 team and endurance racing success.
Yes the db7 build process was a partnership between twr, jaguarsport and aston martin.
I made the seatbelts for the XK8, thats my claim to fame #TRW
My dad had a black on black 1999 XK8 convertible and I can still remember the day he came home with it and called me to come outside. I was absolutely blown away. It was such a ridiculously good looking and cool car at the time. Personally I always preferred the convertible, the coupe always just looked a bit odd to me. The convertible just looked so sexy even with the top up.
I have a 2001 Jaguar XKR that I’m planning to do a full series on cleaning it up and restoring it (but also adding a few modifications to it) this summer. Hopefully I will have a video up this next month as I clean it up and prep it to go over to my mechanic so we can get started diving into it along side my 92 Mercedes Benz 300E 2.6
Drove a used 05 XK8 for 7 years and put 120,000 miles on it without any major issues. Loved that car but got it up to 162,000 so it was time to move on. Swapped it out for a 14 XK and love it. Driving far less these days so I could keep the XK for 20 years and not put the miles on it that I put on the XK8. Highly underrated cars.
Daily driver?
@@ricardoferreira2038 Yes, both the XK8 and my current XK were and are my daily drivers.
@@locust0311 that’s great, you really enjoyed it. What car do you use now?
@@ricardoferreira2038 The XK
@@locust0311 great, you are blessed, enjoy it.
The gear selection works differently than what you said: it's a limiter not a manual mode, that's the reason why the first gear is missing. Putting in 2 it will limit the gear to first and second, in 3 up to the third, and so on.
Came here for this, at least in old european automatics thats pretty normal is it? Typically you only had 2 and 3 in say an old passat, but I even learned about it in driving school on how to engage motor brake in an automatic
@@HolgerNestmann you have one gear minus the maximum one: if you have 2 and 3, it means that the gearbox has 4 gears. In my 86 XJ6 there are three gears, so the lever has 1 and 2. I had a 2005 Mercedes CLK with a classic auto gearbox (torque converter) with 5 gears and like this Jag it had 2, 3 and 4 position.
@@patrizio.gagliardi Yep thnks for clarifying. I actually knew this, and was referring to Dougs comment about the 5 gears being novel in 1997. But I didnt make that clear, so thanks for pointing it out
@@HolgerNestmann for what I remember, dunno in the US but in Eu the BMW series 3 and 5 featured a 5 speed ZF automatic in 1991.
Actually, First gear is only used in sport mode. So, if you are in normal mode, and you select Second gear, then it will hold Second gear.
Other than they can cost a fortune to fix and mechanics generally HATE them. I think the word here is "Passion" I just LOVE the Graceful look of the Coupe. I don't like driving around in an Egg on wheels, like most people.. The Jag is one of five in my "Stable" Thanks Again for the info!
This brings back memories! My step dad had a purple 98 convertible and we regularly took it to the alps for family vacation.
I will never forgive my mom for splitting up before I was old enough to drive it haha
I’ve been waiting for Doug to review and XK8! One of my all time favorite Jaguars
I love driving my 97 convertible on a beautiful day
same!
A lot of those bits you couldn't recognise as coming from 'other' Fords, came from European models. Pre modern decades non-US Fords were very different to the home Fords :-)
Over here in the UK the coupe was far more commonplace than the convertible, despite thr UK being the biggest european market for convertibles. Go figure!
They've generally slipped into poor condition and look a bit sad. BUT it has aged well. It appeals more today than it did 5 or 10 years ago 😊
It always struck me as bizarre how the UK is the biggest market for convertibles. I’m an American who has always spent lots of time in England (lots of relatives there) and it’s not exactly a great climate for putting the top down and basking in the sun. You would think the south of France, Spain, Italy or Greece would be full of convertibles.
Agreed. Most of the ones in the UK that I see have paint that looks like it has been polished with sandpaper.
@@jamesrobert4106 probably indicative of the level of care and maintenance given to them :(
@@Mike-rk8px to be fair in hot countries you want a roof and the AC on. Or youre going to get sun stroke pretty fast.
Beautiful Jag and great car at all. I always like those stuff, when they were new and now. By flow of time their appearance just become more and more gorgeous. And this particular one maybe is the best preserved among all XKs. and by the way, those keys were typical for Europeans Ford model from that era.
As the owner of a similar vintage XJ8, Doug's commentary is spot-on!
I owed a convertible one in 1998. Beautiful car and always got the looks. Not the most reliable, but certainly most beautiful blue exerterior and oatmeal color interior.
NOOOO I WAS GONNA BUY ONE! if the prices go up because of you doug, i’m gonna give you a quirky broken arm
THIS... is the doug effect
annoying doug effect, lucky i got mine before all the car youtubers picked up on it
I drove this car extensively in Need For Speed III back in the late 90s/early 2000s. Still one of the best cars in the game.
I was in my late 20's when this came out and I don't recall any hoopla at all. If anything Jaguar was seen as an old man's car, and this just solidified the image. I doubt my friends and I ever talked about it, certainly none of us aspired to own a late-model Jaguar. Sure it was in magazines, but it didn't excite adults - alternatively it seems to be a cherished childhood memory for Doug and I respect that. What I do recall thinking at the time was wow, that has one hell of a rear overhang!
I agree... I'm 52 yrs old and do not remember anyone really raving, or lusting after one of these.
Spot on, in the States it rarely if ever ended up on “top lists”. It was seen as frumpy and they changed hands often, not to mention depreciation was brutal. Doug just gave it more lip service in 5 minutes than it ever got in period. Now the F-Type - THAT was an actual hype launch.
I was in my mid-teens and even from a Jag family, my best friend and I were totally immersed in the car culture of the day. I remember some hype, a few cover spots on magazines, but I think Doug def over-exaggerated a little. IMO The Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3 and Audi TT were the hype cars of the late 90's.
It was a car for orthodontists.
;My 97 XK8 has been one of the most reliable cars ever! No leaks, nothing. When I drive it, people always smile and wave. It seems to make them happy. Totally beautiful car!
Missed a few quirks: headlight washing robot, radar cruise control in later models, hidden sunglass holder, in car phone with dialing on the radio keys, unlock only with handles on indoor, hidden key access to trunk, autodim rear view mirror, heated mirrors and a few others. Love this car and get compliments almost every day.
I've owned mine for a year and literally not found that sunglasses holder a month ago.
Where is the sunglasses holder? I have had mine a few years and have not seen the holder yet but I haven't searched for it either. Maybe it's an option. @@ThinkfreeorDie
Also turn key on while holding the clear trip button and the speedo shows the engine VIN And so many others!
The dashboard is the silhouette of the spitfire fighter plane wing. The seats are from Lear company as in Lear jets.