Jaguar XK

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The XK is the best bargain supercar around – full stop. And if Jaguar had called this the F-Type from the outset, we’d all be snapping one up at these prices… While the XK8 was good – never more so than after 2002 – it was too closely related to the ageing XJ-S for comfort, so when Jaguar started with virtually a clean sheet, the result was something that looked sharper, drove much better and offered more practicality. Gone was the old steel body, succeeded by an aluminium alternative. With a snarling V8 and rocket-ship performance from the XKR, the fabulous looking XK is an undisputed classic.

Driving

Compared to an XK8 (which evolved into a fine GT), XK is a whole new ball game with a fine ride/handling balance; CATS adaptive suspension, is fitted to the majority. Unless you’re a speed freak, an XKR seems a bit pointless (especially if you opt for a 5-litre variant) although the blistering fast XKR-S will enjoy classic status. Yes the F-Type is wonderful and yet it’s not a huge advance on the XK which at least have a roomy cockpit and some semblance of practicality, particularly the coupé with its E-type style rear hatch. It’s the closest Jaguar has come to reinventing the E-type, and that includes the F-Type.

Values

XKs are quickly still depreciating as rapidly as they move – so the newer the car the more it’s going to shed value; best buys are the launch models even if later XKs are nicer. The trade ‘books’ cars from just £10,000, unbelievable value even if you add some £2500 more for a convertible, which is roughly what a XKR coupé retails for. The most costly cats are the 5.0-litre models, but even 11-plate cars can be picked up for around £20,000 at a specialist – which is a third of what the Jag cost new! Last ’16 cars sell for under £50K and values will plunge dramatically. Majority suffer high VED rates.

Timeline

2006 Launched, initially as the 4.2 but the more potent XKR arrived by autumn

2008 Next up came the XK60 special edition to celebrate 60 years of the XK brand; it was in 1948 that this car’s great grandfather appeared, in the form of the XK120 and are quite prized

2009 Even better though is the facelifted XK, first seen at the start of the year. While the earlier XK isn’t lacking in any way, the revised model looked even sharper and packed an all-new 5-litre V8; it pushed 380bhp in the XK and more than 500bhp in XKR tune.

Other changes to the XK included a redesigned nose, LED rear lights and JaguarDrive the latter offering adjustable chassis settings

2011 524bhp XKR-S is now a stand-alone model three years after being a limited run

Best models

XKR

As before the XKR is truly a scalded cat, none more so than 174mph XKR-S; if you’re playing the long game these will have high classic status

Early cars

If nothing else the original cars have price on their side; very early pre-April ’06 means have lower VED rates. For many a standard XK is good enough

XK60

These cars aren’t worth a premium to be honest- yet – but it is worth tracking down one, especially a Portfolio edition, sporting every creature comfort

Top five faults

Engine

Now well proven all require attention every 10,000 miles. Being chain drive, cam belts aren’t needed but a 100K service on the XKR demands a fresh supercharger one meaning a pricey £600 pit stop at a specialist

Body

Due to aluminium panels, rust isn’t an issue as such. However, those alloy panels corrode readily once the paint is scratched, so check all over, paying particular attention to the tailgate and doors, along with the wheelarches, for bubbling RECALLS There’s been a few so check the service history along with a variety of electrical issues that includes the ‘smart’ ignition key so check everything

Running gear

So long as the CATS adaptive suspension is working as it is supposed to, there’s little to fret over. Damaged alloys are no small matter as if they can’t be refurbished they can cost close to grand to replace

Leaks

Footwells can fill with water if the window seal isn’t lubricated or that the air con drain tube isn’t leaking