Used Jaguar XK Convertible 1996 - 2006 review

Few convertibles balance suave style with bargain used prices like the Jaguar XK. It's a steal – a drop-top, V8-engined future classic that costs less than a new small hatchback.

The eight-cylinder engine burbles heartily and unleashes powerful acceleration with a prod of the throttle. That said, driving an XK8 is all about covering big distances effortlessly rather than charging about town, although 300bhp is enough to make it quick when need be. If you still want more, however, there's the 400bhp XKR, although these are rare and incredibly expensive to run.

The leather-and-wood cabin is as sumptuous as you'd expect of a luxury Jaguar, but it's cramped, with no legroom to speak of for passengers in the back. The roof lowers quickly and, top down, the cabin remains serene even at speed; but it feels claustrophobic. The boot isn't big, either, although there's space for a weekend's luggage, roof up or down.

If you're interested in finding a used XK, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

While you can spend as little as £5000 on a Jaguar XK, we recommend spending around £14,000. This will get you an example in great condition with reasonable mileage.

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While XK running costs aren't quite in the same league as a Ferrari's, routine servicing is expensive, as are spare parts. And, unfortunately, older XKs tend to need regular repairs.

One way to cut costs is to use a specialist garage rather than pay sky-high main dealer labour rates. You'll find one by joining an enthusiasts' web forum and finding a garage that owners rate highly.

Insurance is expensive, too: the XK8 falls in group 20, and you'll need to contact a specialist for - even more expensive - cover on the XKR.

To cap it all, these cars guzzle petrol. Officially, the XK8 will manage up to 24.9mpg overall, and the XKR 22.9mpg, but you'll need to drive very gently to see anywhere near these figures.

Choose between the standard XK8 with its 4.2 V8, auto gearbox and 300bhp, or the XKR, which has a supercharged version of the same engine producing 400bhp. It, too, has an automatic transmission, although it's quite different from the one fitted to the standard car, emphasising the car's sporty nature.

All XK8s have wood dashes, leather seats, climate control and everything else you'd expect in a luxury car. Beyond that, many first owners indulged in the long and lavish options' list, so you'll find what's fitted varies considerably from car to car.

So, shop around for your ideal combination of gadgets and gizmos, and go for the newest car you can. In 2003, the engines were improved and, a year later, Jaguar facelifted the car.

Perhaps more importantly, you should worry about the car's colour. Picking the right one can add thousands to the price when you resell. Silver is reliable, as is copper, metallic blue or green, but black or non-metallic red cars sell for less.

The Aston Martin DB7 is mechanically similar and arguably has even more badge appeal – best thank 007 for that. The Vantage version also boasts a V12 engine. All DB7s are more expensive to buy than the Jaguar XK, though.

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If you're interested in finding a used XK, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.