I'm self-employed and I got a relatively big contract a few years ago, so I decided to splurge and get myself an Jaguar XK8. I didn't have all the money in the world but I wanted something sporty, and something a bit better than say a Smart roadster or any other pretender. So... the Jag XK8 it was, but the thing was I just sort of trusted the brand and didn't think all that much about ongoing costs. So when the work died down again and I couldn't keep up with the bills I had to get rid of it. I did LOVE it for the time I had it, but unless you've steadily got that kind of money coming in I'd advise against.
Let's see, problems... I remember the big ones, but there were smaller ones. A gasket blew once, that was a bit of a biggy. Then there was the tensioners and belts which came to a few thousand. Argggh!! There were other problems with the locking mechs on the doors and a dodgy steering mech. A wheel bearing as well. So I just had to pack it in in the end.
Sad though, I did love that car. It was a joy to drive, an absolute joy. When it was behaving it was a real animal. I think I would have preferred a manual over an auto if I was buying again. This car could never ever be called boring, but there's just something a bit more direct and sort of feelable about having a manual that I always liked.
The fuel usage is ok for a powerful car like this, I'd say about 20-25 MPG depending on how well behaved you're feeling. It gets through quite a bit of oil though, about a pint for every couple of thousand miles. Obviously insurance and tax are quite high.
Space inside the Jaguar XK8 is alright as well. The boot is a reasonable size for a car like this. It's not all that easy to park especially compared to my girlfriend's little buggy. The interior is very cool, although the little faults and failures here and there do make you think it might just look good not actually be good! But it really does look good. The classy wooden dash and the dials that are pushed back into the wood. The satnav is ok, if a little bit low down for my liking. When you're going at speed every millisecond counts and you don't need to be looking down too far to work out what you're doing!
I reckon it's not that great in the back for adults, from the noises I've heard from rear passengers! Best not to take anyone particularly tall on a longer journey in it. In the front though it's perfectly comfy for even cross country journeys. And you'll always have a smile on your face... until it has another costly repair need doing!