Paul P

Reviewed a 2005 Jaguar XK8 Convertible RWD on Jul 6, 2008

Parent owns it. It's FAST. Taken it up to 130 mph with the top up and down. The standard Pirelli P-Zero "Assymetrico" tires provide tons of grip, but a quiet ride as well. Alpine stereo is more suited for top-down motoring than top-up. Tape deck actually comes in handy for those of us with iPods, and maintains decent enough sound quality. Sound quality from 6-disc changer in the trunk is amazing. Only use the "back seats" from groceries or wind breakers or something; definitely not suited for people with legs. Front seats are soft and supportive, and stayed comfortable after a 5.5 hour drive between LA and Sacramento. Returned about 27 mpg on that same trip with the A/C on and speeds between 75 and 90 (accidental) mph. The cupholders are rather flimsy, so hold on to your Starbucks if you plan on taking off quickly from a stoplight. Brakes are excellent in performance, wear, and pedal feel. Power oversteering is rather encouraged by the dynamics of the car, and stability control is minimally intrusive when switched on. Be careful with it off, however, 320 lb ft is quite a lot to play with! The interior is completely crafted in Burl Walnut, leather, and softly padded surfaces. The top is triple sealed and very durable, and blocks out road and wind noise reasonably up to about 85 mph. Cowl shake is disturbingly present when the top is down, however the structure feels solid as a proper two ton coupe should feel with the top up. To boot, the car is definitely not as status quo as the Mercedes SL, and not as common as the Lexus SC430 or BMW Z4, which helps it maintain its classic and classy image longer than those choices.