Jaguar XK Coupe (2006 - 2014) 5.0 V8 Portfolio 2d Auto Owner Review

In my view the XK is the ultimate grand touring car. I have owned a XK8 4.2 and a XK 4.2 and for the last three years have owned a XK 5 litre Portfolio. Each of these vehicles was reliable and thrilling to drive and own but the five litre is truly exceptional because, whilst the 4.2 engines need some throttle to set things alight, the 5 litre has tremendous torque from below 2000 revs. This, together with the active suspension and comfortable and luxurious interior, makes it a delight to drive in all circumstances. Whether you choose to waft like a limousine or to frighten yourself in Dynamic Sport mode, you will have as much pleasure picking your way at 35mph along single track roads in Scotland as you will going round the Nurburgring. In fact I will go further, even in a traffic jam it's a pleasure as there are few nicer places to be than inside a XK with its leather upholstery, carpets, deep pile headlining, elegant lighting and excellent heating and ventilation. Fuel consumption shown on the computer averages a reliable 25 mpg for my mix of motoring which includes London and motorway drives to Scotland. I think that motorway driving probably delivers 27 - 28 mpg and London driving about 23 mpg - not much difference and better than many a less powerful vehicle driven in similar circumstances. I run it on Shell V power and the MOT at 45000 miles showed the emissions to be at the levels as when new. Of course, it's not a cheap car to run. Apart from fuel, the tyres will need replacing at about 20000 miles (rear) and 25000 (front) and these cost about £225 each. The annual service is about £350. Insurance may be expensive and the road licence is now over £500. A new battery (fitted and the electronics re-configured) will be about £200. But these cars are very reliable and in 11 years of Jaguar XK ownership I have only once had to use the warranty or summon Jaguar Assistance. Personally, I would only buy from a Jaguar dealer (the Extended Warranty for used cars is as good as that for new vehicles) and I always have my car serviced at a main agent according to the book. The Warranty is annually renewable for a fee for up to 10 years and includes Europe and a replacement vehicle if yours breaks down. It brings peace of mind.... However, whilst running costs may seem high they are not that bad when you think that if you are considering buying a XK you will probably have a pretty good car anyway with at least medium running costs. I think the XK costs me about an additional £1500 a year to run than a good GTI type vehicle - Audi, Mercedes, BMW etc. That premium is probably less than the cost of maintaining a horse or belonging to a golf club but I get more than £1500 worth of pleasure! Lastly, if you are going to spend a lot of money on a car, the XK, like most sporting Jaguars, seems only to attract interest and approval rather than envy. It makes people smile. For instance, some months ago I was driving along a motorway in South Wales when I became aware of a car keeping pace with me in the adjoining lane. It was a Suburu with four lads inside. They looked at me, I looked at them, they gave me (or rather the XK) the thumbs up and roared off.