Choosing a car is a huge decision. To begin with, a car is an investment, something that will be an integral part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future. But more than this, a car says something about who we are and how we want to be seen. Some cars tell the world that we re a parent, others that we re a successful businessman or woman.
The Jaguar XK8 coupe tells the world that you re an idol.

This car shouts out film actor, rock star, millionaire – hell it frankly screams “my driver is powerful, successful and sexy” in its gr gr growly approach. Its smooth lines and sleek design are often mistaken for the Aston Martin by the amateur eye (particularly when viewed from the rear), giving it a real sense of the secret agent lifestyle. But its not just the appearance that gives this car its star quality. Under the bonnet it s a winner too.

If you re buying a used Jaguar you re likely to be purchasing the 290bhp 4.0 litre V8, or the slightly newer 4.2 litre which does 0 62 in a very respectable 6.6 seconds and hits a top speed of 155mph. All models feature automatic transmission, and the supercharged R model will boost your power to 400bhp.

This car may be fast to accelerate and nippy in the city traffic, but its real talent lies in longer distances. Steeped in the Jaguar Grand Tourer tradition, this is a vehicle made for cruising the open road, with refined control, superior grip and sharp, balanced handling. The XKR model comes with computer controlled suspension for an even greater sense of control, though in fairness the standard across the range is for an effortless ride.

When it comes to practicality, the XK coupe does a decent job. The hood is quick and smooth to lower, and even with the top down the cabin retains that serenity for which it is recognised. The seats are comfortable and supportive enough for long journeys, the wood and leather interiors are hand crafted, not manufactured, charming yet traditional, and offer an even greater air of luxury to the car. There s also a lot of gadgetry, indulging the James Bond effect even further, including computer controlled suspension and adaptive cruise control, while a fly off handbrake situated to the driver s right increases the sense of occasion.

The boot is large for a sporty model, larger than a Maserati and more than three times the size of a Porsche 911 coupe, and will easily take a long weekend s worth of luggage, even with his n hers golf clubs thrown in for good measure!

From a safety perspective, this is a car with a well proven track record – some recalls, but nothing serious. Traction control and an abundance of airbags combine with a frankly enormous bonnet (providing a considerable crumple zone after all!) to give you the maximum confidence when driving. Add to this the Jag s cruise control, slowing automatically in line with the vehicle in front of you, and an alarm and immobiliser as standard, and you can feel safe and secure at all times when cruising the countryside.

The XK coupe is an investment as long as it is kept in pristine condition – make sure you find a specialist garage to keep on top of repairs, and bear in mind that running and repair costs will be high. It s also worth checking online for purchase recommendations relating to colour, as some hold a far higher residual than others. When buying a used Jaguar be sure to get a full service history – and remember, the newer you can afford, the better. This is one car for which later revisions make all the difference.