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May
26th

1996-2005 Jaguar XK Pre-Owned

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Model: 1996 to 2005 Jaguar XK

Vehicle Type: Performance Coupe / Convertible

History/Description:
The 1996 to 2005 Jaguar XK series might be the most popular used model to satisfy shoppers after a classy-as-heck British performance coupe or convertible. Strikingly elegant styling, standard V8 power and an interior packing more wood and leather than a furniture store were all part of the package.

This sophisticated model debuted with a 4.0L V8 generating 290 hp, and eventually gained a supercharged version of that engine with 370 ponies in the XKR model, which hit dealer lots in 2000. In 2003, both engines gained some horses — bumping output to 294 hp without the supercharger, and 390 with. Five- or six-speed automatics were standard on all models, depending on the year.

Look for leather seating, automatic climate control, a CD changer, heated mirrors, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers and plenty more.

2005 Jaguar XKR 3/4 front view
2005 Jaguar XKR (Photo: Jaguar)

What Owners Like:
Styling, performance, exclusivity and comfort were all highly rated here. XK owners taking to the web say they feel like they're driving a piece of art, and comment positively on the available acceleration and handling capabilities. With a kid seat-ready back seat and usable trunk, the XK has a delightfully practical side, too.

What Owners Dislike: Numerous owners wish for more comfortable seats, a ‘richer' and higher-quality cabin feel, and less wind and road noise at speed. Some interior control placements are awkward, and larger owners wish for easier entry and exit to the cabin. Finally, many drivers note that the XK is a large, heavy car and handles like one — albeit crisply and with plenty of grip.

Common Issues:
Used Jaguars are largely bought for performance, looks and exclusivity first, and for reliability and low running costs a distant second. No difference here.

2005 Jaguar XKR
2005 Jaguar XKR (Photo: Jaguar)

Continue reading 1996-2005 Jaguar XK Pre-Owned

May
26th

Americans care about fuel economy

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A Consumer Reports survey indicates that our American cousins rate fuel economy as the most important factor when it comes to changing cars.

37 % of respondents agree that consumption figures are a priority when picking a vehicle.


Almost 75 % of them also went as far as saying they would consider buying an alternative fuel vehicle because of the energy crisis. Other factors taken into account by potential buyers when looking for a new vehicle include quality (17 % rated it the most important factor), safety (16 %) and resale value (14 %).

Performance (6 %) is the least important factor of them all.

All Americans are increasingly worried about the environment - but those aged below 55 even more so apparently. A larger share of them is seriously interested in buying alternative-powered vehicles.

However, Consumer Reports' Jeff Bartlett pointed out that changing your vehicle right now may not be the wisest choice. If it is less than 3 years old, depreciation alone will cost you more than you would save in gas money.
May
25th

Autoweek in review: What you might have missed: Spy shots, motorsports and the loss of another larger-than-life character marked the week

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The automotive racing world lost yet another character this week with the passing of and#8220;Bigand#8221; Willie Robinson. He was 70 years old.
May
25th

First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima

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First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima
First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima - Automobile Magazine
Gunning for number one.

Although enthusiasts don't seem to pay much attention to the Nissan Altima, buyers in the fiercely competitive mid-size segment certainly do: the five-year-old sedan emerged as last year's second-best-selling car in America. But before you attribute the Altima's big sales numbers to Toyota's post-tsunami supply problems or to the Camry's model changeover, know that the Camry retained its best-seller crown.


Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima - Automobile Magazine


May
25th

Ford underrates the power on its GT500: Autoweek TV

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Also in this episode: Porsche joins Forza, Gooding and Co.
May
25th

BMW Zagato coupe bows at Lake Como

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Italian flair, German precision and a somewhat sobering dose of realityand#8212;that's the ethos behind the striking
May
25th

McLaren GT comes home to Woking in England

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The picturesque town of Woking, Surrey, in the south of England is home to the McLaren Technology Center (MTC), the McLaren Automotive factory that builds the
May
25th

GM says $600k in ad agency work tied to CFO’s wife

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GM said today Pernilla Ammann, the wife of Chief Financial Officer Dan Ammann, is an officer and a partner in an advertising agency that received about $600,000 for services last year to a GM subsidiary.
May
25th

Dany Bahar suspended from Lotus – Dany Bahar suspended from Lotus

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Lotus boss Dany Bahar has been suspended following a complaint about his conduct


May
25th

2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i Premium

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2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i Premium
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i Premium - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
It's immediately clear that you're in a BMW.

Three-row crossovers present a dicey challenge for luxury brands, particularly those that have built their name on sporty sedans. Should they prioritize comfort over cachet, or do they stay true to their mission at the expense of practicality? BMW does the best job of any automaker offering crossover practicality while still meeting the brand's promise. The X5 may not be the most powerful or the quickest crossover you can by, but it does have the best powertrain. That's thanks to skillful calibration of the best hardware in the business: a responsive, energetic, turbocharged in-line six-cylinder and a snappy eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW's expertise in suspension tuning is obvious as well. The BMW's ride is comfortable and the handling is impressive even without air springs or adaptive dampers.


Photo Gallery: 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i Premium - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i Premium - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine


May
25th

SAIC board clears transfer of 1% JV stake to GM

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GM said the board of its China partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. approved the transfer of 1 percent ownership in their joint-venture to the U.S. automaker.
May
25th

Bankrupt Saab attracts bid from China-Japan investor group

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A group led by a Chinese energy company and a Japanese venture-capital firm has placed a bid for Saab. The group wants to buy Saab and build cars, a spokesman said.
May
25th

Bankrupt Saab attracts bid from China-Japan investor group

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A group led by a Chinese energy company and a Japanese venture-capital firm has placed a bid for Saab The group wants to buy Saab and build cars, a spokesman said.
May
25th

Dealers must disclose reason for higher customer interest rate, judge rules

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The National Automobile Dealers Association suffered a legal setback Thursday as a federal judge in Washington said a dealer must disclose to a consumer whether the consumer is being charged a higher rate because of a negative credit rating --...
May
25th

US: Delphi "puts cash to work" with $962m MVL purchase

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Delphi says its US$962m acquisition of FCI Group's Motorised Vehicles Division (MVL) will allow it to use part of its significant cash strength and bolster its presence in the connector sphere.
May
25th

Fiat suspends commercial relations with Iran

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Fiat said today it had suspended its commercial relations with Iran in a move aimed at supporting international diplomatic efforts.
May
25th

Fiat suspends commercial relations with Iran

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Fiat said it had suspended its commercial relations with Iran in a move aimed at supporting international diplomatic efforts.
May
25th

BRAZIL: Mexico sets export quotas for Brazil

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Following what might be termed 'frank conversations' between members, the AMIA (Spanish acronym for the Mexican Association for the Automotive Industry) has set export quotas for each automaker's shipments to Brazil until 15 March 2015.
May
25th

Autoweek One2One: Interview with Dragon Racing’s Katherine Legge

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Mac Morrison sits down for an Autoweek-exclusive interview with Dragon Racing IndyCar driver Katherine Legge ahead of the Indy 500.
May
25th

UK: West Europe car market set for 6% contraction – LMC

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The West European car market is set for a 6% decline in 2012 according to the forecasting analysts at LMC Automotive.
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