A cheap Aston Martin might not be the most practical proposition, but a stunning facsimile, like a Jaguar XK or XKR, could tick your boxes. Specifically, the X150 generation of the British grand tourer has depreciated to an accessible price point. So, is an XK from the X150 generation a fitting Aston Martin replacement? Or should you steer clear of the big cat?

What years are in the X150 generation?

The Jaguar XK from the X150 generation first hit the road in 2006 and ran through 2014. The first models sported voluptuous, Aston Martin-esque lines without the Aston Martin price tag. Moreover, performance fans could opt for the XKR, a supercharged variant with 420 horsepower. 

Further, the X150 model enjoyed a design and drivetrain refresh in 2010. Gone were the smaller-displacement V8s. Aesthetically speaking, the post-2010 models started to work in more aggressive headlamps with LED running lights. To top things off, the last few model years of the X150 include a 550-horsepower XKR-S, one of the most potent road cars Jaguar ever produced. 

Is the Jaguar XK a good grand tourer? 

Beyond Ian Callum’s swooping, British GT car aesthetic, the XK is a practical grand tourer. First, the X150 model has 11.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the coupe, around 4.4 more than a newer Jaguar F-Type. Moreover, the XK’s 2+2 platform has space for extra passengers in a pinch, but it might be better suited to overflow storage. 

Additionally, the pre and post-facelift X150s offer convertibles. Of course, the convertible models drop the trunk space by around 4.6 cubic feet, but it’s still enough for golfers to include a bag of clubs. 

How much is a Jaguar XK worth?

An early-model Jaguar XK could be an excellent GT car for the price. For instance, a 2007 Jaguar XK with the 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 has a fair value of around $15,316 with average mileage. 

However, later models and supercharged engine options will drive the price up. A 2014 Jaguar XKR has a Kelley Blue Book (KBB) value of around $35,980. Of course, that value snags a 510-horsepower supercharged 5.0L V8.

Are Jaguar XK reliable cars?

While older Jaguars are known for unreliability, the early model X150 Jaguar XKs with the naturally-aspirated 4.2L V8 could be a reliable option. That engine is much more drama-free than earlier Jag powerplants. Of course, Jaguar service costs won’t be as affordable as a Ford Mustang or Mazda MX-5 Miata. 

However, the more advanced the X150 models get, the more that can go wrong. For instance, we inspected a 2007 XKR in Chicago with a list of expensive suspension repairs to address. Still, GT car fans will be hard-pressed to find a better cheap Aston Martin stand-in for anywhere near the price.