Aston Martin
DB9
Jaguar
XK
Aston Martin DB9 vs Jaguar XK: 2015 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Aston Martin DB9 comes out ahead of the Jaguar XK on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
DB9
Overall
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the DB9 consistently praised as a beautiful, classically styled grand tourer that delivers a sublime sense of occasion, comfort, and a sonorous V12 engine note. Long-term owner reports indicate deep satisfaction with the car's character and driving experience for touring and special occasions. However, a strong and very frequent theme is the significant and potentially ruinous cost of maintenance, repairs, and parts, which is framed as the inherent trade-off for owning a hand-built, low-volume luxury vehicle.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" model year or trim. Discussions suggest later models (post-2010) may benefit from refinements and resolved early issues.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance and repair costs: described as "heinously expensive to run," with repair bills for a single year potentially reaching $40,000 USD. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Automated manual "Sportshift" transmission problems: clunky operation, expensive clutch wear and replacement, complex and costly actuator system repairs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical gremlins: various minor issues often attributed to the car sitting or low battery voltage. Frequency: recurrent.
XK
Overall
Sentiment is strongly positive among long-term owners, who describe the XK as a beautiful, thrilling, and characterful grand tourer that provides a unique and emotional ownership experience. The vehicle is consistently praised for its stunning design, comfortable and luxurious ride, powerful and smooth V8 engines, and engaging driving dynamics. Owners report forming a strong emotional bond with the car, citing the driving experience, sound, and presence as major highlights.
Best version to buy
X150 generation (2006-2014) is widely favored over the preceding X100 for its all-aluminum construction, which improves handling, acceleration, and fuel economy while eliminating rust concerns. Within the X150, the supercharged XKR model is often cited as the best version, offering significantly more power (400hp+ vs ~300hp for the XK) for a modest price increase over the naturally aspirated model, making it a better value than attempting to modify a base car.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: parts and labor described as expensive, commensurate with the car's original near-$100,000 price. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Plastic coolant system hoses: cracking with age, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission service advisories: the automatic transmission was marketed as "sealed for life," but owners strongly recommend fluid changes to extend lifespan. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Aston Martin DB9 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Jaguar XK, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Jaguar XK is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin DB9 or the Jaguar XK?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Aston Martin DB9 and the Jaguar XK. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Aston Martin DB9 or the Jaguar XK?
The Jaguar XK seats more passengers than the Aston Martin DB9 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Aston Martin DB9 is classed as a Coupe, the Jaguar XK as a Cabriolet.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin DB9 or the Jaguar XK?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin DB9 or the Jaguar XK?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Aston Martin DB9 than the Jaguar XK. See the known issues comparison above.