Hey no problem, some of us saw that post as looking past some serious ****. Yes these cars can be a great value when buying into them, it's the maint that get most when they see how much could be in front of them.

 

Well, you will surely get some good advice here from people who know what they are talking about. My own belief about any used car boils down to two issues, and that is how was it maintained and how was it driven.

We have to assume that the person who spent the kind of money that these cars cost when they are new was not an idiot who drove it around like a teenager would, but, I have to tell you that on this very forum there are people who bought such cars years later and drive them VERY hard all of the time, especially the XKR's. The difference between a car that has been relatively gently driven for 60,000 miles and another one that has gone to the redline on nearly every shift, several times a day for 60,000 miles and been tossed around curves and over hill and dale and been through the ringer will leave you with two very different cars at 85,000 miles. Depending upon how you drive it, you might be able to drive the first one another 50,000 miles with little more than the standard maintenance issues, while the second one many need practically a new suspension and a new transmission and maybe even an engine or supercharger or more shortly after you purchase it.

I think that you can only get a feeling for a used car when you can see it in person and drive it yourself. You can usually tell not only what it looks like, but how it has been treated. I'd recommend, if at all possible, not buying one sight unseen. Others, of course, are entitled to their views, but since you asked for opinions, that is mine.

In short, if you get the right car, from all evidence on this forum over my last six years here, you can surely have an everyday driver that will get you to 200,000 miles with no more significant maintenance issues than from any other similar car.

BTW, I flew from New Orleans to Dallas to see and drive mine before buying it and driving it back. I bought a round trip ticket, which was not much more than the one way, in case I didn't like it.

 

Thanks for all of the advice/opinions! Much gratitude.

I found another candidate, an 09 XKR coupe in New Jersey with 75k. Is anyone located in NJ that is able and willing to inspect the vehicle? I could probably manage to swing a weekend trip to pick it up.

 

...and an 04 with 66k in Los Angeles area. Anyone in the area able and willing to inspect it?

Apparently nobody wants to part with a coupe in Chicago. I've been keeping an eye on one in southern Indiana as well...but no maintenance docs.

 

Majik Lasers,
I will be happy to take a look at a car in the Los Angeles area for you, just send me the details. And if you're looking at an '09 XKR in the same price ballpark as an '02-'06, then there's something wrong with the '09. A few weeks ago I went to see an'07 for an eastern Forum member that was priced unbelievably low, and it needed everything, new shocks, new interior bits, dents, paint....even at the low low price it was no bargain.

 

PM sent. What a great community!

 

The 09 was admittedly in an accident and repaired by a Jag dealer...airbag deployed per Carfax. The seller did a walk around video and sent any pic that I requested Within minutes. I haven't ruled it out yet. Asking price is $20k. 76k miles.

 

Short answer is yes. I just ticked over 133k on my XKR today and am daily driving it- it's my primary car. They are not dear to own, and you don't have to have tens of thousands sacked away in savings to prepare for failures, but you should have a few. If that's comfortable enough, do it. Life is too short not to have a car like this at these prices.

 

Another one just popped up in the Atlanta area. Is anyone in Atlanta able and willing to give it a pre-inspection before I take the plunge? tberg just did me this favor for an XKR in LA, which left some things to be desired...so the hunt continues. Any takers?

 

Just a tip on hunting. I was looking for a cream puff 04-06 XKR during the winter last year. Pickings were slim and it was getting discouraging. As soon as the flowers bloomed in the North there was an influx of new listings, I found the right car and have been happy since. I noticed today the a couple of nice low mileage Victory additions appeared on Ebay. The 20" BBS Wheels, Red Brembos, and Recaros really finish off and already oustanding car. Take your time, when you least expect it the right car will turn up.

 

Here's a few I found this afternoon


Cars for Sale: 2008 Jaguar XK R Coupe in Marietta, GA 30060: Coupe Details - 395570382 - Autotrader


Cars for Sale: 2010 Jaguar XK R Coupe in Atlanta, GA 30360: Coupe Details - 394506144 - Autotrader


Cars for Sale: 2011 Jaguar XK R Coupe in Atlanta, GA 30318: Coupe Details - 395439869 - Autotrader