Hello from DU.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 39
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From: Sydney
Hello from DU.
Hi.
Well the countdown is on.
I have been fortunate enough to own some pretty nice cars in my time. I've also been (an continue to be) a little heart strong when it comes to changing/ upgrading.
I had always wanted a 911 since i can remember. I saw someone driving (I think) a 993 and promised myself, one day....... In 2009, my 5 series came to the end of its loan (incidentally the longest i owned a car (4 years) by a factor of 100%). I replaced that with a 335iConv in Jan '10. Even though the Sydney climate is not that great for a Conv, I just love having an open top car having owned a few over the years. Within weeks of picking it up, I realised i'd made a mistake. I didn't like the fact that you sat on it as opposed to in it (may been my substantial rear-end of course
ops:; i didn't like the lag, i had less of an appetite for the colour way etc etc. In late '10, i traded for a '10 997.2 PDK Carrera; HAPPY days.
Over the months I fell in love with the 911, i love the intimacy, the PDK was awesome and i love the immediacy of the NA engine. Soon however, I started to regret the fact that every bump, ridge and imperfection in the road (sydney roads are *****), meant an adjustment of the wheel. I found the from a little jittery and I HATED the way people drive around you in a 911; there really is (IMHO) a lot of envy. Long story short, I gave up on the dream and traded for a RR Vogue TDV8 in May (owning a Vogue was on my bucket list) and thought i'd be happy with the endless torque and supreme air-susp comfort.
What I had not accounted for was the XKR Conv that seductively peeked at me from the corner of the dealer's underground garage when i picked up the Vogue. It bamboozled me as I recalled the noise (allegedly) that Clarkson credited as being one of the best sounding cars ever some years ago (i think that was a XK not a R). I recalled how very few i had seen on the road and I wondered who would buy these here in Sydney. I also recalled how, in (maybe) 1996, i saw a XK8 and nearly crashed because of the double-take i took at the design and proportions etc etc. I did collect the Vogue and made off without tooooo much of a backward glance. Within days i realised that the vogue wasn't really the solution however the comfort, practicality and overall package could be lived with :wink: .
Some weeks later, the salesperson called and reminded me that he'd offered me a weekend in an XKR next time one came through. He told me that the Black conv had sold and i wondered why the call really? he then went on to ask if i'd like to borrow one that coming weekend, their new Demo; i jumped at the offer. On the Fri afternoon i drove in to see a White XKR Black speed pack parked and i thought " tell me, no, surely he's not gonna throw me the keys to THAT". Yup, it was mine for the weekend and boy oh boy did i love it. I took my kids to football, did the various other chores of any normal weekend and then wrung its bloody neck very early on the Sunday morning. I recall it wasn't as precise as the 911 and sometimes actually felt over-powered (can that be right) and a wee bit 'sloppy' in the corners. I did feel it was a great combo of comfort and urge that was totally irresistible; and, OMFG that noise!!!!!!! To the 911's scalpel-esqu precision, the XKR was like a significantly bladed hunting knife. We parted ways on the Monday and i was happy to have encountered it.
Some months later, My Vogue wouldn't start and the cunning sales person made sure i had an XKR as a loaner. It was a '09 in a less attractive (IMHO of course) Blue with a few '000ks on he clock. Instantly i was reunited with they bloody noise and enjoyed having it for a few days. I 'throw-away' comment upon handing the keys back, along the lines of "should bought one of these last time around" gets me to the present day. Some detail omitted to protect myself and the dealer (myself mostly (from my wife)). On Friday this week, I will take delivery of a '11 XKR, black/ caramel with 17kms on the clock!!!!!!!!!
Here in Au we have '12s already and due to local pricing strategies, the '11 is far too good a deal to turn down!!
the countdown begins, I have tortured myself with the choice of wheels (the only real option i have to play with; my dealer graciously allowing me the indulgence even with the price). I have settled on Kalimno's (sp) and the car is being prepped for delivery as we speak.
On Thurs, the Vogue goes in to get my pleats put on the XKR and Friday 1st thing, i take delivery; happy bloody days indeed.
Apologies for the long 1st post but i wanted to say hi and will, hopefully, get something from being here.
Wish me luck for Friday.
Cheers
Thommo
Well the countdown is on.
I have been fortunate enough to own some pretty nice cars in my time. I've also been (an continue to be) a little heart strong when it comes to changing/ upgrading.
I had always wanted a 911 since i can remember. I saw someone driving (I think) a 993 and promised myself, one day....... In 2009, my 5 series came to the end of its loan (incidentally the longest i owned a car (4 years) by a factor of 100%). I replaced that with a 335iConv in Jan '10. Even though the Sydney climate is not that great for a Conv, I just love having an open top car having owned a few over the years. Within weeks of picking it up, I realised i'd made a mistake. I didn't like the fact that you sat on it as opposed to in it (may been my substantial rear-end of course
ops:; i didn't like the lag, i had less of an appetite for the colour way etc etc. In late '10, i traded for a '10 997.2 PDK Carrera; HAPPY days.Over the months I fell in love with the 911, i love the intimacy, the PDK was awesome and i love the immediacy of the NA engine. Soon however, I started to regret the fact that every bump, ridge and imperfection in the road (sydney roads are *****), meant an adjustment of the wheel. I found the from a little jittery and I HATED the way people drive around you in a 911; there really is (IMHO) a lot of envy. Long story short, I gave up on the dream and traded for a RR Vogue TDV8 in May (owning a Vogue was on my bucket list) and thought i'd be happy with the endless torque and supreme air-susp comfort.
What I had not accounted for was the XKR Conv that seductively peeked at me from the corner of the dealer's underground garage when i picked up the Vogue. It bamboozled me as I recalled the noise (allegedly) that Clarkson credited as being one of the best sounding cars ever some years ago (i think that was a XK not a R). I recalled how very few i had seen on the road and I wondered who would buy these here in Sydney. I also recalled how, in (maybe) 1996, i saw a XK8 and nearly crashed because of the double-take i took at the design and proportions etc etc. I did collect the Vogue and made off without tooooo much of a backward glance. Within days i realised that the vogue wasn't really the solution however the comfort, practicality and overall package could be lived with :wink: .
Some weeks later, the salesperson called and reminded me that he'd offered me a weekend in an XKR next time one came through. He told me that the Black conv had sold and i wondered why the call really? he then went on to ask if i'd like to borrow one that coming weekend, their new Demo; i jumped at the offer. On the Fri afternoon i drove in to see a White XKR Black speed pack parked and i thought " tell me, no, surely he's not gonna throw me the keys to THAT". Yup, it was mine for the weekend and boy oh boy did i love it. I took my kids to football, did the various other chores of any normal weekend and then wrung its bloody neck very early on the Sunday morning. I recall it wasn't as precise as the 911 and sometimes actually felt over-powered (can that be right) and a wee bit 'sloppy' in the corners. I did feel it was a great combo of comfort and urge that was totally irresistible; and, OMFG that noise!!!!!!! To the 911's scalpel-esqu precision, the XKR was like a significantly bladed hunting knife. We parted ways on the Monday and i was happy to have encountered it.
Some months later, My Vogue wouldn't start and the cunning sales person made sure i had an XKR as a loaner. It was a '09 in a less attractive (IMHO of course) Blue with a few '000ks on he clock. Instantly i was reunited with they bloody noise and enjoyed having it for a few days. I 'throw-away' comment upon handing the keys back, along the lines of "should bought one of these last time around" gets me to the present day. Some detail omitted to protect myself and the dealer (myself mostly (from my wife)). On Friday this week, I will take delivery of a '11 XKR, black/ caramel with 17kms on the clock!!!!!!!!!
Here in Au we have '12s already and due to local pricing strategies, the '11 is far too good a deal to turn down!!
the countdown begins, I have tortured myself with the choice of wheels (the only real option i have to play with; my dealer graciously allowing me the indulgence even with the price). I have settled on Kalimno's (sp) and the car is being prepped for delivery as we speak.
On Thurs, the Vogue goes in to get my pleats put on the XKR and Friday 1st thing, i take delivery; happy bloody days indeed.
Apologies for the long 1st post but i wanted to say hi and will, hopefully, get something from being here.
Wish me luck for Friday.
Cheers
Thommo
Veteran Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,475
Likes: 129
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Nice intro post! Enjoyed reading about your journey to Jaguar! No apologies needed at all.
That noise gets ya, I know the feeling. And you never get sick of it, trust me on that one.
Welcome aboard!!!
That noise gets ya, I know the feeling. And you never get sick of it, trust me on that one.
Welcome aboard!!!
Veteran Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 12,704
Likes: 1,236
From: Brittany France
Welcome to the forum.
Great intro', re your wheels options, I'd go for the 'round' ones, the others just don't quite do it for me.
Congratulations on the XKR.
We will need some pictures.
Great intro', re your wheels options, I'd go for the 'round' ones, the others just don't quite do it for me.
Congratulations on the XKR.
We will need some pictures.
Thommo, you ole dog, welcome aboard, grrreat to have you with us here at JF
Really nice intro thanks for sharing and nice ride too, loved the detail given on the seduction technique .......but where's the pics???l..lol
No doubt you'll be back with some soon
There really are some amazing and friendly guys here....you're in really good company to discuss anything Jag related or have a few laughs!
A really great mix of information, camraderrie and fun
I've manually upgraded you to full forum access so you can better view the site.........
so now jump on in and enjoy, all the best.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 4
From: Sydney
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Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 39
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From: Sydney
Update from DU.
Well, a stroke of luck and Friday came early!!!
I took my old car in to get the plates taken off for transfer and the XKR was ready, so its now tucked up in my garage.
Thought I'd share.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509978105/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509978105/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509978625/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509978625/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509979091/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509979091/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509980735/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509980735/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509980203/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509980203/
I took my old car in to get the plates taken off for transfer and the XKR was ready, so its now tucked up in my garage.
Thought I'd share.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509978105/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509978105/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509978625/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509978625/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509979091/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509979091/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509980735/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509980735/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509980203/http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_a_g_g_i_s/6509980203/
Last edited by Ha66is; Dec 14, 2011 at 05:18 AM.
