I figured since I'm exploring purchasing a late model (2010-2014) XKR that I'd do some research before writing a check. In addition to my utterly reliable daily driver, an Outback, I also have "The Beast", a 2001 Lotus Esprit V8 Twin Turbo. Due to an old injury to my right knee that's coming back to haunt me, I've decided to sell the Lotus and find something a little easier to get in and out of, thus the interest in the XKR.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome.

Good luck, I know the "in and out" pain real well, hence the S Types for me, versus the XJS.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Kurt,

Good to have you with us.
Looks like you have found the tech section already.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

Hello, Kurt,
I wish you success in your hunt. In my experience, the Hunt is all part of the fun; sometimes it's the Best part!

Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Thanks for the warm welcome!

LnrB: Yes, the hunt can be the best part of the whole operation!

 

Welcome to the forums. Good luck on the journey.

The Wizards here at Jaguar Forums help me found my kitty back in 2014 and haven't looked back.

 

kfeltenberger,
Welcome!
I too wanted a more "usable" high performance car, and I doubt my 1972 De Tomaso Pantera has anymore room inside than your Lotus, and my 6'-2", 220 lb. 65 year old body doesn't enjoy folding up into a pretzel shape in order to get in and out anymore. I ended up purchasing a 2010 XKR about four or five years ago, and it has been very reliable for the most part. The power of the 5.0L supercharged engine is intoxicating, and puts my Pantera's performance to shame (well, have just transplanted a 500+hp 351C into the 3000lb. beast, so that may change a bit). The trouble spots in the X150 are mainly related to cooling system leaks, mostly water pumps, and batteries that are not putting out full voltage. Annoyances are the lack of a dipstick and any gauges whatsoever, so you never know how hot your car is running, whether or not there is oil pressure (or for that matter, oil). Otherwise, it is a spectacular high performance machine. With a pulley/tune, you're pushing 600hp, and having fun! In looking for a used one, service record is more important than mileage, knowing that oil and coolant levels were regularly checked and maintained.
Good luck.

 

Thanks for the advice and things to look for, tberg!

If it doesn't have dipsticks, then how do you check the oil levels? As for cooling...ugh...my Esprit needed the coolant lines replaced (due to age) and even then the beast tends to run hotter than I'd like during the summer to the point where there are days/trips where I won't take it due to the risk of overheating. One of the mechanics that works on it suggested cleaning out the radiator, so that might be a winter project unless it sells quickly.

 

Welcome to the forum Kurt,

I can see you've already found your way to the XK/XKR forum so there's no need for a link to it from me.

You can also visit the US Northeast Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/us-northeast-35/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

kfeltenberger,
Checking the oil is done on the computer at the end of the turn signal stalk scrolling through the menu. The problem is to check accurately, the car has to have been started or driven and then turned off and then wait about 20-30 minutes. No one wants to sit in the car and wait that long, so I check it every couple of mornings before I start the car for the first time. It is not as accurate, however, it will give you an indication. As for coolant levels, I also check every two or three days before I start the car in the morning. In my X100, if the level falls a 1/2" below the neck, I will get a warning, not so in my X150, so you have to be more diligent. As for oil level, when I bought my car from the previous owner, I had driven in and saw no warning lights, yet it turned out there was virtually no oil in the engine which resulted in a new engine being installed, afterwhich I bought it. You can not count on getting an electronic warning in time to "save" your car. Be preemptive!

 

Thanks! I figured it would be done electronically, though I have to admit, for some things I'm old school and want to be able to physically check levels.

 

Did you ever buy an XKR? I followed some of your threads to see the research and question journey, but it ends at seat types.

 

At the moment, it's on hold. I had a real estate deal crash and didn't make as much out of it as I expected, discovered that I need to take several additional classes to finish my degree (returning adult student that was last in college in 1994...), and some other minor setbacks like my Esprit not selling. The tolerances stacked and the budget was out of spec, so it will probably be later this year or next year that I sign on the dotted line and bring an XKR home.