OK, we sold our 2010 XK and bought a MB 350 coupe. Mistake. Then we got rid of it and now have a 2016 Mustang GT, which is actually an interesting car to drive. But we are looking forward to next spring and thinking about a change. We were looking at 2009 Porsche 911 S coupe but am finding really negative (and scary) maintenance issues with 911s. That takes us to what we think might be our next move, a 2013 XKR. So now we're looking for some preliminary info on that car from folks who know them. Any advice would be welcome.

 

Would seem to me that a 2013 XKR would be the same as your previous 2010 XK, just quicker.

 

A LOT quicker.

 

Do it, you won't regret it.

 

I believe the last change was in MY 2012. That being the case the 12 , 13 , 14 and 15 MY would all be pretty much the same. The only differences would be in maybe wheel or seat options. The minor face lift was done in 12 with LED day time lights and LED taillights. The nose was changes as were the headlights. The side gills went horizontal and they added a back up camera. The XKR has the 510 HP and will not let you down. If I were looking again I would try to find one of the last 2015 models. Good luck and happy hunting

 

I went from a 12XK to a 13XKR. The difference is far more than just the engine. Mine has the Performance Active Exhaust and is a Portfolio model which means it has 20" polished Orona Wheels, Chrome Mirror Covers, Chrome Grille, special Door Sill Treadplates, Poltrona Frau Leather Header, Portfolio Interior Theme and Shadow Walnut wood inserts. Regarding performance, it is extremely fast and handles better than the XKs I owned. I think it is an all around better vehicle, but I am biased. Good hunting. If you can't get a final fifty, I think there probably isn't much difference between a 13 through 15s.

 

I could not get myself to buy an XK.
Which is a great sporty luxury car.
The XKR puts it in its rightful supercar territory, in fact, it outperforms its competitors.

The difference really is in an exhilarating drive and the total package. Its more luxurious in the sense that little effort is required to get to speed. 50-70 in 1.9 secs without dramatic gear changes.

 

Thanks everybody! How about reliability of the XKRs? Are there any known problem areas (other than speeding tickets)? As I mentioned before,we were looking at 911s but their engines apparently have an annoying habit of blowing up. With a rebuild cost in the neighborhood of $35K, we are no longer interested in Porsche. And from what I've read, the XKR is a better automobile in every category that counts.

 

For what it's worth, the 997.2 Porsche doesn't have the the IMS problem that the 996 and early 997.1's had. They don't blow up. The two major issues for the 997.2 (beginning my 2009) are bore scoring, especially in cars driven in cold climates and issues with the early PDK transmissions.

 

I was on a Porsche forum the other day and saw a post from someone with a 997.2 that was just diagnosed with bore scoring that required a rebuild. Maybe that was an anomaly but I'm not gambling that Porsche has finally fixed a design flaw that has been an issue for over a decade. I think I'll be more comfortable with Jaguar.

 

There is also some prejudice and discrimination against Porsche drivers.

Both my wife and I think they are inconsiderate A-wholes

Why would you put yourself in the same boat as those folks on the travel ban, when you dont have to.

 

If you are considering a 911 and XKR, take a look at an Lotus Evora S. Has the 2+2, more usable back seat room than 911 or XK since it is a flat bench. The engine is way more reliable than Jaguar or Porsche. The engine is not even a consideration on the Lotus; that Toyota engine is most developed and tested engine on the market...

 

To the OP, I think you'll need to sit in one and test drive it to see if the XKR 'talks' to you. After test driving the past couple years worth of Mustang GT's I couldn't justify the price vs. use / duty. I made a 300 mile round trip to drag my '07 home because it 'talked' to me. I'm really pleased to be driving something that's cool and unusual. Of course the XKR doesn't have nearly the aftermarket support the stang does but it also doesn't need it.

A little time in the car should tell you all you need to know.

 

Funny you should say that...

Few if any, outside of real Jaguar aficionados realize that the objective at Jaguar has always been to make a living thing. A machine that has a persona and mannerisms. Germans expect their machines to be machines and obedient. I get that.

Much has gone into a Jaguar to make it "Alive" it was even part of their marketing slogan recently. And Jaguar said the XKR was the most 'alive' thing they have ever made.

I did not even need to get into one. Even my designer friends remarked on first glance that it was the outline of a leopard at rest.

Attaching visual aid

 

Going to test drive an XKR tomorrow (2012). I'll let you know if it speaks to me.

 

Shouldn't that be "The outline of a Jaguar at rest"?
Google:
The jaguar is stockier and more muscular than the leopard, with a compact body, a broader head and powerful jaws. The jaguar's tail is also generally shorter than the leopard's tail. Though jaguars and leopards both have coats that feature rosette patterns, a jaguar's rosettes have spots inside them.

 

Absolutely. I thought it might confuse some.

Anyway, do you see the rear haunches and the rest of the proportionality too. Or would Freud say I have problems.

Btw, is that picture of mine a leopard or jaguar? Its been my desktop pic for years. The majesty and sense of supreme sovereignty is undeniable.

 

Looks like a Jaguar. Leopard spots are hollow and Jaguar spots have a small dot in the center where you can see on it's right side in your pic.
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-d...d-and-a-jaguar

 

OK, I checked out a 2013 XKR coupe today and drove one for the first time. Gray/black, 28,804 miles ($44,885.00). I have to admit, it did not speak to me. It screamed. Our current car, a 2016 Mustang GT Premium, at 435 horsepower, is not slouch. But the XKR acceleration is a totally different level. Not sure if today's car is the one but there's no question our next car is going to be an XKR.

 

Anyone replace shocks on 2013 jag xkr with after market if so where did you get