New owner of a very low mileage 2007 XKR. It will mostly be garaged but there are times when it will be outside for 3-4 days and I'm in SC where the sun is brutal so I'd like to get a cover. Any recommendations and any issues using the cover? Should I get 100% waterproof or the more breathable kind? My main concern is the sun. Thanks!

 

The largest benefit a car cover offers is Paint Removal. Seriously. Especially in wind, they will beat the crap out of the paint.
The best thing to do for a few days at a time is to protect the paint with either a really good wax or have the car ceramic coated.
Me, I prefer wax because it's easier to control. Sounds stupid, I know, but ceramic coat starts to fail after awhile and then the remaining must be removed before the whole thing can be reapplied.
Car covers are really good to keep dust off while already inside a garage.

 

Thanks Hilly. Yeah I knew the old covers were problematic. I hoped there was newer tech that was safe. I definitely keep her waxed but the sun and heat is such here that I was more worried about the plastics, the trim and seals, and the interior.

 

There are some really well made windscreen reflectors out there, and having the side windows tinted also helps quite a lot. Plus, there are exterior glass reflectors that block most sunlight from all the windows.

 

I have used a cover on my 2011 XK for over 6 years in the northeast 24/7/365 in rain, ice, snow, fall leaves etc., and it has not removed any paint. If used correctly it can protect the car from sun, bird poop, leaves, etc. Some of us don't have the benefit of a garage or carport and a cover is the only option.

My current cover is Covercraft Noah custom fit cover ordered from AutoAnything. I will make a few points about using it :

• Use a California Car Duster before putting the cover on the car each time.
• Follow video instructions like this when putting the cover on and off :
  You Tube
• Once a year wash the cover in a large commercial (laundromat) machine using Simple Green cleaner. Do not use regular detergent.
• The cover acts like a filter. It keeps off large debris, but dust may accumulate. Just use the car duster to remove it.
• The warranties on the cover sound great, but they require you to ship the cover back... which you will pay for.
• Even when covered, i keep a sun screen on the windshield dash.
• The cover can be washed while on the car (again with simple green) which you can do before washing your car. Don't use a high pressure power washer... foam and rinse. Just let it dry before trying to remove it.

In my case the cover lasts about 3 years, but since your use is not full time, it should last much longer.

 

The last point, using your auto as a form in order to wash the car cover...I'll pass on that one.
WJ

 

Why? The car will get wet just like when it rains or gets washed.

 

adding simple green
WJ

 

I did decide to get a cover and went with a Covercraft Reflectect as again my main concern was sun. Extremely light weight and hard to imagine that it is going to cause paint issues but I will report back if any issues. $231 with free shipping, i thought very reasonable for custom fit.

 

Cover looks good. Make sure the paint is superclean before putting a cover over it, else the dirt will act like sandpaper on the paint.

 

Thanks. Yeah I only cover it after a wash and dry.

 

A sun shade is important to protect your leather dashboard from shrinking. I bought mine from a Jaguar dealer because it's a custom fit for the X150. It's sturdy and fits perfectly, and is easy to put up and remove. I added the Leaper logo decal.

And no, I don't use it when parked in my garage. I put it up just to take this photo.