While I know that there is most likely a ton of overlap between the x100 and x150 sub-forums.
I still feel like I’m switching sides. :-)

So… I will do a new “Intro post”.

Yesterday, for the first time, I got a chance to look at and drive a 2000, 2004 and 2013 XK/XKR.
Yes all on one lot!
I’ve been casually seeking this stunning example of a GT and learning about them for a couple of years.

I won’t lie, the classic look and feel, inside and out, of the 2004 XKR convertible tugs on my heartstrings the most. And with 32,000 miles on it, every square inch was pristine, outside of the normal few rock chips in the front. Everything worked as intended right down to the telescoping steering wheel and the antenna.
(two things I see being discussed frequently on the x100 side)
It even had the cover for the top (when down) in the boot and looked new.

I went there thinking “may as well drive the 2013 (he has two) just to contrast”. I also thought, no joke, until hours after I got home that the 2013s were XKRs.
I was dead set on the 2004 XKR and so didn’t really pay attention. Just drove it.

I have to say, even though they were not XKRs, I was blown away.
One was a portfolio and the other was something else.
The silver door sill said “Special Edition”?
The difference in experience was night and day.

I could visualize the x100 xkr as a great weekender mountain/beach car. Classic, stylish and fun.
However the reality of my life is that I still work and have a 13y old daughter who won’t be leaving the nest for 4.5 years. (The older two are in college and starting college in August)

So dreams be (temporarily) dashed, practicality comes into play.
The 2013 had better tech, better safety features and the interior height was at a better sweet spot.
(I’m 6’3)
Drove both with the top down, seat as low
and far back as it would go and leaned back a bit.

In the x100 XKR, the top of my head was a solid 2” above the top of the windscreen.
At 50°F it wasn’t pleasant. But I’m sure some creative bloke here has solved for it or has a work-around.

In the X150 XK, same seat settings, the windscreen was dead even with the top of my head so my hair blew around a bit, but wasn’t hitting my forehead.
It has the holes in the back for a wind deflector which I presume will reduce the amount of wind in the cabin and would be a must buy.

This particular 2013 XK (60k mi) was black/black, brand new no expense spared top, that rubber hose in the front that wears was replaced with steel. Just serviced front to back, all books and service history. Oh and 20” wheels.
Only thing I caught was the little dial for lumbar didn’t work on the driver’s side.

Thinking it was an R, I was satisfied with the raw power when I was able to open it up.
Realizing now it was an XK with some upgrade package(s), I can’t imagine the power of a 510bhp engine.
Looked on YouTube some more and realized as I will spend over 50% of my time in stop and go commuter traffic, I’d never be able to unleash the power of an R. And quite honestly it could be dangerous at least for me.

Ok, anyway, as a soon-to-be new member of the Jaguar family, I thought I’d share my first experiences.

I will continue my search and analysis and would love your thoughts and input since the majority of the past 2 years was focussed on the 2003-2006 x100 platform.
And now I am just starting the 2010-2015 XK learning process.

Cheers!
Frederick

 

The Special Edition is a Portfolio.

 

And on that long winding road... the X100 is no match for the X150.

 

If this will be your first Jaguar, don't even consider an X100. Buy an X150. I own both. Totally different cars. The X150 is an aluminum unibody, built w industrial robots, has world class parts. Contemporary styling, way more reliable, more luxurious and a lot more fun to drive (either the XK or R). The X100 has the cramped interior (I'm also 6'3"), less reliable, hydraulic top and is a boulevard cruiser (unless XKR, Victory Edition or similar). I like my "old" 07 XKR but there's also the argument that you should buy the newest X150 you can afford. Newer rubber and electricals, maybe less likely to have problems. I think a Portfolio Edition is more likely to have been well serviced. Pride of ownership. Good luck w your search. The X150 is a much better car, probably fewer repairs and a lot more fun to drive for that weekend trip. It's been a couple of days since I last drove my 07. Time to take a break from doing taxes and go drive it. Good luck

 

Thanks CA_jag! This is the kind of feedback I was seeking.

I’d really love an R but as we already have 2 SUVs and 1 sedan (2 drivers) and I can’t find a good one near me under $28k, I may have to settle for a Portfolio at around $20k, although I wanted to cap it at around $15k.

i do wonder if there are hidden places to find them, all I have is google and FB marketplace.

 

The X150's are hard to find. The 2013 XK Portfolio is around 20? Has a full service history? Could be interesting. No idea what these cars go back there. Suggest a CarFax to see if any accidents. I can't see an 5.0 R for daily driver that sits in traffic. Can check pricing on Bring A Trailer which is a national on line auction. Comments on this one from 5.0 owners?

 

@Circumnavigator , https://www.autotempest.com/ Autotempest is a good place to look. Combined search of all the largest car sites. On the other hand, I may be selling my 07 XKR. Don't know where you are in NC, but I'm in Greenville, SC. But, I'll admit to being prejudiced as to whether you should buy an 07-09 or the later 2010 and up 5 litre and I won't get into that discussion here. I haven't advertised my car, yet. On the fence as to selling. You can PM me if you are interested.

 

Thanks @luv2fly
i am looking for a 2010+ and am western NC.

She is beautiful, so I’m sure you’ll have no issue finding her a new home.

I will say, I’ve only driven a 2006 and a 2013 so far, so I have zero experience with the 2007-2009s.

 

@Circumnavigator

I understand. I'd go for 2013 or later. Research timing chains and tensioners on 5.0L JLR engines. https://www.rangerovers.net/threads/...system.368506/

 

That's a gorgeous 07. Stock color wheels? Paint on mine is Indigo (dark blue metallic). Matte silver wheels look a little flat. Considering power coating that looks like chrome. Understand being on the fence w selling. These cars are a bargain. Driven an 5.0 XKR?

Many discussions in here about 4.2 vs 5.0. Argument for an 07-09 is lots of car for a lower price and history of reliability. With the XKR, still have 420 hp (and great exhaust).

 

Agree 2013 if you want a 5.0 Also post '12 facelift looks great.

 

Yes the wheels are stock. I don't like them. Really prefer Sentas. The car is black on black. And I did have a 2013 Special Edition in White with Truffle interior. Absolutely fabulous and gorgeous car. Got nervous about the timing chains and sent it down the road. Never know if that was a mistake, although I believe someone on here wound up with it.