The kids are out of diapers, not college. Maybe in 15 years I'll be shopping for a newer shinier one. If I went over 20k I'd be looking to finance, and I don't want to do that. I'd also have to pass it with the boss, who really isn't keen on this to begin with.

Finding the vin information is useful, the type of information that would have been lovely to have before I went through various inspections with it. The reason I posted was to look for what to look for on the car, as the owners are likely to know better than a prospective buyer. I know "cars", but that's a far cry from the very specific details on each and every car. I've got a lot of "run", and a lot of "neglected", but an extremely small amount of specific details.

 

Let's cut to the chase here and not beat around the bushes or avoid real facts.

You came to this forum seeking the wisdom of those who have already gone through what you are trying to do. I've personally purchased at least 15 cars (new Porsche and Mercedes included) and another 10 motorcycles new and used however many here outnumber me by a lot but with that comes a high level of what to do and what NOT to do. There is a great amount of information that can be taken any way you wish to take it or not at all.

Every single reply to your initial post, and subsequent feeble justifications, of why you think this particular car was refuted and shot down. EVERYONE has said to RUN yet you are drawn towards to emotional concept of going fast and looking good rather than purchasing a "good deal" based upon quality/price = value. The quality here doesn't exist nor does the realistic chance of recouping your $$$ from this mistaken purchase if things don't work out. So far you've haven't listened to a single word that contradicts your wants. You also tell us that you are both a "driver and a mechanic" then you seem surprised or bothered somehow that we didn't tell you the simplest steps in purchasing ANY decent car... those things you should know and/or research on your own - again your simple comment about nitrogen completely unraveled any question as to your competency. You're in WAY over your head in not only this particular car but in purchasing period. Your wife is also trying to talk sense into you but you keep going towards the light like a moth that can't help himself. Have her please read this entire thread. You REALLY want this car and as said I hope you do get it... God knows so does that dealership as it will alleviate him of a terrible purchase on his part. The stories that will come soon will bring not only loads of sarcastic humor but will also be another warning to others who think it wise to take the road you're taking right now. I did the very same mistakes when I was 17 getting my first car, my son tried it at 17 getting his first car (swore that every salvaged car he looked at was a diamond!). You will certainly go WAY over $20K to bring it to "good condition" aside from any likely issues you'll have (which could run MANY thousands of $$$). At your age have you even looked into what full coverage insurance will be on this car?

"There are those who learn for themselves, there are those who learn from others, and there are those who never learn"... which will you be?

No need to answer a single question I posed here, those are all for you to ignore and for others to possibly take into consideration when facing a similar situation. When my son insisted on buying a wreck I told him "If you buy that you're on your own I won't be there to help you but if you get any of the others I'll be there".. as you can guess he had to have THAT one then within weeks had major issues called me and I reminded him of my words. You have been warned MANY times over but keep coming back trying to justify this abortion... just go get the car. IF you're right you may be able to get a car that is maybe worth $15K IF you clean it up real nice and maybe can sell in in a 6 month span like them (but remember they have much better marketing than you) but what if we're right??? Can you afford to take that risk? They polished a turd here

How's that for specific detail as requested? If you don't understand "run" when those in the know responded then there's deeper issues. Stop avoiding facts, advice, and common sense, buy it or don't we honestly do not care we chimed in to help but it is falling on deaf ears

Drop the mic... I'm going to chat with those whom I respect for info and can help them as well. Got my popcorn and beer waiting can't wait to hear about how this whole things rolls out

 

I get pretty excited about cars myself and have to sometimes take a bit of a cold shower, but the pics of that one look like it hasnt been cared for. And the fact that someone bought it then traded it two months later is really setting off alarm bells. I am a serial car buyer, aside from my first XF I cant remember owing a car more than 2 years, but I've had my XKR for 2 1/2 now and am still in the honeymoon phase of our relationship. That someone could trade it after 2 months suggests to me that it was a dud. It wouldnt be that they arent practical - they are very practical provided you dont want kids in the back.

If you can, hold out for a better one. If this one is crap, your missus (I take it that when you say "the boss" you mean your missus rather than your employer!) will never let you hear the end of it. Get a good one, you wont be able to get the keys off her.

 

It appears that the OP has different motives then some of us on this form. My personal choice was to find a late model car that fit the requirements that I wanted like color and features. On the other hand the OP here is aiming to get an XKR coupe that fits his wallet. The buy in price seems to be the key and with a few kids and college ahead the ability to drop another $5-$10K just isn't in the budget. I gotta believe he heard us and digested the info but feels the urge to get into an XKR and maybe for ego or selfish reasons but none the less he wants one. So whether this car turns out to be good or a disaster he at least took a risk. As much as some of us are against this particular car we can only provide our feedback. As for me the judge for this buy lies with the wife so if things go good then no issues but if things go bad we are all lucky to not be in the same house. I wish him luck

 

I have read with interest through this whole thread, and I would agree with many of the observations that the car looks like it has not had the best of care and that there are probably other cars out there that represent better value. BUT, both of my XKRs have over 100,000 miles on them (one with 160K) and perform and look like they were almost new. So, the blanket statement that 100,000 mile cars ought to be eliminated from consideration at any price is just not valid. The test drive is important. About a year ago, I test drove a 2007 or 2008 (I don't remember) XKR for another forum member on the east coast. Car was located about 5 minutes away from me. Interior was not perfect but in very nice condition, exterior was in decent condition with some dings and a small golf ball sized dent. I seem to remember the price being about $20K or so. I drove it and was quite alarmed as it needed 4 new shocks, rode like a rattling truck, and was just not a very pleasurable ride. I called the member and told him that by the time you replaced the shocks, repaired the scratches and dents, and a few interior items that needed to be replaced, you might as well look at a car that is in better condition for $4-5,000 more, and not have to do all of the work.

On the subject car, if the test drive didn't reveal obvious imminent disintegration, and that everything during the ride felt good and tight, and if the asking price is actually negotiable, all things being relative, it might not be the worst purchase in the world. That doesn't mean there won't be increased risks of work needing to be done compared to a 30K car, but it's the entrance to XKR ownership that he is seeking within a budget he can afford, especially since it appears he will be doing his own work.

There is plenty of time to say "I told you so," but in the meantime let's try and be a bit more welcoming to someone who wants to join our exclusive club.

Let us all know how it turns out. Good Luck

 

I feel for the OP, as I know what it is like to be confined by all the parameters he listed as well as the many he probably did not.

My opinion for what little it is worth:
You want a nice sporty car (for whatever personal reasons you have, which are no ones business but your own). If it was me in your shoes, I would serious look at the previous generation of XKR, being the '03-'06 models (X100). These can be had for quite a lot less money, yet in much better condition, which may still give you the same thrill/effect of this car.
What ever you do decide, sincerely, best of luck!

 

He has lots of choices, by the way, I also wanted an XKR Coupe, but decided to put my toe in the water and instead purchased a very nice 2007 XK Coupe.
Wow, what a car! Without a doubt the nicest driving vehicle I have ever owned.
I didn't get the ultra powerful macho XKR, but I will.
This let me own that beautiful body style of the Jaguar XK at a more reasonable price.
And I was able to buy a very nice example, because I didn't start off with the top of line hot rod from Jaguar.
I have owned this fabulous auto for about a year now, I love it! I will likely sell this XK within another year or so, and then go into an XKR.
There is nothing wrong with slowly moving up the chain, buying a used XK will not depreciate too fast.
I remember my first dream car as a young man was the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Spyder. What a car in the day... they ended up only producing about 870 of them. Did I buy one? No, I bought a used standard old 3000GT SL. Drove it for a few years and sold it to purchase a 3000GT VR4, wow, what a step up! And then, yes, I finally sold that and purchased that rare 3000GT VR4 Spyder! It is an amazing car, but I also loved my plain ole non-turbo 3000GT.
My rambling is to suggest, that your first Jag does not have to be the supercharged XKR and you can get a dramatically better condition XK for a lot less money and not have the worries about things going south.
Just some thoughts for you...