My 2002 VDP was stolen last Friday night. Although it was recovered in less than 12 hours, the car had already sustained damage to the engine (#8 cylinder), and possibly to the transmission. The insurance adjuster said that he hoped I wasn't in love with the car. I am preparing myself for the news that the insurance company will total the car.
I've seen a couple of 2007 XK/XKRs coupes and convertibles that are in good condition with low mileage, and have been mulling the possibility of buying one as a replacement vehicle. Granted, I would miss the spaciousness of the VDP, it would be fun to be back in a sports car once again.
Anyone in this forum care to share their guidance and opinions with me?

 

I upgraded from a 2004 XJ8 4.2 to an '07 XKR last year. It is great fun to drive and to be seen in. The main thing I miss about the XJ8 is the space, we now have to use my wife's car for family trips.

I did offer to buy her a Super V8 Portfolio that came up for sale recently but unfortunately she wasn't interested

 

Have owned 4 XJL's now; 3 VDP's. Is the proposed XK/R to be your daily driver? If you *need* the space of the VDP and don't have another car, you might be in a pickle at some point. In my XKR I can't carry more than one woman at a time anywhere...but I can get quite a bit of stuff in the rear trunk area under the rear lid.

Other than the space issue then the XK/R would be a great choice of car!

 

Just do it!

 

Agreed, love my 2009 XKR Convertible. It's awesome.

 

A VDP to an XK... sounds like you went through the same soul searching as I;-)
In all seriousness, if you're used to the ride of the VDP...

But if you want to really enjoy the ride (alone); go for a spin in the XKR. You'll see why we who have one find it difficult to let it go.

 

How on earth did the cylinder #8 get damaged? And the transmission?

Before my XKR, when it came to Jags, I always thought of myself as a sedan kind of guy. But I truly think the XK is the most luxurious car that Jaguar makes. I don't mean that about the quality/design of the interior, but by the presence it has. A 2-door just feels that much more special.

 

Go for the XK/XKR. But read through the threads dealing with some of the "bugs" in the 07 models. If you can swing it the 5.0 liter came out in 2010 and in mho is a superior vehicle in all respects.

 

Thanks for all the input. The theft of the VDP was caught on security cameras. The guys looked to be in their early 20s. Given where the car was recovered, I think they took it out for a night of showing off, drag racing until they burned it up. Whatever they did in it, they trashed the engine.
After test driving an XKR on Saturday, I can't get it off my mind. I test drove an XK today, and it just wasn't the same. Rationally I know I'll never *need* the power in the R, but I've never been accused of acting rationally. As far as space goes, I drove a Del Sol in my younger days, so I know how to tuck in when necessary.
I understand the thought behind getting something newer than the 2007, but in Texas right now, there are three '07s that are in better shape and with fewer miles than the available '08-11s.
Here's some pictures of the '07 XKR I'm leaning toward getting. It's a one-owner, dealer serviced car with 36,400 miles on the odometer.

 

Nice car, what is it selling for.....$45,000?

 

They're asking $38,500. I can't get it off my mind. The drawbacks of having a black convertible in Houston be damned. It's for sale in Austin, about 150 from where I live. How fun of a drive home would that be?

 

"How fun of a drive home would that be?"

Could be great fun. Leave Austin and get on that toll way, hwy 130, where you can do a legal 85mph til you hit I-10. Fudge a bit on the legal 85mph on the way back. That toll road is real sparse in traffic, including hwy patrol officers.

 

The XKR is a sleeper car. It looks almost exactly the same as a regular XK. So I think it takes people by surprise when you blow past them with its snarling crackling exhaust, looking as elegant as it does!

 

Great suggestion, Hailers. I've take that toll from 71 headed north to bypass Austin traffic, and it *is* empty for all practical purposes. Taking 130 south to 10 in SA would truly let me take advantage of a sweet ride.

 

I ended up buying a 2010 XK You can read a description and see some pictures taken by the dealer in the thread thread "Opinion on this leaper placement."

 

Wow! Very nice. Congratulations!

 

Haha, I thought that you bought the one with the leaper on it. But I see you bought another one after taking a peek at that thread. That one is gorgeous!

 

Thanks, and yes, it is gorgeous.