HI everyone,

In my quest for a new kitty, i came around 2 possible options..

2008 XKR 100.000kms (convertible)
2013 XK 37.000km (convertible)

And there is obviously a big difference in price too (2013 about 3x the 2008).. but looking at the pictures, i see that it looks like the leather on the dash of the 2008 is bubbling a bit.. (link - http://tnydu.biz/DOtRBr )

Not sure if this is a real blocker or not? Is it an easy fix or does it require a dealer visit to have it fixed for $$$$?

(2013 ad: http://tnydu.biz/DOtRDn)

Roelf

 

Unless you are very adventurist and do your own work, having a professional shop here in the states can vary, but, $3to 5K would not be unusual. It requires the entire dash to be removed.
We use a sunscreen all the time here, in both your daily rides and our fun rides when out on a sunny day.
Good Luck in your quest....

 

Hey Parzival. If you do a search on this forum, you'll see it's not an uncommon problem. And if you're not a do it yourself kind of person or lack this particular skill set required, as RedRider stated, it can run between $3k - $5k here in the US, so add about 13000 AED to that 08 model.
There are more than a few write ups on it.

Then there is the mileage. 100,000 km is a wee bit high of an 08, in my opinion but, what's more important is maintenance history. For me, I would consider the higher mileage older car if I had all of the service records. But that's me.

No mention of your budget. If you're on the fence, it probably means you can afford the 2013 and if you're not mechanically inclined, the 2013 has an available warranty.

Again, for me, all things being equal, I'd rather own the newer model, but will sacrifice mileage for history any day.

I can't give you any input on cost value. In the U.S. we have several tools that show comparative price values. I hope you have the same.

I hope this helps. Others with more miles behind the XK will weigh in I'm sure.

Good luck in your search and let us know what you decide please.

 

You are looking at two different engines. the 08 has a 4.2 Litre engine and the 13 has a 5.0 litre engine with direct injection. Having owned an 08 and 12 XK and now a 13 XKR. I have now put over 100,000 miles on the three combined. So, my response to your question is; if your budget can stand the price, opt for the 13 XKR.

Whatever you decide to do have the car you are intending to purchase inspected by a dealer or highly reputable indie for mechanics. Then have the body inspected by a body shop expert in aluminum body repairs. If any problems are found either get the seller to correct them or to reduce the selling price by whatever it takes to bring the car up to par. Good luck and happy hunting!!

 

thanks everyone, will check both cars in the coming days...

Will keep you up to date!... and if both are not okay, will just wait before another one comes along

 

An Update..

checked out the '08 XKR.... it has some scratches and dents on the outside and some wear and tear on the inside.. for example, the area around the shifter (between P and R) is missing some paint and you can view the white plastic..
the dash seems to have some curled up leather, but that has been repaired.. it does have a new roof though....

But most importantly, I wanted other XKR drivers' feedback on the engine.. I have the XK 4.2 and this is also the 4.2, but it seems to be more raw, if you get what I mean.. not particularly louder, but as if you can feel the engine vibrations through the gas pedal..

before buying I would obviously have it inspected by the dealer, but was wondering what others think of the XK versus XKR engine/exhaust noise..

 

Sounds like it wasn't well cared for, both inside and outside. Feeling vibration through the gas peddle doesn't sound good.
I tried an XKR before I got my XK (both '07s), and I felt the R always had power in reserve. No matter how fast I was going, just give it a bit more gas, and you get a pleasant kick in the pants, effortlessly. I do miss that extra power in my XK.
Sound is harder to compare, as the XKR exhaust is computer controlled, opening up at specific RPMs and throttle angles, while the XK is simply controlled by exhaust pressure.
In general the XK is quieter than the R, exhaust-wise, in my opinion (I wanted my XK to sound a bit more muscular, so I solved that problem by putting an XKR back box on my XK, and since it has no way to control the valves, they stay 'open', just like XKR owners that pull fuse 19).

 

Have a couple spare carfax's available. If you need one run let me know

 

seller did not mind a full inspection at the dealer.. which takes about 2 days.. and costs around $300USD.. lets see what they say. if they claim the car is good.. then the price is good.. if they say car is crap.. well.. then I'm not buying