Hello,

I decided to sell my 2000 boxster S and get something newer, faster and better equipped. I'm debating between 09 MB SL550 and 08 XKR.
I found one at the dealership in skokie:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...1018/overview/

I checked out the car but haven't drive it yet, I'm about to do that this friday and also take it for Pre purchase inspection. as the carfax is missing almost 4 years of data and i never trust "exotic" car dealers...

I would like to ask some opinions from you about SL550 vs XKR and also what do you think about this particular car. SL550 has more features but XKR is more exotic and sounds much better, i would love to have ventilated seats in XKR.

is there anyone from Chicago land area that would recommend me any good Jaguar mechanic?

also what should I looking out for when buying XKR convertible?

I appreciate any comments and help

 

If all things check out, that's a decent price for what it is.
To be safe, some people will say to get a good PPI, Pre-Purchase Inspection. Sometimes that cost (usually less than $500) can be negotiated into the price.

 

First and foremost, the car should talk you into buying it. If it doesn't, it's not the right one to buy. Per the ad, the pictures are horrible and there's very little in the description.

Google the VIN, good bit of stuff comes up including this ebay ad with better pics.

http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayI...1&secureDesc=0

Should be an interesting ride and it certainly won't be just another Merc on the road.

 

+1 on the car talking to you as well as having it fully inspected. Additionally though, anyone can have a SL550 but only the coolest poeple have an XK/XKR! (I'd also make sure they offer the second key fob or knock off for it in the price)

 

Here's my 2 cents on this. As I drive down the road and see that 3 star emblem coming at me I figure it's just another MB regardless of the model. Once you see the star then you tend to glaze over and continue driving. Same with the 5 rings and the mustache grill aka BMW. I'm also seeing more of the Lexus whale mouth and the boxy Cadillac. So to me these are a dime a dozen and I see that many while out. I've always likes the out of the norm and Jag fits that bill. So next time you are out cruising count the number of Jags you see and out of them how many were XK/XKR. The down side is the LEO's know who you are.

 

If you want ventilated seats in your XKR look at the 5 litre cars (2010 MY on) because they have that. The 4.2 litre cars don't. They are also a whole lot more fun to drive!

 

Thank you for all options . oh yeah car does "talk to me" especially the exhaust!! that sound gives me goosebumps !..

I'm leaning towards XKR as it is more "exotic" than SL550 and sounds way better. I just don't know much about those cars.

 

 

I agree with Ranchero50, the car needs to talk to you. We are all different in what we look for in a car. This is not a sports car like the Boxster. It is a grand touring car that is sporty and yet comfortable to drive. I have 61k miles on mine and the more I drive it, the more I enjoy it. Pull fuse 19 to get that exhaust sound throughout the full RPM range.

 

I think I would go 09 SL550 because of the retractable hardtop

 

Hi Knomad,

What do you exactly mean by "Pull fuse 19 to get that exhaust sound throughout the full RPM range"

Grtz Ben

 

The XKR has an "active" dual exhaust system with electronically controlled valves that open to bypass the silencer (muffler) depending on throttle position and rpms. At low speeds it's usually closed and the exhaust is gentlemanly quiet. Mash the exhilarator pedal and the exhaust turns rowdy! That circuit is protected by fuse 19, which is located in the fuse box between the rear seats. Removing that fuse causes those valves to stay open, which is music to my ears. It's easy to do and there are lots of threads on this Forum.

 

Peter,

The Alcon Performance Brake Package was standard equipment on the 2008 XKR Portfolio, and a $5,000 option on the 2009 XKR Portfolio. Make sure the pads and rotors are still good; otherwise you'll be spending $$$ to replace those huge rotors and pads. Front calipers are 6-piston, rear are 4-piston. Alcons were available only on 2008 and 2009 models. See: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-cheap-171582/

Note that Alcon brake XKRs came from the factory without a spare wheel/tire because Jaguar didn't have one that fit at that time. Here's how to get a spare: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-brakes-67260/

Here's my 2009:





Stuart

 

Hi Stuart

Thx for your reply. I have a XK 2010 so I think I have to make the brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmm exhaust sound constantly by myself I assume

Grtz Ben

 

Peter, these are world class cars. They share the tech and quality of the same generation Fords. Parts are very common and share across most of the Ford / Jag / Volvo models. Volvo has the most current Nav disc, . The trans was used by several different makers including Hyundai (I think). Parts are not overly expensive.

The 4.2 is bulletproof, the 5.0's make more power but, the 4.2's are bulletproof. Change the oil, keep it driving and it'll last a long time.

Frozen windows are a PITA because the windows drop a little to clear the seals. Batteries are a PITA because a weak one will cause all sorts of havoc with the car. You'll probably have that issue. Rubber bits in the suspension have crappy boots that will crack and fail.

 

so I can get any volvo nav disc or have to be specific car?

I noticed that passenger side window makes kind of grinding noise when coming down but it is just fine coming up. anyone had this issue?

I scheduled pre purchase inspection for this friday so if everything checks out i will be getting the car!

are there any spots in the top that could leak? i dont want to drive thru automatic carwash dont want to mess up the paint..

Funny story from today: i took my boxster from storage to get it ready for sale this saturday, I wanted to put down the top to see better as I was backing up, and when i was putting down the plastic rear window cracked in half!!! just got a quote to fix it- $825 !!!!

 

It's a specific Volvo disk. I have it and it's a big improvement over my OEM disk. See: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...v-disc-191140/

The X150 series is 12 years old and almost every question you can think of has already been asked and answered. Learn to use the Search function or Google, which will often direct you to one or more threads on this Forum. Lots of great info and helpful members here.

 

I would say that as a car ages, there will be new questions that arise as a result of that age.

There also can be new information that comes to light.

 

Before you consider SL of this vintage, make sure you research ABC hydraulic suspension and what it takes to keep car equipped with one on the road past warranty.

I am a former SL owner and would turn down 09 SL if it was given to me for free.