As Q&C points, paying taxes sucks. So the recommended solution is to hoard cars.

 

Another former R129 owner here - 1993 600SL, that's been my son's daily driver in Dallas, TX since 2011 when I got my XKR. He has less than 40K miles on it.

 

It's a racket. Paying taxes multiple times on the same vehicle. Leasing is worse. Here in Tex-***, you pay the tax on the full amount of the leased vehicle you only use for 2-3 yrs, then return it so someone else can pay the taxes again. I won't lease in TX.

 

What 77 Toyota is worth $85K?

 

Total racket. Pay $8k in taxes and you still got potholes that will destroy your car. I wish I was as clever as they are for making money without actually making a product.

The thing I have found to wear out the fastest on any good car is the looks.
The XK is truly timeless and rare enough that you never have to worry about putting money in. I can share a secret from my profession- the thing that dates a product is when lines are put in to cater to a fad, as opposed to function. When form strictly follows function (think Eames chair) its absolutely forever. The only thing on our XK that does not pass that test is the silly cheeks on the front bumper. In comparison the current corvette or the SL will be a crude joke when viewed 20 years from now, when we once again revert to more subtle gracious lines as opposed to bold lines for the sake of definition in photographs.

 

Can you believe. And more.
Which of these cars is the best investment?

 

Agreed on the design, Q&C. I still don't think MBZ has topped the 560sl from the late 80's. And after people say "nice car," the next comment is invariably "what year is it?" It's just impossible to tell.

 

Because they are caught in a trap- they made a name for themselves by only designing form that follows function. Now they have to follow fad to compete.
Buyers have become younger- who easily fall for vanity. Want a car that will last 2 lifetimes- buy a car still made for mature seasoned eyes- Rolls, Bentley, our Jag.

The gull wing came about as function.

 

If you are convinced that the XK is THE car for you. Then go ahead and replace it with a 2014 CPO car with low mileage. At that point you are probably set for many years to come, also remember that XKs are no longer made. First though I would check the serial number against my current car and TSbs to see if all of the factory known bugs are gone. I would also negotiate a better price than that which is offered. I think I would go for the Wichita car; why? its away from a big body of water, probably easier winters and traffic. Another thought, make sure the water pump is the latest iteration and check out the battery. perhaps insist on a new one? Whichever way you go you will still have an XK and that is a great position to be in. Please let us know what you decide to do.

 

This may skew the topic here but if I were to be looking for an XK today it would be for a 2015 XKR-S conv. but it would be a difficult find. Either that or one of the last XKR models built. Looking at the options the 2014 is not much different from the 2012. And even though the 2015 looks the same the difference is you get the last of the model year car. My 2 cents

 

I did exactly this a year and a half ago.
I loved my car so much, and so certain that I want this to last that I started talks on a 2015XKR coupe....

But soon realized that by 2015 Jaguar had made so many changes to the XKR that I did not like it and actually thought it was poor design. The two-tone racing seats was like an older gent dressing like Barry Gibb when he was a teenager.

It was very confused, definitely not an elegant British grand tourer, and not quite a high tech sports car. Get this, it actually had London Tan leather- yes be still my beating heart -it was surrounded with Miami Blue. The exterior was Vapour Grey.

I respect that not everyone has my bizarre criteria for keeping classy and elegant.

 

Interesting. as of right now, there seem to be a LOT more 2014's avail. Coming off lease, I assume.

And while I also like the "last year made" idea, I'm curious: I always thought that the 2015 was essentially unchanged from the 2014-- like, identical? No?

I agree with you, Q&C, re styling. I couldn't get an XKR-S for that reason alone. That rear spoiler is just not my jam, as it were, and 510 HP is plenty for me. Plus, I have become addicted to the cooled seats, a feature not available on those sport seats. From May through October, it's the first thing I do when I start the car: cool those seats! And yes I park it indoors. Still.

And I won't get into what going from a 2010 XKR to a 2015 XKR-S would do to my insurance in CA...

 

Reread your post, Jagtoes, and I see that you weren't suggesting the 2015 was a different car, other than it being the last model year. Never mind. (Though I had heard that there were some tweaks done in 2013 to the 2012..?)

 

I think there were slight options but other then wheels the outside looks the same. I haven't seen the inside to see what differences there were.

 

New for 2013:
The Jaguar 2+2 grand Touring Coupe and Convertible, with aluminum construction and 5-liter V8 engines ranging from 385hp to 550hp.

New XK Touring trim level offered.

New Portfolio Pack for XK and XKR models add special features and finishes

Limited-production XKR-S returns with 100 Coupes and 100 Convertibles available for the US market for 2013

New standard 20-inch wheels on XK Coupe and Convertible

Dynamic Pack now offered on both XKR Coupe and Convertible, offers XKR-S suspension tuning


Highlights for 2014
New XKR-S GT Coupe with enhanced aerodynamics and chassis systems for maximum track performance; just 25 cars for the U.S. and five for Canada

The Portfolio Pack, which was a limited-edition model for 2013, returns as an option for XK and XKR models. Includes choice of exclusive interior color themes, Navy and Truffle, plus Poltrona Frau leather headliner, 20-in. “Orona” wheels, chrome mirror caps and chrome mesh grilles

Aero Pack now standard on XKR

New Performance Pack available on XKR, with diamond pattern stitching on the Performance-style seats; Pack also includes an active exhaust, Suedecloth steering wheel and red brake calipers


2015 saw the Final 50 produced:
These limited edition models will be painted Ultimate Black, with the Convertible featuring a black top. Styling is enhanced by the louvered hood from the limited production XKR-S GT model.

Inside, all standard XKR luxury is present, with each of these limited edition models identified by a special badge on the center console and an inscribed doorsill treadplate.

Performance upgrades are also included in the XK Final Fifty limited edition, as it will be equipped with both the Dynamic Pack and Performance Pack that are normally optional for XKR models. The Dynamic Pack widens the car’s performance envelope. Special side sills, a rear diffuser and larger rear wing provide the improved aerodynamics needed for Jaguar to provide a 174 mph limited top track speed capability3, compared to the standard 155 mph limited top speed3 for the standard XKR.

The car’s handling prowess is elevated by adopting chassis features and tuning from the XKR-S model, including a 10 mm reduction in ride height, forged and fully machined front suspension components with dedicated spring and damper settings and an upgraded Adaptive Dynamics suspension system1. The Dynamic Pack also adds ‘Vortex’ 20-inch forged wheels.
The Performance Pack contributes Performance seats in Diamond Sewn stitch pattern, Performance Active Exhaust and a Jet Suedecloth steering wheel. The Diamond Sew stitch pattern on the front seat backrests and head restraints and on the rear-seat backrests is rendered in Ivory white stitch over Ivory white soft grain leather.

 

If you are looking to blow money on an XKR and you already own one; buy an XKRS. At least with that car you get more assured future value due to its rarity and place in Jaguar's history. Other wise, I would stick with what you have or move to something totally different.

 

u102678 - Thannks!

Kind of confirms what I'd assumed. For the most part, changes seem like design package tweaks to bump sales. (As well as forcing 20 inch wheels on us all...) For me:

Not a fan of the Portfolio edition-- those chrome mirror caps are a little "Mina Gallery" for my taste.
Ditto on the "Touring" trim level. Takes away some luxury features I like in the XKR.
And while a 2015 "Final 50" sounds nice indeed, again, it's not for me.
Thanks for the details!

 

Sooo....

I'm driving across the country again and the 2014 XKR in Wichita (with about 4500 miles) was kinda-sorta on my way, so I drove it.

It really does look, feel, and drive like a brand new car.

But they are firm on price, and would only offer $29K on my 2010 XKR in trade. So it'd take my car plus $35K to drive out with it. Not to mention that $5K in sales tax.

I passed. But it's as close to a new XKR that's out there, as far as I can tell.

 

So effectively $70k
For a car that is a has-been in the eyes of the world.

Alternatively $40k for about 3 years. As that car will be in the exact same condition as your car in 3 years. Whereas, you car will for the most part remain the same with little effort.

 

A good decision. I hope that your current car will stabilize itself with respect to not developing new problems.