My previous post was looking for a "sister" to my 89XJS convertible. That "deal" I had fell through and now I am considering if I should pay the extra $$$ for a low milage XKR or the less expensive version XK8 ??? (convertible) Your input is appreciated. I do all my own work on the 89, but at my tender age (74) I will have to agree that I am slowing down a bit. My other question would be the good and bad of having a Black interior. Personally I always thought they got too hot in the summer !!! So, please chime in !!

Thanks,
Ken in WV

 

I Loved my XK8 convertible, gorgeous car. I also love my XKR, almost as gorgeous but a MUCH better car, with all the updated performance, suspension, drive train, accouterments, interior and such-forth. I'd think it would all come be up to... do you want to drive around in old world class and luxury, or have a nicer ride in a more modern style? The XK8 is also a bit smaller inside, so if you're much over 6'-2" you'll have a bit of a time fitting comfortably. I'm 6"-2" and really didn't like looking through the top half of the windscreen all the time, especially at stop lights when I had to crane my neck to see them.

 

My sincere suggestion would be, get an XKR better resale, which puts the money difference aside. I think now more than ever you need a pick me up. A kitten rather than a lounge cat. Its pep you can appreciate at near idle speeds. The XK not so.

 

If you go for a 2007+ XK/R with the cooled seats option, you won't have any issues with hot upholstery, regardless of colour.

Personally, I'd say: if you can stretch to the R, you'll enjoy the extra oomph. I came from a 4.0 XK8 to a 5.0 XKR - huge difference.

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe I have only seen cooled seats on the 10+ 5.0 engined cars?

 

Looking at the '09 user manual, you're right, no cooled seats. I stand (or rather, sit) corrected.

 

And in keeping with proper British etiquette, the passenger's side can be independently controlled for times you dont particularly want to blow air up someone and send the wrong message. The inverse is also true.

 

Before I got my 07 I test drove an XK8. as nice as the XK8 was, the new models (07+) are better in every way. And being 6' 3", the XK8 really didn't fit very well. The 300hp in the standard XK is enough for me, and according to many I've talked to, the 4.2l is just more reliable and generally better sorted than the 5.0l. They did make the XKR with supercharged 4.2l, which would give you good reliability and a big power boost. The 6 speed trans is top notch and helps with the gas mileage too. I don't think the black seats make too much difference in real life. If I liked the car the seat color wouldn't stop me from buying it. Of course I'm partial to the British Racing Green, and they always come with the tan interior.

 

Thanks to all.... I've just purchased an 02 xkr Black with Tan interior one owner with 49k miles... Should get it first of next week. It will reside in the garage next to my Red 89 xjs convertible.... Drove that one today... Now to get rid of my MB 450sl (how did that get in the garage too !!!!)
Ken in WV

 

By the way, this is the X150 forum for the Aluminum bodied XK.

You want the X100(XK8) forum here.

XK8 / XKR ( X100 ) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

Enjoy the new car.

 

Ken,
Congratulations on the 2002XKR. I have one as well as a 2010XKR. I love both, the 2002 for its undeniably sensual shape and its heritage link to the XKE and Jaguar history, and the 2010 for its power, suspension, transmission, driving prowess. There is no comparison between the drivability of the X100 and X150 models, as the X150 is so far superior that it's unfair to even put them on the same page. BUT, the X100 is a grand touring cruiser, and with the top down on a warm sunny day can't be beat. Also, in the all important category of which car gets the most compliments, there is also no comparison; my 2002 gets more approving nods and comments than any car I have ever owned. Period!

Enjoy!

 

What wheels are on your X100? They look fantastic.

 

That is a gorgeous XK with the color I always wanted :-). When I purchased my '05 I first looked at a custom Jaguar colored red Jaguar XK and fell in love. Called the "other" dealer that I had an appointment with and wanted to cancel, thinking I had my car. The other dealer offered me a price I could not refuse. So, I passed on the stunning red XK with cream/white interior and never forgave myself for selling out for a few thousands of dollars in savings!

You are correct, as far as driving them the X150 is heads and shoulder above the '05 XK and the last gen XKR is also far above the standard XK when it comes to handling and power.

 

The color is Carnival Red but is really a light burgundy color (and available on every Ford product of the era). In different light it goes from looking red to light wine. It is still my favorite color. The wheels are the standard Double '5's that came on the 2002 XKR from the factory. They are available very reasonably on ebay and are 18" diameter.