Had originally been intending to keep my search to just the 2003-2006 year cars, preferably the XKR but happy to get the right XK8. Now the problem I've come across is that I've taken a fancy to the Blue/Ivory and Slate/Charcoal color combos. Seems like neither was an option for the 03+ XKR, only the Blue/Ivory in the pre-03 years. Mostly just a mix of Silver and Black exteriors, with I think it's a Quartz grey/Dove grey option after 05? Of course I could be wrong and I've just not had much luck in my searching. Is so, please let me know!

But was wondering if the 02 R would be worth it. Would expect to replace the tensioners and water pump up front. But would the supercharger be worth losing out on the 03 changes such as the 5spd to 6spd transmission? Assuming Brembo brake option wasn't selected, would the ride and handling characteristics of the 02 be worth the trade off? And are there any other little side things with the model year change that might not be noticeable at first glance?

Would certainly appreciate some input. Been doing the convertible hunt since last year and narrowed it down to the XKs around March. Have picked up a lot about them since then, but still a lot of factors bouncing around in my head. And unfortunately don't have the option of testing out many where I'm located. Have only gotten my hands on a 97 XK8 as a test drive and loved it. Figure everything else is an upgrade

 

There are 03 blue/dove combinations, in 04 they only did the two-tone interior special addition in blue/black-blue that wasn't very popular, but had very nice 20-inch BBS wheels. There are lots of black, grey and silver exteriors, but once in awhile, you'll see a carnival red, british racing green, or that dark blue. If thats what you want, be patient, you'll run across them. Autotrader 2003 Blue and another 2003 Blue. I like the blue very much, slate is nice, but the carnival red just don't see much, especially with the 19-inch apollo rims (mine and reverend sam's personal favorites)

 

Not to threadjack this, but has anyone ever seen a red XK8/R with a dove interior?

 

Yeah, have been looking over those two for awhile now along with a 2002 XKR with the same color scheme. If I could find a 2003+ R with that color combo, I'd be sold.

Saw one of the 2004 Portfolio's with the color matched interior. Just seemed wrong with this car, more suited to something like a Corvette or Porsche. Just a bit too flashy for my tastes. And not a fan of the Detroit wheels either. Would take the Apollos ahead of them. Though do think I like the Perseus wheels a bit more than the Apollos.

 

You've decided the Coupe / Convertible question and got your preferences on colour combo sorted so it comes down to condition and history on any vehicle you are considering.

There's pluses and minuses on both earlier 5 spd and later 6 spd XK8's. On balance, I prefer my current 2005 with the 6 spd over my previous 2001 but the ride is much harsher with 20" wheels and the DSC is too sensitive. Brembo's are nice but I feel there's more marketing hype than actual performance improvement for highway driving.

It comes down to which vehicle ticks more boxes for you.

Graham

 

Carnival red/tan (or biscuit or whatever they call it) interior XK8's are around, I see several driving around the San Fernando Valley on a regular basis. I have the Carnival red/black combination as having 2002 XJ Sport with the light interior and the inherent cracking that seems to accompany every light colored Jag interior I have seen eliminated it from my choices. I love the Carnival red, not bright red, not quite burgundy, but very classy. However, there are few color combinations of XK8/XKR's that don't look great. My advice: Find a good car first (lowest miles, service records, clean major accident report etc.), then get picky about color combos.

 

Carnival red in 2003 and up are not very common tberg, and dove wash't an interior color choice Ohio, only the tan, not sure about black however. Haven't seen one.