Hello everyone! Well I just sold my MG Midget and I can't wait to start looking for my next ride. I've been partial to the brits and really like the looks of the 99-02 Xk's - I've read about the chain tensioners which doesn't sound like a big deal. I'm a DIY guy and currently own a 525iT and tear into that thing regularly- so I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. I guess my question is what to get... I really like the idea of having a supercharged v8 but is the "R" worth the extra sellers usually ask for? What issues other than the tensioners do I need to be aware of? It appears the W5A580 transmission is fairly bullet proof if maintained and not abused. Thanks guys/ gals for the input!
Cheers!
J-Lucas..

 

Buy the R, thank me later.

A simple drive of both should seal the deal...

 

I would also say drive both and see if the extra premium is worth it, they are much more rare, and you will also probably get the extra on the back end when you go to sell it.

 

There is a slight premium when purchasing and R model and with the extra parts comes extra maintenance, so the ownership costs are a little higher as well.

Both will be way more power than a Midget, but also a different feel since an XK is a heavy GT car. Even the R isn't really a sports car, it's a GT with more power.

Like was said before, drive both and see what you think. Which one makes sense is more about what you want in a car and how you plan to use it.

 

R!

 

Yep...

 

[QUOTE=ccfulton;802126]There is a slight premium when purchasing and R model and with the extra parts comes extra maintenance, so the ownership costs are a little higher as well.

What extra maintenance should I expect? I'm primarily going to use this as my fun car- but trips such as traveling the Lincoln Highway/ Appalachian HW/ etc etc will be on the menu. BTW- I've been used to driving a 55bhp Midget (on a good day) I'm sure it's going to be shocking to get behind the wheel of one of these.

Cheers!
J-Lucas

 

There is just the added complexity of the S/C and intercooler system. Extra belts, an electric water pump for the intercooler, dual fuel pumps. Nothing huge but a few more things to take care of.

Many R cars had the adaptive suspension and more electronical gizmos that can go wrong.

I have an R and wouldn't trade if for anything.

 

On the balance, the R also has a more trouble-free transmission and some (not all) bits of the coolng system are sturdier.

 

R,What everybody else says, you won't regret it/.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies! I'm going to test drive both...from what it sounds like though the difference between the xk8 and R will be obvious.