I'm looking at two very similar cars, both in amazing condition.

They however drive very different. I know the 2000 xkr has the bulletproof Mercedes tranny, and the 2005 has the updated 6 speed. The 2005 feels much faster and responsive. It feels more than the 20hp difference. The 2000 feels a bit 'wound up' when pressing it hard, the 2005 is much more responsive and ready to play.

Has anyone had both?

 

I've had a 2001 and 2005 in normally aspirated spec so it's a similar comparison of Model Years. The 2005 was definitely more responsive.



On balance, given both with similar condition and history I'd go for the 2005 because of benefits in development. However, many prefer the lines of the earlier model and consider the later design looks bloated.

Graham

 

yes, very true. I think the 2001-2004 are the best looking, they don't have the ugly stripe across the door and have the updated fogs.

Driving both of the cars extensivly, I think the tranny is more of a difference than what most people talk about. Everyone talks about horsepower, but if it's mated to an old feeling tranny?? You don't really 'want' to push it. It's a big difference!

I'm driving a regular 2002 xk8 now, I don't see the extra horsepower advantage of the 2000 xkr being worth the extra cost.

 

If you are happy with your 2002 XK8 why are you thinking of changing to an older car?

When I bought mine, I drove both the XK8 and supercharged versions, and for me, it had to be the R version. If I was looking again now, I would probably want a 5.0 R, but I am still struggling to like the front end looks and the interior of the X150, so I would probably go for an X100 4.2 R if it was in my price range - which I assume is the 2005 you are looking at?

 

I'm shopping for condition/mileage, not price. In florida, the price for a 2000xkr and a 2005xkr is virtually the same. The condition is the biggest factor in price, and that is not necessarily mileage dependent

 

Age will determine if the rubber and fluids are about to expire. a '00 will need all fluids replaced (at some point regardless of miles). Suspension components as well. That said the throttle response could very simply be a cable adjustment since these are known to 'loosen' over time. When I shopped for mine I picked a 02 with the mercedes transmission, not only more dependable but much much easier to service and has a fill tube.

 

Hopefully I'll be picking up the 2005 tomorrow. The Mercedes 5-speed feels clumsy/old compared to the 6-speed. I've done many back to back comparisons this past week, no question/--a huge improvement!

I started of looking for an xkr mainly because the components are beefier and more reliable....something I can keep long term. I really wasn't even thinking about huge performance.. But man, what a difference.

 

I can tell you the 4.2 6 speed combo feels much more responsive

 

I like my 4.0SC engines and Mercedes transmissions in my Rs, but between the fuel economy and performance gains with the 4.2SC and 6HP26, I'd be hard pressed to argue getting the older car if mechanical and cosmetic condition of two cars were similar.

I am definitely NOT a fan of ZF's 5HP24, but the 6HP26 is a much better unit. I'd go with the 03+.

 

The 6-speed is all about performance, better fuel economy is also good if you're looking for that. Picked up the 2005 xkr, wow!

 

It looks like you made the right choice. Enjoy a fun summer!


For the future ... The late (last 3 years) X100 cars seem to be significantly more in demand. I'm looking for a Coupe for summer daily driver and find that the later x100 cars are inching up in price, and long as the economy holds at "selling time" you should be better off.

 

It's always nice to get both! I daily drive my XJR (yes in snow) and XKR (not in snow), and less filling up is nice. It seems there might be more performance mods available for the 4.0SC cars (like the twin screw kit), but stock to stock, DEFINITELY the 4.2SC cars are better rounded. These cars got more refined and bugs fixed the later they went on.

I've owned my 00 XKR from January 2011 and 67k. Now I have 95k on it and it's the only car I've ever owned that if it got totaled I would buy the same thing again. I'm not bored 5 years later. I doubt you'll get bored quick with your 05!