Im currently looking at buying a used 2005 XKR convertible WITH 48K MILES for roughly 20k USD, it has been kept fairly well, with only a few apparent issues on the surface, such as the driverside mirror adjuster not working, a small rattle from the passenger side ac fan, and the front left light out. The convertible top is in good condition, with only minor wear and tear and some staining on the interior. However, when I went to test drive the car, I recognized a possible transmission issue at first. When starting from a parked spot on the side of the road, putting the car in drive and pressing the pedal, the car didnt want to engage and instead would only idle and go forward at 2/3mph, despite me putting the pedal to the floor. After coming to a stop and trying this again, with the same result, I immediately thought the transmission was damaged or broken. However, the third time I tried, I let the car sit for a few seconds (1-3) after shifting to drive, and heard the engine switch over into gear, from then on every time I repeated the process, the car worked seemingly fine. My only question is whether or not this is normal for the car (waiting a couple seconds to let the car change from park to drive), or if this is a sign of a more serious issue. If so, what might be the estimated cost to repair or replace the transmission. As well as yearly maintenence for a car in this condition.

 

You need to have a PPI performed by a qualified Jaguar mechanic. It may be that the transmission fluid is low due to leaking at the electrical cable connection, but there are other possibilities. The car should launch almost instantly, especially in sport mode. If you are unlikely to do repairs/ maintenance on the car yourself it is probably going to be be very expensive to keep, even if you find a competent and honest independent shop.

 

No that’s not normal and it’s probably going to get worse. These cars have more than their fair share of transmission problems. Where there any “ check engine lights on” ? These are great looking cars and fun to drive, but they are over engineered and pretty much a nightmare to troubleshoot and repair. I am in the process of looking for a XKR. (No one has ever accused me of being too smart). I do my own work. It won’t be my only car. And this forum helps a lot. In my opinion, the price of that car is in the high range, at least around here. It would need a substantial discount before I would buy it. I would feel safe in saying that it would cost $4-5000 for the transmission repair. Yearly maintenance costs are hard to predict. Some of these cars can go a while with just routine maintenance and others are constantly in the shop.

 

That particular vehicle is indeed overpriced. Do some comparison shopping....

And as others have said, if you cannot do the majority of the necessary ongoing maintenance and repairs on any XK8 / XKR yourself, do not purchase one. They can drain your checkbook in a hurry if you are paying someone else to keep your vehicle roadworthy....

 

Roughly 20k USD is about 8K USD to much...even with only 48K MILES.....You need to offer less and request that the Transmission be repaired as part of the Deal!
Also, what Wheels does it have? and are the Tires good?...Could be worth less.....Send some Photos of the XKR for us to make a judgement.....

Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch

 

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/SAJDA42B353A40538
Here is the car if anyone is interested