I found these 3 local cars for sale (click on the title links for more info):

1. 2005 Jaguar XK8 Conv 53k mi - $19,995


2. 2001 Jaguar XKR Conv 179k mi - $7900


3. 2002 JAGUAR XKR Coupe 92k mi - $11500


Which one would you guys pick? Is 179k mi too high for car #2? I personally like car #3 the best. What is the reliability of 02MY vs 05MY (with the latter's 900+ new parts)?

Cheers,
Wolfy

 

You don't give a lot of info about #1 and #3, but if money is not an issue, I would go for #1 since it would have most fixes for earlier problems. (Old Ford philosophy - best Fords are the last models!) If you prefer a coupe, then #3 would be your choice. I am not a big fan of chrome wheels.. Just my 2c

 

I think the first question you have to answer is do you want a coupe or a vert? They are going to give you two entirely different driving experiences.

 

I would go with #1, I'm still working through issuse with my 01 that you may have with other two.

 

All things being close to equal, I'd go with #3 hands down. If I could find a XKR for that price, I'd be all over it.

 

I don't know the mileage on 1 & 3, but for the price difference and since you like #3 that would be my choice. 3 a XKR, a coupe no green showers, has the Merc transmission, which is practically bullet proof, the Nikasil engine problem have been addressed, The only thing depending on the build date would be the secondary tensioners, and if it's a later date it would have the newer metal tensioners. For $8500.00 difference you can buy another toy. 179,000 is pretty high mileage for # 2 the price reflects that. There was 900 engineering changes on the later models not all were for improvements many were cost cutting. Prime example going with the ZF6 speed trans. for both XK8's and R's one supply source. The later 4.2 motor does have many tech. improvements over the 4.0.

 

#1 (work em down 1500 to 2k )

 

+1

 

Probably would recommend #1 for all the reasons given already. Plus it's a convertible and you live in LA. Price is a little high, but not overly so.

Having said that, I personally like #3 better. It's a coupe, it's reasonably priced for years and miles and it's the R-model. There are some issues with 2002 MY, but it didn't take gobs of money to get my 2001 running without issue. I would have no fear of a 2002 as long as it checked out OK.

The later models did fix a lot of the mechanical issues (tensioners, 4.2L, etc.), but traded them for electrical gremlins.

Check them out thoroughly, drive them all and pick the one that makes you smile the most.

 

No wonder our cars get such admiring glances. Spanning four years in the ages and 126K in the mileages, yet the only difference most people not familiar with Jaguars would notice is that one has a roof.

Unless you particularly want the rarity of a Coupe in CA, the 2005 is the one to go for.

Graham

 

Or you could always go with #2 and get the hard top for it with the money you save

 

No question for me. It's #1. It sounds like the 2005 BRG XK8 Convertible I bought on New Year's Eve just 4 1/2 years ago. The mileage was 27,700, and the price was $27,300. My mileage is now about 66,500. Other than a "new intake bellows" and a new set of tires, I have had a lot of fun and no problems. Every time I look at it, I say to myself "What a beautiful car!"

 

I vote for #1. Hey, I like the color! Let's face it you're in Socal---I can see you now just cruising down Pacific Coast Hwy. with a big grin.

 

Agreed, you need to decide if you want to have a coupe or a convertible. Or you're like me and you can't decide and wait for the right one to come around and will maybe try the other flavor later on. If funds are no option, and since you live in CA, #1. But the best overall value is #3. And with #3, if you replaced the chrome wheels with silver Sepangs... oh man... that is my favorite X100 flavor right there.

The car I bought is very similar to #2, but it was previously owned by a Jag mechanic and had everything addressed and ran perfectly- everything worked. I got it for that same price, but with 125k miles. Basically 180k is pushing it I would think, though there are some on here who have hit 200k I believe and are still going. The XKR drivetrain can really go the long haul if taken care of.

 

First you have to decide if you want a supercharged car or not, meaning do you want the extra power of the XKR or are you fine with the XK8. Secondly, although my 2002 XKR is running better at 120,000 miles than it did at 60,000 miles, 179,000 is quite a bit of mileage, and as I also live in Los Angeles, there are many, many examples available here of that vintage with far less miles and for about the same price. You also need to decide if you want a coupe or convertible, different ride, much different experience. Finally, I prefer the look of the earlier cars rather than the 2005-2006. I like the rounded rocker panels of the earlier cars rather than the pronounced squared off rockers of the later years. I also like the smaller sectioned grills of the earlier XKRs as opposed to the wide grin of the newer models. All are beautiful, just each of us has our own likes and dislikes. More than 3 years ago, I bought my 2002 XKR convertible in nearly mint condition from a private party in San Jose for about $15000. The car had 62000 miles and had a service history from day one from the local Jaguar dealer. I would say, decide on the power level and model you want, then get the lowest mileage car you can afford that has a verified service history. This will give you the best indication of what to expect.
Good luck with your decision.