I have an 02 XKR and after selling a few cars was considering a newer model XKR. So would like to have opinions on the best XKR from 05 to 13 in terms of reliability and repairs.

Thanks,

Ken in WV

 

It's a bit of a loaded question. I think they have made improvements every iteration, and, really a 2013 is not very similar to a 2005.

A 2013 can still be under warranty.

Personally, the 03/04 are my favorites followed by the 2010+.

I like the original body style but the 4.2 and 6 speed. That's the pre-facelift 03/04. The 2010+ went to the 5 Litre.

I think the later versions are better cars but lack some of the charm. They can all be good or have issues.

 

Ken, Without doubt the 2005-2006 Coupe is the most beautiful Jaguar ever made! (During this period of my lifetime).... I remember back in 1955, when I first saw a XK120 Convertible, I thought it was the most beautiful Car ever made...although when I saw the Coupe, I wasn't much impressed, as it looked a little funny....Then of course came the XKE Convertible and Wow! It was really something......Then in May of 1998, while visiting London, a BRG 97 or 98 Coupe drove by me (on the wrong side of the Street!).....I've been in "Love" with the Coupe ever since! I was astounded by it's beauty and still am! I bought my first XK Coupe (Topaz) as soon as I got back to Houston!
Currently, I'm driving my 4th XK-XKR Coupe...and the 2005-2006's overall are the best looking Automobile Jaguar has ever built. It's smooth and elegant, has a great Engine and lots of Power! What more could an old Man want?

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

I agree Billy about best years of XK8 and that it's arguably the most beautiful of postwar roadgoing Jaguars. For me, however, most beautiful post WWII Jag goes to the single XK13 road racer. Most beautiful of all, perhaps, was the SS-100 of the Thirties. I do still love the XK-150 and XJC as well. I give up: Jagauar made a whole lot of surpassingly beautiful cars!

Granville

 

An idiot can turn a Jaguar into an unreliable wreck in a few years - a careful owner can keep one as good, if not better, as the day it left the factory. More than anything else, comprehensive previous history is critical with any used Jaguar.

There's no hard and fast rule about 'best year(s)' other than the later in the model manufacturing cycle, the more improvements have come through development. The 2005 XK8/XKR had the advantage of powertrain developments over nine years. This carried over to the XK/XKR which then went through a slight dip on the introduction of the 5.0 litre unit.

My next Jaguar will be a late XK/XKR but I'm in no rush. My current 2007 XK is the most reliable Jaguar I've ever owned.

Graham

 

I agree with the comment that this really is a loaded question, which all of us will no doubt answer differently . . . aesthetics, condition, budget etc etc.

My preference in X100s goes with the one I have . . . '04 4.2L V8 with superb ZF 6HP26 trans. IMHO, far superior, tighter yet more refined than the early cars. My caveat is that apart from driving several X150s, I have not yet owned one, so have only have rudimentary knowledge of longer term maintenance . . . all my driving impressions are that the X150s offer few advantages over the later x100s.

The really critical question not asked, I would answer as follows . . . be patient, be meticulous, and only get the very best one you can afford within, or maybe like me, just beyond your budget. No regrets.

Cheers,

Ken

 

Just my here, but I think you already have the best year . We searched for a long time for a 2002 XKR in metallic quartz, built late enough to have metal tensioners from the factory and all other improvements just before the big changes in 2003.

We wanted the Mercedes transmission, and we didn't like the chrome surrounds on the cluster and J-gate... it just seemed to us like gilding a lily. We drove a couple of 2003's with the 4.2, and I don't recall that they felt any more powerful than the one we bought.

Does anyone know of a place to look for a list of the specific changes that were made in each model year?

 

A LINKY here with some info etc

 

I personally like the front ends of the 96-98 XKs but the rear ends of the 2006 onwards XKs ..

 

Thanks for all the input. I've enjoyed the 02 convertible XKR a lot but "just thinking" that, at 75 and still counting, I might like a newer year as my probably last Jag. Can't afford a really new 3rd car as I have a 17 Outback with all the driver assists, and an 02 Silverado.
So might like to have one I could occasionally really stomp which might be an XKR built with the 490hp engine. But not in any rush, just "thinking". Coupe is out of the question although it might be a better buy, I love the top down !!

Ken in WV

 

Honestly the range given encompasses a lot of different cars. I personally would love a 2010 XKR because of the 510HP and body style. I don't know what one is objectively best based on your criteria. To me I like the economy, reliability, performance and overall price combo of the pre-final facelift XKRs.

 

Just bought a 2011 xkr with less than registered 27000 miles, clean carfax and passed an independent eval I had. Gray with black interior that I am not crazy about but a total cost to me of just 33K. I think well worth it for such a lovely convertible and low miles, even with the black interior I could not pass it up !!
Going to sell my 02 XKR with 51k....

How to keep black cool when parked in the sun ???

Thanks
Ken in WV

 

How about some...

 

Get a windshield shade, and keep the windows open a crack.

 

I agree with DSD, but even pickier. I think 04 was the best. 03 and 04 had the new 4.2 and 6 speed and the classic body, but 04 added some nice interior bits and ridded of the tacky door guards. it was a one of a kind year. 05 (06 was just 05's held back and released in 06) are my next choice, only because I'm not crazy about the added lower body skirts and valance/grill. They still look great, I just have different flavor tastes, and really finicky. Now 07 on up, I debated for some time, until going to see and review one. Looking at it, I lost all interest. Just had no charm. All tech and no finesse.

 

Being the proud owner of a 2004 XKR Portfolio and a 2011 XKR and a previous 1999 XK8, I have a few thoughts.
The 4.2 engine is a worthwhile upgrade and appeared in 2002, the X100 body is much prettier than my X150. The 5 litre engine that came out in 2010 is a marvel, especially supercharged, the 2011 active exhaust and 510 hp invites hooliganism. The X150 is a bit roomier inside and is a more comfortable ride. The 2004 is more sumptuous inside and classier. No worries on the "green shower" in the 2011. The 2004 has a much larger trunk, the X150 trunk only holds two small soft side pieces. The 2011 handling is better, maybe newer bushings. The aluminum body on the X150 is stiffer but will be expensive to repair, however there's hardly anything to rust. The 2007-09 XK's combine X100 4.2 performance and the bullet-proof engine with the rest of the X150 attributes and shortcomings.