I'm shopping for an XKR, and - based upon some homework - was intending an '03 or later

Just came across an immaculate '02 with 35K miles. It drives v well, and is pricey (~$18K). My desire ifs for a pristine car.

Should I give it a miss, or is '02 OK?

 

If you look at the next post, this issue is also addressed. The earlier cars (4.0L engines) have plastic tensioners, which regardless of miles will break resulting in catastrophic engine failure if not replaced with the newer metal ones. So, figure an extra $1500 or so if you're going to have a mechanic do the change (including parts). The rest of the issues are still fairly common to both the pre and post '02 cars. I actually think the Mercedes 5 speed tranny of the earlier cars is a heartier one than the ZF 6 speed of the later ones. Service history is extremely important.

 

+1 on the pricey. Too high for model and year IMHO.

I would not factor in the mileage so much, it is still an 11 year old car. Stuff breaks down in 11 years regardless of mileage.

If you want an immaculate car, with few problems to sort out, go with the latest model you can afford. Most of the real issues were sorted out by the 2005/2006 models. I love my 2001, but suggest you stay with your original plan of an '03 or newer.

And do more research on pricing.

 

Get the later model, I had both, and had I known what I know now would have bought the later model in the first place.

 

I searched specifically for an '02 because of the premium of the '03 up cars.

The '02's manufactured after August '01 most likely had the metal tensioners (conversion date was August 13, 2001). Manufacturer date on label on driver door 'B' column. If in question any dealer can convert the VIN to an engine serial number which will clearly resolve that issue.

But I agree with the 'buy the newest car you choose to afford' but still have a personal preference for the body style of the '06 down.

 

I bought a 97 XK8 for the price, on a whim. After research, I ended up buying an 05 XKR.

They may look really similar, and they might share most of the same body components, however they are so different it's like night and day.

I ended up buying an 05 XKR with the Recaros and Sepangs, the wheels I wanted. All of the upgrades I would have wanted to do to the XK8 would have cost more than getting the XKR.

 

Damn shame we didn't know each other, whoever went first could have saved the other that extra XK8 step. Just went by the place where I bought the XK8 Saturday (they resold it for me) it had come back and been resold again in the 18 months I've had the XKR. It actually wasn't a bad car, it handled better than my XKR did at first for instance, but to get it where I wanted to be cost way more than the XKR cost me to buy. Easy, though late, decision.

 

Thanks Everyone!

I'll get a 2003 or later. Appreciate the advice.

The '02 XKR was truly showroom - and I'm finicky. Nicest used jag i've ever seen; original owner (took his shoes off before getting in it). Oh well...

I'll also study pricing. Checked edmunds (~ 13K pparty) and kbb (12300 pparty), so I know '02 was over priced, but condition is extraordinary. I would have paid it. Even smelled new.

I'm in San Diego helping my elderly father. Planned to drive him home to NC to stay with us awhile. The XKR would have been perfect, as he (and I) are brits.

I'll keep looking...

 

hisport,
If you've seen a showroom quality 2002 for a reasonably good price, you shouldn't be afraid. I have put 67000 miles on my 2002 (128,000 total and which also looks almost showroom new) since I got my XKR about 4 years ago. I have had my share of expenses in doing the list of known repairs, but I bought it for $15k almost 4 years ago on a car that was nearly mint and had 60k miles and a complete service history from one Jaguar dealer. I happen to like the body of the 01-02 model as I like the grille better as well as the round rocker panels reminiscent of the XKE rather than the squared off, pronounced ones of the 05-06, and the chromed rear end plinth, rather than the plastic body colored one. I also don't like 6, 7, or 8 speed automatics as they are always hunting for gears in order to save a drop or two of gasoline, drives me crazy, and the 2003 went to 6 gears and changed from Mercedes sourced to ZF. The Merc. unit is superior. And if this car is so perfect, and you're afraid to take the plunge, send me the info, I might add another one to my stable. (I'm serious and in Southern Cal, and I get to S.D. often as I'm a partner in a restaurant in Coronado.)
Thanks

 

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