I'm looking to pickup an XK/xk8/XKR convertible.

I owned one ages ago and am looking to jump back in. The question is which one (model and year)?

Do the later models have more rear room? I have 2 girls (10 and 6) would model year matter?

This would be a 4th car, so I'd like to keep purchase price at sub 15

 

I have an 05. I wanted to spend less than 10K. Found my 05 with 89,000 miles for 9k. 06 and up have Bluetooth. Back seat!!! no difference! I'm 5 10 no leg room. 03 to 06 had Ford involvement. No issues with timing chain tensioners or transmissions generally.

 

NO. If anything my 2005 XK8 had slightly less rear legroom than my 2001 as the front seat backs were were more substantially padded.

The later XK model is no better. Rear seats look great but purely decorative!

Graham

 

Are you aware of the hydraulic problem with the convertible top mechanism? If not, just Google "Jaguar green rain".


In 2003 the engine was enlarged to 4.2 liters and the trans became a 6 speed; both very desirable from my perspective.

 

03-06? Ford ownership ran aprox 1990 to 2008. Or have l misunderstood something

 

You are probably right but the point is the 03-06 engines/transmissions were more reliable. Back seats are all the same legroom basically none. You should be able to get a good one for under 10K. Less mileage is better. full documentation is better but very hard to get. Early XK8 are acceptable if the engine issues have been resolved and the transmission was replaced in the 75-100K range. There is a kit to fix the transmissions and for that matter, there is a kit to fix the engines but let someone else spend that money. For some reason in Dallas right now, the prices are down.

 

Did you look here :
Links to subjects:


I’m buying a used XK8/XKR, what should I look for?
Link 1 | Link 2

 

The 722.6/W5A580 Mercedes transmission in pre-03 XKRs is better than both ZF gearboxes (read my sig, I have the pile of siht 5HP24 in A variant in my A4, and the 6HP26A in my A8L). The 6sp is a much better unit than the 5sp ZF; but the 722.6 is one heck of a stout transmission.

The older seats; the one piece back with no separate headrest are more petite in overall size and the rear legroom is better than the much more padded seats; but still tiny. Your daughters probably will be able to use it for a while relatively easily. When my friends and I have a girls night out, my XKR doesn't come as the XJR is better and the A8L is best. Even my really short friends (short, asian) aren't thrilled in the back on my XKR; I had sat back there drunk before but at 5'10" I'm not happy. It works in a pinch but it definitely isn't a real 2+2.

All 03s have the modern 3rd gen metal bodied timing chain tensioners. You can fit them on older cars affordably, especially if you DIY. I can do secondaries in under 4 hours from start to finish using the zip tie method.

The biggest thing about the 03+ cars is that the XK8 is much more sorted and reliable than the 97-02 XK8s. The XKRs, less of a reliability improvement. If we're talking 97-02, the XKR is much more reliable than the XK8. You can address the A drum in a 97-02 5HP24; but at the end of the day, the 722.6 is cheaper to service, and much more stout.

If the OP is looking for lowest total cost to own and not interested in DIY repairs and maintenance to do so, they should look at 03-06 XK8s. Once you drive an R in good condition though, it's hard to look back. Late XKRs are very well sorted and easier to own if you pay for maintenance than an 00-02 XKR.

I don't mention Nikasil, I'm of the opinion that if it's still good, it will likely remain so. 03+s all have no nikasil (the changeover is earlier, but I'm not going to mention the nikasil and timing engine switchover dates) and haver the steel linings.

 

Thanks all! I have put a deposit down on an 03 XKR. The car is coming from a fellow member. I should have it next week and I'll post some pics!

 

Great Choice!