Hello,

I am considering buying X100 model XK8 or XKR... and I have a question.. I would like to know, if it is possible to service such a car in a local non Jaguar shop? Can a local mechanic use universal scan and code readers to search for faults? Or will I be forced to drive X100 to a jaguar dealership?

Also I would much rather buy XKR, since many people later trade treir xk8 for xkr...
Is it because of the need for more power or is an XKR a very different package?
Also, what are the major advantages and disadvantages of both models?
Since I would use it for a daily drive, how much higher is fuel consumption in the XKR?

Thank you for your replys!

Best regards, Jarni

 

Far better to be able to DIY the majority of whatever maintenance and repairs your XK8/XKR needs. Dealerships are astronomically expensive and many no longer work on Jaguars of this vintage. Independent shops are a better option but can still be very costly. The vast majority of forum members here are DIY folks. If you cannot DIY, these cars can drain your checkbook in short order....

 

Welcome !

there are 2 main classifications of the XK-8 / XKR: the 4.0 which is 2002 and earlier & the 4.2 , 2003 and newer.

The 4.0’s have several issues which were corrected in the 4.2’s. But that should not keep you from looking at the 4.0’s as you can find many of them have had the known issues resolved (fixed) and therefore are just as reliable as the 4.2’s.

When I was looking for my car I found a 2002 XKR that had all the service records and had just had the troublesome issues all fixed. I jumped on it, that was over 4 years ago and it’s been a very reliable car. In fact it’s my daily driver.

You can save several thousand $$$ by getting a 4.0 car vs. 4.2, but only if it’s already had the known issues dealt with. A complete service record will be your best ally.

Additionally, my only advice is to be patient and don’t buy the first car you look at. There are still many great deals to be had if you take the time to find them. I had to drive about 450 miles to get my XKR, and it could’ve been a wasted trip if the seller had been misrepresenting it. You have to be willing to
go back home empty handed when that turns out to be the case, as it has been for me several times in the past when purchasing classic cars.

 

Some independent mechanics have code read capabilities, finding one that'll charge a reasonable price takes some shopping (maybe $50?).

As I recall R4.0 R version XKR has a better tranny than the XK8. I wish I had the 100hp extra power in the XKR.

Just remember nothings free. XKR shocks $300 or $400 each. I found 1 or 2 engine parts that would've been crazy expensive if I owned an R. . .

My experience: first yr or two XK8 had plenty of power for me, then you get used to it, and want more . . . You know you mate.

John

 

many people are putting the less expensive XK8 shocks (@ $100 each) on their XKR’s. I don’t know that I’d do that, just have to check the bank balance if and when that time comes.


Z

PS : the 4.0 XKR’s do have a more substantial transmission, a Mercedes unit; as far as I know , the 4.2 models both have the same transmission.

 

Read, read, read this forum. Sooooooooooo much info is available here and you have come to the right place. Research the subjects that come up here from other members and learn what to look for. Educate yourself and determine what you are will to do to/for the car and if you feel it's worth it. After you drive one in working order you will see it's a sweet ride. NOT a hot rod or sports car like many others but it's a joy! However, your milage may vary, as they say.
Trans service, front suspension and timing chains are the first questions to ask the seller and investigate into. Ask questions here, EVERYONE here is willing to help you NOT make a mistake, I have never seen a forum like it.
The car is great and beautiful, it's the particular one you are considering that should be under scrutiny. Be flexible on color and particular on condition, but that is subject to how far you want to go. Perfect cream puffs are few and far and high priced. Good judgement will get you a do-able ride.
My .02..........an XKR is awesome but I felt I didn't need the extra horsepower and complications. I'm just cruising' and enjoying, loving' it.
As the old saying goes....."how much power can I get? How much money to you have?" TM

 

jarni,

OK! The XKR is a whole different Car than the XK8! It's the same Car from a distance but when you crank an XKR up...you can tell it is a whole different Automobile and when you first push the accelerator to the floor you feel the difference...It actually gets out of the way.....In a hurry!!

You will most likely have more problems with the XKR as it has more moving parts....but still it doesn't have some that the XK8 has....but there again...They are different but the XKR is a bit more exciting when you push the throttle to the floor.....It will move out! In a HURRY>>>>I just Love mine......

Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch

 

Thank you all for your replys!

I have read many posts on this great forum already, and it really seems very helpful. Since I mostly work on my car by myself with a help of my local mechanic, the x100 seems very inviting option for me...
The only big drawback for me is the absence of real rear seats...
Since I have kids, I was looking for other alternatives to X100 - Mercedes CL, Mustang GT,... but the X100 is more special in my eyes... it has a totally different charisma and class - it is simply special!

Somewhere I have read, that the Nikasil issue was mostly problematic on the markets with high sulfur in the fuel...
Were there some areas on the world that did not have high sulfur in fuel? BMW also had Nikasil in their V8s, but I did not hear about problems with Nikasil here in Europe...

Best regards, Jarni

 

jarni,

Buy a 2003 thru 2006 XKR and you will be getting the newest and best of the X100s....Not to say you won't have problems because that's part of the fun. but you will have the best that Jaguar made.....Buy an XKR and you will be Happier in the long run!

Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch

 

Here is my take on the Nikasil issue (my xk8 has them). It is a brilliant bit of engineering, I've driven both and I can feel the free-wheeling engine spin up to redline. And it is a beautiful thing. However, you have to find one that has not been abused or fed improper fuel additives. Even with my car, I have to ensure that I don't turn it on and turn it off only after 10 seconds or so. Without proper oil propagation throughout the cylinders, I can get a poor seal and it will likely not start. You have to let it warm up before shutting it down. But, I'll tell you, I love that engine.