I removed the rear seat altogether and had a 'deck' with lockable compartments built in. Found a shop here that did an Excellent job.

 

We saw a 2002 XKR, vert, to check out the rear seat and top. You guys were not kidding. Rear seat is unusable. Top does not seem to be a no-go for my wife. We will next try to find a facelifted example to see if that’s a deal breaker.

 

Oh, and something else to consider, NAV or instruments. The NAV unit is basically unusable, as it hasn't updated the maps in 20 years. It also doesn't do real-time traffic updates. There are aftermarket replacement ideas presented here on this forum, which will depend on your desired abilities and capabilities, or those of your mechanic.

I switched the NAV unit out for the instrument package, with an extra module called RealGauges, also available through a user here. The instruments are really just idiot gauges, pointing to midrange unless something goes wrong. With the RealGauges module, you get actual oil pressure and coolant temperature on the instrument. Not difficult to install, installation instructions and quality of the material is top notch. Highly recommended if you have gauges, or are thinking of switching the NAV screen out.

In my particular car, a previous owner had installed an AUX input jack to the stereo and USB power port in the center console, and switch to control the Sirius radio head in the ash tray. I didn't need a satellite radio, so I removed that, and installed a piece of plexiglass (the ash tray was hacked up for the XM radio). I can put a suction cup mount for my phone on it, and plug power and audio feed into the AUX plug in the center console, and play music from my phone and have maps with traffic warnings which play over the music on the stereo. I also have a BlueTooth dongle that I can plug into that AUX port if I want to go that way. I love having options, especially if the CD player in the trunk craps out.

 

Timing chains and front suspension bushes are the main issues and need to be changed at 60 to 70k miles. Also check for any corrosion around the lower rear wheel arches behind the rear wheels. They are double skinned and trap moisture and is the main area where early XKs rust.
The engine is pretty bullet proof so should not be an issue.
Best of luck 🥰👍

 

Hi Jon... I understand what you say about the ATM but I have had a 99 XKR for 13 years and the ZF 5 speed has never needed a service and always worked perfectly. Maybe I have been lucky and tempting fate it will probably go bang after I send this comment 🤣👍 I did wonder about it after all of the comments here but for now it still runs great. Cheers 👍

 

the ‘99 XKR , and all the 4.0 XKR’s, did not have the ZF transmission. They have the Mercedes 722.6 transmission, a totally different unit, much stronger, hence Jaguar’s reason for selecting it.

Z

PS : you should still have it serviced, and with the Mercedes approved fluid, it does make a difference what fluid is used. Many threads on the forum detailing the correct ATF for the 722.6 transmission.

 

 

Hey Bill

I have a very similar story about buying my 03 convert. Found what looked like a decent car from a small dealer in NC. Like you, I had it shipped (to NJ) and the first time I sat in my car was in my driveway. I can remember driving the car a few miles with no plates and it was love at first drive. After learning more about these cars I realized that I was extremely lucky to get a very good car sight unseen. That was seven years ago and I still find the car absolutely stunning to look at and a blast to drive.

Cheers!

Andrew

 

In February I found my dream XK8, a Quartz 2005 coupe with a Dove interior, gauge package. 19-inch wheels, Hi Intensity headlights and 52,000 miles. It was at a dealer, and I wound up buying it for $15,500 which, may be high but, the stars aligned, and it became mine. Did I pay too much? Well, try to find another one like it was my logic, and it is cosmetically pristine. Got it home and over the last six months have done the following:
1. Front shock mounts, upper bushings, sway bar bushings. Replaced shocks and didn't really need to but, since we had it all apart decide to do it. I have a mechanic friend and we were able to do everything but reassemble the springs ourselves.
2. Three wheels were Rashed, so I had them all refinished.
3. Four new Michelin Sport tires, staggered. I knew this when I bought the car and negotiated into the price.
4. Hood props failed
5. Replace the air filter and box mounts.
6. Sealed the headlight washers closed as it seems a lousy cheap design. Also, the small triangle mirror in the headlight is $150 if you lose one.
7. Rewired the trunk button release due to broken wire. Common problem
8. Replaced one of the chrome taillight surrounds that was flaking.
9. Replaced the dashboard illumination with LED's as they are almost unreadable with sunglasses.
10. Had numerous very small dings removed by the "dent doctor"
11. Purchased a new set of manuals as mine were missing.
12. Had shop replace the Aircon condenser as it was leaking.
13. Installed an antenna switch in the glove box so it doesn't go up while I am listening to CD's. It is ugly!
to be done:
1. Flush the transmission - supposed to be sealed but needs it at this millage as it "honks" on hard shifting
2. Repair the seat headrests, they won't move - common problem DIY repair
All of this was done on a car I drove 200 miles home from the dealer with no known issues except the tires, wheels and suspension. I have a lot of experience with British Cars and always say you need to have a little extra money put aside when you buy one. I obviously missed a couple of things when i bought it and figure I will have $3,000 over the purchase price in the car so, am I sorry? Not in the least as I now have an unusual and beautiful GT car that cost $70,000 new at 20% of the cost. It will be maintained to a high standard and driven carefully from now on. I guess the Moral is that a 16-year-old car will have some hidden problems and if you cannot fix some of them yourself, it could get expensive.

 

I pulled the fuse on the power antenna. It is on my yearly maintenance schedule to replace the fuse, raise the antenna, clean and lubricate it, lower it, and pull the fuse again.
I also have an item on the list to check the emergency flashers. I tried them when I first got the car last year, and the button stuck in. That could be embarrassing on the road.

This is a chart of the 2003 XKR auctions on Bring A Trailer, both sold and reserve not met. Most of these were lower mileage, well cared for cars. Having $20k wrapped up in these cars is meaningless, when you look at what you are getting.

I currently have my car insured with State Farm as a normal car, but I will be switching it over to my collector car policy soon, as soon as they allow it. Not sure when that is.

 

I am currently paying around $250 a year on my collector car insurance on the XK at a $20,000 valuation.