I am looking at an '02 xkr 100 with 62,000 miles, and it has two cosmetic issues: (1) there is dent on the driver side side panel just above the headlight and (2) there is an inch long separation in the stitching for the driver side booster (Recarco seats).

The prior owner slopped some paint with a brush over the dent. It looks terrible.


I am guessing the seat issue can easily fixed, but I don't know what could be done in regard to the sloppily painted dent.


Any suggestions?


The dealer is asking $18k. Is that reasonable?

 

Seems a bid high in price, especially with the cosmetic issues. There is a 2002 XKR on eBay about to go unsold at $18k without cosmetic problems.

These issues detract from a car of this caliber and should be reflected in the price. You didn't say if it was a coupe or convertible, but I'm assuming a 'vert as they are much more common in the US (ask the man who tried to find a coupe). And if someone just brushed on paint over a dent, what else did they skimp on?

It is ultimately your decision, but I'd say you should negotiate much lower pricing for this one. And I assume you know about all the potential issues with the 4.0 L cars, so get its history of maintenance if possible.

 

The outer driver's seat bolster is a regular wear point. However, it's usually only the leather dye scuffed off. A cut in the leather would be costly to repair but re-stitching a seam is an easy job for a upholsterer. Of course, it does require removal of the seat covering.

If I understand the location of the dent correctly, it's around the area arrowed in red?



Its going to need beating out and refinishing. The main consideration with panel repairs is being able to access from behind to knock out a dent. The black plastic wing liner can easily be removed to get to this and removal of the head light isn't difficult.

I can't comment on the asking price as values here in the UK are very different from those in the US. Nevertheless, you need to factor the cost of these repairs into the negotiations.

Graham

 

For $18k an '02 should be dead mint. I'd pass.

 

I paid 9500.00 for my 02 Xk8. Had a couple dents, but the interior was in great shape. Just a little wear on drivers bolster, easily fixed. All the dents were repaired by dent wizard and can barely be seen. If you didn't know they were there, you'd never know. But they weren't through the paint.
But you never know what mechanical issues are lurking around either! That's what got me! Drove like a dream for about two months.

 

This one pretty much fits your description, and it didn't sell at $11,900.00, but it did have a salvage title. but there are better deals out there.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jagua...f5fdde&vxp=mtr

 

I bought a 2002 XKR with 46,000 miles in SoCal a year ago with no dents or other cosmetic issues for $18,000.
Pristine interior and exterior. It was through a private party.

 

The dealer is willing to deal, but I have no idea what offer. There are some out there for better asking prices without the cosmetic issues, but they are 500 plus miles way. I could probably get it down to $16,500. Would that be a good deal? And what should I get on a trade in of my '01 XK8 with 73k miles, black/tan tensioners replaced?

 

3 1/2 years ago I purchased a 2002 XKR with exactly 62,000 miles for a little over $15000.00. The car was in nearly mint condition with two exceptions:
1) a small scratch of a couple of inches on the rear passenger quarter panel that was poorly touched up.
2) excessive curb rash on all 4 wheels.

The interior and and the rest of the body were in "as new" condition. I spent $600.00 having the wheels repaired and repainted and $300.00 having the quarter panel resprayed to make the car perfect. The price and condition of the car you are looking at nearly 4 years after I purchased is very high. Keep looking, you'll find better conditioned cars for far less money. Or make a low ball offer at the dealer in the $10-12000.00 range, not more.

 

I assume you are wanting to upgrade to the R model since you already have an XK8. Is the added HP worth thousands of dollars to you, plus the cosmetic issues and you will need to do the tensioners again (2002 still had the plastic ones unless it is a truly late run engine)?

With the money difference, you could do plenty of work on yours. Or wait on the next one. The Dallas and Houston areas have XKRs come along all the time. Be patient and wait on a better deal.

I agree with tberg and the others. Keep looking.

 

Every time I read these types of posts, I panic about my tensioners. I know there was a thread about the dates they changed and how to find it on my car. Can someone give me the thread or the info to check one more time?

 

Phil I would panic too. Here's the information
The engine serial number encodes the date the engine came off the engine assembly line. The conversion to metal tensioners occurred on August 13, 2001, thus a serial number of 010813xxxx (YYMMDDHHMM). There is no direct correlation between the engine serial number (date of engine assembly) and the VIN although a dealer can provide the engine number from the VIN.

 

So looking at any '03 or later should avoid the tensioner issue? In other words, the 4.2 liter eliminated the issue? I thought I read somewhere that they didn't go to steel until '05.

I am going to pass on the '02. There are some '04s out there where they are asking under $20k, but not local. Will just be patient.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

The 4.2's do not have the tensioner problem, so you are safe with an 03 or newer, there were several other changes in 03 also.

 

Dear nfbandon,
The replacement of the tensioners, timing chains, and all gaskets is about a $1500 repair including parts if you don't do it yourself, so don't necessarily rule out cars prior to 2003 for that reason. In the case of the XKR, you are getting a better transmission in the Mercedes unit of the earlier cars than the later ZF unit so there are tradeoffs. Just adjust your thinking about what you will spend accordingly to cover that repair or find a car that can document that the tensioners...were replaced. The fact that your particular dealer was way out of line with regard to price doesn't mean that you can't find a car for considerably less. Just be patient and look for a car that is in very good condition, has a reasonably complete service history, and fits your budget, the year should not be the issue.

 

I have a 2002 XK8. I really don't want to open the engine to check for plastic vs. metal tensioners if I can help it. Can anyone tell me where to find the engine#?
I have been chasing electrical problems for a year. I just don't want to get into the engine if I can avoid it. I would like to just drive it for awhile.
Thanks