I am deciding between purchasing a 2001 XKR (4.0 L) and a 2003 XKR (4.2 L). I actually prefer the 2001 colour combination and also am more comfortable with the seller of the 2001. The milege is similar, about 40,000 KM on the 2001 and 50,000 KM on the 2003. The price is also very similar. Can anyone advise me as to whether the 2003 from a performance standpoint is any better than the 2001? what other considerations do i need to assess? thanks for any advise anyone can offer...

 

You should move your inquiry to the XK8/XKR 1996-2006 forum to get the best replies.

 

Ok, as suggested I'm going to move this thread for you for better responses.

I think the first thing likely to be touched on tis the tensioners, which in all likelihood will have been done on the 03 but not on the 01 unless retrofitted......unlikely at that mileage I would have guessed!

The top tech gurus with their expert knowledge will no doubt be along soon to help you out

Good luck

 

oops sorry first time to the forum i have moved the question to 1996-2006 thread

 

. . . well, welcome to the forum!

My choice would be an '03 up because of the move to the 6 speed transmission and the 4.2L engine, plus, the '03 up will give you much better gas mileage. Otherwise the '01s need to have the cam chain tensioners verified that they have been changed to the upgraded metal. The tensioners can kill an engine are worth about $1200 in negotiating power at a dealer. Can be replaced for $200 DIY, $800 independent.

 

The 4.2 is the next generation and does not have the nikasil liners and weak secondary tensioners of the earlier models. Somewhere in the that time is when the updated tenioners and the cast iron liners began. If you research, you can find the engine numbers when this happened...I would before considering the 01. The 4.2 also has what I consider a much better transmission, the ZF 6 speed with the very efficient Lapellatier epicyclic gearset with torque converter lockup in all 6 gears, resulting in effect a 12-speed tranny. All things being equal otherwise, I would choose the 03.

 

Hey Canada Welcome;

I went through the same analysis two months ago....and opted for the '03-'04-'05 over anything earlier.

Some issues:

1.Plastic guides for the timing chain tensioners that break and take the engine with them

2. Nikasil cylinder liners, the problems with those are related to the sulpher content of the gasoline in your area, past and present....which is to say that even if the sulpher content is low now in your area you have no idea about earlier usage.

3. 5 speed Mercedes transmission vs. 6 speed ZF transmission. In addition to the above there was the rather unfortunate habit of the 5 speeds to drop into reverse from 5th gear at high and consequently expensive speeds. Fine if it is still under full warranty and you don't mind that kind of excitement in your life.

4. 4.0 vs. 4.2 engines, there is a 10hp increase in the 4.2's and a couple of more MPG, my research indicated they seemed to run more smoothly than the 4.0's. But the biggest advantage is that they corrected the Valve Tensioner and Nikasil liner issues in them.

From what I saw the price difference was often negligible between the different years and seemed nearly mileage independent. The real variable was dealer prices vs. private sellers.

I looked in the US, EU and UK and after reading the threads and articles on the pains associated with the earlier models decided why buy potential problems if for just a little bit more money, less than the cost of fixing one or two of the three main problems, you could avoid them all together.

You would have a newer car and all the associated benefits of that including parts availability....for instance I have just bought one of the last sets of BBS wheels as a back up set for my 20" BBS Detroit's.

As for the colors you like that is always an issue but there are plenty of them out there and if you wait another month or two I am sure you will find the color combo you want in a newer model.

So unless you are an ace mechanic or have buckets of money to burn for potential repairs go for the later model.

Look around in Florida or Texas for one...gives you a good excuse to get out of the snow belt in winter...not that I would advise driving one back in the winter without the 'landing ski's' and snowmobile drive track conversion....for blizzard conditions.

cheers,

jj

 

It is personal.
The 4.0 might well be quicker like mine is. The 4.0 revs higher
The mercedes transmission is stronger too which is fittd in the pre 2003
So I suggest you go with the best looking one and the one you've got the best feeling with.

 

Go with the 03 4.2 better engine (and still has zf trans jochem) for all the above mentioned reasons

 

I agree with you but I think the 8 had zf box..my r has a merc box ..deffo better auto.. I always say get the newer one if you can afford it..less rot..lower miles