My dream car has always been a C5 corvette since I was younger (I'm 24) and I was going to get one before I got my Jag but there was none at good price.

It's getting to the point where I'm getting tired of the maintenance with my 4.0 XKR. I love my car, no doubt about that. But I'm just tired of the few issues every time I fix something and something else comes up. I love the power and speed, the uniqueness of the car, but I think it's time to move on to something more sporty with similar power.

there was an issue with rear popping that I kept hearing and I was told that it was my rear bearings. I spent money and fix that but the problem came back so it's something different other than the bearings. The ABS module goes off, other issues, and now my car is starting to smoke. If I'm going to be putting money into a Jag, I'd rather it be of 5.0 xkr at least.

I think it's time for something different :/

 

I drove a few C-5 Corvettes before I crossed those off my list. I'd suggest driving a few of them before jumping into the water. In my view the build quality of the C-5's is abysmal. Cabin noise is too high, from wind and otherwise, too many rattles, and the sitting position is not as comfortable as your XK. Power is nothing to write home about. And I'm describing cars that were really taken care of, not the typical thrashed Corvette.

As a group, I think the C-4 Corvettes were built better, and the last year or two of production actually had some power. I like the C-4 looks better than the C-5's, but that's totally subjective.

good luck with your search.

 

Sorry to hear that - not so much that you're after a Corvette but that the XKR is giving you continuous issues.

I usually come up with a 'to do' list to pick up on anything the PO has overlooked or ignored and to get a Jaguar the way I want it. After that it's unusual to need anything more than routine maintenance and replacement of wear and tear items such as tyres and brakes.

Graham

 

I have driven a few Corvettes. IMO much more of a sports car/dragster than an XK8. Certainly faster "off the line" but much more noise and less ride comfort. You can get parts at the Chevy dealer though I would suggest driving a few before you buy to see which you like best.

 

I owned a C4 Corvette from age 18-23, an immaculate 87 Convertible in a color I loved that had 45k on it and a religious service history with documents. Former owner repainted it and did a new top and wheels, along with plenty of maintenance.

That car broke a lot. Primarily because of age, it was 19 and old seals dry out. Gaskets fail. Solder joints fail. I did all DIY and it cost me more per year and mile than my XKR has. I kept it 6 years and 19k miles. I've had my XKR 7 years and 39k miles. I've put double the miles on and still overall, less money spent, and more miles on the road.

I still have a lot of friends in the Corvette community; my best friend from it and honestly one of my closest friends period has a 2010 ZR1 and a 2017 Z06 Convertible. Helps that she's not creepy like a lot of Corvette guys. The C5 still had the garbage quality and appearance interiors that Corvettes had from 68 to 04. The C6 was better but really not great interior wise; at least the radio didn't look like an S10 Blazer one. The LS1 is a good motor, as are the transmissions, the handling is good too. They just in terms of luxury leave a lot to be desired. I drove my Uncle's 2004 Convertible a lot and they really lack to me in the comfort arena that the X100 are better.

I drive my XKR all the time, rain or shine, until the snow falls. No funny squeaks or rattles. Comfortable to drive short or long distances. But worse on gas and doesn't handle as well; but the xkr is fairly close in straight line performance, lower but close.

I'd say if you buy a Corvette, go C6 as I don't see any area that the C5 is a better car.

 

I've been involved in restoring vintage Corvettes for about ten years and its amazing how well-documented the Corvette is. If you decide to go C5 shopping, you should first purchase a couple of resources.

The Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide will tell you exactly how everything is supposed to appear from the factory and the Operations Manual and Performance Verification Test Guide will tell you how everything is supposed to work and how to test it. You can then download the Judging Score Sheets and you'll have the ultimate buyers checklist.

Don't want to run you away from the Jaguar community, but if you're switching to a Corvette, I guess I can live with that.

 

I think a lot has to do with age and how the car was maintained - of course when buying a used car. If things were neglected, they add up and they get worse. It's worth the extra bucks to buy a car that's been looked after. A lot of us have gone down the "it's a fixer-upper" road, I know I have, and it's usually a dead end ! Best of luck to you.

 

lossking,
While a Corvette might suit your needs and wants right now, you might consider a 5.0L XKR (2010-2015). The 5.0L cars are virtually maintenance free, very reliable, and available at very reasonable prices. I, too got tired of the my X100's issues, but when I finally got them all taken care of, it became much more reliable than when it had less than half of its mileage. The 5.0L XKR is a whole different animal from the 4.0L XKR. It's blindingly quick, (quicker than the 'Vette), but more saisfyingly, it has a much more solid suspension and handling capabilities that your X100 could only dream about. I have both an X100 and an X150, and although I love the looks and feeling I have when driving my 2002 XKR, it's no match for the 2010's driveability and performance. The exclusivity of a Jaguar is something you'll miss with the Corvette.

 

Good discussion. My brother recently bought a 98 C5 coupe. It's rated at 350HP and his is an auto. IMO the interior of my 2000 XKR coupe is far more comfortable, luxurious and classy. And something to consider for us older guys; it is much easier to get and out of the Jag. The Vette sits lower and the bolsters make it harder to get in. You see vettes everyday; not so with the Jag; especially a coupe. lossking_ unless you want a manual trans, then I don't see getting a C5 as an upgrade.

 

I did just the opposite of what you're thinking of doing. I went from an 89 C4 to a 98 XK8. I still belong to a Corvette club so I still have lots of opportunities to ride/drive different Vettes.
I'd suggest that you take a 6 hour drive in a C5 Vette and compare your experience to a 6 hour drive in a newer Jag.
I do miss my Vette for the brute force acceleration and cornering ability (yes, my C4 was a "slightly" modified 383 stroker) but I don't miss the noise, ride, seats, dime store dash, lack of carrying space, etc.
If you think a C5 will have lower maintenance costs, you might be in for a rude surprise. Yes, it's a Chevy, but parts ain't cheap.

If you're bound and determined to get a Vette, think about getting the newest lowest mileage C6 you can afford.

 

i have both of these cars. my 1st vette was a 1999 C5 and the ride was too harsh, so I sold it and got a 2007. I've owned the Jag for almost a year. they are similar in lots of ways, but for a dignified ride and more class, stick with the Jag.