I am considering buying a 2003 XKR. The owner has multiple vehicles and didn't drive the car that often. He purchased the car with 25000 miles and 9 years later, it has 30000 miles. The car recently was taken into a quicky oil change type shop Which has me concerned since I believe that was the only oil change done by this owner in 9 years.

What sort of concerns, if any, should I have in purchasing a car that has sat around for a few years. Fluids where topped off but should they be flushed? What about tires? I am thinking I need to buy news ones if I purchase the car right?

 

Welcome to the forum ttl703,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XK8/XKR forum. Members here with the same model will be able to advise.

Graham

 

The fuel would best be drained or at a minimum significantly diluted with fresh gas. Two year old gas is probably not going to be critical but based on your comments it could be far older.

The tires would certainly be at the top of my list. At 30k miles they might be original 12 years old. Here, in the colonies, the DOT requires the manufacturing date on the sidewall.

All fluids also. Coolant life 5 years, brake fluid 2 years, Oil, just because you want to know what is in there. The transmission fluid can stay. Don't forget that the rear half shafts have zerk grease fittings.

My biggest concern is the electronics, especially the switch functions of all the interior features.

Nice find.

 

Test Point gave you good advice.

I would add to that list checking the hoses. Especially anything carrying coolant to/from the radiator. The drive belt should be looked at as well.

All these are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace yourself.

Lastly, the battery. These cats HATE a less than 100% perfect battery and will punish you until it is replaced.

 

You didn't tell us how much he wants; that could also be a determining factor

 

knowing what I do do now about these cars, the quirks. Personally I'd rather buy one that has been driven more and had more miles than with low miles and has been sitting around a ton.

 

Coupe or convertible? Was it sitting inside or out? New battery? A/C working?
New tires for sure, but with a little effort this could be a really nice low mileage car.
Good Luck,
White Bear

 

Sell it to me. I am sure the $1000 ship ride would still put me in a good place. After all you are talking to a guy who bought one, that was buried in hay, with lumber stacked on it, and chicken poop on it, and sitting on 4 flats. I bought mine for $3000, and after doing all the work myself, and adding a few expensive extras, from Ebay, I still have less than $6000 in it, and your's is 4 years newer than mine, with 70,000 miles less, and an XKR to boot. You will have a few oil leaks, until the gaskets swell again. You will need a new battery. The tank is so easy to drain, anyone can do it, and what everyone has suggested to do, will cost you under a thousand american dollars. Even if the trans is a goner, it can be replaced, with one from a breaker's yard, for much less than we can do in the states. On that note, change the transmission fluid also. I have bought cars that have set almost as long, and they all turned out fine, in the end. Just don't get too deep into her, on the initial price, and bring up all the items mentioned here, as negotiating material.....Good Luck.....Mike

 

DBAM,
They listed the car at 17800 and will looking at selling it at 15000. I have not gone to look at the car since it is in a different state but he did tell me another person local to him has checked out the car and got a PPI, he told me there we're a few things that needed to be done but the one that surprised him was needing to get new breaks.

I was already anticipating having to spend $$$ on replacing tires right away, flushing fluids and changing out spark plugs, and shipping the car home from Cali to Va. Now that he mentioned the breaks, I am def leaning on punting now.

 

I want to thank everyone for the reply.
Jag#4,
The owner did tell me they had to get a new battery and that has caused a few issues now. He said he would tell me more latter today or tomorrow but I think I am ready to move on to another car.

brgjag,
I agree with your statement but thought others would be able to revive a car like this and have it turn out fine. This owner has not gotten back to me quickly with additional details so I am guessing the PPI from the local interested party turned out a few more issues then he thought.

 

Aircon. Just like other makes the Jaguar's AC seals will dry out if the system is not regularly run. At best may just need a recharge, at worst replacement seals/compressor etc.

 

So I decided to punt on the 2003 XKR and the car I am looking at now is a 2006 XKR. Can anyone tell me why the 2006 model year are listed for that much more $$$. Is it because it is the last year of this body style plus maybe a limited number sold?

There is one listed locally that has 80k+ miles and they have it listed at 23999. The one I am looking at is a 2006 Victory Edition with 58000 miles negotiated at 21,500. Is this too much for a 2006 Victory Edition XKR?

I don't know much about these cars (my DD is a BMW 335 and weekend driver a 996 TT) but always loved the way the XKR look. The more I read, it seems like an extended warranty might be something I should buy as well if I purchase one of these. Let me know if this is a waste of $ or $ well spent.

 

The Victory Edition commands higher prices just because it's the Victory Edition. Fewer were made with that trim package and some folks will pay for the "exclusivity". Assuming it's in nice shape, it's a not a bad price.

 

Seems like a lot of $$$.


here's a couple examples:


Jaguar XK8 XK8 | eBay


2004 Jaguar Convertible XK8


REDUCED! 2006 Jaguar XK8 Convertible Only 47K Miles! NICE ONE!! 47Kmi


BUT, if you are 'flush' with money and the one you're looking at, it might be much easier to own it because of location.


good luck!

 

I was the one who ended up buying this 03 XKR. It was owned by the man who started the company I work for and someone who became a good friend before he passed away at a ripe old age.

It will be a weekend car for me and my father to enjoy together. I am going to tackle bringing it up to par myself but it drives really nice as is. I have a set of Whitleys (20 inch/hyper silver) and Continental DWS tires (I live in CO) on the way to take care of the tire issue. It will need rotors/brakes, bushings and gaskets in the next few weeks. I also plan to modify the exhaust slightly. Looking forward to talking with all of you along the way as I will need input.