lets just say that one wants to spend $11000 on an XK convertible .Would you recomend a 2001-2003 XK model
or a 2004 with the newer engine and why ?
Thank you

 

Quite simply - YES to either.

I'm not into Convertibles because our UK climate gives little opportunity to enjoy them but I've owned both a 2001 and 2005 Coupe so it's an equivalent comparison.

My major consideration would be condition and spec. A well maintained 2001 which has had documented attention to the three weaknesses of tensioners, transmission and cooling system should be perfectly reliable. Throttle Bodies are another regular problem to bear in mind with the 4.0 litre. At the opposite extreme, a 2004 which has not had attention to transmission fluid changes could give expensive problems. With any used Jaguar, a lot depends on the PO and history is critical.

Electronics have gradually become more complex as the XK8/XKR evolved. In this case evolution does not necessarily mean increased reliability. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) on the 4.2 litre models can cause issues.

All things being equal in condition and history, my preference would be the later model. The powertrain is more developed and refined with the faults of the earlier 4.0 litre rectified and, given proper maintenance, should go on for very high mileage.

Graham

 

U.S. models switched over to the 4.2 and 6 speed transmission starting with the 2003 model year, not 2004 as your question seemed to suggest. I think we all probably would agree with Graham's thoughts on previous owner maintenance. I would look for a 2003 or newer with known history and maintenance. I think the 6 speed has seen fewer issues (5 speed ZF seems to have some A drum issues possibly caused by valve body problems).

Please search the forum for this pre or post 2003 question, and review the stickies for what to look for when making a purchase. This topic has been asked and answered many times.

 

I purchased a 2004 XK8 Convertible back in late November, 95,000 miles. I only drove it about 300 miles before putting it on stands for the winter but it ran great, nothing leaks and it seems in great shape. I have it in the garage for the canadian winter and have used this forum extensively for advice. Head rests fixed, all fluids changed painted the bottom with POR15, and detailed everything. Leather cleaned up like new, floor mats washed up well and paint waxed up very nicely. I paid $11,000 which included a 3 year warranty on power train and for leaks and seals. I have spent about $200 for new silll plate inserts and getting all of the little decorative inserts and fender liner fasteners to be new. All I need to do now is free up the power antenna and everything should be great. I know it is a toy car and not a daily driver, but I think with TLC and the touring driving it was designed for I can keave it to my grandson who thinks it is cool.

 

terry007,
The advice given in the previous posts is good. In 2001 the front fog lights changed a bit and the rear taillights were upgraded. If you buy a pre-2003 car (pre-4.2L engine), you will either need documented proof that the original plastic tensioners were replaced, or you will need to budget to have them replaced. Ditto the hydraulic hoses in the convertible (for all years through 2006), the "green" shower is nearly inevitable with the o.e.m. hoses. Finally, regarding the transmission, the XKR not the XK8 received a Mercedes sourced transmission (pre-200) as opposed to the the ZF ones), which has proven itself to be the stoutest of all with few problems.

I have passed 150,000 miles on mine, have dealt with the tensioners, hydraulic hoses, and every other malady known to plague these cars, but I still love it, and have the top down every day in the warm L.A. sunshine.

Good luck.

 

Having owned both a 4.0 (2001) and a 4.2 (2003) I can offer this comparison.

The cars feel very much the same of course, the 4.2 being a little stronger. The one item that separates them most in my mind is shifting. To be honest, the 6-speed ZF in my '03 is -- so far, anyway -- the most annoying transmission I can recall owning. My particular one has the occasional "thunk" dropping from 2nd to 1st (common) and also sometimes harsh shifting between 5th and 6th (not so common, I think). I switch between Sport and Cruise modes to minimize the 5/6 shifts.

I will be going in for the recommended reflash, and other work if indicated, in the spring but there's no guarantee of an acceptable result.

By way of contrast, the 5-speed ZF 5HP24 in my '01 never did anything to make me even notice it.

Just my $.02, and I don't think my experience is typical. I still love the car, but this aspect has been a real disappointment. Before buying an '03+, you might want to get a good feel for how it shifts.

 

I will second the shifts in an 03+. My 03 has the same stupid shifts as noted in mutli threads here. Seems it is not a go fix it now thing as it is just how these trans are.

 

It should be a smooth as silk with the correct flash update if it is in otherwise good shape.

 

Never mind the choice of car .........



......... I'll settle for the designer garage.

Graham

 

I bought this house about 3 years ago, the previous owner built the garage to build his airplane in. 23 feet long, 16 feet wide with 12 foot ceilings. Skylights heated and insulated attached to the house. I was using it occasionally as a photography studio, but it was empty most of the time so I decided that a summer car would be the best space utilization I could think of.

 

If I could pay only $11,000 for an 03 convertible i could afford a designer garage! Green with envy as an 03 car would cost US$40k here in Australia.
Having owned both a '98 and an '03 XKR convertible I fully endorse previous comments, both in regards to condition and ZF gearbox. My '03 is currently in the shop having its transmission oil changed, which may give me smoother downshifts...hopefully