OK, so i am still on the hunt. What i really want is a 2004 XKR in an acceptable color (i have broadened to around four), but i noticed a 2001 that was appealing. The only real drawback is a 4.0 vs a 4.2, for i must believe when they went to the 4.2 it was not only a matter of a few horsepower (i'm not 18 anymore. Far from it, at least for a human), but they likely made other modifications as well.

If the matter is so black and white that one could say "keep looking for the 2003/2004", then i will, but i doubt there is anything that clearcut from reading posts. Is there a clear difference in the engine quality of build/probable lifespan?

Thank you, everyone.

Hopefully at some point soon i can settle on one, start taking things apart and become a resource for others, but for now, well, here i am-

Best Regards,
Bruce

 

4.0 L XKR:

PROs:

less expensive
arguably one of the strongest A/T ever made
less complicated electronics than the 4.2 L

CONs:
may still have the plastic body chain tensioners (a repair history invaluable here)
slightly less power than the 4.2

4.2 L XKR:

PROs:
Better chain tensioners
slightly more horsepower

CONs:
More complicated electronics
higher priced

the two versions have different cosmetic appearances. It’s totally subjective which you think is better

I’m not objective. I found a 2002 XKR with volumes of maintenance and repair records. The known issues of chain tensioners and water pump have already been addressed. The price was right ($7,900 eight years ago). I’ve been very pleased . I’ve spent about $300 in non consumable parts over an eight year period while putting on about 90,000 miles. Car now has 205,300 miles and still going strong.

dont be afraid of a higher mileage car. Cars that have been driven are proven road worthy. Garage queens are not proven reliable and many issues result from letting these cars sit for long periods of time.

hope this helps.

Z

 

i
Z is one end of the spectrum, I could feasibly represent the other. I found a 2001 XKR for $2500 that has a very straight body and strong engine, but pretty much everything else needed attention. $2000 got me driveable, another $8K of work to do a LOT of other stuff, most of which didn't NEED to be done, but I wanted to basically refurb the car. Pretty much every subsystem has been addressed, and I knew what I was getting myself into. These are FUN cars to work on, parts are readily available, and it will give you a lot of joy and driveability. Just be patient.