RE: Jaguar XK/XKR (X150): PH Buying Guide
Discussion
Hilts said:
Were these performance seats an option/standard on just the dynamic R? I think this is a 2014/5 model. They look so much better than the standard XKR seats
2012 XKR
Standard on the Dynamic and optional on all but rarely taken, appreciate that a large majority of jaguar drivers are fat old men (they seem to be the only ones that can afford the sticker price and insurance!) I am older but slim, and as Will Smoth said ' I make this look good! 2012 XKR
Agreed that they look better but was told by many on the forum they preferred the standard seats as they are cooled...seriously I've never felt the need to cool my @rse in over 35yrs of driving?? Wanted the red stitching as it really lifts the interior, white stitching just didn't cut it for me
I was lucky when i bought mine, the indi garage thought they had a standard XKR and had it priced accordingly, So I saved almost £6k and had the dynamic confirmed on my HPI and insurance...which luckily is below £400 to insure with all the mods and business smiles!
I am pleased to see this thread resurrected, I read the comments a lot before buying an XK earlier this year. Mine was at the lower end of the market, a 2006 with 99,000 miles. I took it to Jaguar for their free health check and they came back to me with a quote of £7,000 for required work! Thankfully, I have a good indy mechanic and lots of free time to source parts, so I think I am looking at getting all of it done for about £2,000.
Here is the car:
Here is the car:
What on earth was on the list to hit the £7000 mark? Mind you if one of those things happens to be new headlight units there's the thick end of £3000 right there (nice colour BTW, the kind of colour I wanted but I couldn't find the black/Ivory/Walnut combo interior).
Edited by alpha channel on Sunday 18th November 18:36
alpha channel said:
What on earth was on the list to hit the £7000 mark? Mind you if one of those things happens to be new headlight units there's the thick end of £3000 right there (nice colour BTW, the kind of colour I wanted but I couldn't find the black/Ivory/Walnut combo interior).
Yours looks good in that colour too!Edited by alpha channel on Sunday 18th November 18:36
Here is the email I got from Jaguar:
Headlamp washers £174.23 inclusive of vat
Wipers £41.98 inclusive of vat
Brake fluid change £61.338 inclusive of vat
Front brakes £518.28 inclusive of vat
Rear brakes £511.92 inclusive of vat
Front wishbone bushes £782.54 inclusive of vat
Rear shock bushes £474.10 inclusive of vat
Rear tie rods £610.13 inclusive of vat
Rear drop links £301.75 inclusive of vat
Rear lower arms £771.05 inclusive of vat
O/S/R top arm £755.86 inclusive of vat
Prop rubber which is part of prop shaft £1580.21 inclusive of vat
Rear brake flexi pipes £352.00 inclusive of vat
I have had about half of this done for around £1,000. I made some big savings, for example, Jaguar quoted to supply and fit a prop shaft, rather than just replacing the rubber 'doughnut'. So I saved £1300, just on that particular job.
I still have a few things to get done, next step is to get an early MOT when I return to the UK from my ship contract in 3 weeks, and prioritize the next jobs from that.
Mike335i said:
I have been watching XKR and XFRs with interest, so a run down of the £7k bill would be really interesting.
Makes my 335i seem cheap to run (it really isn't haha).
Take a look above to see the list of doom, Mike!Makes my 335i seem cheap to run (it really isn't haha).
Interesting you have a 335i, that was the other vehicle I had considered before getting the XK. Very different cars, I suspect the 335i would be a more focused drive in many ways, but I fell for the looks of the XK as much as anything. It sounds lovely too.
paulguitar said:
Take a look above to see the list of doom, Mike!
Interesting you have a 335i, that was the other vehicle I had considered before getting the XK. Very different cars, I suspect the 335i would be a more focused drive in many ways, but I fell for the looks of the XK as much as anything. It sounds lovely too.
How did I miss that haha. Interesting you have a 335i, that was the other vehicle I had considered before getting the XK. Very different cars, I suspect the 335i would be a more focused drive in many ways, but I fell for the looks of the XK as much as anything. It sounds lovely too.
I have the saloon 335i with a manual box so quite an unusual one, probably lacks a lot of the special feeling and certainly the noise of the XKR.
Got to love (and laugh) at the dealership 'fix' list shown above, the lord loves a tryer eh!
Of that list I can guarantee that virtually all of them would pass an MOT.
Mine is a 2010 5.0 XKR conv with 95k on the clock. Check out the 3 plus price list that should be available at your dealers, they cover the fundemental service items like servicing and brakes, etc... for what are quite reasonable prices , and you get the Jaguar stamp in the book. I had them do a service on mine 3 weeks ago for £255 all in. But that's really only an oil change and pollen filter and check over.
For everything else, either do it yourself or go to a local garage and get things done.
That "O/S/R top arm £755.86 inclusive of vat" I looked into doing myself on mine. The part is £95 (delivered). Fit yourself or pay a garage probably 2 hours to fit, it's not rocket science to do.
The "Rear tie rods £610.13 inclusive of vat" are £65 each, so £130 in parts total. On mine it was just the rubber boots on the hub end that needed replacing, so I did it myself and just swapped over the rubbers. Again, for a garage to swap these 2 rods out would take maybe 30 minutes each side, There's only 1 bolt at each end.
I also replaced all discs (slotted/crossed drilled) and pads (EBC red stuff) myself for a grand total of about £500. I could have done it for half that using 'normal' pattern parts.
These cars are absolutely fantastic. 500+ BHP, performance to match, decent handling, presence and comfort. And in the summer, with the top down and dynamic mode on that exhaust growl when stamping on the loud pedal is very, very addictive!
Of that list I can guarantee that virtually all of them would pass an MOT.
Mine is a 2010 5.0 XKR conv with 95k on the clock. Check out the 3 plus price list that should be available at your dealers, they cover the fundemental service items like servicing and brakes, etc... for what are quite reasonable prices , and you get the Jaguar stamp in the book. I had them do a service on mine 3 weeks ago for £255 all in. But that's really only an oil change and pollen filter and check over.
For everything else, either do it yourself or go to a local garage and get things done.
That "O/S/R top arm £755.86 inclusive of vat" I looked into doing myself on mine. The part is £95 (delivered). Fit yourself or pay a garage probably 2 hours to fit, it's not rocket science to do.
The "Rear tie rods £610.13 inclusive of vat" are £65 each, so £130 in parts total. On mine it was just the rubber boots on the hub end that needed replacing, so I did it myself and just swapped over the rubbers. Again, for a garage to swap these 2 rods out would take maybe 30 minutes each side, There's only 1 bolt at each end.
I also replaced all discs (slotted/crossed drilled) and pads (EBC red stuff) myself for a grand total of about £500. I could have done it for half that using 'normal' pattern parts.
These cars are absolutely fantastic. 500+ BHP, performance to match, decent handling, presence and comfort. And in the summer, with the top down and dynamic mode on that exhaust growl when stamping on the loud pedal is very, very addictive!
Piersman2 said:
Got to love (and laugh) at the dealership 'fix' list shown above, the lord loves a tryer eh!
Of that list I can guarantee that virtually all of them would pass an MOT.
Mine is a 2010 5.0 XKR conv with 95k on the clock. Check out the 3 plus price list that should be available at your dealers, they cover the fundemental service items like servicing and brakes, etc... for what are quite reasonable prices , and you get the Jaguar stamp in the book. I had them do a service on mine 3 weeks ago for £255 all in. But that's really only an oil change and pollen filter and check over.
For everything else, either do it yourself or go to a local garage and get things done.
That "O/S/R top arm £755.86 inclusive of vat" I looked into doing myself on mine. The part is £95 (delivered). Fit yourself or pay a garage probably 2 hours to fit, it's not rocket science to do.
The "Rear tie rods £610.13 inclusive of vat" are £65 each, so £130 in parts total. On mine it was just the rubber boots on the hub end that needed replacing, so I did it myself and just swapped over the rubbers. Again, for a garage to swap these 2 rods out would take maybe 30 minutes each side, There's only 1 bolt at each end.
I also replaced all discs (slotted/crossed drilled) and pads (EBC red stuff) myself for a grand total of about £500. I could have done it for half that using 'normal' pattern parts.
These cars are absolutely fantastic. 500+ BHP, performance to match, decent handling, presence and comfort. And in the summer, with the top down and dynamic mode on that exhaust growl when stamping on the loud pedal is very, very addictive!
Some great info there, thanks. Of that list I can guarantee that virtually all of them would pass an MOT.
Mine is a 2010 5.0 XKR conv with 95k on the clock. Check out the 3 plus price list that should be available at your dealers, they cover the fundemental service items like servicing and brakes, etc... for what are quite reasonable prices , and you get the Jaguar stamp in the book. I had them do a service on mine 3 weeks ago for £255 all in. But that's really only an oil change and pollen filter and check over.
For everything else, either do it yourself or go to a local garage and get things done.
That "O/S/R top arm £755.86 inclusive of vat" I looked into doing myself on mine. The part is £95 (delivered). Fit yourself or pay a garage probably 2 hours to fit, it's not rocket science to do.
The "Rear tie rods £610.13 inclusive of vat" are £65 each, so £130 in parts total. On mine it was just the rubber boots on the hub end that needed replacing, so I did it myself and just swapped over the rubbers. Again, for a garage to swap these 2 rods out would take maybe 30 minutes each side, There's only 1 bolt at each end.
I also replaced all discs (slotted/crossed drilled) and pads (EBC red stuff) myself for a grand total of about £500. I could have done it for half that using 'normal' pattern parts.
These cars are absolutely fantastic. 500+ BHP, performance to match, decent handling, presence and comfort. And in the summer, with the top down and dynamic mode on that exhaust growl when stamping on the loud pedal is very, very addictive!
I am useless mechanically but I am lucky enough to have an excellent mechanic who has done the work on my cars for several years now. He has a very sensible rate, both hourly and daily. I paid him for one day’s work a while back and supplied the parts myself and from that list he:
Replaced both rear shock absorbers.
Replaced the prop-shaft ‘doughnut’.
Replaced rear track rods.
Replaced rear anti roll bar links.
Replaced rear lower arm inner bushes.
I had all that done and also a pair of rear Kumhos for just under £1000 all in. Jaguar’s price for that would have been over £3,000, without the tyres!
So I am learning as I go along, and it will be very interesting to see what the upcoming MOT reveals. Either way I will likely have all the pads and discs changed in one go.
Mine’s just a bog standard 4.2 N/A, by the way. I bet your 5 litre R is on another planet entirely!
paulguitar said:
Yours looks good in that colour too!
Here is the email I got from Jaguar:
Headlamp washers £174.23 inclusive of vat
Wipers £41.98 inclusive of vat
Brake fluid change £61.338 inclusive of vat
Front brakes £518.28 inclusive of vat
Rear brakes £511.92 inclusive of vat
Front wishbone bushes £782.54 inclusive of vat
Rear shock bushes £474.10 inclusive of vat
Rear tie rods £610.13 inclusive of vat
Rear drop links £301.75 inclusive of vat
Rear lower arms £771.05 inclusive of vat
O/S/R top arm £755.86 inclusive of vat
Prop rubber which is part of prop shaft £1580.21 inclusive of vat
Rear brake flexi pipes £352.00 inclusive of vat
Thank you, the only alternative in my price range when I bought mine was an egg shell blue one, a very old man colour, with the most god awful (factory) body kit on it.Here is the email I got from Jaguar:
Headlamp washers £174.23 inclusive of vat
Wipers £41.98 inclusive of vat
Brake fluid change £61.338 inclusive of vat
Front brakes £518.28 inclusive of vat
Rear brakes £511.92 inclusive of vat
Front wishbone bushes £782.54 inclusive of vat
Rear shock bushes £474.10 inclusive of vat
Rear tie rods £610.13 inclusive of vat
Rear drop links £301.75 inclusive of vat
Rear lower arms £771.05 inclusive of vat
O/S/R top arm £755.86 inclusive of vat
Prop rubber which is part of prop shaft £1580.21 inclusive of vat
Rear brake flexi pipes £352.00 inclusive of vat
Blimey, my rear brake flexi pipes need doing, I know that the part is about £47 a corner, I'll see what my 'The Man' says as it's due to go in for its service (I supply the oil simply so I know what's gone in and I know what to get if it needs a top up... which it hasn't in the almost two years I've had it, touch wood). What was the 'symptoms' of the prop rubber going by the way?
Just to add, doing the brakes (discs and pads) was the easiest it's ever been on any car me or my father's ever worked on and not as pricey as I was expecting, though mine doesn't come equipped with drilled discs. What did surprise me though was the shear weight of the damned things.
Edited by alpha channel on Monday 19th November 11:29
Edited by alpha channel on Monday 19th November 11:45
alpha channel said:
Thank you, the only alternative in my price range when I bought mine was an egg shell blue one, a very old man colour, with the most god awful (factory) body kit on it.
Blimey, my rear brake flexi pipes need doing, I know that the part is about £47 a corner, I'll see what my 'The Man' says as it's due to go in for its service (I supply the oil simply so I know what's gone in and I know what to get if it needs a top up... which it hasn't in the almost two years I've had it, touch wood). What was the 'symptoms' of the prop rubber going by the way?
Just to add, doing the brakes (discs and pads) was the easiest it's ever been on any car me or my father's ever worked on and not as pricey as I was expecting, though mine doesn't come equipped with drilled discs. What did surprise me though was the shear weight of the damned things.
Actually I did not notice any symptoms of the prop rubber doughnut deteriorating other than it being flagged on the the Jaguar inspection. I managed to source a replacement through SNG Barrett (£115 inc postage) and my ’The Man' fitted that along with the other jobs listed above.Blimey, my rear brake flexi pipes need doing, I know that the part is about £47 a corner, I'll see what my 'The Man' says as it's due to go in for its service (I supply the oil simply so I know what's gone in and I know what to get if it needs a top up... which it hasn't in the almost two years I've had it, touch wood). What was the 'symptoms' of the prop rubber going by the way?
Just to add, doing the brakes (discs and pads) was the easiest it's ever been on any car me or my father's ever worked on and not as pricey as I was expecting, though mine doesn't come equipped with drilled discs. What did surprise me though was the shear weight of the damned things.
Edited by alpha channel on Monday 19th November 11:29
Edited by alpha channel on Monday 19th November 11:45
I think the XK is quite colour sensitive and I was delighted to find mine in indigo blue with the interior being caramel and walnut. Some might regard it as all a bit old fashioned but that’s fine with me, I think of it more as ’traditional’.
May I ask what oil you use?
They are very, aren't they? they don't look as... special in silver either, quite bland (the first one I took a test drive in). At the time I was looking the only Indigo Blue one I could find was a rag top (all black interior) and, like the F-Type, I think they look better as the coupe (plus it had 140K miles on it and was a good couple of thousand more than what I paid for mine with 80K on).
I use Castrol Magnatec 5w30 full synthetic, I did a fair bit of looking into what to get and frankly didn't want to skimp. I basically just get the seven litre service kit from opie oils with the Mahle oil filter to avoid faffing around, prices are on par with everyone else and I've had very good service from them as well.
I use Castrol Magnatec 5w30 full synthetic, I did a fair bit of looking into what to get and frankly didn't want to skimp. I basically just get the seven litre service kit from opie oils with the Mahle oil filter to avoid faffing around, prices are on par with everyone else and I've had very good service from them as well.
Edited by alpha channel on Monday 19th November 16:21
alpha channel said:
They are very, aren't they? they don't look as... special in silver either, quite bland (the first one I took a test drive in). At the time I was looking the only Indigo Blue one I could find was a rag top (all black interior) and, like the F-Type, I think they look better as the coupe (plus it had 140K miles on it and was a good couple of thousand more than what I paid for mine with 80K on).
I use Castrol Magnatec 5w30 full synthetic, I did a fair bit of looking into what to get and frankly didn't want to skimp. I basically just get the seven litre service kit from opie oils with the Mahle oil filter to avoid faffing around, prices are on par with everyone else and I've had very good service from them as well.
I will order the same oil for my next service. I see from the service schedule that plugs are due at 100,000 miles, so I will have that done as well.I use Castrol Magnatec 5w30 full synthetic, I did a fair bit of looking into what to get and frankly didn't want to skimp. I basically just get the seven litre service kit from opie oils with the Mahle oil filter to avoid faffing around, prices are on par with everyone else and I've had very good service from them as well.
Edited by alpha channel on Monday 19th November 16:21
I also intend to get all the discs and pads done, at the moment ECP has a ‘Black Friday’ sale on, so I think I will get an order done there.
I read some where that the designer of the XK, Ian Callum, likes them best in silver. I got mine in my favourite colour for them, although black suits them as well, I think.
paulguitar said:
I will order the same oil for my next service. I see from the service schedule that plugs are due at 100,000 miles, so I will have that done as well.
I also intend to get all the discs and pads done, at the moment ECP has a ‘Black Friday’ sale on, so I think I will get an order done there.
I read some where that the designer of the XK, Ian Callum, likes them best in silver. I got mine in my favourite colour for them, although black suits them as well, I think.
I also intend to get all the discs and pads done, at the moment ECP has a ‘Black Friday’ sale on, so I think I will get an order done there.
I read some where that the designer of the XK, Ian Callum, likes them best in silver. I got mine in my favourite colour for them, although black suits them as well, I think.
ECP have always got a sale on. But to be fair to them, it usually brings the prices down to pretty much what everyone else is charging or thereabouts. They have a 'trade' sister site, "carsparts4less" IIRC, which is them but without the ECP bannerage and the daft continual sales and it's online only. It lists the 'true' prices but you'll notice that once ECP's discounts have been applied everything is within a few pounds if not pennies.Also be slightly wary of ECP's Pagid brand. I read a rumour that Pagid (who are mid-range/OEM quality normally) supply ECP with cheaper Pagid branded discs and pads. I certainly found the ECP supplied Pagid discs and pads I fitted to my Ranger Rover to not be up the standard expected, they graunch and vibrate if I'm driving round town for anything more than 30 mins. I've now fitted ECB pads to the replace the Pagids and it is much better but still not perfect, but I'm not changing out the front discs again yet.
Piersman2 said:
ECP have always got a sale on. But to be fair to them, it usually brings the prices down to pretty much what everyone else is charging or thereabouts. They have a 'trade' sister site, "carsparts4less" IIRC, which is them but without the ECP bannerage and the daft continual sales and it's online only. It lists the 'true' prices but you'll notice that once ECP's discounts have been applied everything is within a few pounds if not pennies.Also be slightly wary of ECP's Pagid brand. I read a rumour that Pagid (who are mid-range/OEM quality normally) supply ECP with cheaper Pagid branded discs and pads. I certainly found the ECP supplied Pagid discs and pads I fitted to my Ranger Rover to not be up the standard expected, they graunch and vibrate if I'm driving round town for anything more than 30 mins. I've now fitted ECB pads to the replace the Pagids and it is much better but still not perfect, but I'm not changing out the front discs again yet.
Just ordered a set of Osram Nightbreaker Lasers for mine, interestingly, unlike earlier cars that had D1S's mine has D3S's (same as F-type) which use less power and are mercury free...but of course cost a third more. Experience with my Audi has shown that bulbs do tend to fade or discolour after 3yrs+ of fitting and the bulbs fitted to mine are the originals at over 4yrs old. Will keep the oldies in case of future failure/MOT
https://www.osram.com/am/ecat/XENARC%20NIGHT%20BRE...
it came with no paperwork excepting FJSH, so am changing things like
Headlight bulbs - to be done this week
Brake fluid (done free with my wortec fitting 2 weeks ago)
Aircon regas (£35 groupon buy with ATS done last week)
Transmission and ediff (to do next year at 50k miles).
Interestingly my nearest main dealer (Taunton) do an allegiance program, so 4yrs for £1236 plus you get:
✔ Free MOT’s
✔ Free Adblue top ups
✔ Free oil top ups
✔ Free visual health check between services
✔ 15% off labour and 10% off parts
✔ 10% off accessories
✔ 5% off tyres
✔ Fully Transferable to a new car
https://www.helstongarages.co.uk/jaguar/servicing-...
https://www.osram.com/am/ecat/XENARC%20NIGHT%20BRE...
it came with no paperwork excepting FJSH, so am changing things like
Headlight bulbs - to be done this week
Brake fluid (done free with my wortec fitting 2 weeks ago)
Aircon regas (£35 groupon buy with ATS done last week)
Transmission and ediff (to do next year at 50k miles).
Interestingly my nearest main dealer (Taunton) do an allegiance program, so 4yrs for £1236 plus you get:
✔ Free MOT’s
✔ Free Adblue top ups
✔ Free oil top ups
✔ Free visual health check between services
✔ 15% off labour and 10% off parts
✔ 10% off accessories
✔ 5% off tyres
✔ Fully Transferable to a new car
https://www.helstongarages.co.uk/jaguar/servicing-...
paulguitar said:
Piersman2 said:
ECP have always got a sale on. But to be fair to them, it usually brings the prices down to pretty much what everyone else is charging or thereabouts. They have a 'trade' sister site, "carsparts4less" IIRC, which is them but without the ECP bannerage and the daft continual sales and it's online only. It lists the 'true' prices but you'll notice that once ECP's discounts have been applied everything is within a few pounds if not pennies.Also be slightly wary of ECP's Pagid brand. I read a rumour that Pagid (who are mid-range/OEM quality normally) supply ECP with cheaper Pagid branded discs and pads. I certainly found the ECP supplied Pagid discs and pads I fitted to my Ranger Rover to not be up the standard expected, they graunch and vibrate if I'm driving round town for anything more than 30 mins. I've now fitted ECB pads to the replace the Pagids and it is much better but still not perfect, but I'm not changing out the front discs again yet.
For £255, Brembos discs and pads all round sounds like a good deal, Decent brand, decent price.
marktmorgan said:
Hilts said:
Were these performance seats an option/standard on just the dynamic R? I think this is a 2014/5 model. They look so much better than the standard XKR seats
2012 XKR
Standard on the Dynamic and optional on all but rarely taken, appreciate that a large majority of jaguar drivers are fat old men (they seem to be the only ones that can afford the sticker price and insurance!) I am older but slim, and as Will Smoth said ' I make this look good! 2012 XKR
Agreed that they look better but was told by many on the forum they preferred the standard seats as they are cooled...seriously I've never felt the need to cool my @rse in over 35yrs of driving?? Wanted the red stitching as it really lifts the interior, white stitching just didn't cut it for me
I was lucky when i bought mine, the indi garage thought they had a standard XKR and had it priced accordingly, So I saved almost £6k and had the dynamic confirmed on my HPI and insurance...which luckily is below £400 to insure with all the mods and business smiles!
Agreed about the cooled seats, I live in the North of Scotland and am straight. Why would I need to cool my @rse in the middle of winter?
Bad case of Farmer Giles maybe?
Little bit of nosing led me to this thread.
I bought my 4.2 XKR 2007 3 years ago from Arnold Clarke. Lovely motor, lovely price, shame about the maintenance they carried out, oh my goodness.
With lock down I was able to finally get my brakes sorted - by doing it all myself. My car no longer vibrates under heavy braking, and finally I am in love (3 garages failed me, one was a specialist ffs - people be careful). Note I bought OEM discs and pads and greased the pins properly (unlike Arnold Clarke) - I get a million people telling me I don't need oem, but I learned about this the hard way with a BMW. My brakes are perfect, the other aftermarket ones went to the tip with just a handful of miles on them (big shout to Arnold Clarke again).
I'm about to change the aircon condensor - probably the main known flaw with the car. I believe the aftermarket offering is the most popular for probably obvious reasons.
The looks of the XKR are to die for. I'm a biker not a car man, but I just had to have an XKR from the moment I first saw one.
And btw the engine is just amazing.
Zero practicality - for that I have a Passat which is 10 times better at everything except making my jaw drop. People thinking the back seat can somehow be made to work as a normal set up, forget it. I couldn't get our child seats in the back, and have instead bought small booster seats - not properly legal but with the short trip up the road and back once in a blue moon I'll take the risk. And as for the mountain bike in the boot - haven't laughed so much in ages. Guys, just buy it as a 2nd car or not at all - if you need practical you will truly hate it.
Last 3 years I was only using the XKR for Le Mans, and an end of season trip to Brands Hatch for the BSBK finals. Every time I sit in it for either journey I know that buying it was the right thing to do.
However, now that its working properly, and now that the little ones have started asking to go for a ride "in faster car", I have stated taking it for little runs on the back roads more often, and on my own when I need to go somewhere further and want a smile on my face. Suddenly I'm doing the same with my sportscar as my Dad did with his. In winter she lives in the garage.
Everyone who looks at her comments on those curves - she's like a very expensive mistress - I can't quite resist, but I'm glad I have the sensible wife to come home to (Mrs Passat) after a rare bit of indulgence.
I will never sell my XKR. I will never tire of looking at her. She is a beautiful piece of art, I can just look at her all day long.
I bought my 4.2 XKR 2007 3 years ago from Arnold Clarke. Lovely motor, lovely price, shame about the maintenance they carried out, oh my goodness.
With lock down I was able to finally get my brakes sorted - by doing it all myself. My car no longer vibrates under heavy braking, and finally I am in love (3 garages failed me, one was a specialist ffs - people be careful). Note I bought OEM discs and pads and greased the pins properly (unlike Arnold Clarke) - I get a million people telling me I don't need oem, but I learned about this the hard way with a BMW. My brakes are perfect, the other aftermarket ones went to the tip with just a handful of miles on them (big shout to Arnold Clarke again).
I'm about to change the aircon condensor - probably the main known flaw with the car. I believe the aftermarket offering is the most popular for probably obvious reasons.
The looks of the XKR are to die for. I'm a biker not a car man, but I just had to have an XKR from the moment I first saw one.
And btw the engine is just amazing.
Zero practicality - for that I have a Passat which is 10 times better at everything except making my jaw drop. People thinking the back seat can somehow be made to work as a normal set up, forget it. I couldn't get our child seats in the back, and have instead bought small booster seats - not properly legal but with the short trip up the road and back once in a blue moon I'll take the risk. And as for the mountain bike in the boot - haven't laughed so much in ages. Guys, just buy it as a 2nd car or not at all - if you need practical you will truly hate it.
Last 3 years I was only using the XKR for Le Mans, and an end of season trip to Brands Hatch for the BSBK finals. Every time I sit in it for either journey I know that buying it was the right thing to do.
However, now that its working properly, and now that the little ones have started asking to go for a ride "in faster car", I have stated taking it for little runs on the back roads more often, and on my own when I need to go somewhere further and want a smile on my face. Suddenly I'm doing the same with my sportscar as my Dad did with his. In winter she lives in the garage.
Everyone who looks at her comments on those curves - she's like a very expensive mistress - I can't quite resist, but I'm glad I have the sensible wife to come home to (Mrs Passat) after a rare bit of indulgence.
I will never sell my XKR. I will never tire of looking at her. She is a beautiful piece of art, I can just look at her all day long.
Edited by wsn03 on Wednesday 29th July 14:39
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