5.0 XK Supercharged, Granturismo 4.2 or Carrera S 3.8

[ryanjohnstott]

Which one should I buy? Had a old shape XKR previously and loved it. I love the Granturismo's looks and sound but worry that a used Maser is going to be an unreliable money pit. Is a 911 boring? The XKR seems the best value in terms of power and interior spec but is it as good to drive as a 911? The old one certainly wasn't.
Any thoughts would be welcome, overtly opinionated or otherwise!
Thanks

[Codswallop]

Will this be a everyday car or something for the weekend?
What kind of driving do you like/tend to do?

Personally I would go for the Granturismo simply because I like that car the most of the 3. The 911 would likely be a faster/ sharper cross country car, and the Jag probably the best all round daily (though it is least appealing to me personally).

[ryanjohnstott]

This is to be my everyday car so comfort is a consideration. I am close to going with the XKR however, while shopping in Clifton today, a Granturismo passed me. It looks stunning and sounds even better. Maserati/Ferrari are not axactly known for their build quality though and the service/repair charges at a main dealer are in another league to Jaguar.

[ryanjohnstott]

Browsing the classifieds here. Anyone own a DB9? I could settle for an older DB9 or is that asking for trouble???

[ToryJosh]

If you're looking for a money pit then the DB9 is the way to go. My father has had a Granturismo for quite a while now and it's great, never put a foot wrong and creeping up to around 40k now. It's also very comfy, I've personally been down to Monaco a few times with him and the drive is very comfy. But yes the servicing costs, if you want to stick with completely main dealer work are pretty high; for example a set of Maserati wiper blades will set you back £90. However running costs are surpirsingly cheap, it will easily manage 26mpg at around 80-100 on the motorway and a tank of super unleaded is around £130ish

I can't comment on the Jag as never owned one in the family but between the Porsche and the Maser, obviously the Porsche would be quicker down B-roads and off the mark probably, but they are different cars one being a tourer the other a more focused sports car. But I personally the Maser is a much higher calibre of car. Where ever you drive the Maser is noticed and turns heads, whereas the Porsche never did that.

But it's whether you want great performance and driving experience over style, looks and one hell of a V8 raw

[ryanjohnstott]

On reflection I think you are right. An older DB9 could bankrupt me so I'll rule that out. The Porsche just isn't a special enough place to be sat in and as its going to be my main car perhaps a GT car is more suitable for me. So really it's down to the XKR and the Granturismo. The Maser is better looking I think and certainly more exclusive but my head says a XKR is the best value. Also anyone heard the 5.0 XKR? My old 4.2 didn't sound at all special unless you like the sound of a screaming supercharger!

[ryanjohnstott]

Going to test drive the XKR tomorrow! Hopefully won't get carried away before I've tried a Granturismo.....

[ryanjohnstott]

Would you believe it?! The car sold at 10am this morning, I got to the dealership at 3pm :-(
They did have a stunning Red XKR-S, out of my budget though!
I've got Stratstone now trying to find me a car, hopefully will hear something tomorrow.

[ParanoidAndroid]

The 5.0 Xkr sounds immense and will leave a 4.2 Maser for dead assuming its the 4.2 rather than the 4.7 you are looking at... 500bhp goes a long way! Grantourismo is gorgeous though and truly practical with back seats that are usable by adults rather than hampsters.

Let us know how you get on, its a decision I will be repeating in a year or so once both drop to around 30k :-)

[ryanjohnstott]

Hatfields Jaguar in Liverpool called me today to say a car had just come in. 2009 XK 5.0 Supercharged in ultimate black with ivory leather and the aerodynamic pack. I haven't see any photos yet but I put a holding deposit (fully refundable) down so that I can take a look tomorrow. 3.5 hour drive though. The sales guy has since emailed me the full spec for the car and unfortunately it has the burr walnut trim. That's one thing I didn't want! I prefer the aluminium or piano black trim really.
Bugger!

[ParanoidAndroid]

Good luck, as far as I'm aware it should be fairly straight forward to change the trim - theres not much of it really, dealer should be able to do that for you no problem. Wouldn't let it put you off the car if everything else stacks up.

Edit to add: Will they not ship the car to a local Hatfields for you save you the 3.5 hour drive? Buying through a main dealer I thought they did that sort of thing if you were genuinely interested ( with a holding deposit you are).

Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Tuesday 16th October 23:43

[ryanjohnstott]

Yes from looking at their website they will ship a car anywhere for a test drive. They didn't offer that service though despite me putting a £500 holding deposit down! I'll speak to them in the morning. If they could change the trim then it would be a perfect (within budget) car so we will see what they can do.

[ryanjohnstott]

Dealership called, they would change the trim to Piano Black and they will bring the car to me for a test drive. Can't wait!

[ToryJosh]

Good to hear fella, sounds like you could be onto a winner! Are you going to test drive the other two, or are you sold on the XK now?

[ryanjohnstott]

I'm sold on the XKR now, I can't get a low mileage Maserati main dealer approved car within my budget. The XK has only done 20k miles, they will service and MOT and of course it will have the Jag warranty. It's the best value package I think. The Granturismo is still prettier and more exclusive but everything else considered its not the best choice for me.
The XKR is being prepped so I should see it in a day or so.

[ToryJosh]

Fair points, plus the Jag is probably quicker than a 4.2 Granturismo anyway, plus with all the warranty you would be stupid not to take that offer. I remember looking at the XK's and I couldn't believe the spec you can get for the money when you compare it to similar specs in other cars. Anyway hope it all goes well on the test drive!

[ryanjohnstott]

Vehicle SPEC:

Hi Ryan,
 
Thank you for your business today.
 
The vehicle is as follows:
 
Jaguar XKR 5.0V8 Coupe
Ultimate Black Metallic
Ivory Leather
Aero Pack
19,850 Miles
Registered 31st May 2009
 
Wheel Arch Spats
Automatic Transmission
Power/Htd/Mem/Fbck/Electro/Puddle Mirror
MP3 Format Reader (X150)
Heated/Cooled Front Seats
Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System
Luxury Seats
Super Performance Brakes
Reverse Park Control
Front Park Aid
Adaptive Dynamics
19" Alloy Space Saver
20" Nevis Alloys
Air Quality Sensing
Headlamp Powerwash
Rain Sensitive Wipers
Xenon Headlights
Heated Front Windscreen
European OBD
Keyless Entry
Intrusion Sensing
R Heated Steering Wheel
CD Autochanger
Navigation+DRG+TIS
Navigation Disc Europe
Front Cup Holder
Console-Contrast Stich ex. Lid
Soft grain Facia - Contrast Stitch
Cruise Control
Mirrors with Exterior Powerfold Function
Memory Function
Drvr=16 way Pass=16 way
Mats - Leather Edged Branded
Bluetooth Telephone Connectivity
Automat Headlamp Leveling
Auto On Head Lamps
Supercharger

Trim Details
Ivory/Char Ivory Stch Coup Burr Jet H/L

Paint:
Ultimate Black
 
Trim Items:
Soft grain Leather Seat
Charcoal Parcel Shelf
Warm Charcoal/Warm Charcoal Facia
Ebony Alston Headliner
Flint Grey Carpet
Charcoal / Ivory Console
Ivory Twin Needle Stitching
Warm Charcoal Seatbelts
Ivory Stitching
Ebony Alston Upper
Burr Walnut Veneer (will be Piano Black)

 
 

[ParanoidAndroid]

ryanjohnstott said:

Dealership called, they would change the trim to Piano Black and they will bring the car to me for a test drive. Can't wait!

Result! Enjoy the test drive... I hit an indicated 168 mph in one on the Gaydon track and it was still pulling like a train

[ryanjohnstott]

Done it! Gone with the Black XK 5.0 Supercharged. Probably be ready for collection a week today. I'd post some photos but I've no idea how to do that since I'm on an iPhone?

[ryanjohnstott]

Sorry to ask a stupid question but is it possible to upload photos on here using my iPhone? I'm a techno idiot I'm afraid!