Jaguar XKR

Author
Discussion

rjm8282

Original Poster:

186 posts

181 months

Sunday 3rd June 2012
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Hi all,

I'm new to the Jaguar world having only ever owned BMW's. My history is:

E46 325 M-Sport Coupe
E46 M3 SMG
Z4 Coupe
E 92 335i coupe

I have been car sharing with my partner for over two years and I am now in a position to buy myself a car.

I have been looking at the Jaguar XKR, both the 4.2 and 5.0 versions. It's a stunning car with great performance and everything i'm looking for, comfort, elegance, sporty and fast.

The problem is I know nothing about this car, the usual problems that may occur, running costs and anything else I should be aware of. I have already costed insurance and tax but could do with knowing what the service cycle is and average cost of this?

Real life MPG figures, I have read that the combined MPG is 22/23 but what are you guys getting?

Brakes, does anyone know the cost of new front and rear pads/discs? My M3 averaged out at about £400 for front discs/pads.

Any niggles you guys aren't happy with or problems and any other forums you recommend?

Also which is better, 4.2 or 5.0?

I really appreicate any help with this and thank you in advance.


LancerG

2,870 posts

274 months

Sunday 3rd June 2012
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I have some knowledge that will help.......but not for all your questions.

I recently sold an older XKR.
The 4.2 engine is strong and all the weak points were sorted, however the 5.0 is another step up in performance. The 4.2 would stay with your M3, but the 5.0 would kill it.

If you can stretch to it, then its the better buy, the 5.0 will retain value better too.

Running costs, I was heavy footed so used to get around 18mpg, 24 on a motorway run.
Discs and pads - well you can buy all sorts, but generally Brembo disks can be had for £200 and pads for around £120 a set.

Beautiful cars and very underrated by the public, I used to surprise alot of people. In the 5.0 you will spend your time chasing down 911's and kicking their butt.

If ultra-performance is not in your top3 priorities ( i say this as youve had BMW's !!) then the 4.2 is perfectly adequate, still puts a grin on your face and pins you in the seat throughout the rev range. But if you have the budget then get the best you can.


Redv8

65 posts

215 months

Sunday 3rd June 2012
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The XK if a fantastic car but look for something else if you are concerned about MPG...

Tresco

516 posts

156 months

Sunday 3rd June 2012
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I have a 57 plate XKR and get 19mpg around town, 23-25 on a run.

Just serviced at franchised dealer, should have been £490 but joined Jaguar Allegiance which discounted the cost to £315, hasn't missed a beat in the twelve months I've owned it, 5.0 next!

rjm8282

Original Poster:

186 posts

181 months

Monday 4th June 2012
quotequote all
Hi LancerG,

That's great info, I was always heading towards the 5.0 but it's at the very tip of my budget, looking to spend £38k max. A good point you mentioned regarding the m3 being similar performance to the 4.2, which pushers me more to the 5.0 for a notable difference.

The running costs seem no different to that of my old M3, so no dramas there.

Redv8,

Thanks for the advice but whenever purchasing a car I always consider all cost's, no matter how silly the MPG maybe. My old M3 was only 19 MPG but I still have to work out the cost of fuel. Otherwise I would be running cars like the government running the economy.

Tresco,

That's some decent MPG you are getting there considering the engine. Jaguar Allegiance, I shall do some research into this, that is a massive saving. Do you have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription to this?

Are their any options that you consider a must have with the 5.0 xkr?
I know Jaguar offer a lot of equipment as standard with these cars and it's hard to see what options you actually need or can spec?

Thanks to you all!

NDA

21,488 posts

224 months

Monday 4th June 2012
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I had two of the 4.2 XKR convertibles.... Loved them.

I've driven the new 5L XKR and it's a seriously rapid machine and I think a major alternative to a DB9.

Having aquaplaned in the 5L (I caught it, just, after 3 massive fishtails) and having a friend total one In similar conditions, I'm slightly anxious about their wet weather handling. Having said that, I haven't heard any other negative comments about this.

Triple7

4,013 posts

236 months

Monday 4th June 2012
quotequote all
Right......

4.2 is a lovely intro into the Jaguar XKR, the only ones to consider are the run out models, namely the XKR-S (which has every option you can have on an XK, as long as you like black!) The run out standard 4.2's have the same XKR-S alloys and Alcon brakes, plus the better suspension set-up, come in all colours, but have no bodykit. These late 4.2's have very small optional extra lists, so come highly specked. Jaguar sell their cars high spec anyhow, no extensive options lists like the Germans. You should pickup a run-out 4.2 for £30k, the 4.2 XKR-S's are thin on the ground (100 made), and have a £5k+ premium over the regular XKR but worth it if you like the looks.)

5.0, these are now sub-£40k for a first edition. These are simply awesome, they have the adaptive dynamics, gorgeous 5.0 V8 and the interior is lush. Pick your interior/exterior colour combo and go buy, especially if you get one with the subltle areo pack (spoiler, splitter). My money is on a 'Speed Pack' edition which arrived about 2 years after the intro of the 5.0, so are still around £50k, but have that XKR-S bodykit.

As for mpg, 4.2 an average on mine was 25mpg, the 5.0 will be 20mpg. Servicing every 12months,, big £700ish, small £400ish). Get one with the Jag warranty £1200, buy from a dealer & it will come serviced and with 12 months warranty anyway.

The eDiff (off the LR Disco3) on the 5.0, helps to control unloaded tyre spin of the 4.2, but as has been mentioned, the XKR is a 'Sports GT', it is great on the open highway, rolling B road, but the view is of the new 5.0 XKR-S is that the chassis can't really handle the power. Roll on F-Type with the all new XK platform.

I have to admit, I have just gone to the dark side with a Porka C2S, tech-wise it is light years ahead of the Jaguar and is similar money. The PDK gearbox is stunning and of course the handling is a totally different ball game, but it is certainly more Sports car than GT, so depends on what you need. For me, love the Porka, but my heart is still with Jaguar, let's see that F-Type.........

ParanoidAndroid

1,359 posts

282 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
Triple7 said:
Right......

The run out standard 4.2's have the same XKR-S alloys and Alcon brakes, plus the better suspension set-up, come in all colours, but have no bodykit. These late 4.2's have very small optional extra lists, so come highly specked. Jaguar sell their cars high spec anyhow, no extensive options lists like the Germans.
Triple7, not sure if you are referring to the 4.2 XKR Portfolio here. If I was looking at a 4.2 and in no rush I think this would be were my money would go. As you say, every option, Alcon brakes and some tasty (if a bit bling) alloys. However I'd would keep an eye on price. If its pushing 5.0 territory then my money would be in a 5.0.



rjm8282

Original Poster:

186 posts

181 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
NDA,

Thats good information. I have researched this afterwards and I get a similar response. When you aquaplaned, was you driving quite aggressive, on a bend or straight e.t.c or was it purely down to the amount of water on the road?

Triple7,

Wow, thanks a lot!

I am intending to buy from Jaguar so I will make sure it has had the big service and 12 month warranty as standard.

I can't seem to find any 4.2 XKR-S, like you said only so many made.

It's funny you mention the Porsche, before the XKR I was seriously considering the Cayman, I love the perfect balance of this machine, but I love the look of the Jaguar and the sound it makes.

I think if I can, I will go with the 5.0 XKR. I love the look inside and that's where i'm sitting.

ParanoidAndroid,

I love the picture, I realy like those wheels as well.

Like you said, I will keep an eye on the price and see how much more they come down. I will also keep an eye out for any deals Jaguar may do at the dealerships.


So far, the 12 month service cycle is more than I expected, but if I can purchase one that has had the big service that will help and the aquaplaning, I need to find out more about that as I will be using this car as a daily vehicle.




NDA

21,488 posts

224 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
rjm8282 said:
NDA,

Thats good information. I have researched this afterwards and I get a similar response. When you aquaplaned, was you driving quite aggressive, on a bend or straight e.t.c or was it purely down to the amount of water on the road?
I was driving on a dual carriageway, dead straight, on a balanced throttle at 60mph. The car suddenly went violently sideways.... It was heavy rain, but no standing water. My chum had the same experience, but unfortunately totalled his.

As I have had two XKR's and driven at Le Mans and Goodwood (not in XKR's), I'd say I'm an OK driver.... My view and the view of several other experienced drivers is the the 5L has the wrong tyres on for wet weather. No doubt others here will have an entirely different view!

It wouldn't put me off the 5L, I think it's a beautiful and powerful car, very underrated too. But I'd want different tyres on it.

ParanoidAndroid

1,359 posts

282 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
NDA said:
I was driving on a dual carriageway, dead straight, on a balanced throttle at 60mph. The car suddenly went violently sideways.... It was heavy rain, but no standing water. My chum had the same experience, but unfortunately totalled his.
What tyres do Jag put on these as standard? I did a demo day with Jaguar at Gaydon and saw an indicated 168mph in absolutely dreadful conditions without incident in a 5.0 XKR - it felt totally planted. I have however read comments from Journo's that the XK-RS is a bit of a handful.

funbobby

1,624 posts

257 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
im also interested in one of these but budget is a about 27k what is the paddle shift like as i like to get more involved than just auto? is there any decent warrenties available on these for peace of mind?

Triple7

4,013 posts

236 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
ParanoidAndroid said:
Triple7, not sure if you are referring to the 4.2 XKR Portfolio here.

Nope! This is a 4.2 run out car....

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3932339.htm

T7


Triple7

4,013 posts

236 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
funbobby said:
im also interested in one of these but budget is a about 27k what is the paddle shift like as i like to get more involved than just auto? is there any decent warrenties available on these for peace of mind?
The paddleshift programming on the ZF 6 speed is excellent fun, so much so after the first week you probably won't use it and just stick with the auto in 'sport' mode. It is lightening fast and blips on downshifts in full auto or semi and suits the Jag perfect. No hesitation whatsoever, however the blips on downshift accelerate the car when you lest want it. :teehee:

£27k will find a nice one. As I always say, find a launch edition car Nov' 06 on a '56 plate which come fully loaded or a 2008MY when the spec changed to a better standard.

Edited to add, get a car with a Jag warranty, or keep £2k in the bank in reserve.

Edited by Triple7 on Tuesday 5th June 20:01

NDA

21,488 posts

224 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
I'm not sure what the standard tyres are or what the tread pattern looks like.....

funbobby

1,624 posts

257 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
what are the gremlins on them? i understand the main workings are pretty bulletproof.

mr.man

511 posts

215 months

Tuesday 5th June 2012
quotequote all
I have recently bought a XKR 5.0 from Grange of Brentwood. Salsa Red with Black Pack and Speed Pack.
18 months old and mint. Press the gear selector down and click clockwise into Sport(should read light blue touchpaper and retire to a safe position) then think of a speed and just do it. Very quickly.
The paddle shift is available at any time and is so quick and usable. As far as I can make out there is no reason to aquaplane other than your tyres are worn up. Same for any car. Standard tyres are Dunlop Sport
something but do drum through the cabin on some road surfaces(sounds like the bass on the sound system is up too high) I'm returning 23.8 mpg over the first 1000 miles so not too bad for 510 bhp. Just do it whilst there is still petrol in the world.

ParanoidAndroid

1,359 posts

282 months

Wednesday 6th June 2012
quotequote all
Triple7 said:
Nope! This is a 4.2 run out car....

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3932339.htm

T7
Thanks, didn't even know they existed!

Curve ball option for OP is the Aston V8 Vantage. They are now available in your price range.

W4NTED

688 posts

213 months

Wednesday 6th June 2012
quotequote all
I've been looking at these for a while now and they seem to be some sort of a bargain at the moment. I think they look the best in Black as it just shows off the curves wonderfully. Will be going to see this one over the weekend.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3625307.htm

Edited by W4NTED on Thursday 6th September 13:30

NDA

21,488 posts

224 months

Wednesday 6th June 2012
quotequote all
mr.man said:
I have recently bought a XKR 5.0 from Grange of Brentwood. Salsa Red with Black Pack and Speed Pack.
18 months old and mint. Press the gear selector down and click clockwise into Sport(should read light blue touchpaper and retire to a safe position) then think of a speed and just do it. Very quickly.
The paddle shift is available at any time and is so quick and usable. As far as I can make out there is no reason to aquaplane other than your tyres are worn up. Same for any car. Standard tyres are Dunlop Sport
something but do drum through the cabin on some road surfaces(sounds like the bass on the sound system is up too high) I'm returning 23.8 mpg over the first 1000 miles so not too bad for 510 bhp. Just do it whilst there is still petrol in the world.
Sounds fun! smile

There's a lot of weight in the front and a lot less in the back..... Plus quite wide tyres. A couple of reasons for aquaplaning.

Having had direct experience in a brand new one going violently sideways, I'm a little anxious about their wet weather capabilities. Maybe me (and my chum) were just unlucky.