Sl55 vs Jag XKR (n/s 4.2)
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm a long term observer of the forums, but thought I'd make my first post to get some input on something that's been eating away at me for months. I'd love to hear some comparisons from anyone with direct experience of both cars.
Having driven the xkr, I absolutely love these, satisfying my want for a quick, fluid sonorous and stylish GT, the 4.2 having enough power to satisfy (tried the 5.0 which is ballistic, but out of budget).
I have always had a soft spot for the SL, particularly in 55 guise. I haven't had the chance to drive one, but love the sound and style. I understand they can be a bit of a nightmare in terms of reliability, but I would probably buy a dealer example of either car. My thinking is to look at as late an example as possible, preferably one with the newer widescreen command, most toys and I think they look stunning with the SL65 wheels.
Btw, I have a budget of around 30k, seemingly putting me in 2007 xkr territory vs significantly older 03-04ish SL55.
As I said, any input on either car for a daily driver in London would be much appreciated, things like ride, what they're like when pressing on and generally living with!,
Ps, I did find both cars, particularly the xkr a little too muted for my taste, would love to hear from anyone who has successfully altered the exhausts to good effect on the either.
Thanks in advance and looking forward to some replies.
I'm a long term observer of the forums, but thought I'd make my first post to get some input on something that's been eating away at me for months. I'd love to hear some comparisons from anyone with direct experience of both cars.
Having driven the xkr, I absolutely love these, satisfying my want for a quick, fluid sonorous and stylish GT, the 4.2 having enough power to satisfy (tried the 5.0 which is ballistic, but out of budget).
I have always had a soft spot for the SL, particularly in 55 guise. I haven't had the chance to drive one, but love the sound and style. I understand they can be a bit of a nightmare in terms of reliability, but I would probably buy a dealer example of either car. My thinking is to look at as late an example as possible, preferably one with the newer widescreen command, most toys and I think they look stunning with the SL65 wheels.
Btw, I have a budget of around 30k, seemingly putting me in 2007 xkr territory vs significantly older 03-04ish SL55.
As I said, any input on either car for a daily driver in London would be much appreciated, things like ride, what they're like when pressing on and generally living with!,
Ps, I did find both cars, particularly the xkr a little too muted for my taste, would love to hear from anyone who has successfully altered the exhausts to good effect on the either.
Thanks in advance and looking forward to some replies.
Thanks for your detailed reply,
I would imagine the merc box to be quite slow, I actually owned an old jag xjr which I understand uses the same box as the sl55.
Your post confirms my thoughts of generally the merc hiding it's age very well, I mean what else from 2002 looks even remotely modern (BMW e46, old shape xk). I suppose I will really have to drive one, which I'm struggling to do, being 26 and there not being a load of dealer cars around.
I have heard generally that 2002 and 03 models seem more prone to electrical faults and even rust? What would you recommend for a 25-30k budget?. My thoughts are to seek out a good low mileage example, whatever the year and get a warranty from warranty direct or the like.
I would imagine the merc box to be quite slow, I actually owned an old jag xjr which I understand uses the same box as the sl55.
Your post confirms my thoughts of generally the merc hiding it's age very well, I mean what else from 2002 looks even remotely modern (BMW e46, old shape xk). I suppose I will really have to drive one, which I'm struggling to do, being 26 and there not being a load of dealer cars around.
I have heard generally that 2002 and 03 models seem more prone to electrical faults and even rust? What would you recommend for a 25-30k budget?. My thoughts are to seek out a good low mileage example, whatever the year and get a warranty from warranty direct or the like.
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