Jaguar XKR Convertible, How much would you pay?

Jaguar XKR Convertible, How much would you pay?

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Discussion

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Saturday 27th October 2007
quotequote all
Hi all,

This is my first post on the Jaguar section, I have a Chimaera 450, my 2nd TVR which is a great car but have always been interested in the Jag XK's, and the oppotunity may arise to make an offer for one, what may sell at a very reasonable price.
I have been looking at the guide prices which seem quite high but am hoping for some opinions as to what in the real world would be an absolute bargain price to pick up an XKR Convertible privately. I dont have a great deal of info only that it is a one owner, ex demo on a 2003/03 plate with about 54k miles and is in Black and needs a good clean.
I understand that there would be lots of other factors that would influence the value but unfortunately at this moment I have no further info, I am also assuming it will be in average condition for its age and milage as I have yet to see the car.
I will though have a chance to have a good look and drive of the car but the bottom line will be the car will be "SOLD AS SEEN",with no comebacks, but obviously HPI clear.

Your opinions would be very gratefully received of what sort of price you would consider extending your mortgage or selling you wife and kids for to secure a purchase.




Edited by peter miller on Saturday 27th October 12:08

bigdavy

1,085 posts

208 months

Saturday 27th October 2007
quotequote all
Hello Peter,

If you are not familiar with the Jaguar V8 engine issues you MUST read this

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=195...

Whilst this is for the XJR it's the same engine issues with the timing chain tensioners and water pump failures, either will require a new engine costing circa £8000.

Please be very careful buying a Jaguar V8 especially one being sold cheaply & sold as seen!

HTH

Davy.

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Saturday 27th October 2007
quotequote all
Thanks for your reply Davey,

I have read the link you provided which is very informative, however the car I am looking to buy is a 2003 4.2 engine so it looks like a lot of those issues will have been sorted.
I was originally looking for an XK8 4 or 5 years ago, which were pre 2000 cars then and did wonder why so many were advertised with replacement engines and obviously found out about the Nicasil problems after some enquiries, though all the main dealers I approached were tight lipped. so at that time went down the TVR route and have owned them with great pleasure up until now, but was just thinking of a change without having to loose too much money.

As for "Cheap" and "sold as seen" is concerned I am fully aware that there is normally always a reason for this and as such there is no such thing as a cheap Jaguar, but without going into too much detail this purchase opportunity is more to do with financial circumstances than any other reason,and being in a position to be able to put in an offer for the car before it goes through to auction, sorry I cannot be any more specific.

I just wanted to know what people on here would consider to be a very reasonable sale price.

Thanks Peter.

P700DEE

1,121 posts

231 months

Saturday 27th October 2007
quotequote all
Glad you have done some research and know that the 4.2 has most of the issues ironed out smile I hence assume you will also check the usual with any car and potential hidden problems. Assuming there are no issues the 4.2s are advertised around £30K in the dealers so a good price has to be £25k or less ?

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Saturday 27th October 2007
quotequote all
THANKS, I will post the outcome.

bigdavy

1,085 posts

208 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all
Ahhh, didn't realise it was a 4.2.

As for price, well going buy the situation you mention low £20's i would say for a quick sale. I would call a couple of the bigger auction houses and ask for a valuation, they will be happy to say what one would be realisticly sold for at auction.
Also, i appreciate you saying the sale is a financial issue however just remember if the seller has had money issues there might be outstanding work for which you should budget.

Let us know how you get on, it's a car i'd love to own! yes

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all
Thanks Davy, I will let you know.

Edited by peter miller on Sunday 28th October 18:19

Triple7

4,013 posts

238 months

Tuesday 30th October 2007
quotequote all
Will also depend on the levels of kit and the reasons for the quick 'sold as seen'. As you have noted the nikasil issues won't be an issue, nor really the timing chain tensioners. The only other real factors that I would look for are a rear diff on the way out (rare) or a blown supercharger (again quite rare). Both expensive.

The V8 engines are bullet proof, so that just comes to trim levels. i.e. 20' inch wheels? Satnav? Interior color?

Happy shopping.

G

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Monday 5th November 2007
quotequote all
*****UPDATE*******

Well things have started to move on now, I have just been asked to collect the car on Friday and will have to store it until Monday. But this gives me the opportunity over the weekend to have a good look around it and take it for a long drive to see what it is like. Then on Monday decide whether or not to negotiate a purchase price or give it back where it will probably go straight to auction.

As mentioned previously it is a 2003 4.2 convertible, in black with 56k miles. I will obviously check the engine runs well and the gearbox is smooth, also check the hood is in good condition and opens and closes a few times without problems, the general condition of bodywork and interior also that all the bits and bobs are functioning will also be on my checklist

Is there anything specific that I will need to keep an eye out for? I will also have access to a 2 poster ramp to check underneath.

Can I have any suggestions as to any desirable accessories/spec I should be looking for eg wheels/options etc which would have a significant bearing on value.

Thanks for your help,

Peter.

Triple7

4,013 posts

238 months

Monday 5th November 2007
quotequote all
Peter, a 2003 4.2 XKR should have most of the goodies as standard. So it all depends on what you really want.

The goodies that tend to be the extra's over and above are:

Recaro Sport seats. Adaptive Cruise. Premium sound. Jag phone. Satnav. Heated front screen, mirrors etc. These all tend to come under the options as 'packs'. Comfort, winter, chrome pack (pedals, gear lever surround etc.), handling pack (Coupe only).

The likes of brembo brakes and 20inch alloys should already be on the car. So in the end do you like the black. What colour is the interior trim and wood?

All in all give it a good run, the big 20icnh wheels can be affected by the UK road camber and may veer a bit, but thats not the car.

Have fun.

pics when you can

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Monday 5th November 2007
quotequote all
Thanks Gazzer for your reply,

I will look out for these extras when I collect the car. I do like the look of the 20" wheels, hopefully the tyres have plenty of tread left as I did a search for the cost of replacements yikes.

To be honest black would not be my preferred choice, Great when clean but I imagine it will be a pig to keep it that way. I would much prefer Pacific or Antigua blue, but if I can get it at the right price I wont be too bothered, and from what I understand black is a popular colour when it comes to selling it on.

Again with the interior I love the light leather but wont be disappointed if it is black, at least it will hide the dirt better. I wont find this out though, until I pick up the car.

Peter.



cardigankid

8,849 posts

213 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
quotequote all
These are great cars if you get a good one.

Some things to watch out for, in no particular order, include:-

1. Is the rear suspension clunky? CATS equipped cars apparently have wires leading to the shock absorbers, which coil round the unit after a while and cause it to fail. I think most if not all cars have CATS - this is not the same as Supersports suspension.
2. The headlights are prone to condensation. There is a fix which most dealers or specialists can carry out.
3.The 20" wheels have stainless steel trims which look great but are very easily damaged. For that reason they are often painted over. You will never ever get replacements, nor replacement Detroit or Montreal wheels either.
4. The front bonnet is very prone to stone chips, and painting is the only cure - if it annoys you you might persuade the seller to throw this in.
5. Make absolutely sure that the windscreen is not chipped.
6. The dashboard finish can vary, you should at least be aware of what you like. They come in burr walnut, piano black, elm I think, and grey birds eye maple.
7. Is it ebony black, anthracite or midnight? They all look ace when clean. Colour is obviously a matter of taste, but I think some form of black is THE colour for these cars. Check the car very carefully for any small dings, or again you will be in for a paint job.
8. Check that the brake discs are not corroded.
9. Check everywhere you can, under the bonnet and under the car that it has not been accident damaged, as this tends to kickstart corrosion. Check the brackets holding the radiator grill in place in case it has been nudged.
10. Dealers can print out a sheet with the original build spec. If you can get this it may be interesting to compare with the car.
11. You will be lucky to find a car with Adaptive Cruise Control, it is a very nice thing to have.
12. Recaro Seats are much better than the standard items but again quite rare.

HTH. Happy motoring!

Edited by cardigankid on Tuesday 6th November 19:47

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
quotequote all
Thanks for that,

I have today managed to obtain all the invoices for servicing and repairs but have yet to see the car, but from the info I have got I know it is anthracite black with ivory leather interior.

It is also encouraging looking through the service/repair invoices which show that it had the 60k service in may and also has had all the 20" tyres replaced in the last few months with Pirelli's.

I also found another recent invoice for replacement of all brake discs and pads totalling over £1500, and another large invoice for a repair to a leaking pipe on the roof mechanism, as well as some smaller repairs like wishbone bushes.

At least this proves that any work and servicing needed has been carried out on time and at whatever cost so touch wood initial ownership for me should be relatively low, again if I manage to get the car.

cardigankid

8,849 posts

213 months

Wednesday 7th November 2007
quotequote all
Its always good to know that the owner has been prepared to spend money on a car. Particularly when he hasn't absolutely had to.

Personally I wouldn't be too bothered about sat nav either. A tomtom is just as good if not better, and more to the point if the car doesn't have sat nav you have this nice row of round dials.

Edited by cardigankid on Wednesday 7th November 14:25

plasticpig

12,932 posts

226 months

Wednesday 7th November 2007
quotequote all
cardigankid said:
3.The 20" wheels have stainless steel trims which look great but are very easily damaged. For that reason they are often painted over. You will never ever get replacements, nor replacement Detroit or Montreal wheels either.
http://www.sbwheels.co.uk/ sell replacement stainless steel trims. As for replacement wheels I have obtained 1 spare front for £70 and a spare rear for £150. The rear one is brand new and the front from a written off XKR. Jaguar will sell you a replacement rear for £650. So they can be obtained.

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Wednesday 7th November 2007
quotequote all
cardigankid said:
Its always good to know that the owner has been prepared to spend money on a car. Particularly when he hasn't absolutely had to.

Personally I wouldn't be too bothered about sat nav either. A tomtom is just as good if not better, and more to the point if the car doesn't have sat nav you have this nice row of round dials.

Edited by cardigankid on Wednesday 7th November 14:25
The car is only going to be for weekends, evenings and general entertainment purposes, so I have no use for sat nav, It is on my Honda CRV and I have never really needed it, much prefer an argument with the wife holding the AtoZ upside down biggrinbiggrinbiggrinbiggrin

Edited by peter miller on Wednesday 7th November 18:26

cardigankid

8,849 posts

213 months

Thursday 8th November 2007
quotequote all
plasticpig said:
cardigankid said:
3.The 20" wheels have stainless steel trims which look great but are very easily damaged. For that reason they are often painted over. You will never ever get replacements, nor replacement Detroit or Montreal wheels either.
http://www.sbwheels.co.uk/ sell replacement stainless steel trims. As for replacement wheels I have obtained 1 spare front for £70 and a spare rear for £150. The rear one is brand new and the front from a written off XKR. Jaguar will sell you a replacement rear for £650. So they can be obtained.
Pleased to hear it. I tried for months via XKEC and dealers without success.

bigdavy

1,085 posts

208 months

Thursday 15th November 2007
quotequote all
Hi Peter, any update yet?


or are you too busy running about in your new toy smile

peter miller

Original Poster:

196 posts

253 months

Saturday 17th November 2007
quotequote all
Hi all,

Sorry for not posting any updates yet, I have been a bit busy this week running around trying to sort things out.

The good news is I picked up the car a week last Friday and have had it in my possesion since. Even better news is although it was very dirty it has no scratches or dents to the body, just some quite heavy swirl marks in the paint which are coming out quite easily with a little polishing, and the interior just needed a good clean, no rips or damage.
I have covered about 200 miles so far and it drives very well, with no knocks rattles or undue noises, It is very high spec and everything is working as it should. I have also been pleasantly surprised at the fuel consumption, I know I drive carefully but have averaged about 24 mpg over the 200 miles, although I am aware this will drop considerably if I start putting my foot down.
The only downside is that it only came with one key and fob, I have managed to purchase a fob on ebay for £20.00 but am told that a replacemnt key has to be ordered in and a visit to a Jag dealer to programe it in, over £100.00.
It also needs one wheel centre which is only a few pounds, but apart from this it just needs a little TLC.
I have also had an agreed value insurance quote with limited mileage for the XKR and my Chimaera 450 on a joint policy for an amazing £499.00.

So that basically sums it up to date, I am now in possesion of the registration docs and MOT cert, all the service history and receipts up until the 60k service which was only carried out a couple of months ago. To top it off it is also taxed until October 2008!!
I have made it clear that I wish to purchase the car and have made an offer which has been accepted subject to the payment of remaining outstanding finance which should happen next week.
Without counting my chickens I will hopefully own the car in the next few days and provided there are no major repairs needed I should easily be able to recoupe the whole amount if I should have to sell in the next year, but I will most probably let the TVR go first.
I will try and add a few pictures which I had to take for the insurance valuation.

Peter.


bigdavy

1,085 posts

208 months

Monday 19th November 2007
quotequote all
Well done, hope you enjoy your new toy smile

Look forward to seeing the piccy's.