XK or maybe not

[Markh]

I had decided that I wanted a change from my TVR to an XKR, on paper it ticked most of the boxes (apart from the dodgy auto box, but I'm sure I can get around that) so set about having a look and getting a test drive. I could only find one for sale in my area, so arranged a test drive, it was only an XK8 with 90k on the clock but I thought it would give me an idea, I came away totally underwhelmed by it. The cabin was not a nice place to be (felt like my father in laws Rover 75), the sales man kept saying 'goes well doesn't it' well not really I thought (I know the R will have more power). The car was a 99 model, but are later R's any better, or am I going to have look elsewhere. I was so glad to get back in the TVR

any thoughts?

[BigNige]

What about a Monaro?

[Markh]

BigNige said:

What about a Monaro?

Maybe, a mate is selling his, or I may wait another year and get a Vantage

[Triple7]

A Vantage! If you want to spend that much go try a new aluminum XKR they are cheaper than a Vantage and far better. You can get a '56plate for low £30's now.

Agree the old XK's will show their age now, an XKR will be far more fun, but it will never compare to a TVR.

G

[BigNige]

My Monaro is up for grabs.
More details and pics etc if you'e interested.

[Jaguar steve]

Markh said:

I had decided that I wanted a change from my TVR to an XKR, on paper it ticked most of the boxes (apart from the dodgy auto box, but I'm sure I can get around that) so set about having a look and getting a test drive. I could only find one for sale in my area, so arranged a test drive, it was only an XK8 with 90k on the clock but I thought it would give me an idea, I came away totally underwhelmed by it. The cabin was not a nice place to be (felt like my father in laws Rover 75), the sales man kept saying 'goes well doesn't it' well not really I thought (I know the R will have more power). The car was a 99 model, but are later R's any better, or am I going to have look elsewhere. I was so glad to get back in the TVR

any thoughts?

Errr.. if you tried an XK and found so much you didn't like - stick with the TVR perhaps?

[SeismicGuy]

Being in the States, I was not familiar with TVR as they are apparently not sold here. However, after a few minutes of googling I now have an impression of what a TVR is and it is obvious to me that comparing XK8/XKR to a TVR would be like apples and oranges.

I have a 95 Corvette (trying to sell) along with my 2005 XKR and I suspect trying to compare a TVR to XK8/XKR would be like trying to compare my Corvette with the Jaguar. The Corvette (and I suspect TVR) is a raunchy sport/muscle car with the single purpose of going fast with some nominal degree of comfort. The Jaguar is basically a grand touring luxury car with a fair degree of sportiness. The Corvette is like a jackhammer, the Jaguar is like a soft mallet and I guess the same comparison would apply to TVR versus Jaguar (or even Porsche versus Jaguar).

Doug

[Markh]

Jaguar steve said:

Markh said:

I had decided that I wanted a change from my TVR to an XKR, on paper it ticked most of the boxes (apart from the dodgy auto box, but I'm sure I can get around that) so set about having a look and getting a test drive. I could only find one for sale in my area, so arranged a test drive, it was only an XK8 with 90k on the clock but I thought it would give me an idea, I came away totally underwhelmed by it. The cabin was not a nice place to be (felt like my father in laws Rover 75), the sales man kept saying 'goes well doesn't it' well not really I thought (I know the R will have more power). The car was a 99 model, but are later R's any better, or am I going to have look elsewhere. I was so glad to get back in the TVR

any thoughts?

Errr.. if you tried an XK and found so much you didn't like - stick with the TVR perhaps?

What I was trying to find out was are the later S1 cars any better, I realize the XK8 will be miles off the performance, I was disappointed with the interior, it had a cheap feel

[yannon]

"it had a cheap feel"Coming from a TVR owner this has got to be a windup.

[Jaguar steve]

An XK is not likley to have the unique Essence du TVR either.. that unique plastiky aroma of warm urine, mixed with a hint of burning oil and overheated brakes and overlaid with a strong hint of mouldy upholstery.

[NormanD]

Jaguar steve said:

An XK is not likley to have the unique Essence du TVR either..

Also with the XKR you are not going out wondering what tree is going to get you.

[Markh]

Los Angeles said:

No seriously guys, I know that sounds weird it was real feel of 'Low rent' in truth a bit like a Rover 75, and the drive was not engaging, now 90% I know was down to this was down to the example I drove (98 N/A 90k on the clock) I'm not giving up on the XKR, am heading back to England asap to try some better examples.

[Markh]

NormanD said:

Jaguar steve said:

An XK is not likley to have the unique Essence du TVR either..

Also with the XKR you are not going out wondering what tree is going to get you.

Maybe the problem is partially my Chimarea is well sorted (brakes,engine etc) about 30k's worth of investment, it drives very well, lives in a heated garage or no bad smells

[adu]

Have a word with normanD mark , he has an xkr that would probably eat your TVR for breakfast,
what do you reckon norm, how many BHPs you got now 600 plus

Edited by adu on Monday 2nd February 19:02

[jkennyd]

I think the XK is a lovely machine inside and out. The R has the grunt and the new alloy bodied a bit more. If you think the inside is cheapy I think you are looking for excuses to keep the TVr

[NormanD]

adu said:

Have a word with normanD mark , he has an xkr that would probably eat your TVR for breakfast,
what do you reckon norm, how many BHPs you got now 600 plus

Still letting the new engine settle down before putting it on the rolling Road

If all my Calcs are correct should be 650/675 Horses (it was 600+ before)

I know I have 1,750Kg to pull allong but then I do have the comfort to go with it.

[Markh]

jkennyd said:

I think the XK is a lovely machine inside and out. The R has the grunt and the new alloy bodied a bit more. If you think the inside is cheapy I think you are looking for excuses to keep the TVr

I do like my TVR but its time for a change, what I was saying in regard to the interior its a bit uninspiring (Rover 75) seats that don't suport , dodgy wood and a cassette player still!. This is why I asked the question, what year did this improve? or am I expecting too much.

adu said:

Have a word with normanD mark , he has an xkr that would probably eat your TVR for breakfast,
what do you reckon norm, how many BHPs you got now 600 plus

Edited by adu on Monday 2nd February 19:02

I did speak to Norman on friday ,who kindly spent the best part of an hour with me on the phone (Norman once again many thanks for your time, I appreciated it greatly) it sound like you have a real beast.
I have nowhere near that power, 368 bhp, 982kgs but a great cross country machine ( chassis , brakes developed by Tuscan challenge winner)

I feel I may have got off on the wrong foot with you guys, I'm not out for an argument, just want to make the right choice

[BigNige]

Mark
do you fancy the Coupe or Convertible?

I really wouldn't mind a convertible XJS myself (not in the dame league I know)
I probably need to lie in a darkened room fer a bit!

[NormanD]

Markh said:

I did speak to Norman on friday ,who kindly spent the best part of an hour with me on the phone
(Norman once again many thanks for your time, I appreciated it greatly) it sound like you have a real beast.

Good to speek to you too, hope I was of help.

[mxi933]

hi Mark
I went from a Cerb to a XK8. Ok so obviously not in the same league when it comes to performance but for everyday use the Jag is no slouch and to be honest I prefer it's usability. It's more comfortable. I personally think it's better looking and overall I havnt been disappointed. Certainly the Cerb had a greater sense of occasion when driving but I still enjoy the feeling of being in a beautiful looking car. Maybe next year I'll trade up to XKR. But I won't be going back to TVR unless I can afford one just for the weekend.