Discussion
Hi All,
I've pretty much decided I want an XKR as my next car. In all likelyhood it'll be as late a 4.0 car as I can get as I think the 4.2s are out of my price range.
I've reached this decision as I have a list of sports car criteria I NEED to own in my life:
a V8
an air cooled 911
a rotary engine (done)
something rwd under 800kg (done with a kit car, but not satisfied)
a 4 wheel drive rally rep (current)
a caterham
a mid engined Itialian
a bike engined car (not sure about that one)
a Jag (preferably a bit later in life)
a TVR
a Lotus
soemthing over 500hp
At this moment in time need a 2+2 (minimal+2 but at least an option for very occasional extra passengers) that can be used for a 3 day per week commute of 30 miles each way town traffic and dual carriageway. I only have 1 parking space avaialable and a garage near me would cost £2k per year in rent - So the 2 car arguement is out for me I'm gutted to say.
I'm an immature 37 and would ideally love a cerbera, but I just daren't use it as a daily and wouldn't want to leave a TVR on the street all year round and watch the chassis slowly disintegrate. 993s are out of my price range at present and I feel a 964 would also suffer being left also.
So I was figuring on a XKR as it ticks the Jag, V8 & British boxes, but how sporty is it/can it be made.
I The alternative of a monaro, just doesn't do it for me. I think the 1998-2006 XKs are stunning and with a slight drop in height and a fruity exhaust can be a total wet dream of a car, however I'm a bit concerned they may be too refined. Reasoning - I've driven 4.0 XJRs and to me they feel like a supercharged, express Library, I loved it, but not for this moment.
So after the long intro here's the point:
With a few choice mods I Think I can get what I want from it i.e. a usable, livable british brute in the TVR vein, but not as hardoce/a better all rounder.
Should I go for a cheap XKR circa £6k and then immediately get the tensioners, chains and gearbox fluid changed (£1300 ish??), plus some lowered springs fitted and maybe replace all the bushes (another £1500??) or should I go for a pricier example and just maintain it as standard?
Also...
Does and XKR feel like an XJR - what are the differences in the drive? - I don't feel you get enough time to judge on short test drives (it's all too new and the novelty facter too prevalent), so opinions are very useful to me.
What mods can bring a sportier feel at a not too ridiculous price?
Would I get a shock in running costs coming from the rally rep (gets about 23mpg in mixed commute), £500 per yearly service £600 for tyres and the same for brakes all round, but nothing ever breaks (ahem...)
I will be joining xkec once I've made teh descison.
Many THanks All
I've pretty much decided I want an XKR as my next car. In all likelyhood it'll be as late a 4.0 car as I can get as I think the 4.2s are out of my price range.
I've reached this decision as I have a list of sports car criteria I NEED to own in my life:
a V8
an air cooled 911
a rotary engine (done)
something rwd under 800kg (done with a kit car, but not satisfied)
a 4 wheel drive rally rep (current)
a caterham
a mid engined Itialian
a bike engined car (not sure about that one)
a Jag (preferably a bit later in life)
a TVR
a Lotus
soemthing over 500hp
At this moment in time need a 2+2 (minimal+2 but at least an option for very occasional extra passengers) that can be used for a 3 day per week commute of 30 miles each way town traffic and dual carriageway. I only have 1 parking space avaialable and a garage near me would cost £2k per year in rent - So the 2 car arguement is out for me I'm gutted to say.
I'm an immature 37 and would ideally love a cerbera, but I just daren't use it as a daily and wouldn't want to leave a TVR on the street all year round and watch the chassis slowly disintegrate. 993s are out of my price range at present and I feel a 964 would also suffer being left also.
So I was figuring on a XKR as it ticks the Jag, V8 & British boxes, but how sporty is it/can it be made.
I The alternative of a monaro, just doesn't do it for me. I think the 1998-2006 XKs are stunning and with a slight drop in height and a fruity exhaust can be a total wet dream of a car, however I'm a bit concerned they may be too refined. Reasoning - I've driven 4.0 XJRs and to me they feel like a supercharged, express Library, I loved it, but not for this moment.
So after the long intro here's the point:
With a few choice mods I Think I can get what I want from it i.e. a usable, livable british brute in the TVR vein, but not as hardoce/a better all rounder.
Should I go for a cheap XKR circa £6k and then immediately get the tensioners, chains and gearbox fluid changed (£1300 ish??), plus some lowered springs fitted and maybe replace all the bushes (another £1500??) or should I go for a pricier example and just maintain it as standard?
Also...
Does and XKR feel like an XJR - what are the differences in the drive? - I don't feel you get enough time to judge on short test drives (it's all too new and the novelty facter too prevalent), so opinions are very useful to me.
What mods can bring a sportier feel at a not too ridiculous price?
Would I get a shock in running costs coming from the rally rep (gets about 23mpg in mixed commute), £500 per yearly service £600 for tyres and the same for brakes all round, but nothing ever breaks (ahem...)
I will be joining xkec once I've made teh descison.
Many THanks All
Can I suggest joining the XK8/R Enthusiasts Club www.xkec.co.uk
Lots of info in their Forum
I see you aren't to far from me if you want a chat
email me and I'll send my phone number
Lots of info in their Forum
I see you aren't to far from me if you want a chat
email me and I'll send my phone number
If you want a British V8, that can take your family around in comfort and still get an average of 22 mpg. Have a look at the MG ZT260, standard cars can be picked up for less than 7K. If you want a supercharged one there are two(of only six available) Roush Supercharged cars for sale at the moment(1x ZT & 1x ZT-T approx 385 BHP/412 Torque`s. Dreadnought in Scotland also fit a Kenne Bell Supercharger to standard cars for approx 7k to 8k approx 400 Bhp.
Interesting comments thanks all,
Had never thought of the MG. I'll try and have a look at one in the flesh.
Norman, I would definatley like to speak to you, I've seen you on a few threads when doing my research and you have a beaut of a car there. I really don't think there are many prettier cars than the XK and a small drop in height, for me, just makes it perfect. Pictures never do them justice either, ewven better in the flesh.
I'll message you once I'm back from my Hols if that's OK, would be great for a bit of local advice before I start the search proper. XKEC membership is on the to do list also.
and oops! just noticed some horrific typos/spelling mistakes in my original post - Lazy arsed typing!
Had never thought of the MG. I'll try and have a look at one in the flesh.
Norman, I would definatley like to speak to you, I've seen you on a few threads when doing my research and you have a beaut of a car there. I really don't think there are many prettier cars than the XK and a small drop in height, for me, just makes it perfect. Pictures never do them justice either, ewven better in the flesh.
I'll message you once I'm back from my Hols if that's OK, would be great for a bit of local advice before I start the search proper. XKEC membership is on the to do list also.
and oops! just noticed some horrific typos/spelling mistakes in my original post - Lazy arsed typing!
Be aware that the +2 is only really a +2 for kids. we had 4 adults in mine for a short journey the other day and it was a good job 2 were fairly short females.
when I test drove a few I found the std exhaust a bit quiet for my liking (I was coming form a TVR). In the end I got one with a Miltek stainless system fitted and this gives in my opinion just enough so you can appreciate the V8 without being too intrusive. The auto box took a bit of getting used to, but for every day use makes it very relaxing when you are stuck in traffic.
Whilst the XKR is a very capable quick car it isn't as involving a drivers car as something like a TVR or S2000 is. I have mever driven a XJR but would imagine then to be a bit softer. Find one and go for a test drive.
when I test drove a few I found the std exhaust a bit quiet for my liking (I was coming form a TVR). In the end I got one with a Miltek stainless system fitted and this gives in my opinion just enough so you can appreciate the V8 without being too intrusive. The auto box took a bit of getting used to, but for every day use makes it very relaxing when you are stuck in traffic.
Whilst the XKR is a very capable quick car it isn't as involving a drivers car as something like a TVR or S2000 is. I have mever driven a XJR but would imagine then to be a bit softer. Find one and go for a test drive.
Two nice ones.
XKR100 on the classifieds page of the xkec £7850.
Late model XKR with modifications here http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3233287.htm
Will save you $$$ if you want the mods that have ben carried out
XKR100 on the classifieds page of the xkec £7850.
Late model XKR with modifications here http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3233287.htm
Will save you $$$ if you want the mods that have ben carried out
That modded one looks perfect, everything already done, great colour! Unfortunately it's 400 miles away from me...hmmm...can I persuade the missus to make a weekend of it....
As far as Cat D's go I'm (and for no good reason other than being ignorant) scared of them a little. I will try and check it out ASAP though, have a mate of a mate who works for a body shop, so he might be the man to give it the once over or at least let me know if the repairs look decent.
Interesting point about it being less involving than I may hope. I think I need to find a local one to test drive first before I make any long trips.
A Main dealer in Farnham has one for £10,895 (2001 60k miles). A bit overpriced but I have no idea how long it's been hanging around.
What are thoughts on Jag dealerships and their warranties? I'll be giving them a call as soon as I'm available to view.
Bought my current car from a dealership 3 years ago and I think I got as good a deal as private sale, possibly better, plus a year's warranty, but I think they were panicing as two other dealerships in that retail park had closed down the previous month. I also think I'll need to p/x on this one as being without a car (relying on the missus car is the equivalent) to do the search and get to work would be a massive inconvenience.
As far as Cat D's go I'm (and for no good reason other than being ignorant) scared of them a little. I will try and check it out ASAP though, have a mate of a mate who works for a body shop, so he might be the man to give it the once over or at least let me know if the repairs look decent.
Interesting point about it being less involving than I may hope. I think I need to find a local one to test drive first before I make any long trips.
A Main dealer in Farnham has one for £10,895 (2001 60k miles). A bit overpriced but I have no idea how long it's been hanging around.
What are thoughts on Jag dealerships and their warranties? I'll be giving them a call as soon as I'm available to view.
Bought my current car from a dealership 3 years ago and I think I got as good a deal as private sale, possibly better, plus a year's warranty, but I think they were panicing as two other dealerships in that retail park had closed down the previous month. I also think I'll need to p/x on this one as being without a car (relying on the missus car is the equivalent) to do the search and get to work would be a massive inconvenience.
Hi
You have probably read my other posts, I had a very similar situation to yours, came out of a TVR and wanted more theatre from the XKR than the standard trim. Unfortunately I am also a perfectionist so ive spent alot on tidying up and sorting rusty floor squares, wheel arches etc, as well as tensioners, brakes,
Anyway, get the supercharger pulley changed, it feels like an extra 50hp when lower down the rev range as it spins up earlier.
Then fit the DoubleS exhaust system, it removes the rear 4 boxes and mine barks like an american V8.
Check out youtube and search XKR exhaust, look for the silver one.
It will never be a TVR, but when you do a 500 mile trip in it, you'll be glad its not. I use mine alot more for longer trips and also with my wife & daughter, so its getting much more use than the TVR ever did.
Its also a bit of a sleeper car, often surprises TVR and Pork drivers
Go and get one, its a blast
You have probably read my other posts, I had a very similar situation to yours, came out of a TVR and wanted more theatre from the XKR than the standard trim. Unfortunately I am also a perfectionist so ive spent alot on tidying up and sorting rusty floor squares, wheel arches etc, as well as tensioners, brakes,
Anyway, get the supercharger pulley changed, it feels like an extra 50hp when lower down the rev range as it spins up earlier.
Then fit the DoubleS exhaust system, it removes the rear 4 boxes and mine barks like an american V8.
Check out youtube and search XKR exhaust, look for the silver one.
It will never be a TVR, but when you do a 500 mile trip in it, you'll be glad its not. I use mine alot more for longer trips and also with my wife & daughter, so its getting much more use than the TVR ever did.
Its also a bit of a sleeper car, often surprises TVR and Pork drivers
Go and get one, its a blast
Edited by xkrGiles on Sunday 6th November 20:45
edward1 said:
Whilst the XKR is a very capable quick car it isn't as involving a drivers car as something like a TVR or S2000 is. I have mever driven a XJR but would imagine then to be a bit softer. Find one and go for a test drive.
On the other hand the XKR is not secretly plotting to kill you, unlike a TVR which is just waiting for its chance. I have both an XKR and a 4.5 TVR Chimaera in the garage. I use the XKR when I need fast comfortable cruising (eg in France). I use the Chim when blatting round the lanes for fun - but as soon as the roads become slippery the TVR has to be driven far more carefully than the Jaguar. Before the XKR I had an XJR (alu body, CATS suspension, etc) which was a luxury barge with phenomenal acceleration.
I find the last post quite interesting as I was only commenting to my dad (who was passenger for my last track day in the TVR before selling, a wet Cadwell) that I felt more confident in pushing on in the chim even on wet/cold roads than I do in the XKR. I concluded it was due to the steering in the jag being much slower and not giving the same feedback, and also possibly the auto box.
On the other hand it could just be that I owned the Chim for 7 years and did numerous track days and even drove it in the snow (not by choice) where as I've had the jag for less than a year and not been near a track
On the other hand it could just be that I owned the Chim for 7 years and did numerous track days and even drove it in the snow (not by choice) where as I've had the jag for less than a year and not been near a track
In agree you are far more involved in the Blackpool beast. You become aware of what the TVR chassis is doing, and trying to do if given half a chance. I would rather hustle the TVR round a track than the Jag. But for normal driving the XKR's extra technology has a significant safety edge and I feel perfectly secure even when Mrs F is driving.
I had a play in the XKR with the traction turned off today, back end out on roundabouts.
Once it lets go at the rear, it swings round quite quick & you have to be gentle to catch it before your heading for the verge. It would be great fun on a big wide airfield in the wet.
But, it doesnt comunicate like a TVR - but on the other side of the coin, its mighty at munching the miles due to its smooth composure, It felt hard work driving 200 miles in a Tiv, but 400 in the Jag is a breeze.
Once it lets go at the rear, it swings round quite quick & you have to be gentle to catch it before your heading for the verge. It would be great fun on a big wide airfield in the wet.
But, it doesnt comunicate like a TVR - but on the other side of the coin, its mighty at munching the miles due to its smooth composure, It felt hard work driving 200 miles in a Tiv, but 400 in the Jag is a breeze.
xkrGiles said:
I had a play in the XKR with the traction turned off today, back end out on roundabouts.
Once it lets go at the rear, it swings round quite quick & you have to be gentle to catch it before your heading for the verge.
I nearly always drive with the Traction turned off on my XKROnce it lets go at the rear, it swings round quite quick & you have to be gentle to catch it before your heading for the verge.
But I do have a Limited Slip Diff in mine, that makes a BIG differance
If anyone else wants one in their XKR or XJR and S-Type do send an eMail and I'll let you have all the details
I owned 4 Trevors and miss them all. I had a Chim 400, Griff 500 and two T400ts which were awesome. They were all a handfull at times but very involving. My XKR X150 is just a dream for covering miles. I went to the south of France in my Griff but wife needed earplugs and pills! The XKR is a true GT and ideal for touring. 
I have darkened the colour of my wheels which appeals to me. You may even notice the XKRS sills.
My only complaints is tramlining with the big 20 inch wheels.
buy an XKR unless you can afford an Aston but the definition of an optimist is someone who thinks they can just afford to run an Aston Martin.
I have darkened the colour of my wheels which appeals to me. You may even notice the XKRS sills.
My only complaints is tramlining with the big 20 inch wheels.
buy an XKR unless you can afford an Aston but the definition of an optimist is someone who thinks they can just afford to run an Aston Martin.
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff