XKR 4.0 vs. 4.2

[dry664]

I have decided that I'm going to have a good look into buying an XKR. Budget is going to be £9k tops. From the research Ive done it seems like its worth finding a 4.2 over a 4.0 because of the cylinder lining issues. Full service history is obviously a must and I guess I'm looking around the 100k mark.
From my earlier post someone suggested I find a local specialist so did some googling and apparently I work 10 minutes from T L Jaguar in Wokingham. So sorted there, might pop down next week and see if I can pick someones brain for 20 mins or so. Have a test drive booked for tomorrow but have promised I wont buy the first one I see.
Any thoughts on the 4.0 vs the 4.2 or am i right to stay away from the older car? Any other input or ideas? Any good sources of info anyone can point me to. I'M ALL EARS!

[Benbay001]

From what i understand the cylinder lining issues no longer matter due to modern fuel being so low in sulfur. Assuming the car runs fine now, that is. But there are also other issue with the 4.0. But i cant remember them off my head

[NormanD]

Benbay001 said:

From what i understand the cylinder lining issues no longer matter due to modern fuel being so low in sulfur. Assuming the car runs fine now, that is.
But there are also other issue with the 4.0. But i cant remember them off my head

That would be the tensioners, although many engines have had the later one fitted now

TLJaguar are the Dogs Bo**oks when it comes to looking after our Jaguars
They look after and have done many improvements to my car, some Verry cutting edge

[cardigankid]

From a date in 2001 4.0 engines had steel liners so Nikasil is no longer an issue, and even if you had a Nikasil lined engine if it is still running now you won't have a problem. From 2002 (check chassis number) engines had type 3 timing chain tensioners. That did not start with the 4.2. Even with an earlier model, change the timing chain tensioners, top and bottom, water pump and thermostat, all the oils, and she should run sweet as a nut. Also please don't imagine that 4.2's don't have timing chain issues.

Of greater importance in my view are the lug flanges below the footwells. These create corrosion and MUST be cut out and replaced, and rustproofed.

If that is all done, frankly I would rather have an early 4.0 because they look better. 4.2's, particularly later ones look far too polite.

[dry664]

So had a look at a 4.2 XKR at the weekend and liked it very much. Plan is to get one sorted before the end of the year. Im liking the idea of a sorted, higher mileage 4.2 vs a less used, older 4.0 but does anyone know where I can find a list of the differences between the model years so I know what to look out for? Thanks

[jodypress]

dry664 said:

So had a look at a 4.2 XKR at the weekend and liked it very much. Plan is to get one sorted before the end of the year. Im liking the idea of a sorted, higher mileage 4.2 vs a less used, older 4.0 but does anyone know where I can find a list of the differences between the model years so I know what to look out for? Thanks

Have a look here: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xk8/models.html

Which XKR did you view, I've just paid a deposit on a lovely XKR 4.2 convertible and picking her up next week. Can't wait.

[dry664]

Thanks for the link, will have a good look

Any tips for someone just starting out on the process of finding an XKR?

I looked at a coupe, black with black leather.
I would love to get a convertible but I have really dodgy taste in music :-)

[jodypress]

This is a good guide from Evo back in 2008

http://www.evo.co.uk/buying/buyingguide/223116/jag...

I'd suggest searching the usual sites, PH, Autotrader etc and go and see a few. If they're 4.0l as previously mentioned things to look out for are the tensioners and water pump impellers (I think) and also a good idea to get gearbox oil changed every 50k too.

[markgregory1]

You can also find the differences here at www.xkec.co.uk/home under tab marked XK History. There's also some good examples here for sale at http://www.xkec.co.uk/home/classified/classfied.ph...
Hope it helps?

[dry664]

Thanks markgregory1. Had a good read through and my knowledge is growing!!

Also looked at the classifieds, some lovely cars there but none that tick the main boxes for me (Supercharged 4.2 under £10K).

[dry664]

For the record this is the spec I'm looking for.....

Supercharged 4.2
Any colour except silver or red, racing green would be great. Or Black. Or anything dark.
Any Jag 20" wheel, BBS Detroits preferably. Would consider aftermarket if no too 'gangsta' ;-)
Prefer light leather
Prefer dark (greenish!?!?) wood trim