Considering a 4.2 XKR, some questions

[8bit]

As above, looking to change car next year and one of the things I'm considering is an XKR. It'll be the 4.2 as the 5.0 models are above my price range. So, some questions:

Is paddle-shift an option on these or do they all come with it?

I take it that it's possible to set the gearbox to a fully-manual mode for use with the paddles?

Stereo systems - I use an iPod for all my music, what stereo options support this? Think I read somewhere that the 2008-onwards cars had iPod compatible stereo as standard, is that right?

Any good buyers guides or checklists for when looking at a car?

Thanks in advance

[NormanD]

8bit said:

Any good buyers guides or checklists for when looking at a car?

Thanks in advance

As I've the steel bodied XKR best get the answers from later XKR owners

There is a dedicated XK8/R Club www.xkec.co.uk that would be your best option

[8bit]

Thanks for that link, will check it out. Sorry yes, should have said - it would be a 2006-onwards (alloy body I think?) car I'd be looking for ideally, unless there's a good reason to buy an earlier one over that?

[Ashley1111]

8bit said:

As above, looking to change car next year and one of the things I'm considering is an XKR. It'll be the 4.2 as the 5.0 models are above my price range. So, some questions:

Is paddle-shift an option on these or do they all come with it?

I take it that it's possible to set the gearbox to a fully-manual mode for use with the paddles?

Stereo systems - I use an iPod for all my music, what stereo options support this? Think I read somewhere that the 2008-onwards cars had iPod compatible stereo as standard, is that right?

Any good buyers guides or checklists for when looking at a car?

Thanks in advance

Paddle shift is standard and can be used whilst in Drive or Sport. If in normal drive it will revert back to auto if left alone for a while (no set time limit, just when the gearbox detects normal relaxed driving again). If using in sport it will run into a limiter rather than up-shifting for you and will stay in "manual" mode until you tell it otherwise.

At that age IPod connection was not standard, that was from the 5.0 onwards in 2009. If it is a Portfolio edition it would then have some of the 2009 upgrades such as contrasting stitching, suede roof lining and Bowers & Wilkins stereo including IPod connectivity.

The Portable Audio Interface (iPod, USB & aux inputs) can be added by a main dealer if its a deal breaker.

Hope that helps? Fire away with any more questions

[8bit]

Ashley1111 said:

Paddle shift is standard and can be used whilst in Drive or Sport. If in normal drive it will revert back to auto if left alone for a while (no set time limit, just when the gearbox detects normal relaxed driving again). If using in sport it will run into a limiter rather than up-shifting for you and will stay in "manual" mode until you tell it otherwise.

At that age IPod connection was not standard, that was from the 5.0 onwards in 2009. If it is a Portfolio edition it would then have some of the 2009 upgrades such as contrasting stitching, suede roof lining and Bowers & Wilkins stereo including IPod connectivity.

The Portable Audio Interface (iPod, USB & aux inputs) can be added by a main dealer if its a deal breaker.

Hope that helps? Fire away with any more questions

Thanks for the response Ashley.

Does using the Portable Audio Interface allow control of the iPod from the stereo controls? Is it only the Portfolio editions that have the B&W stereo? I thought I'd seen that mentioned in some of the ads for regular XKR's, could be wrong though. I guess changing the head unit would be a bit of a nightmare?

In general, any common issues to look out for when viewing cars? Any particular must-have options?

[Ashley1111]

8bit said:

Ashley1111 said:

Paddle shift is standard and can be used whilst in Drive or Sport. If in normal drive it will revert back to auto if left alone for a while (no set time limit, just when the gearbox detects normal relaxed driving again). If using in sport it will run into a limiter rather than up-shifting for you and will stay in "manual" mode until you tell it otherwise.

At that age IPod connection was not standard, that was from the 5.0 onwards in 2009. If it is a Portfolio edition it would then have some of the 2009 upgrades such as contrasting stitching, suede roof lining and Bowers & Wilkins stereo including IPod connectivity.

The Portable Audio Interface (iPod, USB & aux inputs) can be added by a main dealer if its a deal breaker.

Hope that helps? Fire away with any more questions

Thanks for the response Ashley.

Does using the Portable Audio Interface allow control of the iPod from the stereo controls? Is it only the Portfolio editions that have the B&W stereo? I thought I'd seen that mentioned in some of the ads for regular XKR's, could be wrong though. I guess changing the head unit would be a bit of a nightmare?

In general, any common issues to look out for when viewing cars? Any particular must-have options?

No probs, unfortunately I am going to have to be vague on the aftermarket fit PAI and whether that allows you to control the iPod from the screen or not as I have only had a couple fitted over the last few years at customers request and didn't play around with it after that. It does involve having the screen updated to include an AUX option on the audio page so could well give you the control of the iPod as it does use the docking port rather than just the 3.5mm headphone output. The factory fitted option certainly does allow full control of playlists etc from the screen and chage track from the steering wheel.

As far as I am aware the only way to have Bowers & Wilkins on a 4.2 was to have the Portfolio Pack. But that is purely from knowledge gathered on cars I have Ben offered / valued / sold etc as I have only sold the 5.0 from new.

Changing the stereo would be hugely expensive and possibly not do-able, would have to check with the workshop / factory.

No real common issues to look out for if buying from a main dealer as they would have to address and faults before putting the car on the forecourt. Have had a few bils for various suspension items when prepping them but they would all be 3-5 years old so we wold expect a few bills to make them perfect.

Main options to look out for on a 4.2 would be:

20" senta alloys
Keyless entry
Heated front screen
Front parking sensors


Good luck finding a suitable car! (I haven't got anything unfortunately!)

[8bit]

Ashley1111 said:

No probs, unfortunately I am going to have to be vague on the aftermarket fit PAI and whether that allows you to control the iPod from the screen or not as I have only had a couple fitted over the last few years at customers request and didn't play around with it after that. It does involve having the screen updated to include an AUX option on the audio page so could well give you the control of the iPod as it does use the docking port rather than just the 3.5mm headphone output. The factory fitted option certainly does allow full control of playlists etc from the screen and chage track from the steering wheel.

As far as I am aware the only way to have Bowers & Wilkins on a 4.2 was to have the Portfolio Pack. But that is purely from knowledge gathered on cars I have Ben offered / valued / sold etc as I have only sold the 5.0 from new.

Changing the stereo would be hugely expensive and possibly not do-able, would have to check with the workshop / factory.

No real common issues to look out for if buying from a main dealer as they would have to address and faults before putting the car on the forecourt. Have had a few bils for various suspension items when prepping them but they would all be 3-5 years old so we wold expect a few bills to make them perfect.

Main options to look out for on a 4.2 would be:

20" senta alloys
Keyless entry
Heated front screen
Front parking sensors


Good luck finding a suitable car! (I haven't got anything unfortunately!)

Again, many thanks - you're a gent I figured the stereo would be an expensive nightmare, the standard one looks very integrated. I can probably live without the integrated iPod control so long as it plays through the stereo in fairness.

The Portfolio looks nice, seem to be quite rare, looks like they have better brakes (amongst other things?) than the stock 4.2 XKR? Would that be the one to go for if I can find one that fits other requirements and budget?

Will be a little while yet before I'm in a position to buy, got New Year and a wedding to get out of the way first, but thanks for the good luck

[B3NNL]

Portfolio is just the trim level, nothing mechanical or performance related.
2006 cars tend to be the press launch ones so are stacked with extras such as the upgraded stereo, wheels and keyless entry, they will also just scrape into the lower VED category as they were first registered before the new layered system £200 odd for a year as opposed to £400 odd! Every little helps!
Lots of tuning potential in the 4.2 as well should you outgrow it's capabilities!
Have fun and good luck! The XKR is the only car at present that could tempt me out of my Tuscan!

[XKRacer]

A nice black XKR has just come up on the XKEC classifieds for just over £20k

Look here http://www.xkec.co.uk/home/classified/classfied.ph...


Rather tempted myself

[ParanoidAndroid]

B3NNL said:

Portfolio is just the trim level, nothing mechanical or performance related.

I think on the 4.2 XKR the Portfolio was a special edition that did have a few extras, including bigger brakes, better stereo, some different trim options, special paint, different 20" wheels etc. Certainly if you are looking at a 4.2 its the one I'd hang on for.

[8bit]

Thanks for the further info folks. That does look like a nice one XKRacer, I'm not quite in a position to buy right now though, soon.

Couple of further questions... What are servicing costs like, and is it annual servicing with occasional major services? How about for a set of four tyres (assuming the 20" rims)? What about for a full set of discs and pads? I guess the Portfolio would be more expensive for discs and pads having the larger Alcon brakes?

[8bit]

Bump

[Tresco]

I paid £390ish, after 20% discount thanks to Jaguar Allegiance, for a full service, currently looking for a full set of Dunlops and the best I can do is around £950 from Hometyre.

Sorry can't help re brakes.

[8bit]

Thanks Tresco, very helpful

ETA - sorry, more questions. A lot of BMW M-car owners say you'd be mad to own one of those without having the officially-backed warranty. Could the same be said for an XKR? I gather they're generally very reliable?

Edited by 8bit on Wednesday 16th January 16:55

[NormanD]

Tresco said:

I paid £390ish, after 20% discount thanks to Jaguar Allegiance, for a full service, currently looking for a full set of Dunlops and the best I can do is around £950 from Hometyre.

Sorry can't help re brakes.

Where are you in the south east

I know a verry good independant Jaguar Specialist that would charge less

Regarding tyres, what size wheels have you, even 20" sounds expensive, I have a local dealer I'm sure would be cheeper

[NormanD]

8bit said:

I guess the Portfolio would be more expensive for discs and pads having the larger Alcon brakes?

I thought they were still Brembos

Call TLJaguar RG40 4TS for a good price fitted 0118-976-2899

[Tresco]

NormanD said:

Tresco said:

I paid £390ish, after 20% discount thanks to Jaguar Allegiance, for a full service, currently looking for a full set of Dunlops and the best I can do is around £950 from Hometyre.

Sorry can't help re brakes.

Where are you in the south east

I know a verry good independant Jaguar Specialist that would charge less

Regarding tyres, what size wheels have you, even 20" sounds expensive, I have a local dealer I'm sure would be cheeper


Thank you but very impressed with Watford Jaguar, plus I may move the car on this year and it just may help that it's full Jaguar dealer history, wheels are 20" although there are obviously cheaper brands than Dunlop

[Tresco]

And regarding the warranty I bought a 57 plate XKR two years ago without a warranty and it's been faultless.

[8bit]

NormanD said:

I thought they were still Brembos

Call TLJaguar RG40 4TS for a good price fitted 0118-976-2899

Thought I read they were Alcon on the 4.2 XKR Portfolios - may be different on the 5.0 and earlier 4.2 Portfolios.

Thanks for that suggestion but that's a fair distance to go for brakes - I'm in Aberdeen I'd be happy changing discs and pads myself in any case, was just an indication of the sort of cost for a full set of discs and pads I was after.

@Tresco, thanks for the further post, appreciate it.

[Triple7]

8bit said:

Thought I read they were Alcon on the 4.2 XKR Portfolios - may be different on the 5.0 and earlier 4.2 Portfolios. it.

Alcons only appeared on the run out 4.2 XKR's & the 4.2 XKR-S.