Discussion
hi
MrsNST is wants a new car, her original choice was a CLK, but she perfers the Monaro which she isn't going to get due to it being over budget. She really liked the XKR but she thought it was too big. Yesterday she said she wanted to have another look.. i have noticed that 2000/01 are available for under 20K but the early 4.2L are commanding around £25K+ is there a big difference in the performance of the two cars? is it worth getting the 4.2L version? is it possible to get a 4.2L for low £20 K?
anything to look out for in the late model 4.0 XKR? she also perfers the conv over the coupe, but i'm not sure its going to be such a great drive being a conv. i would imagine that the conv creaks alot more than the coupe?
what options should i look out for? i've seen a a few with recaro seats which would be ideal, some have sat nav some don't, is the sat nav a must for resale?
thanks for any comments.
MrsNST is wants a new car, her original choice was a CLK, but she perfers the Monaro which she isn't going to get due to it being over budget. She really liked the XKR but she thought it was too big. Yesterday she said she wanted to have another look.. i have noticed that 2000/01 are available for under 20K but the early 4.2L are commanding around £25K+ is there a big difference in the performance of the two cars? is it worth getting the 4.2L version? is it possible to get a 4.2L for low £20 K?
anything to look out for in the late model 4.0 XKR? she also perfers the conv over the coupe, but i'm not sure its going to be such a great drive being a conv. i would imagine that the conv creaks alot more than the coupe?
what options should i look out for? i've seen a a few with recaro seats which would be ideal, some have sat nav some don't, is the sat nav a must for resale?
thanks for any comments.
Not tried the engines in an XK, but I went from a 4.0 XJR (370bhp, 5 speed) to a 4.2 XJR (400bhp, 6 speed) and there was a noticeable difference but it was hardly night and day. I actually think the gearbox made a bigger difference than the extra power. I suspect you'll find the 4.0 plenty quick enough but if in doubt try them both.
I have a '99 XKR Coupe, a great car, verry happy with it.
I don't think you will notice much differance on the road with a 4.0 Ltr to a 4.2 ltr other than the 6th gear to give a longer top.
My advice would be to join the XK8R Enthsiasts Club, great Forum and ask there www.xkec.co.uk
I don't think you will notice much differance on the road with a 4.0 Ltr to a 4.2 ltr other than the 6th gear to give a longer top.
My advice would be to join the XK8R Enthsiasts Club, great Forum and ask there www.xkec.co.uk
Would agree that lack of power is not an issue in the 4.0. I've had my XKR conv since 2001 and it's actually two cars in one. Drive it normally and lazily, it's still pretty quick, but for the full on experience press the S button and whole mood changes - acceleration is slingshot.
I test drove the new shape 4.2 XK (not R) and found it less exhilirating. Ended up buying a V8V and keeping the XKR for sunny days.
As a recommendation, the XKR has been superb. Still drives like new with 40k on the clock, no creaks and (touch wood) I've had no issues. Servicing costs for a car of this quality have been very reasonable - averaging about £400 per year.
On sat nav, I didn't get it and reckon if you buy an 01 plate now then the system is likely to be outdated by the latest TomTom's. Certainly I wouldn't pay up to get one with it installed.
Good luck
I test drove the new shape 4.2 XK (not R) and found it less exhilirating. Ended up buying a V8V and keeping the XKR for sunny days.
As a recommendation, the XKR has been superb. Still drives like new with 40k on the clock, no creaks and (touch wood) I've had no issues. Servicing costs for a car of this quality have been very reasonable - averaging about £400 per year.
On sat nav, I didn't get it and reckon if you buy an 01 plate now then the system is likely to be outdated by the latest TomTom's. Certainly I wouldn't pay up to get one with it installed.
Good luck
Edited by GR1FF1F on Wednesday 9th May 14:47
MrsNST test drove a '99 XKR today, after driving 100 yards down the road the mind was made up, the Merc CLK is out of the running. she loves the XKR, the only problem she is concerned about is fuel consumption and running costs.
£350-400 for servicing, and 20mpg for abit of town and motorway sound about right? 24mpg on a run?
This particular model had the regular 18in alloys, does having the 20in alloys make a huge difference to the ride and handling?
she was mighty impressed with the performance, she thought it was much faster than Audi S4 4.2 (terrible ride), and much more refined than the CLK.
hopefully a XKR will be join the family!
Cheers
£350-400 for servicing, and 20mpg for abit of town and motorway sound about right? 24mpg on a run?
This particular model had the regular 18in alloys, does having the 20in alloys make a huge difference to the ride and handling?
she was mighty impressed with the performance, she thought it was much faster than Audi S4 4.2 (terrible ride), and much more refined than the CLK.
hopefully a XKR will be join the family!
Cheers
Servicing costs - that's right from my experience. One bill around 500, but that included new brake pads.
Fuel consumption, I get 17-18 when exclusively town driving, and believe me that is heavy traffic. Incidentally this is the dream car for sitting in a jam, temp never wavers and it's relaxation personified. When I do motorway to the airport I typically get 25-26, and that's even giving it some on the open stretches.
I just had 20" wheels fitted at the weekend to replace the 18" I'd had from new. Unfortunately the weather was not the best for checking out the grip, but judging by the width at the back (285x30) it's going to be difficult to get it moving sideways. In terms of ride I don't notice the difference, which is pleasing as I had anticipated it being a bit firmer.
Good luck, you won't be disappointed.
Fuel consumption, I get 17-18 when exclusively town driving, and believe me that is heavy traffic. Incidentally this is the dream car for sitting in a jam, temp never wavers and it's relaxation personified. When I do motorway to the airport I typically get 25-26, and that's even giving it some on the open stretches.
I just had 20" wheels fitted at the weekend to replace the 18" I'd had from new. Unfortunately the weather was not the best for checking out the grip, but judging by the width at the back (285x30) it's going to be difficult to get it moving sideways. In terms of ride I don't notice the difference, which is pleasing as I had anticipated it being a bit firmer.
Good luck, you won't be disappointed.
Join the XKEC at www.xkec.co.uk 
My 98 R averages 21 mpg with a mix of motorway, country lanes etc. a 4.2 would usually be a few mpg better. You will see sub 20 if there is a lot of slow crawl in towns, short journeys and no motorway/fast cruise.
Those with 20s say there is no reduction in comfort compared to 18"s and many have also lowered for better handling, also without much compromise on comfort.
Definitely better than a CLK you know it makes sense.
My 98 R averages 21 mpg with a mix of motorway, country lanes etc. a 4.2 would usually be a few mpg better. You will see sub 20 if there is a lot of slow crawl in towns, short journeys and no motorway/fast cruise.
Those with 20s say there is no reduction in comfort compared to 18"s and many have also lowered for better handling, also without much compromise on comfort.
Definitely better than a CLK you know it makes sense.
The big difference between this and an Aston DB7 or a TVR will be the servicing costs, which even through a main dealer won't be too bad. Nowadays you expect a Jag to be well built and reliable as well as powerful and good to handle, and generaly they are. I don't think that there is a better choice in the second hand market at the moment, than the last model XKR.
And another thing, I don't know anything, but anything, which can cover long distances so effortlessly.
And another thing, I don't know anything, but anything, which can cover long distances so effortlessly.
Edited by cardigankid on Monday 14th May 09:15
her own comments was that it made the S4 4.2 feel slow 
, the S4 wasn't slow with 340 bhp!
she loves the interior, and then way it tootles around town with such ease and comfort.
i shall get the chance to drive one today hopefully, its a similar car but with 20in alloys and brembo brakes. with sports suspension. i'm hoping its in excellent condition as this could be the car we get.
MrsNST own words, the jag makes you 'feel' good. couldn't agree with her more!
, the S4 wasn't slow with 340 bhp! she loves the interior, and then way it tootles around town with such ease and comfort.
i shall get the chance to drive one today hopefully, its a similar car but with 20in alloys and brembo brakes. with sports suspension. i'm hoping its in excellent condition as this could be the car we get.
MrsNST own words, the jag makes you 'feel' good. couldn't agree with her more!
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