Just collected my XKR...
Just collected my XKR...
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Discussion

notax

Original Poster:

2,091 posts

261 months

Sunday 23rd November 2008
quotequote all
Just driven 250 miles having collected my new car biggrin.

Although I crazily bought blind, the car seems fantastic. Fully stamped service book and looks fantastic smile Drives beautifully - and I can't believe how easily I've adapted to an auto... Had a little test on way home (on private test track officer) and was pretty gobsmacked at what 370bhp does when you keep your foot down at 70mph yikeslaugh

Only one scary moment - when I braked on the motorway catching up traffic having been doing steady cruise for miles the dash said 'Coolant low' or similar. I drove carefully and with heater on full blast for a bit as didn't fancy stopping on Mway - but message disappeared afetr only a few seconds and didn't reappear...? Obviously I'll check coolant level in the am but any thoughts?

Do have a few more questions - will post separately. Thanks again for all your advice smile

Edited by notax on Sunday 23 November 22:57

SeismicGuy

57 posts

207 months

Sunday 23rd November 2008
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Congratulations but what year/model/color/mileage/etc.?

Doug

notax

Original Poster:

2,091 posts

261 months

Monday 24th November 2008
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2000, XKR, silver, ivory and black interior with lovely dash - not sure what it would be described as by Jaguar but it maybe a stained birds eye maple? Will post a photo when I can. Car has all extras inc Detroits, Satnav, heated/mem seats, Alpine upgrade, phone biggrin

98k miles so far...

The Leaper

5,466 posts

228 months

Monday 24th November 2008
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Notax,

I think you are just 2000 miles away from a major service when the chain tensioners need replacing. Cost around £1300 or so for this job at a JMD. Were you aware of this when you bought the car? Maybe they been replaced anyway?

Other PHers will no doubt be on here with more details.

R.

notax

Original Poster:

2,091 posts

261 months

Monday 24th November 2008
quotequote all
Yes, I'm pretty sure they do need changing. I'll do the waterpump and thermostat whilst I'm at it. Car had a small service in January at 95k, not sure whether to wait until 100k - or do it now and avoid risk...

I had hoped the car wouldn't need above, but bought for a good price so even after the above expenses still good value smile. I know there are cheaper ones out there that have had the work done but I wanted high spec, Detroits and a non walnut dash and this car has all that.

a8hex

5,832 posts

245 months

Monday 24th November 2008
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There are independents who can do all the timing chains. A few of the people here have had them done for less than the main dealer price.

NormanD

3,208 posts

250 months

Monday 24th November 2008
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notax said:
Yes, I'm pretty sure they do need changing. I'll do the waterpump and thermostat whilst I'm at it. Car had a small service in January at 95k, not sure whether to wait until 100k - or do it now and avoid risk...
I see you are in Hampshire, give Tom a ring at TL Jaguar on 0118-973-7779
A good independant, knows his Jags including the XKR's

notax

Original Poster:

2,091 posts

261 months

Monday 24th November 2008
quotequote all
Thanks for the advice smile

Triple7

4,015 posts

259 months

Monday 24th November 2008
quotequote all
Don't rag it, until you have had the tensioners done. Any rattling on start up, get 'em sorted or it could end in tears.

notax

Original Poster:

2,091 posts

261 months

Monday 24th November 2008
quotequote all
I believe it has the Mk2 tensioners so unlikely to get a warning death rattle yikes

Do they tend to fail during harsh driving - or is it just a matter of bad luck?

Triple7

4,015 posts

259 months

Monday 24th November 2008
quotequote all
It's the plastic guides the fail throwing debris to trash an engine, not the metal chains themselves. The MkII's although better aren't as durable as the MkIII metal tensioners. It's the start up rattle that is the worry. Also with a high miler XKR's the rear diff. takes a huge bashing and as the miles add up, could be an issue, think its about £2k to sort out.

Happy motoring.


PS Post a few photos!

NormanD

3,208 posts

250 months

Monday 24th November 2008
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notax said:
I believe it has the Mk2 tensioners so unlikely to get a warning death rattle yikes

Do they tend to fail during harsh driving - or is it just a matter of bad luck?
Not bad luck, just a design fault.

I've had Mk1's, they broke, then Mk2's, they went the same way, so now on Mk3's

Infact have just stripped the engine down as I am putting a 4.2Lt in my car and need some of the bits to make it fit, Mk3 tentioners still look like new.

Triple7

4,015 posts

259 months

Tuesday 25th November 2008
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Norm it wouldn't it be better and cheaper to just buy a newer XKR?

notax

Original Poster:

2,091 posts

261 months

Tuesday 25th November 2008
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Not if the new road tax comes in... And maybe better the devil you know...

carter711

1,849 posts

220 months

Tuesday 25th November 2008
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I would love to see some pictures.

NormanD

3,208 posts

250 months

Tuesday 25th November 2008
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Triple7 said:
Norm it wouldn't it be better and cheaper to just buy a newer XKR?
Not with all the mods I've done to it.

carter711 said:
I would love to see some pictures.

carter711

1,849 posts

220 months

Tuesday 25th November 2008
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I'm not sure about the artwork or the blue side indicators to be honest, I think they look abit cheap.


Other than that it's a lovely looking car. thumbup

NormanD

3,208 posts

250 months

Tuesday 25th November 2008
quotequote all
carter711 said:
Other than that it's a lovely looking car. thumbup
Thanks

carter711 said:
I'm not sure about the artwork or the blue side indicators to be honest, I think they look abit cheap.
I can always take them off.

Although another Forum Member thought that.
Then he had seen the car on the road and changed his mind.

notax

Original Poster:

2,091 posts

261 months

Tuesday 25th November 2008
quotequote all
I'll post some piccies of mine at the weekend smile - hopefully someone will be able to identify what the dash is made out of. I didn't want the usual walnut but not quite sure what mine is - I really like it though cloud9

Triple7

4,015 posts

259 months

Wednesday 26th November 2008
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This it? If so it's 'Birds eye Maple Veneer'.