Returning to the Jaguar fold

[Johnniem]

After 3.5 years of TVR ownership my good lady wife has had enough of my 'bit of rough' and requires a bit more luxury. Personally I love the TVR but have had a lifetime relationship with Jags so it seems that I shall return to the Jaguar fold. My last Jag was the 6 pot XJR but since I have had a two seater (and loved every single second of driving one!) I reckon I should get myself an XKR. Unfortunately the funds wont run to the latest 5 litre model but the old style 4.2 would be favourite. Everyone will shout out that it is a 4 seater but it isn't really is it!

So the call out to you guys is 'are there any nasties I should be looking out for (notwithstanding red paintwork or interiors!!!)?

I gather that the nikisil issues are pre 2000 problems so I presume that any post 2000 model will be Ok from that point of view? I was thinking more about the cam chain longevity (should I look for one with the cam chain changed recently?) What are the problems, if any on gearboxes?

Many thanks for any help you may be able to offer. Although I adore the raw nature and sublime noise of the TVR V8 I am secretly a little bit excited at the prospect of renewed Jag ownership. If only I could get wifey to agree to changing her Merc for a V8 XJR (she is 5 ft 2 inches and sees it as too big!), I would then be able to keep the TVR and have a fast saloon for long journeys with her. Best of both worlds.

And no, I never, ever had any breakdowns with the TVR. 35000 miles and servicing costs only.

[Lostprophet]

XKR is a 4 seater and that is why I am eyeing it up! I have a young baby and a seat will fit in the back!

What TVR did you have? was it made of rock? No breakdowns?

[Johnniem]

Chimaera 450 - still got it. I have done 35k miles in 3.5 years (see, no time to break down!). Their reliability is truly a fallacy with the Rover V8 models. Service it as required, using a good engineer and Bob's yer uncle! Most people who have problems have either bought an early 6 pot tuscan or use them once in a blue moon.

I get that really small kids can fit into a baby seat in the back of the XKR but for us grown-ups it is no more than a place to put the weekend luggage, no?

[bad company]

Johnniem said:

Chimaera 450 - still got it. I have done 35k miles in 3.5 years (see, no time to break down!). Their reliability is truly a fallacy with the Rover V8 models. Service it as required, using a good engineer and Bob's yer uncle! Most people who have problems have either bought an early 6 pot tuscan or use them once in a blue moon.

I get that really small kids can fit into a baby seat in the back of the XKR but for us grown-ups it is no more than a place to put the weekend luggage, no?

Spot on. We are on our 4th TVR which has now done nearly 75K miles since we bought it new with no breakdowns.

Still like the Jaguars tho and thinking about a new XKR which would be run as well as the TVR.

[Johnniem]

bad company said:

Johnniem said:

Chimaera 450 - still got it. I have done 35k miles in 3.5 years (see, no time to break down!). Their reliability is truly a fallacy with the Rover V8 models. Service it as required, using a good engineer and Bob's yer uncle! Most people who have problems have either bought an early 6 pot tuscan or use them once in a blue moon.

I get that really small kids can fit into a baby seat in the back of the XKR but for us grown-ups it is no more than a place to put the weekend luggage, no?

Spot on. We are on our 4th TVR which has now done nearly 75K miles since we bought it new with no breakdowns.

Still like the Jaguars tho and thinking about a new XKR which would be run as well as the TVR.

Now that sounds like a plan! If only the pocket could take the hit!. Bad company, you sound like pretty good company if I may say so!

[Troogly]

Yes, TVRs and Jags go well together. I have a 4.3 Griffith, 4.0 XJR and 5.3 XJS

All great cars. Sadly the Griff may have to go to make room for next project!