Newbie Alert - XK8 or XKR?

Newbie Alert - XK8 or XKR?

Author
Discussion

Triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

242 months

Friday 16th July 2004
quotequote all
Hi Guys and Gals,

Currently I am whipping about in a 2002 Honda S2000GT. Maybe time for a change (need more space), I have ALWAYS wanted an XKR, so thought I'll do a bit of investigation. This is when you guys come in...............

What are your thoughts, I don't want to spend a shed load of money as these things freefall to about the 20 grand mark, but I would like a nice example (Detroits/Montreals, decent brakes etc). So lets go for say £30k tops? That going to be enough?

Do I get a 2001 onwards XK8 and do a little modding to get extra HP (ECU, exhaust, intake = 45BHP increase) or get an XKR around about 1999/2000. Anyone changed the rear light clusters on these years to the post 2001?

Is the XKR worth it? (I know, I know, but just asking!)

2001 onwards are the seats better than the pre-2001?

All these questions, but would love some advice.

I know about the cylinder wear but the word is Jaguar will replace engine without question (I will get that in writing don't you worry!)

G

GavinPearson

5,715 posts

256 months

Saturday 17th July 2004
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The XKR is noticeably faster, particularly above 130 mph. I'd get one in preference to any modified car.

avos

115 posts

250 months

Saturday 17th July 2004
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Test drive, and then you'll know.

goodlife

1,852 posts

264 months

Saturday 17th July 2004
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Triple7 said:
Do I get a 2001 onwards XK8 and do a little modding to get extra HP (ECU, exhaust, intake = 45BHP increase) or get an XKR around about 1999/2000.
Get the XKR. Much more of a car or the money. Then get the power upgraded and the suspension sorted. If you can find one with the Brembo brake upgrade, bite the owners hand off as they are essential.

Forget the underpowered XK8. A car weighing 1.7 tonnes needs at least 400bhp to have any sporty pretenses.

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

242 months

Tuesday 20th July 2004
quotequote all
Ok, thanks for the replies guys. I gonna start my search for 1 as it may take sometime. I'll heed your advice and look for the brembo kitted car. Also decided on the XKR because of the CATS, not a fan of body roll!!

What are the changes on the 2001-onwards, I know- seats (are they better?, I prefer the feel of the Recaros), lights, front bumper, bigger tail pipes etc. Anything else?

G

goodlife

1,852 posts

264 months

Wednesday 21st July 2004
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triple7 said:
What are the changes on the 2001-onwards
Post 2001 have chrome rear light surrounds and chrome boot plinth.

jcumpsty

36 posts

245 months

Wednesday 21st July 2004
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Go for a post 2001 if you can afford it.

I have a 2000 model. I love it, but wish it had the chrome, and it doesn't have a damn button on the boot to open it. You need to open the boot from inside the car or the key fob/remote. I think 2001+ have the button in the centre of the plinth.

My advice would be to make sure you either buy from a dealer, or if you buy private, ensure it has a warranty. My 2000 model, had 8 months Jag Extended warranty left. 9 days after I had it the engine died (£7,500). It is in today getting new rear shocks (???) and it has had a new fuel sender (£80). Despite the problems I wouldnt go back to my mondeo.

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

242 months

Wednesday 21st July 2004
quotequote all
Thanks chaps,

The aim is to get an 2001+, but cash is king. Then for a little more cash a 4.2ltr, where do you draw the line! Interesting about the boot. I was gonna change all the bits but I think I'll wait for the prices to drop abit i.e. beginning of next year and get a 2001. I'd be looking for a dealer car for sure. Was in one today, they only had 2 XKR's that was it, but they were doing 0% financing :raiseeyebrow: interesting. So it looks like it will take abit of time. Autotrader only had 1 car with the Brembo brakes!

Anything else to know about these beauts??

G

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

242 months

Wednesday 21st July 2004
quotequote all
jcumpsty said:


Despite the problems I wouldnt go back to my mondeo.



Hear, hear

AlexRWD

1,254 posts

242 months

Friday 23rd July 2004
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Triple7 said:
Hi Guys and Gals,

Currently I am whipping about in a 2002 Honda S2000GT. Maybe time for a change (need more space)


Need more space? What for? The pipe 'n slippers?

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

242 months

Friday 23rd July 2004
quotequote all
Hope your Tam breaks down Mr RWD!!!

AlexRWD

1,254 posts

242 months

Wednesday 22nd December 2004
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triple7 said:
Hope your Tam breaks down Mr RWD!!!


Soon be time to find out about the reliability of your Jagwaaaar

craigy

106 posts

258 months

Wednesday 22nd December 2004
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I imagine that his wife has breakdown cover in place for the Tiv anyway - it is his wife's car isn't it?

Triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

242 months

Wednesday 22nd December 2004
quotequote all
craigy said:
I imagine that his wife has breakdown cover in place for the Tiv anyway - it is his wife's car isn't it?


Funny, but she don't like the Tamora at all!

G

AlexRWD

1,254 posts

242 months

Wednesday 22nd December 2004
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craigy said:
I imagine that his wife has breakdown cover in place for the Tiv anyway - it is his wife's car isn't it?


Thus speaks a Volvo S80 driver

pentoman

4,814 posts

268 months

Wednesday 29th December 2004
quotequote all
Triple7 said:
Hi Guys and Gals,

Currently I am whipping about in a 2002 Honda S2000GT. Maybe time for a change (need more space)


As an aside, and I've never even sat in one, an XK is not known for its interior space, quite the opposite in fact.

I still want one though.

JRM

2,055 posts

237 months

Wednesday 29th December 2004
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How is the decision-making going Triple7? Very interested in your choice, as I'm currently zipping around in an S2000 and just can't think what to buy next.
The XKR seems to be the only choice if you want a bit more space, I'm just worried that it's going to be unreliable (most things seem to be in comparison to an 'S') and cost fortune to run (£220 for a rear tyre!!!)

Can anyone think of any other cars to replace an S2000 with, to get a bit more space, but still loads of fun, bullet-proof reliability and not £220 a corner???

Alternatively can someone re-assure me that the XKR will not breakdown or break the bank?

wokkadriver

695 posts

247 months

Sunday 2nd January 2005
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Have been running my XKR for 3 months now and all it has cost me (touch wood) is petrol and oil. Substantially cheaper than my trevor!! It is a bit more to fill up, but gets you further, and is the most relaxing drive up the motorway ever. Furthermore, get the J gate working and with the CATS suspension, it runs rings around my Cerbera.

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

242 months

Sunday 2nd January 2005
quotequote all
JRM said:
How is the decision-making going Triple7? Very interested in your choice, as I'm currently zipping around in an S2000 and just can't think what to buy next.
The XKR seems to be the only choice if you want a bit more space, I'm just worried that it's going to be unreliable (most things seem to be in comparison to an 'S') and cost fortune to run (£220 for a rear tyre!!!)

Can anyone think of any other cars to replace an S2000 with, to get a bit more space, but still loads of fun, bullet-proof reliability and not £220 a corner???

Alternatively can someone re-assure me that the XKR will not breakdown or break the bank?



Hi JRM,

As for the decesion making, I have purchased a 2002 XK100 Limited Edition XKR. It has all the toys and comes only in black I had 2 S2000's, bloody brilliant fun, but wanted to have a change, more space and less frantic driving all the time. The XK100 has Recaro seats which was a big must for me, as I love the Honda seats, but not a fan of the regular Jag seats. I pick up my baby tomorrow, can't wait I'll post pics, if I can work out how.

Do you every go on www.s2ki.co.uk ?

As for the cost of running, who knows, my Insurance is the same, tyres are expensive but you got 20 inch rims!! 4.0litre V8, blah, blah blah. It is going to cost me more, but I spent extra and bought from a Jag Dealer, with 12 month warrantee etc etc. As with any car make sure its been looked after or you will pay.

If you want more info drop me a line.

G

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

242 months

Sunday 2nd January 2005
quotequote all
Check it out.

www.xk8xkrenthusiastsclub.com./xkr_100.html

G

>> Edited by triple7 on Sunday 2nd January 12:59