XKR or XK8 Convertible

[swindorski46]

I'm thinking of chopping my Cerbera for an XK. With the budget I have I can get an XK8 convertible or an XKR. I know the two cars are different for different reasons but I'm so torn between the two I just wondered what the general concensus would be.

It's purely hypothetical as I think my wife will have the final say! If only I could stretch to an XKR convertible.......

Thanks.

Edit: Stupid question, what are the differences between the 8 and the R other than the supercharger. I've heard the R handles better, why? And just out of intrest, can you fit baby seats in the back of the convertible? Just wondered!

>> Edited by swindorski46 on Sunday 10th July 21:50

>> Edited by swindorski46 on Sunday 10th July 22:07

[NormanD]

I would go for the 'R' (I have one)

With the R you get most of the features that are listed as extras in the 8 with the advantage of having the extra BHP when required.

You will not loose out much on the MPG front ether.

I suggest you join the XK8/R Enthusiasts Club, they have a good forum open to members (partley open to non-members) www.xkec.co.uk.

[800]

You will have a real problem getting a child seat in the back of a convertible. The rear seats are even more upright. Even with the driving seat in my position (and I'm a short-arse) there is very little rear leg room too (I investigated before my last purchase)

Just more reasons to go for an XKR

[xkrman]

Get the XKR.

The rear seas are useless, my son aged 7 at the time would not fit and I am only 5'7".

I had the rear seats removed.

The 8 is also a fine car and it, of course depends on your budget.

Norman is right - check out www.xkec.co.uk

Good Luck.

[P700DEE]

Get an R, I did, you can pick up XKR convertibles at a reasonable price, there are two on e-bay today likely to sell below £20K Join XKEC.CO.UK

>> Edited by P700DEE on Monday 11th July 09:42

[triple7]

You need to do a shed load of research, there are so many options that you really need to know the difference between, 'sport' interior and 'classic', ivory or charcoal, walnut or maple, detroits or montreals, brembos or no brembos, Recaros, ACC or cruise, CATS or no CATS, satnav or engine instruments. Then the R performance additions (lowered, unrated suspension, roll bars, refined steering, leather and alu pack).

When you know what I'm talking about you'll be in a better position to decide what options to make sure you have before you decide if its going to be an XK8 or an XKR!

My advice is XKR anyday, the coupe is better, don't like the roof when folded on the conv and has a lot less head room when up.

G

[NormanD]

triple7 said:

My advice is XKR anyday, the coupe is better, don't like the roof when folded on the conv and has a lot less head room when up.

Triple7 is right IMO, does your wife want her hair blown arround or is it you want to pose with the roof down?

[swindorski46]

triple7 said:

there are so many options that you really need to know the difference between, 'sport' interior and 'classic', ivory or charcoal, walnut or maple, detroits or montreals, brembos or no brembos, Recaros, ACC or cruise, CATS or no CATS, satnav or engine instruments. Then the R performance additions (lowered, unrated suspension, roll bars, refined steering, leather and alu pack).

Point taken!!!

I'd all but set myself on the R after much thought and a bottle of wine last night!!

Thanks for all the advice/tips. Any further info would be much appreciated.

[triple7]

OK then, the 'must haves' on you XKR. (How much you got to spend?

1) Post 2001 XKR (face lift, before the current model), gives you fresh 'jewel effect' rear lights, new bumpers, large bore tail pipes, better interior.

2) Brembo brakes, (post 2002 have them as standard.)

3) 20 inch wheels, Montreals and Detriots are the best.

4) Satnav.

5) Check which seats you want, I HAD to have Recaro's.

6) 4.0/5 speed or 4.2/6 speed (2002 onwards) your choice depending on funds.

7) XK100 Limited Edition is the best car to get. Has ALL options ever put on the car, comes in black with black interior and has all the 'R' performance extras mentioned above. Look on 'usedjag.com' or 'locate car' on jaguar.co.uk. there are a couple out there.

Good luck, best part is shopping for a car.

G

[swindorski46]

I'm looking at a around a '98 car, sub £20k.

I'm hearing alot about the cars all needed new engines, can someone fill me in with this please?

[NormanD]

swindorski46 said:

I'm looking at a around a '98 car, sub £20k. I'm hearing alot about the cars all needed new engines, can someone fill me in with this please?

Engines should not be a problem now, if there was a problem they have been changed, also the current fuils will not affect the lineings now.

[triple7]

swindorski46 said:

I'm looking at a around a '98 car, sub £20k. I'm hearing alot about the cars all needed new engines, can someone fill me in with this please?

Hence a 2001 or newer. £28k+ will get you a sweet ride. Either that or go on a PCP and get a new one!


G

[victormeldrew]

On the older cars look for a green sticker on the engine, it shows its had iron liners fitted. Apparently. I'm thinking of going for an XKR instead of my 500 Chim, purely so I'll have something decent to go to Le Mans next year - 3 won't fit in the Chim!

[swindorski46]

victormeldrew said:

I'm thinking of going for an XKR instead of my 500 Chim, purely so I'll have something decent to go to Le Mans next year - 3 won't fit in the Chim!

You could always have my Cerbera!

[victormeldrew]

I'd love a Cerb, but it has to be convertible! Sorry.