Discussion
I am in the process of selling my Bentley Arnage T Mulliner II and am contemplating a 2 seater Jaguar - maybe soft top. I don't really need a 4 litre supercharged car, but something for fine sunny Sundays costing about £16,000 so probably about 10 years old.
What should I be looking for?
Many thanks
David.
What should I be looking for?
Many thanks
David.
I think your first decision would be which model to go for - either 'X100' (1996-2005) or 'X150' (2006-2014), because they're very different both inside and outside. Then you can narrow it down from there.
The X100 model is usually called the 'XK8'; the X150 is not (stupid Jaguar naming). A car just called 'XKR' can be either model (the R denoting supercharged).
Coming from Bentley you probably like ride comfort, and I think generally the earlier the car, the better that will be.
The X100 model is usually called the 'XK8'; the X150 is not (stupid Jaguar naming). A car just called 'XKR' can be either model (the R denoting supercharged).
Coming from Bentley you probably like ride comfort, and I think generally the earlier the car, the better that will be.
The X100 (this shape) can be very comfortable, particularly if you avoid the huge wheels with rubber band tyres that many have been retrofitted with from later cars although be aware that the naturally aspirated XK8 is by not what you'd call a quick car.
It's very pleasant though. I've never so much as sat in the X150 XK in naturally aspirated form. The X150 XKR is quite engaging without sacrificing much in the way of pleasantness but it isn't as smooth a cruiser as the XJ-S derived X100 XK8. I prefer the supercharged 4.2 litre over the later supercharged 5.0 litre. It's a simpler engine less prone to coking up etc and IMHO the power and torque better suits the car. The 5.0 is definitely faster but it's a level harder to find an opportunity to ever use it. I've done lots of miles behind the supercharged 5.0 in both F-Type and XFR-S and found it an exercise in frustration the vast majority of the time.
Whilst definitely older than you had in mind, if you're not mechanically and electrically inept, it could be worth considering a late 4.0 straight 6 XJS convertible. The Ford-built cars are both better corrosion protected and generally better engineered systems-wise and assembled. They are beginning to appreciate in value quite quickly now - convertibles especially so. They are wonderfully comfortable and blend that magic carpet ride with the ability to change direction better than it has any right to.
It's very pleasant though. I've never so much as sat in the X150 XK in naturally aspirated form. The X150 XKR is quite engaging without sacrificing much in the way of pleasantness but it isn't as smooth a cruiser as the XJ-S derived X100 XK8. I prefer the supercharged 4.2 litre over the later supercharged 5.0 litre. It's a simpler engine less prone to coking up etc and IMHO the power and torque better suits the car. The 5.0 is definitely faster but it's a level harder to find an opportunity to ever use it. I've done lots of miles behind the supercharged 5.0 in both F-Type and XFR-S and found it an exercise in frustration the vast majority of the time.
Whilst definitely older than you had in mind, if you're not mechanically and electrically inept, it could be worth considering a late 4.0 straight 6 XJS convertible. The Ford-built cars are both better corrosion protected and generally better engineered systems-wise and assembled. They are beginning to appreciate in value quite quickly now - convertibles especially so. They are wonderfully comfortable and blend that magic carpet ride with the ability to change direction better than it has any right to.
Many thanks for all your responses. Looks as if I will be searching for a 4.2 XKR.
When I find a likely candidate I'll get it professionally assessed. In the meantime, are there any common faults that I need to know about? They seem to tolerate high mileages, which is reassuring.
David
When I find a likely candidate I'll get it professionally assessed. In the meantime, are there any common faults that I need to know about? They seem to tolerate high mileages, which is reassuring.
David
Wight Arnage said:
Many thanks for all your responses. Looks as if I will be searching for a 4.2 XKR.
When I find a likely candidate I'll get it professionally assessed. In the meantime, are there any common faults that I need to know about? They seem to tolerate high mileages, which is reassuring.
David
Is that the X100 or the X150 XKR ? My apologies if you have already said which .When I find a likely candidate I'll get it professionally assessed. In the meantime, are there any common faults that I need to know about? They seem to tolerate high mileages, which is reassuring.
David
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