Discussion
Firstly get an R 
Secondly get the newest one you can afford at the time. 98-2000 are Nikasil 4.0 Engines get it tested but avoid if you are worried. 2000-2002 4.0 steel linered engines, 2002-2005 4.2 steel linered engines. Thirdly join www.xkec.co.uk for the most comprehensive answers.
XKEC XK enthusiasts club
Secondly get the newest one you can afford at the time. 98-2000 are Nikasil 4.0 Engines get it tested but avoid if you are worried. 2000-2002 4.0 steel linered engines, 2002-2005 4.2 steel linered engines. Thirdly join www.xkec.co.uk for the most comprehensive answers. XKEC XK enthusiasts club
If you can afford it i'd definately go for the 4.2. The main reason is the addition of the 6-speed ZF auto box, it's simply brilliant in comparison to the older 5-speed. You'll really notice the difference if you get the opportunity to back to back test drive them.
That said, there's nothing wrong with the 4.0 at all if that's what fits into your budget.
That said, there's nothing wrong with the 4.0 at all if that's what fits into your budget.
Why dont you look at a Lexus or Subaru that way you don't spend half your life wandering what will go wrong next. I can forgive the TVR its reliability because its such a one off and cute little thing. Jaguar still have a serious reliability issue I've owned 7 so I speak from experience. Keep your TVR and buy a cheap Lexus/Subaru that way you get it all
Jonywishbone said:
Why dont you look at a Lexus or Subaru that way you don't spend half your life wandering what will go wrong next. I can forgive the TVR its reliability because its such a one off and cute little thing. Jaguar still have a serious reliability issue I've owned 7 so I speak from experience. Keep your TVR and buy a cheap Lexus/Subaru that way you get it all
No they don't. I too speak from experience. (oh and read the latest JD Powers survey if you need proof).
tvron said:
So if the money allows for either pre 4.2 XKR or 4.2 XK which should I choose then ??
I guess it depends on your driving needs & style. Give them both a test drive!
As for reliability there are only a couple of potential issues (both resolved in the 4.2) and they can be rectified fairly easily. I'm on my 3rd Jag and never had a single problem (ditto the TVR).
Join the XKEC!
Phil Hopkins said:
tvron said:
So if the money allows for either pre 4.2 XKR or 4.2 XK which should I choose then ??
Tough one that. I might get shot down for saying it but i'd probably take the 4.2 XK8.
Couldn't disagree more, I'm afraid.
Any R is better than any 8, IMHO - especially if you have been used to a TVR.
The 6 speed box, whilst good is not a vast improvement over the 5 speed, again in my opinion as someone who has driven both and lives with a 5 speed in real world conditions. The 6 speed box seems to "hunt" for the correct gear more often.
My car is a 4.0 Jan 2000 and is faultlessly reliable (oh God, hope I haven't cursed it.
If you test drive both you will not want an 8, I guarantee it.
Oh yeah, buy a convertible!
I never had any problems with my XKR , not a single thing went wrong with her I have to disagree with the other posters who claim Jaguar are reliable I have owned the following cars over the last 15 years between them they cost me a fortune in repairs outside normal wear and tear:
Xj6 2.9
Xj6 4.0
X300 3.2 (this was the only reliable vehicle)
X300 3.2 Sport
X300 XJR
XJS 4.0
XK8 4.0
I bought the late low mileage XJS because I thought it would be tried and tested one head gasket and a few other major problems later and I sold it. I have waited 4 years before buying a Jaguar again and on a 53000 mile car with a FJSH after 6 months I have suspension problems and a serious gearbox problem I replaced the secondary tensioners immediately I bought it (I was told they had hairline cracks so probably good job).
They are good looking cars, I love the interiors and they are a pleasure to drive when they are running well but save yourself a lot of grief spend your hard earned cash on something else.
Xj6 2.9
Xj6 4.0
X300 3.2 (this was the only reliable vehicle)
X300 3.2 Sport
X300 XJR
XJS 4.0
XK8 4.0
I bought the late low mileage XJS because I thought it would be tried and tested one head gasket and a few other major problems later and I sold it. I have waited 4 years before buying a Jaguar again and on a 53000 mile car with a FJSH after 6 months I have suspension problems and a serious gearbox problem I replaced the secondary tensioners immediately I bought it (I was told they had hairline cracks so probably good job).
They are good looking cars, I love the interiors and they are a pleasure to drive when they are running well but save yourself a lot of grief spend your hard earned cash on something else.
jonywishbone said:
I have to disagree with the other posters who claim Jaguar are reliable I have owned the following cars over the last 15 years between them they cost me a fortune in repairs outside normal wear and tear:
Xj6 2.9
Xj6 4.0
X300 3.2 (this was the only reliable vehicle)
X300 3.2 Sport
X300 XJR
XJS 4.0
XK8 4.0
I bought the late low mileage XJS because I thought it would be tried and tested one head gasket and a few other major problems later and I sold it. I have waited 4 years before buying a Jaguar again and on a 53000 mile car with a FJSH after 6 months I have suspension problems and a serious gearbox problem I replaced the secondary tensioners immediately I bought it (I was told they had hairline cracks so probably good job).
They are good looking cars, I love the interiors and they are a pleasure to drive when they are running well but save yourself a lot of grief spend your hard earned cash on something else.
Xj6 2.9
Xj6 4.0
X300 3.2 (this was the only reliable vehicle)
X300 3.2 Sport
X300 XJR
XJS 4.0
XK8 4.0
I bought the late low mileage XJS because I thought it would be tried and tested one head gasket and a few other major problems later and I sold it. I have waited 4 years before buying a Jaguar again and on a 53000 mile car with a FJSH after 6 months I have suspension problems and a serious gearbox problem I replaced the secondary tensioners immediately I bought it (I was told they had hairline cracks so probably good job).
They are good looking cars, I love the interiors and they are a pleasure to drive when they are running well but save yourself a lot of grief spend your hard earned cash on something else.
Having read your tale of woe, two questions come to mind
1) if you've had so many problem, why do you keep coming back for more?
2) what on earth do you do to your Jags?
Thanks for all replies. I would not want scooby or lexus I have more soul. My TVR is superb and reliable (now cursed)and has taken the wife and I on many enjoyable trips at home and abroad but as the big 60 approaches I feel I might be better served by XKR in respect of comfort accessibility and convenience. Having had S type diesel for year appreciate Jag comfort etc and reliabilty ok apart from issue with gearbox. I was hoping XKR would still excite when I drive alone but be better for hols. I would only buy British sportscar and cannot think of anything else suitable. I am old fashioned about spending my money
I understand completely your sentiments I hope you find a nice car and enjoy it, the now replaced model is perhaps the most beautiful car I have owned. I would have bought an XKR but having had an XJR I was afraid of killing myself frankly, since it was a complete hooligan of a car. Good Luck
Thought I would put in my two penny worth.
I have had my XKR for three and a half years now. Car is just coming up to 120K miles, still goes like a rocket. My only major expense regards reliability was the timing chain tensioners.
I am lucky that I only live a few miles from Racing Green so they look after the car for me and bolt on some of their goodies
I have had my XKR for three and a half years now. Car is just coming up to 120K miles, still goes like a rocket. My only major expense regards reliability was the timing chain tensioners.
I am lucky that I only live a few miles from Racing Green so they look after the car for me and bolt on some of their goodies
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