I've been a happy BMW 5-series owner for 12 years, but am interested in the XKR as a departure to something new (and 'cause I have always loved the design).

I want to learn the good/bad about it as I consider a late model XKR.

Looking forward to hearing what others have to say --

 

I recommend going with a 03+ model. The 4.2l is an excellent motor, maintenance is minimal. All around these cars are very strong and reliable, just like any vehicle poor maintenance will kill it. Do the supercharger oil every 50k and transmission every 40k and it will run forever. The only issue I know about on the 4.0l is the timing chain tensioner issue. This is my summary of these cars, I have worked on many many jaguars over the past couple years and its all very routine. I'm almost positive you will love the xkr. I'm sure other people will tell you the same.
Best of luck.
Alex

 

Oh I forgot to mention, the cup holder really sucks on the 97-06 body styles. It breaks very easily. You just have to be very gentle and spray a little white lithium grease on the little plastic gear.

 

Thanks. I'd heard that "early" v8's had a valve guide problem that could take down the engine, but how "early" was never specified.

If this a known issue, are 03+ years after this problem?

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum oncapanthera,

Follow this link XK / XKR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the XK/XKR section for help and advice on the current XK's.

Enjoy the search and the forum.

Graham

 

I'm not a master jag tech so I dont know anything about that issue. I've never heard of issues like that on the 4 and 4.2l. I believe that the 4.2l started in late 02 but 03 for sure. The 4.2l is built like a rock.

 

Any convert from BMW is more than welcome here. As pitiful (!) says go for a 2003 + model.
Good things - it is not a BMW
Bad things - it is too beautiful and you'll never stop leering at it.

 

Well, I'm not a convert yet. Owned 5 BMW's and loved them all for what they were. Great tight handling, loved the 6 cylinder engine. Interior? Meh. Looks like it was designed by a mechanical engineer who thought he was a designer. But still, one of the truly great cars.

But with my son off to college, I don't need more than two doors. And, damn, the XK series are pretty cars. Always wanted a E-type, but no interest at this point in life with a 1960's technology car. So, XK it is.

I do a lot of my own work (brakes, oil, cooling, things like replacing water pumps, alternators, batteries, fuel filters and anything else that bolts on around the car.). Comfortable with the ZF transmission, common on both BMW's and Jags.

So, there's a lot I can do and will; but I can't do the major stuff inside an engine, nor such things as struts, steering subassemblies and so on. And I don't want my wife stranded by the side of the road. So, I'm here to look and learn.

And thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

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Welcome to the forum oncapanthera,

Good to have you with us.
As far as the tensioner problems it was fully resolved when the 4.2 was introdued in 2003.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.

 

Welcome Oncapanthera

I own a '06 convertible XKR and love it. I wasn't looking for a Jag at the time I bought but wanted a convertible. I test drove a M3 BMW convertible which was very nice except for the loud exhaust coming from a powerful inline 6. I then test drove a XKR and I was in love. This car really sneaks up on you with the supercharger. I also like the fact that these cars aren't real common in most areas especially Asheville. I get lots of looks and people unfamiliar with cars (most of the population) are asking me what kind of car it is ---after they say something like "nice maserati". It doesn't have Jaguar plasterd all over the body. I must admit this car will not come off the line like a ton of bricks but just hit the pedal at around 60mph and it will take you up past 100mph in a flash. Enjoy your search there or plenty of these in FL.