HI Everyone,

Years ago, I owned a 1991 XJ Sovereign in White and a 1996 XJ Vanden Plas in Gold. I'm looking at a 2002 XKR to buy. My 2004 BMW 330i was hit and the insurance company deemed it a total loss, so now I need to find another daily driver. I have a 2006 Mazda 3 with the 2.3 motor. It's my "truck" and I use it for hauling and throwing tools in the trunk, as well as commuting and going to see clients. It's a workhorse, but it's also not very pretty and it's embarrassing to bring to take clients in. The E46 was a nice car, but its gone. And I don't want to pile miles on my 2022 4 Runner, so the Mazda is the go to now.

My Jaguar story: I have always loved the look and feel of a Jaguar. My 1991 Sovereign was a good car, but had that dreaded Lucas electrical system. Someone once told me that Lucas makes good components, but Jaguar chose to buy their lower priced parts - I'm not sure if there's any truth in it, but my electrical system wasn't very good. There was a lightning bolt light that would come on at random times, then turn off. Same with a host of other dash lights. I'd hear a relay click and some lights would turn off, while others turned on. My mechanic would look at me and ask why I kept the car. He told me the car was mechanically sound and if I wanted to pay him, he could get rid of the lights, but why? It would cost money and unfortunately the car had over 110K miles and I don't think it was worth much. I loaned the car to a friend and he was T-Boned on a freeway exit and he survived. The car didn't and at the time I thought I got off lucky. BUT, I MISSED THE CAR! There's definitely something special about these cars. I had ordered a used car for my client, a gold 1996 Vanden Plas with 40K miles (this was around 2006). My client didn't take the car, so I bought it. I drove it for years. The only thing that went bad was a wheel bearing on the front. It was making noise and I continued to ignore it until it gave way. Other than the bearing, it was oil changes and filters. I didn't even have to change tires or brakes! At around 108K miles, we were eating tacos from a taco truck and somebody slammed into us. The insurance company totalled the car! I wound up buying it and giving it to my sister. I put on new rear shocks, four new tires and front brakes. She still drives it to this day, but the paint is pretty ugly! I gave her the car in 2016 or 2017 and I miss owning a Jaguar.

Fast forward to today. I need a replacement for my E46 and I'm tempted to get another BMW. I've owned many E90's and the only one I really liked was the 2006 325i. The 328's don't have as good a feel, though they're faster and newer. And I don't know how reliable the 4 cyl turbos are as you get up in miles. So maybe a Z4 or Z3? Or a Benz? Then I thought about a Jaguar. I've always loved the look of the coupe and convertible, so why not. Prices are good and the post 2001 V8's are much better than the old ones.

I found a used 2002 XKR - I've been in contact with the owner and I'm going to see it maybe tomorrow. I came to this forum for information on what to look for. I'll post another thread in the XKR section.

I also am in love with older Alfa's. I own far too many of them, from a 1967 Duetto (or course in red) to a bunch or Series 2 Spiders, one Series 3 and two Series 4 cars. And the angry 1971 GTV! Of course in Red! This is my passion, Alfas! I know this is a Jaguar forum, but I think we're all car lovers here, so I hope I don't offend anyone.

Thank you.

 

Welcome to the forums Autobroker,

Good to have you with us.

I can see you've already found your way to the XK8/XKR forum so there's no need for a link to it from me. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues. You can also use the US Western Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/western-us-ak-ca-nv-ut-hi-wa-id-38/ to find other members in your region.

Please read the guidance for new members ( https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/n...ned-up-241802/ ) which answers many of the most frequent questions about getting started.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Welcome to the Forums.

I am NOT offended, a car is a car, and if YOU luv it, so be it.

Good luck with the "R".

 

Thanks for the welcome! I just watched a Youtube video on the front strut bushings - they get squished and the strut rattles. One guy said that the suspension will remain good for 5K miles or so! I sure hope it can last longer or someone comes up with a fix.

 

Prior to me falling for Alfas, I was a dedicated Porsche guy. Back in the late 80's, we had a 924S, 912 (67) and 911. Then the dry spell hit and nothing until my 2003 Boxster 986 in 2005 (which I still own) and my 2001 911 996 which is one of the few cars I dearly miss! I'd like to get another one, but my brain doesn't work so fast and 911's can be tricky in corners as you approach the limit, or you back off at the wrong time! If I get the XKR, it may satisfy my need for speed!

One of the reasons I love Alfas is that they give me the feeling I'm going fast, when I'm not. Plus the soul of the car!

Okay, heading to bed. Hopefully I'll see some good advice on what to look for in a 2002 XKR!

 

Welcome aboard.

 

welcome to the forum - hope you can fill the Jaguar void - enjoy

 

Hello,
I wish you success in your quest for another Jaguar.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Autobroker,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

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