Looking for advice on the XKR vs 650i
#21
It depends. Do you want the excitement of dating a supermodel who puts out or do you want to date a plain girl with chunky thighs and fingers like sausages? Each has their benefits. In a 2015 interview the CEO of Maserati said the following about German cars “Good for us they have no soul. They’re ****ing boring.”.
The XKR is fun and exciting. The BMW has a big backseat.
The XKR is fun and exciting. The BMW has a big backseat.
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Queen and Country (06-21-2017)
#22
I have been driving Jaguars for almost 45 years with two side trips one to a BMW Alpine in 76 and the other to a 928 82-85. In addition my two spouses during this time period have had Benz, Lexi, Audi and an SHO. The conclusion I have come to over the years is that there is nothing like a Jaguar.
Further, the design and engineering of the XKR is to me the finest jaguar GT design to date.
It is powerful, comfortable, strikingly modern for a 13+ year old design, fun to drive, and is a high quality well made vehicle that will not disappoint you. The BMW is also a well made well engineered vehicle ---- but it is not a Jaguar nor is it as agile. But, then again, I'm biased.
Further, the design and engineering of the XKR is to me the finest jaguar GT design to date.
It is powerful, comfortable, strikingly modern for a 13+ year old design, fun to drive, and is a high quality well made vehicle that will not disappoint you. The BMW is also a well made well engineered vehicle ---- but it is not a Jaguar nor is it as agile. But, then again, I'm biased.
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Queen and Country (06-21-2017)
#23
It depends. Do you want the excitement of dating a supermodel who puts out or do you want to date a plain girl with chunky thighs and fingers like sausages? Each has their benefits. In a 2015 interview the CEO of Maserati said the following about German cars “Good for us they have no soul. They’re ****ing boring.”.
The XKR is fun and exciting. The BMW has a big backseat.
The XKR is fun and exciting. The BMW has a big backseat.
#24
Ha! Going by that legend, I've gone full circle from motorcycles prior to marriage to precocious midlife crisis guy (Boxster) to dead (Honda Odyssey) then back to life as a douchebag (BMW 750) that matured back to midlife (Jag/Panamera) :P
Cayman/Boxster/911 are certainly all fantastic machines, but I just didn't get any emotional pull from any of the Porsches I've had or driven. A buddy of mine picked up a 911 around the same time I got my XKR, so I got to compare both recently. 911 is hands down better in terms of steering and brake feel, but you really miss the Jag's torque - you have to make a conscious effort to drive the 911 fast, but the XKR is effortless and just feels like a beast.
Cayman/Boxster/911 are certainly all fantastic machines, but I just didn't get any emotional pull from any of the Porsches I've had or driven. A buddy of mine picked up a 911 around the same time I got my XKR, so I got to compare both recently. 911 is hands down better in terms of steering and brake feel, but you really miss the Jag's torque - you have to make a conscious effort to drive the 911 fast, but the XKR is effortless and just feels like a beast.
#25
Kidding aside, if I still lived in the Texas Hill Country (Austin/Central TX) or anywhere with easy access to big sweepers or winding back roads, it would be a harder decision. But for the type of daily driving I do now (short commute, traffic, occasional stretches of straight freeway), a purer sports car like a Cayman or even an F-type would be frustrating because you only very rarely get to experience their fortes. But in the Jag, even a quick run to the store gives you multiple opportunities to tap into big V8's torque and you get to listen to that growl the whole way
#26
A 2014 650i GC goes for the same price as a 2013 XKR( miles matter) so just you see, you technically get more car in the BMW- overall. personally i think the depreciation has hit bmws harder than the XKRs and maybe i was skeptical because of the Jaguar unreliable reputation.
Comparing like base vehicle Jag to BMW with the same year and similar miles you will end up in a close price range. You are comparing 650 GC to a XKR whereas you should really be comparing the M6 GC to the XKR. Hopped up car vs hopped up car.
#27
I recently came out of a wonderful 2006 650 vert. I bought it in August 2012 with 28,000 miles on it. Put about 70,000 miles in that time period. Car was great, drove great, great power too, and looked damn good.
But then I got car fever and found this car, a 2013 XKR vert. What a car! Yes the electronics suck as such, but what a car! Hands down the Jag gets some serious looks from people.
It is a treat each and everytime I get in it to go anywhere. I even still like going out into the garage just to look at it.
But then I got car fever and found this car, a 2013 XKR vert. What a car! Yes the electronics suck as such, but what a car! Hands down the Jag gets some serious looks from people.
It is a treat each and everytime I get in it to go anywhere. I even still like going out into the garage just to look at it.
#28
My mechanic has a 650. It looks like one of those cars that people just write-off and never pick up from the mechanic.
Ironically he too has let it rot in the back of the shop, saying it feels like driving a limousine.
If you have to ask what is the difference between an XKR and 650- you should buy the 650
Ironically he too has let it rot in the back of the shop, saying it feels like driving a limousine.
If you have to ask what is the difference between an XKR and 650- you should buy the 650
#29
My mechanic has a 650. It looks like one of those cars that people just write-off and never pick up from the mechanic.
Ironically he too has let it rot in the back of the shop, saying it feels like driving a limousine.
If you have to ask what is the difference between an XKR and 650- you should buy the 650
Ironically he too has let it rot in the back of the shop, saying it feels like driving a limousine.
If you have to ask what is the difference between an XKR and 650- you should buy the 650
The one feature which i love about the 650 is the Automatic handbrake pull( when at lights) and then just drive away. This is a very good feature in LA start stop traffic esp on the 405.
But as i dont drive a lot ( 15-20 miles a day) i think i can do without that- and diversify my car ownership experience with a Jag.
#30
The one feature which i love about the 650 is the Automatic handbrake pull( when at lights) and then just drive away. This is a very good feature in LA start stop traffic esp on the 405.
But as i dont drive a lot ( 15-20 miles a day) i think i can do without that- and diversify my car ownership experience with a Jag.
#31
If I've read correctly, you've test driven one twice. At this point if it hasn't talked to you, it's not the correct car. Keep the beamer, and enjoy it. I knew within 1/4 mile that the XKR was for me. Heck, I knew within 15 minutes of seeing an XK 150 coupe many years ago and talking to the owner for ten minutes that some day I would own one. I'm not a compulsive person and feel that the car should sell itself by enticing your desire to own it. If it doesn't, then it's not the right one for you.
My suggestion is to test drive another, in sport mode and use the paddles to shift it. Nothing racy, 4k or so between shifts and just let it surround you with it's experience. Then plop it back in drive and around 30 mph whack the throttle fast to about 3/4 or a little more for a second or two. If that experience doesn't sell the car, walk away.
My suggestion is to test drive another, in sport mode and use the paddles to shift it. Nothing racy, 4k or so between shifts and just let it surround you with it's experience. Then plop it back in drive and around 30 mph whack the throttle fast to about 3/4 or a little more for a second or two. If that experience doesn't sell the car, walk away.
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#32
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drbbop (06-21-2017)
#33
Same here. I drove 2. the first one had some issues (apparently) and I was very disappointed assuming they were all like that. My wife said let's drive another just to see and holy crap, I couldn't stop smiling. We ended up buying it.
NOTHING against BMW as I have never had one, but there are at least 10 of different models in my work parking lot and they all look the same to me.
NOTHING against BMW as I have never had one, but there are at least 10 of different models in my work parking lot and they all look the same to me.
#34
#35
I have been driving Jaguars for almost 45 years with two side trips one to a BMW Alpine in 76 and the other to a 928 82-85. In addition my two spouses during this time period have had Benz, Lexi, Audi and an SHO. The conclusion I have come to over the years is that there is nothing like a Jaguar.
Further, the design and engineering of the XKR is to me the finest jaguar GT design to date.
It is powerful, comfortable, strikingly modern for a 13+ year old design, fun to drive, and is a high quality well made vehicle that will not disappoint you. The BMW is also a well made well engineered vehicle ---- but it is not a Jaguar nor is it as agile. But, then again, I'm biased.
Further, the design and engineering of the XKR is to me the finest jaguar GT design to date.
It is powerful, comfortable, strikingly modern for a 13+ year old design, fun to drive, and is a high quality well made vehicle that will not disappoint you. The BMW is also a well made well engineered vehicle ---- but it is not a Jaguar nor is it as agile. But, then again, I'm biased.
#36
Oh I cringe....
Jaguar had been making a name for itself for decades with wideband tourqe and hp v8, before Porche's first and ultimately failed attempt at a V8
And frankly- no one puts more 'spirit' in a car than Jaguar...in fact if you recall the Jag that won the race was with a drunk driver. Yes.
Jaguar had been making a name for itself for decades with wideband tourqe and hp v8, before Porche's first and ultimately failed attempt at a V8
And frankly- no one puts more 'spirit' in a car than Jaguar...in fact if you recall the Jag that won the race was with a drunk driver. Yes.
#37
I also had a disappointing first "test" drive on the XKR I ultimately ended up buying. I had responded to an ad from a private party, was really anticipating the drive, and when I completed the ten minute drive, I was thoroughly underwhelmed. In fact, so much so, that I didn't really reach back out to the owner afterwards. I was busy at work, but really had decided not to go forward even though the price (at the time) was the lowest I had seen in the whole country. About six weeks later, the owner called me wondering if I was still interested, and in my mind I had decided against it, but to humor him I asked him to bring it to my mechanic so we could read any codes that were stored. There was a cam sensor code which didn't worry me too much because I had just replaced one on my 2002 XKR so I knew what to expect. But, my mechanic said he could tell by the sound of the engine that it was going to soon fail. After the p.o. regained his composure, he called his aftermarket warranty insurance company, and to make a long story short, they paid my mechanic to put a "new" engine into the car. They got an engine with 5000 miles on it, I took it for a ride, and was blown away. It was soon thereafter residing in my driveway.
#38
I also had a disappointing first "test" drive on the XKR I ultimately ended up buying. I had responded to an ad from a private party, was really anticipating the drive, and when I completed the ten minute drive, I was thoroughly underwhelmed. In fact, so much so, that I didn't really reach back out to the owner afterwards. I was busy at work, but really had decided not to go forward even though the price (at the time) was the lowest I had seen in the whole country. About six weeks later, the owner called me wondering if I was still interested, and in my mind I had decided against it, but to humor him I asked him to bring it to my mechanic so we could read any codes that were stored. There was a cam sensor code which didn't worry me too much because I had just replaced one on my 2002 XKR so I knew what to expect. But, my mechanic said he could tell by the sound of the engine that it was going to soon fail. After the p.o. regained his composure, he called his aftermarket warranty insurance company, and to make a long story short, they paid my mechanic to put a "new" engine into the car. They got an engine with 5000 miles on it, I took it for a ride, and was blown away. It was soon thereafter residing in my driveway.
Opposite situation for me. My first test drive XK was from a private seller using a selling service that had a small lot. They said the engine was replaced 2k miles ago by Jag because of overheating. It had a lag from launch that felt like a 2 Liter turbo. Disappointing since the engine was new. Also the brakes were wonky. I didn't pay much attention to anything else because I was turned off by the start and stop issues. It was also the lowest price around.
#39
#40
there is nothing wrong w/ the 850 if you like that sort of car. to me it is quite uninspiring but a nice drive.
the xkr is a seriously lovely looking car and I can not think of many that are prettier. the r power is hot rod like and much more brutal than that of the 850. the zf 6 speed is actually a fantastic and engaging gear box when driven in the manual mode. take off the full traction control and you are driving a car that comes virtually unhinged/unleashed and you have a car that is as good on rodeo drive as it is at the drag strip!
I put the xkr in a unique class and the value proposition is hard to best.
just my two cents. good luck in your hunt!!!
the xkr is a seriously lovely looking car and I can not think of many that are prettier. the r power is hot rod like and much more brutal than that of the 850. the zf 6 speed is actually a fantastic and engaging gear box when driven in the manual mode. take off the full traction control and you are driving a car that comes virtually unhinged/unleashed and you have a car that is as good on rodeo drive as it is at the drag strip!
I put the xkr in a unique class and the value proposition is hard to best.
just my two cents. good luck in your hunt!!!