Just had my first ride in an XKR
#1
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Hi All,
I took my dream of owing an XKR a step further today by test driving one. I thought I'd catch my candid thoughts right away.
Vital statistics - 2004 registered (2005MY), Black (slightly metallic) with Bone leather. Currently done about 38,000 miles (61,000 kms).
This was it, 2 years ago in an old online advertisement - not the current seller. 2004 Jaguar XKR 4.2 Super Charged.
First impressions - My that is a big grin! Lots of grill there but I could always powder coat that black if I feel the need later on.
Up closer - Oh dear, that paint needs some attention. A number of thin scratches showing white undercoat - the sort of thing a good detailer might be able to hide??? Paint swirls all over - a good detailer can surely polish those out? No stone chips on nose or hood.
Interior - Hard to fault. A little wear around the steering wheel - to be expected.
Engine sound - I know to expect it to be quiet. I would see an X-Pipe and removal of the centre muffler on the horizon.
Ride - I have been driving the same big 1998 Australian Ford sedan for nearly 10 years - this XKR just feels wrong. Its like changing girlfriends - the responses are different and nothing is in quite the right place. I would like to get it fully checked out at an authorised dealer to make sure all suspension is as it should be.
Power/Torque - No expert here, but I guess I am a torque guy. My old 4L straight-6 Ford churns out 370 nm vs the XKR's 408 nm, so I am not as blown away as I thought I might be. Mind you I am so nervous about wrecking this car or picking up a ticket that I am not really enjoying myself. My son is with me and reports feeling himself thrown back in to his seat. This is a good thing.
Overall? I am unexpectedly ambivalent. Maybe that's the wisdom of age. I am going to sleep on it a few nights. A full pre-purchase inspection by the local Jag dealer and advice of a detailer would be a must, as well as a wee chat with my accountant.![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
All comments welcome.
Regards
Cadmium
I took my dream of owing an XKR a step further today by test driving one. I thought I'd catch my candid thoughts right away.
Vital statistics - 2004 registered (2005MY), Black (slightly metallic) with Bone leather. Currently done about 38,000 miles (61,000 kms).
This was it, 2 years ago in an old online advertisement - not the current seller. 2004 Jaguar XKR 4.2 Super Charged.
First impressions - My that is a big grin! Lots of grill there but I could always powder coat that black if I feel the need later on.
Up closer - Oh dear, that paint needs some attention. A number of thin scratches showing white undercoat - the sort of thing a good detailer might be able to hide??? Paint swirls all over - a good detailer can surely polish those out? No stone chips on nose or hood.
Interior - Hard to fault. A little wear around the steering wheel - to be expected.
Engine sound - I know to expect it to be quiet. I would see an X-Pipe and removal of the centre muffler on the horizon.
Ride - I have been driving the same big 1998 Australian Ford sedan for nearly 10 years - this XKR just feels wrong. Its like changing girlfriends - the responses are different and nothing is in quite the right place. I would like to get it fully checked out at an authorised dealer to make sure all suspension is as it should be.
Power/Torque - No expert here, but I guess I am a torque guy. My old 4L straight-6 Ford churns out 370 nm vs the XKR's 408 nm, so I am not as blown away as I thought I might be. Mind you I am so nervous about wrecking this car or picking up a ticket that I am not really enjoying myself. My son is with me and reports feeling himself thrown back in to his seat. This is a good thing.
Overall? I am unexpectedly ambivalent. Maybe that's the wisdom of age. I am going to sleep on it a few nights. A full pre-purchase inspection by the local Jag dealer and advice of a detailer would be a must, as well as a wee chat with my accountant.
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
All comments welcome.
Regards
Cadmium
![Icon Bunny](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_bunny.gif)
Last edited by cadmium; 04-22-2012 at 12:10 AM. Reason: Grammar
#2
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Price is the big one plus it's only done 4K km in two years.
I'm not surprised it feels different from the Ford - there'd be something seriously wrong if it didn't.
Black is the worst colour for showing blemishes. I've only had one black car and vowed never again. Also I believe you get a fair bit of sun and black's not funny then.
The only unease I have with mine is it seems disproportionately large to drive but I think that's partly being low down in a RHD car on LHD roads.
My two penneth.
I'm not surprised it feels different from the Ford - there'd be something seriously wrong if it didn't.
Black is the worst colour for showing blemishes. I've only had one black car and vowed never again. Also I believe you get a fair bit of sun and black's not funny then.
The only unease I have with mine is it seems disproportionately large to drive but I think that's partly being low down in a RHD car on LHD roads.
My two penneth.
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cadmium (04-22-2012)
#3
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If you take it for another test drive - make sure the sport switch, in front of the J-gate gear selector, is in the up position, on and lit red!
That will turn it into the beast it can be
![Big Grin](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
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cadmium (04-22-2012)
#4
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Very true. Also the computer in these cars learns your driving style to an extent. If you drive aggressvely for a while, it will adapt and start behaving more aggresively, LIkewise if if drive it gently, it will become more of a pussycat.
It is common for the throttle cable to stretch and need a minor adjustment to reach full throttle.
A supercharger pulley swap can also up the beastiness quotient.
Last edited by WhiteXKR; 04-22-2012 at 07:57 AM.
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cadmium (04-22-2012)
#5
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Price is the big one plus it's only done 4K km in two years.
I'm not surprised it feels different from the Ford - there'd be something seriously wrong if it didn't.
Black is the worst colour for showing blemishes. I've only had one black car and vowed never again. Also I believe you get a fair bit of sun and black's not funny then.
The only unease I have with mine is it seems disproportionately large to drive but I think that's partly being low down in a RHD car on LHD roads.
My two penneth.
I'm not surprised it feels different from the Ford - there'd be something seriously wrong if it didn't.
Black is the worst colour for showing blemishes. I've only had one black car and vowed never again. Also I believe you get a fair bit of sun and black's not funny then.
The only unease I have with mine is it seems disproportionately large to drive but I think that's partly being low down in a RHD car on LHD roads.
My two penneth.
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Very true. Also the computer in these cars learns your driving style to an extent. If you drive aggressvely for a while, it will adapt and start behaving more aggresively, LIkewise if if drive it gently, it will become more of a pussycat.
It is common for the throttle cable to stretch and need a minor adjustment to reach full throttle.
A supercharger pulley swap can also up the beastiness quotient.
It is common for the throttle cable to stretch and need a minor adjustment to reach full throttle.
A supercharger pulley swap can also up the beastiness quotient.
Last edited by cadmium; 04-22-2012 at 08:05 AM. Reason: Include comments from WhiteXKR
#7
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#8
#9
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Find yourself a 2km straight and give it WOT-ho.
You will run out of road quickly though.
+1 on WhiteXKR re overtaking, it is a very dominating car, but maybe wait 'til you've bought one (and you will).
My main reservation is the paintwork, beauty makes the beast, but only you can decide on that.
Good Luck
Last edited by steveinfrance; 04-22-2012 at 08:56 AM.
#11
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I now see my mistake. ![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I had misunderstood the role of the sports button, thinking it would also switch off traction control.
Having recently watched those Corvettes crash in the https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...96/#post498604 thread, I was keen not to find myself in a similar situation.
A second drive is in order!
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I had misunderstood the role of the sports button, thinking it would also switch off traction control.
Having recently watched those Corvettes crash in the https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...96/#post498604 thread, I was keen not to find myself in a similar situation.
A second drive is in order!
#12
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Interesting read. See post #5 in this thread
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...uestion-71520/
Also worth using the left hand/manual side of the J-gate. Enjoy
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cadmium (04-22-2012)
#13
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#15
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I copied this from a post I once read. About the XK8 then to XKR
The consistent and seamless delivery of power, the quiet nature of the exhaust note and a suspension set up biased to comfort, all contribute to a velvety and sensorialy subdued transition from zero to sixty mph in your claimed 6.5 earth seconds.
Substitute '8' for an 'R' however, and despite the fact we are still in a 5 star hotel on wheels, you may on demand, enter a world of torque and fury that only ends when you run out of road, petrol or *****. *
*Can also be overridden by a sense of self preservation and/or common sense
The consistent and seamless delivery of power, the quiet nature of the exhaust note and a suspension set up biased to comfort, all contribute to a velvety and sensorialy subdued transition from zero to sixty mph in your claimed 6.5 earth seconds.
Substitute '8' for an 'R' however, and despite the fact we are still in a 5 star hotel on wheels, you may on demand, enter a world of torque and fury that only ends when you run out of road, petrol or *****. *
*Can also be overridden by a sense of self preservation and/or common sense
#16
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Brilliant and well written.
I copied this from a post I once read. About the XK8 then to XKR
The consistent and seamless delivery of power, the quiet nature of the exhaust note and a suspension set up biased to comfort, all contribute to a velvety and sensorialy subdued transition from zero to sixty mph in your claimed 6.5 earth seconds.
Substitute '8' for an 'R' however, and despite the fact we are still in a 5 star hotel on wheels, you may on demand, enter a world of torque and fury that only ends when you run out of road, petrol or *****. *
*Can also be overridden by a sense of self preservation and/or common sense
The consistent and seamless delivery of power, the quiet nature of the exhaust note and a suspension set up biased to comfort, all contribute to a velvety and sensorialy subdued transition from zero to sixty mph in your claimed 6.5 earth seconds.
Substitute '8' for an 'R' however, and despite the fact we are still in a 5 star hotel on wheels, you may on demand, enter a world of torque and fury that only ends when you run out of road, petrol or *****. *
*Can also be overridden by a sense of self preservation and/or common sense
#17
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Oh and don't forget that in spite of motoring journalists comments nowadays that torque means nothing, zilch, zero nada....
Power (hp, bhp, kw etc) is everything.
BTW my 2.5l diesel pickup makes more torque than your straight 6 or the XKR, while it may tow 3T it won't hit 60 until about....christmas.
Power (hp, bhp, kw etc) is everything.
BTW my 2.5l diesel pickup makes more torque than your straight 6 or the XKR, while it may tow 3T it won't hit 60 until about....christmas.
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cadmium (04-25-2012)
#18
#19
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Thanks for this offer jcgtveloce,
I still have this car in my sights. I have done some research and see there are a couple of companies who would be able to sort out the scratches invisibly, and the rest of the issues are just in the clear coat which should be able to be restored okay.
Its great to know someone in Auckland with an interest in Jags and good contacts.
I still have this car in my sights. I have done some research and see there are a couple of companies who would be able to sort out the scratches invisibly, and the rest of the issues are just in the clear coat which should be able to be restored okay.
Its great to know someone in Auckland with an interest in Jags and good contacts.
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#20
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You might want to have the paint inspected by a good detailer first. If you're seeing small scratches that are enough to reveal the undercoat as well as heavy polish swirls in the paint, there might not be much clear left to polish.