Tough decision, XKR vs XK8, or maybe not
#21
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
$9100 for a 2006 XKR is dirt cheap. I think the owner "knows" what is really wrong with it and is trying to unload to an overly-enthusiastic buyer...
if I were selling my XKR, and you asked me to take it to the dealer on your dime to get the codes run, I would. If you asked me to do a walk through video, I would.
You don't necessarily need to be there to keep interest in the potential sale.
if I were selling my XKR, and you asked me to take it to the dealer on your dime to get the codes run, I would. If you asked me to do a walk through video, I would.
You don't necessarily need to be there to keep interest in the potential sale.
The following users liked this post:
Abby's Guy (03-24-2017)
#22
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I check Ebay from time to time, and a 2005 XKR just sold for over $20,000 there. This car, if it needs minor repairs seems maybe too good to be true? (my opinion)
I am by no means an expert, but I do know the utter excitement in wanting this car...
Before buying mine, I left my other Jaguar with the seller, took his car to my trusted mechanic who did a total inspection. The buyer agreed to take it himself if i was unable to.
I would just hate to see the OP get screwed over, or stranded so far from home.
and yes, we are all crazy about the big cats!
I am by no means an expert, but I do know the utter excitement in wanting this car...
Before buying mine, I left my other Jaguar with the seller, took his car to my trusted mechanic who did a total inspection. The buyer agreed to take it himself if i was unable to.
I would just hate to see the OP get screwed over, or stranded so far from home.
and yes, we are all crazy about the big cats!
#23
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yeah prices are all over the place. Low supply but low demand.
Honestly, at $9100 you can't go too wrong provided the car is safe to drive. It could end as a huge hassle, though. I'd think buying a turnkey car, even for much more may be a better move in the long run. I'd hate you to buy the car and hate it because so much is wrong. That said, it's only money and $9100 isn't the end of the world.
If you are going to risk it, make sure the car is exact version you want. Color/options. No fun restoring a car you settled for.
Honestly, at $9100 you can't go too wrong provided the car is safe to drive. It could end as a huge hassle, though. I'd think buying a turnkey car, even for much more may be a better move in the long run. I'd hate you to buy the car and hate it because so much is wrong. That said, it's only money and $9100 isn't the end of the world.
If you are going to risk it, make sure the car is exact version you want. Color/options. No fun restoring a car you settled for.
#25
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Jersey, Channel Islands
Posts: 4,169
Received 2,400 Likes
on
1,556 Posts
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If your worst case scenario is 60% of the purchase price for all potential work done at retail cost and you still like the car, make the purchase. Since this assume that you will pay a specialist to do everything that comes up, you now know your total potential cost. Obviously you are capable of doing some time consuming work yourself lowering the total cost. Additionally you will know who and how the work is done giving you greater control. This is how it worked with my XK8. As long as the non-negotiables are in place such as rust, collision and cosmetic condition you will have a great car. This is not the easiest find at this price point, go for it if everything looks good on Saturday. Where are you going to get a car this nice for about 14K?
WAFlowers, everyone here has given you sage advice on the possible pitfalls that you may encounter when looking for an XK* that is at least 10 years old. It does sound onerous, but it is absolutely right that they should do so: you have asked for opinions in order to make an informed judgment.
You have to decide whether this car is the one for you, or to pass and look for one that is less of an unknown quantity. Even then, there will be something that will need attention.
Having said that, and it's not my money at risk, the car is a late model high end Grand Tourer. If you are confident in your friend's ability to winkle out anything major, and yours to manage the routine stuff, I would be very seriously tempted at that price. I do, however, make no claim to that being a rational move
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
My main concern would be the logistics of transporting if it were to fail en route.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Mike
The following users liked this post:
Abby's Guy (03-24-2017)
#26
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I check Ebay from time to time, and a 2005 XKR just sold for over $20,000 there. This car, if it needs minor repairs seems maybe too good to be true? (my opinion)
I am by no means an expert, but I do know the utter excitement in wanting this car...
Before buying mine, I left my other Jaguar with the seller, took his car to my trusted mechanic who did a total inspection. The buyer agreed to take it himself if i was unable to.
I would just hate to see the OP get screwed over, or stranded so far from home.
and yes, we are all crazy about the big cats!
I am by no means an expert, but I do know the utter excitement in wanting this car...
Before buying mine, I left my other Jaguar with the seller, took his car to my trusted mechanic who did a total inspection. The buyer agreed to take it himself if i was unable to.
I would just hate to see the OP get screwed over, or stranded so far from home.
and yes, we are all crazy about the big cats!
I agree with you. Whichever way our new friend decides to go, looking forward to him getting one eventually.
#27
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have Carfax reports on both cars. The XKR has a completely clean record with 3 previous owners. The XK8 had a minor fender bump with no frame damage claimed. Pictures show the repair job was well done.
I understand. My gut is telling me the XKR is the one unless something really nasty is found.
I understand. My gut is telling me the XKR is the one unless something really nasty is found.
I hope your adventure goes well.
wj
The following users liked this post:
Ungn (03-24-2017)
#28
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If the xkr is in Plano Tx, I looked at it as well. The color wasn't on my high list and since I plan on keeping for a long time I passed. That car needed new front leather and is typical a full suspention rebuild. Using oem style shocks and doing all of the work myself I came up with a $5K figure (sus + leather). Still a good deal overall but since it wouldn't be a keeper...not for me.
I hope your adventure goes well.
wj
I hope your adventure goes well.
wj
If that Plano car was a Coupe, I'd be at the bank right now getting cash.
"Suspension Rebuild" on a CATS car is maybe $400 in parts and a weekend + $400 for new drilled Brembo rotors and pads and suspension/brakes are done.
#29
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think you missed a few components or have a line on parts I really envy!
wj
#30
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The passenger side airbag issue appears to be the common frayed wiring under the passenger seat causing a sensor "failure". Easy enough to trouble shoot and fix. I can probably do that myself, but a good friend of mine is a master electronic tech - the best I've met in my 40-year career - and is going to track down and correct that and the other "sensor" problem.
The ONLY other problem is the also common "Suspension Fault" which is probably bad connections to the rear shock selenoids.
Beyond that the car needs some TLC to get it clean and presentable.
We (wife and I) are flying there 1st class tonight - spoiling ourselves - to look at the car in person. If it is a hot mess we will walk away and just have a nice weekend visiting good friends that we don't see often enough. If the problems are what they appear to be we will be driving home.
I'll let y'all know what happens after we see the car. And maybe I'll even post some pictures as we stop on the drive home
![Icon Biggrin](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
#31
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If the xkr is in Plano Tx, I looked at it as well. The color wasn't on my high list and since I plan on keeping for a long time I passed. That car needed new front leather and is typical a full suspention rebuild. Using oem style shocks and doing all of the work myself I came up with a $5K figure (sus + leather). Still a good deal overall but since it wouldn't be a keeper...not for me.
I hope your adventure goes well.
wj
I hope your adventure goes well.
wj
My wife says I'm driving her crazy and it is time for me to get another project car!
Those active shocks appear to be just over $400 per corner. I know there are other bits and pieces needed and it adds up. But labor isn't an issue.
The leather is another matter. I'm not expecting perfect leather on a 12-year old car (1/05 build date). If I were to keep it I would get the leather replaced, eventually. But, knowing me, I'll want another project in 3-4 years; maybe less.
#32
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
And my wife and I prefer a convertible. She expressly forbade me to get a coupe! I'll be at the bank at lunch with the intent to buy the Plano car unless I discover something horrendous.
I think your prices are "per corner" certainly for the suspension. And there might be other bits and pieces needed for the suspension rebuild. Maybe a little under $4K in total?
It appears the brakes are good but not the original Brembo rotors. I can live with that for now and do them in the fall. (No one in their right mind does much work in the Florida summer unless they have an air conditioned shop!)
I will plan to do a suspension rebuild, after the electrical/sensor issues are resolved, before summer. The cash for that is already sitting in the bank, just waiting.
"Suspension Rebuild" on a CATS car is maybe $400 in parts and a weekend + $400 for new drilled Brembo rotors and pads and suspension/brakes are done.
It appears the brakes are good but not the original Brembo rotors. I can live with that for now and do them in the fall. (No one in their right mind does much work in the Florida summer unless they have an air conditioned shop!)
I will plan to do a suspension rebuild, after the electrical/sensor issues are resolved, before summer. The cash for that is already sitting in the bank, just waiting.
#33
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
please inform where to purchase new 'active' shocks at above price, rather since I need to rebuild my xk8 frt/rear and the standard bilstein shocks alone at $420, + upper mounts + tie rod ends + links + control arms bushings + etc.
I think you missed a few components or have a line on parts I really envy!
wj
I think you missed a few components or have a line on parts I really envy!
wj
#34
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
"Place held for a later reply please stand by for a detailed post of my recent experience on my xk8/r hunt"
A friend of mine who lived afew hundred miles away had a 98 xk8 coupe. When he bought it, he thrashed on it hard, soon It had so many issues that it was not drivable.Transmission mainly. He had it in his back yard for a couple of years until recently. He sold it on Craigslist for $500. That's what got me hooked on the xk8/r model, I would have bought it from him except he wouldn't sell it to someone one he knew. He didn't want to" ruin a friendship" I loved the body style, the way it rode and the look you get while going down the road. So that's my back ground.
I started my hunt, looking at early xk8's first, then doing more research, I found they made a xkR that had 100 more hp. If I wanted a car, to keepas an investment , it would be the faster one. Same as a Mustang GT vrs 6 banger one of the same year. The price difference was minimal on the two models. On further research, I found that early models though were several $k cheaper, to make sure all the updates on all the major manufacturer defect issues would bridge the savings gap really quick. So I started to look for an 03 or newer XKR. It also had to be a coupe, as I live in Oregon and it rains alot!!
I looked and looked for a example worth buying but still under budget, pretty hard to do. I looked at least 10 different cars. All of them were 300 to 500 miles away. All of them in my price range had been obviously beaten on, and minimal maintenance done.
I finally found one that another guy pointed out to me. Driver quality needing minimal work to get fixed up.
now after 2 months and 2k miles later, I have diagnosed that she will need a complete front end rebuild. She was nice and tight when I picked her up but now knocks thunks and pulls this way and that. It's like a drunk snake on the road. Totally different car from when I bought it.
come to find out, it's not the milage on thease cars, it's the age of the rubber. It's only good for 10 years. And my car sat a lot the last 6 years in a vacation home garage.
Now that I know I'm in for a complete front end rebuild, I have looked and looked for a complete kit. None will be had. You will need to buy piece by piece. My favorite source for car parts is www.rockauto.com .they did have a bunch of the front end parts, however they are usually cheaper quality. One thing I have found working on European cars is that you never buy cheap parts.
Due to the cost of oem rubber, I decided to go full urithane bushings, all the way around. As it was actually less expensive and better quality longer lasting pieces. I ordered from powerflexusa they have a realy good bushing diagram. I ordered the stut mounts from welsh (aperantly the only good product they make) and buying oem (Gawd Daym expensive) ball joints and tie rod ends, I will be pressing them in this weekend. I haven't kept the best of records on cost for the parts, but if it has not been done, you will be doing it soon. I would think I'm some what close to $1000 including shipping. For all the front and rear rebuild parts.
I also had the opportunity to troubleshoot a power surge in the high rpm range, and still haven't fixed the airbag light (really couldnt care) and seat adjustment issues. And it's not the module or the switches.
A friend of mine who lived afew hundred miles away had a 98 xk8 coupe. When he bought it, he thrashed on it hard, soon It had so many issues that it was not drivable.Transmission mainly. He had it in his back yard for a couple of years until recently. He sold it on Craigslist for $500. That's what got me hooked on the xk8/r model, I would have bought it from him except he wouldn't sell it to someone one he knew. He didn't want to" ruin a friendship" I loved the body style, the way it rode and the look you get while going down the road. So that's my back ground.
I started my hunt, looking at early xk8's first, then doing more research, I found they made a xkR that had 100 more hp. If I wanted a car, to keepas an investment , it would be the faster one. Same as a Mustang GT vrs 6 banger one of the same year. The price difference was minimal on the two models. On further research, I found that early models though were several $k cheaper, to make sure all the updates on all the major manufacturer defect issues would bridge the savings gap really quick. So I started to look for an 03 or newer XKR. It also had to be a coupe, as I live in Oregon and it rains alot!!
I looked and looked for a example worth buying but still under budget, pretty hard to do. I looked at least 10 different cars. All of them were 300 to 500 miles away. All of them in my price range had been obviously beaten on, and minimal maintenance done.
I finally found one that another guy pointed out to me. Driver quality needing minimal work to get fixed up.
now after 2 months and 2k miles later, I have diagnosed that she will need a complete front end rebuild. She was nice and tight when I picked her up but now knocks thunks and pulls this way and that. It's like a drunk snake on the road. Totally different car from when I bought it.
come to find out, it's not the milage on thease cars, it's the age of the rubber. It's only good for 10 years. And my car sat a lot the last 6 years in a vacation home garage.
Now that I know I'm in for a complete front end rebuild, I have looked and looked for a complete kit. None will be had. You will need to buy piece by piece. My favorite source for car parts is www.rockauto.com .they did have a bunch of the front end parts, however they are usually cheaper quality. One thing I have found working on European cars is that you never buy cheap parts.
Due to the cost of oem rubber, I decided to go full urithane bushings, all the way around. As it was actually less expensive and better quality longer lasting pieces. I ordered from powerflexusa they have a realy good bushing diagram. I ordered the stut mounts from welsh (aperantly the only good product they make) and buying oem (Gawd Daym expensive) ball joints and tie rod ends, I will be pressing them in this weekend. I haven't kept the best of records on cost for the parts, but if it has not been done, you will be doing it soon. I would think I'm some what close to $1000 including shipping. For all the front and rear rebuild parts.
I also had the opportunity to troubleshoot a power surge in the high rpm range, and still haven't fixed the airbag light (really couldnt care) and seat adjustment issues. And it's not the module or the switches.
Last edited by BlooDSMeaR; 03-24-2017 at 11:36 AM. Reason: Update
The following users liked this post:
WAFlowers (03-24-2017)
#35
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Good luck with the trip. Odds are in your favor it will be a successful one.
I bought my 2004 XK8 from a dealer in Pensacola. Paid for it before I saw it in person. Flew up and drove it home. It all worked out well for me - even though I DID struggle with the "OMG what have I done?" indigestion throughout the whole 6 hour trip home.![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
You were right about that XKR needing a lot of TLC. Interior looks like it has not been cleaned since last owner bought it. Paint needs a good buffing. Front end does look low so expect some clunks until you sort it out.
After you get it back home (how's that for optimism?) I'd be willing to meet and share what I have learned while restoring mine.
I bought my 2004 XK8 from a dealer in Pensacola. Paid for it before I saw it in person. Flew up and drove it home. It all worked out well for me - even though I DID struggle with the "OMG what have I done?" indigestion throughout the whole 6 hour trip home.
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
You were right about that XKR needing a lot of TLC. Interior looks like it has not been cleaned since last owner bought it. Paint needs a good buffing. Front end does look low so expect some clunks until you sort it out.
After you get it back home (how's that for optimism?) I'd be willing to meet and share what I have learned while restoring mine.
The following users liked this post:
WAFlowers (03-24-2017)
#36
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
2006 CATS shocks on a Texas car are probably still good and just need the $30 lower bushings pressed out/in. I would do this first before Buying $400/ea new shocks.
$300 for Top mounts/bottom mounts front/rear and another $100 for factory style upper Wishbone bushings and maybe another $100 for inner/outer tie rod ends (if needed) and it should drive like a new car.
I would look under the car for torn balljoint boots and negotiate with those, but the mounts/wishbone bushings are driveway mechanic stuff I would trust my 17 year old to replace while I was at work.
The following users liked this post:
WAFlowers (03-24-2017)
#38
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I bought my 2004 XK8 from a dealer in Pensacola. Paid for it before I saw it in person. Flew up and drove it home. It all worked out well for me - even though I DID struggle with the "OMG what have I done?" indigestion throughout the whole 6 hour trip home.
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
![Wink](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif)
You were right about that XKR needing a lot of TLC. Interior looks like it has not been cleaned since last owner bought it. Paint needs a good buffing. Front end does look low so expect some clunks until you sort it out.
One thing I don't do is paint detailing. I'm going to have to pay someone to buff, etc. the paint back to as good as it can be.
I'm prepared to deal with the suspension. I've done that before on at least 3 cars so it isn't something that scares me.
After you get it back home (how's that for optimism?) I'd be willing to meet and share what I have learned while restoring mine.
#39
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Possibly $30 to refresh the shocks? A bargain! If they are still good.
$300 for Top mounts/bottom mounts front/rear and another $100 for factory style upper Wishbone bushings and maybe another $100 for inner/outer tie rod ends (if needed) and it should drive like a new car.
I would look under the car for torn balljoint boots and negotiate with those, but the mounts/wishbone bushings are driveway mechanic stuff I would trust my 17 year old to replace while I was at work.
I would be willing to walk away and buy something else. It could even be an XK8 if it was nice enough, like the one I was looking at in Jacksonville. If this XKR isn't the right car for me I know there are others available now and others that will show up later. Happily I'm in the position of not needing a car and having the cash available; I can be patient.
Last edited by WAFlowers; 03-24-2017 at 11:06 AM. Reason: Fix the formatting
#40
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
X100 don't have a positraction so someone from Michigan would drive it the snow only once per season and then chose something other than their $85K car to drive on winter Michigan roads. Rust is unlikely if it was only there when brand new. Rust would be more likely if it was there for multiple winter seasons when it was worth less. I think you'd be good.
Something that worries me about X100's in the front wheel bearings. Mine barely made it the 35 miles from East Dallas where I bought my '97 to central DFW where I live. If the car starts howling, the bearings are eating themselves and this is something 99% of repair shops you'll encounter between DFW and your house can't fix.
there is also an '06 XK8 close by in Addison for $10K
And Topline in Irving has a Low mile '06 Xk8 for $11K and they are just south of the airport. They also have some early X100's.
Dealers may not want to deal, but its a Buyers market.
Something that worries me about X100's in the front wheel bearings. Mine barely made it the 35 miles from East Dallas where I bought my '97 to central DFW where I live. If the car starts howling, the bearings are eating themselves and this is something 99% of repair shops you'll encounter between DFW and your house can't fix.
there is also an '06 XK8 close by in Addison for $10K
And Topline in Irving has a Low mile '06 Xk8 for $11K and they are just south of the airport. They also have some early X100's.
Dealers may not want to deal, but its a Buyers market.
The following users liked this post:
WAFlowers (03-24-2017)