My 5.0L XKR passed 183000 miles last weekend and has been a mostly very reliable auto and certainly the best car I have ever owned (among more than 30). Still a pleasure to drive and look at everyday. I couldn't recommend it highly enough. With a $700 pulley and tune, you can enter the rarified air of the 600hp club and really have some fun.
Not sure if you will see this as this comment is over a year old, however I was wondering how you felt about the steering feel and cornering, would it be better for someone like me who’s a little younger to go for a Aston v8 vantage?
@@fintan. A Vantage is more analagous to a Jaguar F-type than the bigger XKR. The XK series is more similar in size and certainly in appearance to the Aston DB9. And when you speak of wanting to look at a Vantage, what year or generation are you speaking of? And what engine in the Vantage? I have a 5.0L XKR which was considerably more powerful than the 4.2L engine, and with the 5.0L came suspension upgrades that made it more capable. But many in the Jaguar community love the 4.2L engine for lots of reasons. It was installed in XKs for 20 years so it's durability has been tested. It probably sounds a bit better as well. With regard to steering feel, understand that this is a GT car weighing about 4000 lbs, with a longer wheelbase than a Vantage, so it's not the ideal track car but still very capable. The 5.0L cars will outperform earlier Vantages (including the V12) and with a relatively inexpensive pulley and tune can be pushed into 600hp territory. i own a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera, in the Pantera community I communicated with a fellow Pantera owner who was selling his car in Europe and wanted to get into something more practical. He was looking at Vantages, BMWs, etc. I suggested to him that at the prices several years ago that he take a look at the XKR. He told me he had never consideered it before but he would take a look. 24 hours later he messaged me that he saw a 4.2L car, drove it, loved it and bought one. Now active on the Jaguar forums, he has said it is one of the best cars he has ever owned. But remember, while these cars have plenty of performance, they[re not sports cars though they can hold their own against any you'd care to mention. I have tracked mine many dozens of times in the past, and while I'm not the most aggressive driver in the world, my XKR can certainly entertain with the power, torque, and handling that it does have. Test drive the cars you're interested in and see how they stack against each other in the categories that you deem important, then make your decision.
@@tedgeldberg6498 I see the link between the db9 and xkr in terms of how they share similarities, however whilest i understand your points my main idea is if i should be looking to get a smaller ‘sports car’ rather than these bigger dogs. I am a very loyal car owner, usually owning cars for 5 years plus. And i’m not sure if i should be looking toward 997 carrera 4S’s or a first gen audi R8, or go new maybe even a lotus emira or toyota gr86 which have a lot less power. maybe it’s a personal dilemma, but i don’t know if i suit the persona of someone who drives the more boaty and ‘old chap’ cars if that makes any sense, though i definitely see the value for money. Whilst the ownership of your mates xkr that you recommended has lots of merit, I’ve previously had incredible experience with lexus and their service, and have heard good word from jag owners alike. It’s seems to be a worrying market right now, i feel like it’s past the peak now. i’ve followed alfa romeo 4C’s over the last 4 years and they wouldn’t budge below £45,000 until the last few months. some coming in at under £36,000 now (same mileage). What do you think i should do? There could be some detrimental value drops on these cars in the next 5 years which can massively change the true cost of ownership which will always burn on my mind. Thanks for your comments mate, has definitely helped
@@fintan. These are very interesting questions. I agree that if one really wants a high performance Sporter, then really a 997 Carrera would work very nicely. I did drive one at a Lexus dealer, he would not take my check to buy the car even though I had the money, so I left my $28000 being on him. Three years ago. I have mostly taken the view of a somewhat more sedate car. After having driven and owning two 911s, one comes to grips with tire road noise and the constant chatter...and I really wanted a 997 until I drove it. Priorities. I'd rather have a modicum more quiet for all around use. My $0.2.
I have a lovely 08 silver XK and it goes like a dream. There have been some glitches, of course, but what can you expect from a high performance car of this age? It grips the road, roars like a tiger when my right foot is depressed and can match even the most modern high performance cars on the road. I am a member of the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club, and you are absolutely right that the support to classic Jaguar owners is second to none here in the UK, and there are so many XK (and Jaguar marque) enthusiasts out there. My advice to anyone thinking of buying an XK is to go for it, you will definitely not regret it.
Great video. A couple of additions to your story (based on 15 years owning a XK and a XKR). Fuel economy of the XK is pretty good, really good, certainly on the motorway. Fuel economy of the XKR isn’t that good, bus as you pointed out in you video, It all depends on how you drive It. But the one thing I wanted to add is that the power delivery and the overtaking speed of a XKR is ferocious. An XKR is so bloody damned quick and always fun. It is brutal and it gives me a big smile to my face every time I have to get passed another car. Maybe knowing that you always have that amount of power available is the real fun part of owning a XKR.👍😁
Overtaking is pretty savage isn't it? There's just oodles and oodles of torque available in the R model 4.2. I get around 23-23mpg US on the motorway. Around town mileage can be over 20mph if driven like an old lady(which I do NOT, average around 18-19).
Great video! Your earlier video between the 5.0 and 4.2 Xkr lead me to buy an 09 4.2 supercharged. Loving the car! Couple things regarding maintenance or possible issues. The battery must be in tip top shape otherwise all kind of warning lights appear on the dash. Very frightening. I now put mine on a trickle charger when ever the car won’t be used for a week or more. Also, when purchasing the car make sure it has two working key fobs. Adding replacements or god forbid loosing all of the keys is a very expensive experience. Jaguar thought it best to make communication between the key and the car as complicated as possible. Again, thanks for the review, love your work.
I bought an '09 XKR Portfolio, also. I preferred the styling and the 4.2 engine sounds to the 5.0. After '10 I thought they lost their classic styling and were too much like driving a computer with all the gadgets and the pop up dial shifter. The '02-'06 are looking dated and are not as fast. To me the best years are the the '07' -10. Just one mans opinion.
I bought mine 2 years ago today £7650 £2008 90.000 miles full history same as the silver one on 19 inch rims, xkr's at the time were £9k at the time for a 2006 they are much more now, standard 4.2 are now around £9k 2006 I couldn't afford the XKR at the time but would have bought one over a 5.0, they really are good cars that makes me smile every time I drive it and I still look back at it when I park it, only issue so far exhaust valve spring broke so I had a rattling exhaust I purchased a replacement for £25 yes £25 on eBay with an XKR mid section which is stood upright in the garage for possible x pipe mod, parts are very reasonable if you do some research, next job is rear suspension complete replacement as it's not tight enough for me overall good ally bodied cruiser just needed to be more responsive before 3500 rpm hence XKR better plus 120 more horses ☺️
Excellent video. I had a 07 XKR and loved it. Thinking about getting another one. I do like the previous generation XKR with the BBS wheels. Timeless style. Be well.
I am truly loving your channel man! I had to sell my XFR to relocate to the U.K. and plan to by an XK series on my arrival. One comparison that you have hinted at is the 5.0 XK vs 4.2 XKR. With 385hp (and the ability to be easily able tuned to low 400s) it sounds like they could be fairly closely compared. Have you done a head to head that I can’t find or are you planning on doing one?
Outstanding video. Hugely helpful. I am just beginning my journey. Full disclosure: I drive three old rides 1985 Mercedes 380SL, 1985 Mercedes 300D and a 1988 Toyota FJ62 Land Cruiser. All of them are 0-60 in "eventually".. That said, they are utterly reliable, inexpensive to own and going up a lot in value. That is nice validation, but I am never fucking selling them. I am concerned that I will wrap myself around a tree in an R, but I will ultimately purchase what I can afford . The videos are excellent as they go into great detail about things I actually care about. Thank you..spot on.. Excellent work.
Nice motors, and thanks, glad you enjoyed. The XK or R certainly aren't too rabid to drive casually, especially in their 4.2 forms, so you'd have plenty of fun without getting close to dangerous territory
i have 170k miles on my 07 XKR, shes still daily driven and running strong.. ive owned 15 xk/xkr coupes 07 thru 09 and one 07 XK conv .. the conv ruins the body lines in my opinion. thanks brother !
If you are asking yourself should I buy the R, the answer is yes. I have owned the XK 4.2 for a few years and am just waiting for the right R to come along. Nothing wrong with the base 4.2, just R is better, more.
Nice review. The standard XK and supercharged XKR have ample power for everyday legal public road driving. Here in Australia fixed speed cameras, mobile speed cameras and plain undercover police are in abundance to collect revenue. The V8 engines make that classic music :) and in my eyes the shape of these XK's is much closer to the E Type than a comparison of the F Type to E Type. (I own a 1967 E Type open top and a 2008 XKR )
My experience driving these two cars is that the base model gives a brief big leap of tire-spinning acceleration at first, then just kind of loafs along. I found that realy unsatisfying. An XKR in good running condition is very exciting to drive.
How funny, I am now driving an 07black base model and am upgrading to a silver 09 xkr. I always thought I would be happy with 300hp but once you drive the xkr you will never be the same! The 5.0 motors are junk BTW!
Very interesting and useful material. I am just missing one aspact which is brakes. I had recently occasion to drive XK 4.2 in Romanian mountains (Transalpina) and in principle the car was surpraisingly capable, however during the more offensive driving brakes seemed to be a weak spot. How is with XKR brakes? Looks that it has bigger set. Is the difference significant during the intensive operation (track day, active driving on twisty mountain roads)?
If it were a high mileage model that could certainly have an effect on the brakes if they needed changing, but overall I would give these XK's and XKR's around a 70% rating for their brakes. Good enough to get it done, but could be better, especially compared to newer vehicles.
Very good content maid. Do you put a bluetooth aftermarket system in your XK? Iam looking for a 4.2 convertible but the missing audio connectivity is kinda problem.
I have a 2002XK8 with the 4.0 . With a measly 290 hp. Not ever driven an R model. I cannot say whether my car is fast or slow. Now compared to my 98XJ8 Vanden Plas it is fast . My XK8 feels much faster more nimble and louder than my XJ8 and they have the same motor. Besides I see jaguars more of a luxury car then a sports car and my XJ8 Vanden Plas is the top-of-the-line for Jaguar in luxury. Over in Europe it will be a Daimler. I like the XK8 but in my time at my age my XJ8 looks like a jaguar should look.
What do you think of the 3.5? Obviously, traditionally, the 4.2 or 5.0 would no doubt be better, but considering someone in a country where road tax is based on engine capacity. The 3.5's here are actually more expensive for that reason.
Yeah I've never seen one here at all. I'd be curious to try it, but based on the 300 bhp model, that 250 bhp would probably feel very underpowered tbh. Cool idea but suits something like an F-Type sized car more. The 300 bhp F-Type being a perfect example
@@HSGAutomotive Luckily countries where they pay tax on engine size and emissions aren’t used to a lot of power. (I have a brand new 316d on order for example) What I wonder is if the 3.5 XK -feels- like an XK should. 🙂
@@HSGAutomotive I made the calculation to make my point, but the lowest tax X150 in 5 years of road tax here is the 3.5 with € 13.779,52 euros and the most expensive is a 5.0 XKRS with a 5 year cost of just taxes of € 28.598,41.
Just get the XKR. They aren't that much more to run and maintain and. Just as reliable. In fact, if a 4.0 x100, they are more reliable cos they got the aluminum thermostat tower
I love both of them. I'm proud we are (Brit's} I don't care about the stats. No > - I want to take Her out to dinner now XXX. What A British Rose, not +++ Enigma . When you have a Cat (Shaguar) who gives a toss about BHP. As she glides by Graciously XXXX
My 5.0L XKR passed 183000 miles last weekend and has been a mostly very reliable auto and certainly the best car I have ever owned (among more than 30). Still a pleasure to drive and look at everyday. I couldn't recommend it highly enough. With a $700 pulley and tune, you can enter the rarified air of the 600hp club and really have some fun.
Not sure if you will see this as this comment is over a year old, however I was wondering how you felt about the steering feel and cornering, would it be better for someone like me who’s a little younger to go for a Aston v8 vantage?
@@fintan. A Vantage is more analagous to a Jaguar F-type than the bigger XKR. The XK series is more similar in size and certainly in appearance to the Aston DB9. And when you speak of wanting to look at a Vantage, what year or generation are you speaking of? And what engine in the Vantage? I have a 5.0L XKR which was considerably more powerful than the 4.2L engine, and with the 5.0L came suspension upgrades that made it more capable. But many in the Jaguar community love the 4.2L engine for lots of reasons. It was installed in XKs for 20 years so it's durability has been tested. It probably sounds a bit better as well. With regard to steering feel, understand that this is a GT car weighing about 4000 lbs, with a longer wheelbase than a Vantage, so it's not the ideal track car but still very capable. The 5.0L cars will outperform earlier Vantages (including the V12) and with a relatively inexpensive pulley and tune can be pushed into 600hp territory. i own a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera, in the Pantera community I communicated with a fellow Pantera owner who was selling his car in Europe and wanted to get into something more practical. He was looking at Vantages, BMWs, etc. I suggested to him that at the prices several years ago that he take a look at the XKR. He told me he had never consideered it before but he would take a look. 24 hours later he messaged me that he saw a 4.2L car, drove it, loved it and bought one. Now active on the Jaguar forums, he has said it is one of the best cars he has ever owned. But remember, while these cars have plenty of performance, they[re not sports cars though they can hold their own against any you'd care to mention. I have tracked mine many dozens of times in the past, and while I'm not the most aggressive driver in the world, my XKR can certainly entertain with the power, torque, and handling that it does have. Test drive the cars you're interested in and see how they stack against each other in the categories that you deem important, then make your decision.
@@tedgeldberg6498 I see the link between the db9 and xkr in terms of how they share similarities, however whilest i understand your points my main idea is if i should be looking to get a smaller ‘sports car’ rather than these bigger dogs. I am a very loyal car owner, usually owning cars for 5 years plus. And i’m not sure if i should be looking toward 997 carrera 4S’s or a first gen audi R8, or go new maybe even a lotus emira or toyota gr86 which have a lot less power. maybe it’s a personal dilemma, but i don’t know if i suit the persona of someone who drives the more boaty and ‘old chap’ cars if that makes any sense, though i definitely see the value for money. Whilst the ownership of your mates xkr that you recommended has lots of merit, I’ve previously had incredible experience with lexus and their service, and have heard good word from jag owners alike. It’s seems to be a worrying market right now, i feel like it’s past the peak now. i’ve followed alfa romeo 4C’s over the last 4 years and they wouldn’t budge below £45,000 until the last few months. some coming in at under £36,000 now (same mileage). What do you think i should do? There could be some detrimental value drops on these cars in the next 5 years which can massively change the true cost of ownership which will always burn on my mind. Thanks for your comments mate, has definitely helped
@@fintan. These are very interesting questions. I agree that if one really wants a high performance Sporter, then really a 997 Carrera would work very nicely. I did drive one at a Lexus dealer, he would not take my check to buy the car even though I had the money, so I left my $28000 being on him. Three years ago.
I have mostly taken the view of a somewhat more sedate car. After having driven and owning two 911s, one comes to grips with tire road noise and the constant chatter...and I really wanted a 997 until I drove it.
Priorities. I'd rather have a modicum more quiet for all around use. My $0.2.
I have a lovely 08 silver XK and it goes like a dream. There have been some glitches, of course, but what can you expect from a high performance car of this age? It grips the road, roars like a tiger when my right foot is depressed and can match even the most modern high performance cars on the road. I am a member of the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club, and you are absolutely right that the support to classic Jaguar owners is second to none here in the UK, and there are so many XK (and Jaguar marque) enthusiasts out there. My advice to anyone thinking of buying an XK is to go for it, you will definitely not regret it.
Sir Edward Elgar....nicely done.
Great video. A couple of additions to your story (based on 15 years owning a XK and a XKR). Fuel economy of the XK is pretty good, really good, certainly on the motorway. Fuel economy of the XKR isn’t that good, bus as you pointed out in you video, It all depends on how you drive It. But the one thing I wanted to add is that the power delivery and the overtaking speed of a XKR is ferocious. An XKR is so bloody damned quick and always fun. It is brutal and it gives me a big smile to my face every time I have to get passed another car. Maybe knowing that you always have that amount of power available is the real fun part of owning a XKR.👍😁
Overtaking is pretty savage isn't it? There's just oodles and oodles of torque available in the R model 4.2. I get around 23-23mpg US on the motorway. Around town mileage can be over 20mph if driven like an old lady(which I do NOT, average around 18-19).
Love these videos. Great content, lots of detail, but never boring.
Cheers, glad you enjoyed 🤙
Another excellent video with intelligent and considered view. Valuable. Really valuable information. Thanks!!
Great video! Your earlier video between the 5.0 and 4.2 Xkr lead me to buy an 09 4.2 supercharged. Loving the car! Couple things regarding maintenance or possible issues. The battery must be in tip top shape otherwise all kind of warning lights appear on the dash. Very frightening. I now put mine on a trickle charger when ever the car won’t be used for a week or more. Also, when purchasing the car make sure it has two working key fobs. Adding replacements or god forbid loosing all of the keys is a very expensive experience. Jaguar thought it best to make communication between the key and the car as complicated as possible. Again, thanks for the review, love your work.
Wrong choice m8 I’ve owned both and the 5.0 is the one to have.
@@leevweleevwe4813 would you please explain your point?
I bought an '09 XKR Portfolio, also. I preferred the styling and the 4.2 engine sounds to the 5.0. After '10 I thought they lost their classic styling and were too much like driving a computer with all the gadgets and the pop up dial shifter. The '02-'06 are looking dated and are not as fast. To me the best years are the the '07' -10. Just one mans opinion.
Still waiting for the xk 4.2 vs xk 5.0 comparison... ;-)
Also waiting
Me too
I bought mine 2 years ago today £7650 £2008 90.000 miles full history same as the silver one on 19 inch rims, xkr's at the time were £9k at the time for a 2006 they are much more now, standard 4.2 are now around £9k 2006 I couldn't afford the XKR at the time but would have bought one over a 5.0, they really are good cars that makes me smile every time I drive it and I still look back at it when I park it, only issue so far exhaust valve spring broke so I had a rattling exhaust I purchased a replacement for £25 yes £25 on eBay with an XKR mid section which is stood upright in the garage for possible x pipe mod, parts are very reasonable if you do some research, next job is rear suspension complete replacement as it's not tight enough for me overall good ally bodied cruiser just needed to be more responsive before 3500 rpm hence XKR better plus 120 more horses ☺️
Really enjoy your knowledge and eloquence.
Good work.
Excellent video. I had a 07 XKR and loved it. Thinking about getting another one. I do like the previous generation XKR with the BBS wheels. Timeless style. Be well.
Apparently without an electronic limiter the 4.2 XKR will do 185mph. I would never drive mine that fast, but it's fascinating to know.
Very good and thorough presentation.
Great, now I want one 😎 very enjoyable video 👍
I am truly loving your channel man! I had to sell my XFR to relocate to the U.K. and plan to by an XK series on my arrival. One comparison that you have hinted at is the 5.0 XK vs 4.2 XKR. With 385hp (and the ability to be easily able tuned to low 400s) it sounds like they could be fairly closely compared. Have you done a head to head that I can’t find or are you planning on doing one?
Outstanding video. Hugely helpful. I am just beginning my journey.
Full disclosure: I drive three old rides 1985 Mercedes 380SL, 1985 Mercedes 300D and a 1988 Toyota FJ62 Land Cruiser. All of them are 0-60 in "eventually".. That said, they are utterly reliable, inexpensive to own and going up a lot in value. That is nice validation, but I am never fucking selling them.
I am concerned that I will wrap myself around a tree in an R, but I will ultimately purchase what I can afford .
The videos are excellent as they go into great detail about things I actually care about.
Thank you..spot on.. Excellent work.
Nice motors, and thanks, glad you enjoyed. The XK or R certainly aren't too rabid to drive casually, especially in their 4.2 forms, so you'd have plenty of fun without getting close to dangerous territory
@@HSGAutomotive probably 4.2. That is reassuring. Many thanks!
i have 170k miles on my 07 XKR, shes still daily driven and running strong.. ive owned 15 xk/xkr coupes 07 thru 09 and one 07 XK conv .. the conv ruins the body lines in my opinion. thanks brother !
Great video!
If you are asking yourself should I buy the R, the answer is yes. I have owned the XK 4.2 for a few years and am just waiting for the right R to come along. Nothing wrong with the base 4.2, just R is better, more.
Nice review. The standard XK and supercharged XKR have ample power for everyday legal public road driving. Here in Australia fixed speed cameras, mobile speed cameras and plain undercover police are in abundance to collect revenue. The V8 engines make that classic music :) and in my eyes the shape of these XK's is much closer to the E Type than a comparison of the F Type to E Type. (I own a 1967 E Type open top and a 2008 XKR )
Ein schweres Fahrzeug, faucht wie ein jaguar. Geiler Sound
No mention of the dreaded Valley Pipes or s/c coupler that may need changing. Just a thought. Great video.
The first thirty seconds of the film gave me the answer to the title question.
My experience driving these two cars is that the base model gives a brief big leap of tire-spinning acceleration at first, then just kind of loafs along. I found that realy unsatisfying. An XKR in good running condition is very exciting to drive.
The base model is definitely more of a cruiser, which is why I find the 5.0 base to be a better all rounder with 385 bhp
Xkr sounds better but I wouldn't use it as a daily. The Xk I would.
How funny, I am now driving an 07black base model and am upgrading to a silver 09 xkr. I always thought I would be happy with 300hp but once you drive the xkr you will never be the same! The 5.0 motors are junk BTW!
Very interesting and useful material. I am just missing one aspact which is brakes. I had recently occasion to drive XK 4.2 in Romanian mountains (Transalpina) and in principle the car was surpraisingly capable, however during the more offensive driving brakes seemed to be a weak spot. How is with XKR brakes? Looks that it has bigger set. Is the difference significant during the intensive operation (track day, active driving on twisty mountain roads)?
If it were a high mileage model that could certainly have an effect on the brakes if they needed changing, but overall I would give these XK's and XKR's around a 70% rating for their brakes. Good enough to get it done, but could be better, especially compared to newer vehicles.
Very good content maid. Do you put a bluetooth aftermarket system in your XK? Iam looking for a 4.2 convertible but the missing audio connectivity is kinda problem.
I use a bluetooth tuner in the cigarette lighter
I have a 2002XK8 with the 4.0 . With a measly 290 hp. Not ever driven an R model. I cannot say whether my car is fast or slow. Now compared to my 98XJ8 Vanden Plas it is fast . My XK8 feels much faster more nimble and louder than my XJ8 and they have the same motor. Besides I see jaguars more of a luxury car then a sports car and my XJ8 Vanden Plas is the top-of-the-line for Jaguar in luxury. Over in Europe it will be a Daimler. I like the XK8 but in my time at my age my XJ8 looks like a jaguar should look.
I like the XJ's of that era quite a bit more than the XK8's personally. Reviewed both the XJ8 and XJR and loved both. Fantastic cars
What do you think of the 3.5? Obviously, traditionally, the 4.2 or 5.0 would no doubt be better, but considering someone in a country where road tax is based on engine capacity. The 3.5's here are actually more expensive for that reason.
Yeah I've never seen one here at all. I'd be curious to try it, but based on the 300 bhp model, that 250 bhp would probably feel very underpowered tbh. Cool idea but suits something like an F-Type sized car more. The 300 bhp F-Type being a perfect example
@@HSGAutomotive Luckily countries where they pay tax on engine size and emissions aren’t used to a lot of power. (I have a brand new 316d on order for example)
What I wonder is if the 3.5 XK -feels- like an XK should. 🙂
@@HSGAutomotive I made the calculation to make my point, but the lowest tax X150 in 5 years of road tax here is the 3.5 with € 13.779,52 euros and the most expensive is a 5.0 XKRS with a 5 year cost of just taxes of € 28.598,41.
@@billdexhart5179 get a 5.0
Would like to see XKR 4.2 vs. XK 5.0
Showdown of the HSG recommended, lol
I Take the XKR
Just get the XKR. They aren't that much more to run and maintain and. Just as reliable. In fact, if a 4.0 x100, they are more reliable cos they got the aluminum thermostat tower
mount a larini exhaust, super sound
Miller Mark Clark Laura Davis Daniel
J’ai toujours mon xk 4.2 et je ne m’en séparerai pas.
How tall are you? Do you fit good in the car?
6'3, and yeah it's fantastic for bigger drivers
Are you planning to make more Forza horizon 4 videos
At some point I'll prolly do some more tunes yeah
I love both of them. I'm proud we are (Brit's} I don't care about the stats. No > - I want to take Her out to dinner now XXX. What A British Rose, not +++ Enigma . When you have a Cat (Shaguar) who gives a toss about BHP. As she glides by Graciously XXXX
Ein wahres raubtier
First one