Jaguar XKR
ENGINE 3996cc/V8/DOHC POWER 370bhp@6150rpm (std) TORQUE 387lb ft@3600rpm (std) MAXIMUM SPEED 155mph (std) 0-60MPH 5.3sec (std) FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-23mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed automatic MoT 12 months ODOMETER 53,412 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This XKR‘s supercharger pulley upgrade means it puts out a claimed 500bhp. You really wouldn’t guess that on start-up, as even with the roof down it’s fairly refined. But slipping the J-gate gear selector into smart mode reveals eye-widening forward thrust with a TVR-style bark. There are no untoward noises from the suspension, braking power is up to the task of reining in all those extra horses and there’s no slop or any dead zones in the steering. The gearbox slurs easily and quietly through its ratios.
BODYWORK CHECK
This Jaguar’s in great condition for a 17-year-old car, with only a few minor lacquer marks, the odd stonechip here and there and some orange peel effect to the sill paint. The front bumper was replaced in 2008 and still looks good. The roof is in good condition, but could use a clean. The wheels are free from kerbing but there are a few scratches to the wheel centres.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
It’s good news on the interior front – there are only a few signs of light wear commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. The steering wheel is a bit grubby and there are a few minor cuts to the passenger seat, but the wood panelling is in largely good condition. There’s a mark in the gearlever top and a few scuffs to the metal sills, but that’s about it. All the dials light up when they should upon start-up, and the air-conditioning blows ice-cold. The original stereo still works as it should too.
UNDER THE BONNET
The tightly packed engine bay looks in good condition, with no signs of corrosion evident anywhere. All the fluids are up to their maximum marks and none made any escape attempts during our test drive. We couldn’t see any receipts for the pulley upgrade in the paperwork file, but there’s a vast collection of old MoTs and receipts for a cam gasket kit in 2014, replacement upper and lower wishbones plus rear dampers in 2007 – at a cost of £1135 – and the aforementioned replacement front bumper. The service book contains Jaguar main dealer stamps until 2004, then independents take over until 2007. There’s a gap in the service history until 2012 but it’s been treated to annual services since then.
THE CCW VIEW
We wouldn’t be put off by the missing years in the service history. Judged on appearances and overall quality, this XKR is in good condition. The performance is astounding – it sounds like a Spitfire at full chat, and is equally as blustery with the roof down – yet it feels very solid. There are a few minor things to sort if you’re being particularly picky, but there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying it now and putting the fixes off until winter.