2002 Jaguar XKR

Handed over to Grange of Exeter on 8 August 2002, the consigned XKR is an early example of a facelifted X100. With three keepers to date, up to and including the present vendor, it has worn two other number plates.

The owner selling the car bought the XKR five-and-a-half years ago as a retirement present, and revels in its smooth and quiet performance; this car is the one of the last 4.0-litre XKR convertibles built, identified by its red-backed ‘growler’ bonnet badge and chromed boot lid handle.

Having enjoyed the car thoroughly, he’s decided that he wants an older project car to occupy his time, hence his reason for selling. The XKR is almost too competent and fuss-free, in his eyes. He has added to the car’s extensive history, having it serviced well before the mileage intervals suggested by Jaguar, always garaging the car and using it exclusively on dry days, as well as fitting new tyres (and correcting scuffs on the rear bumper that it had picked up from a previous owner).

Well-specified from new, this XKR’s Pacific Blue equip with wind deflectors appears excellent on a walk-around inspection; all its panels are straight and unblemished. The current owner wanted to improve the car’s appearance further throughout his tenure, buying four new Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres in 2017 that have barely 2000 miles on them since fitment. Not only are they the correct 285 30 20 size specified by Jaguar, but the multi-spoke BBS Montreal alloys that they sit on were refurbished at the same time. They have done well since their refurbishment, as there is no kerbing, or cracked lacquer, around the studs.

The hood tonneau and material are free from cracks, rips or splits (the same goes for the rear window) and it raises and lowers properly, as and when needed.

In 2017, the vendor took the car to CL Panelcraft in Essex to have some scuffs on the rear bumper corrected; new brackets were sourced, and the car was resprayed from the B-pillars back to blend the paintwork, at a cost of £2008.18. There are no chips and crack on the headlights or rear clusters; in fact, the only thing that differs from standard are the aftermarket number plate frames added fore and aft.

The XKR present belies its two decades; it appears like new in the cabin.

A traditionalist will appreciate the sable dashboard; free from cracks in its top or around the instruments, the original owner specified the car with wood rather than the painted alternatives that became more common with post-facelift X100s.

The seller advises us that everything works as intended bar the air-conditioning, which he feels could be colder. At the last service, performed on 1 March by Lancaster Jaguar Land Rover, he was quoted for a re-gas. Other delicate items including the electric hood and sat-nav, function properly. The centre console clock display is free from LCD ‘bleed’, a common problem that affects X100s and X300s as they age.

The shift lever knob is free from cracks and the bezel remains correctly attached; there’s good news also for the seats and carpets; apart from slight wrinkling on the inner seat base, the ivory hide is clean and belies the mileage recorded – ditto the carpets. There are no issues that can be seen with the hood lining or boot floor, either. The factory space saver is included alongside the tools and jack needed to repair a puncture.

Under the bonnet, all looks well, with no leaks from the rocker covers or reservoirs, or any rust to speak of the suspension towers.

While the earliest X100s are beginning to rust, there’s very little to worry about under this particular XKR. All of the protective plastic undertrays and wheel arch liners are still in place, and there’s no rot to be seen on the floor pans, subframes and spare boot pan. A fussy inspection might comment on the very minor oxidisation on the edges of the outer sills and jacking points, but no paint has been broken and could be easily treated.

We could only see surface discolouration on pipes leading to the front of the oil cooler and the very bottom of the coil springs at the front of the car; the exhaust and back boxes present well, with only routine use commensurate with low annual mileage.

Along with having the scuffs rectified, the bumper bracketry was also replaced by CL Panelcraft in 2017. This is holding up perfectly thanks to proper protection; there is slight overspray of underseal near the two rearmost back boxes, but this does not affect their operation.

Having owned the car five-and-a-half years, the vendor has added to the XKR’s already impressive list of documents. The car comes with a fully up-to-date, stamped service history from pre-delivery inspection until 1 March this year, when its 12-month/120,000-mile service was carried out by Lancaster Jaguar Land Rover in Tonbridge, Kent with 80,672 miles recorded.

The seller has also provided a summary list of the XKR’s features; the car will also be sold with its cherished ‘AS02 XKR’ numberplate. There are three keys supplied, with two remote fobs; the locking alloy wheel nut key was found recently and there is a full owner’s manual book pack alongside a workshop manual CD, a breathable indoor car cover, and a selection of Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club magazines included in the sale. The XKR has an MoT valid until 12 August; there are no advisories.

2 x rear tyres – Alloy Art – 10/5/17

Alloy wheel refurbishment and 2 x rear tyres - Alloy Art – 19/7/17

Rear bumper respray – CL Panelcraft – 17/2/17

New Bosch battery – Tayna – 22/2/22

Major 120,000-mile service – Lancaster Jaguar Land Rover – 01/3/2022

Having languished in the doldrums for years, prices of the X100 XK8 and XKR are finally beginning to rise. With a comprehensive service history and an advisory-free MoT, this is a modern classic that wants for nothing, apart from routine maintenance and careful storage.

Its five-speed (Mercedes-sourced) automatic and Servotronic power steering make it an ideal prospect for anyone used to modern vehicles, or for an enthusiast tired of chasing rust and indifferent performance. As one of the last of the pre-facelift XKRs, keen Jaguar enthusiasts should take note; with those sought-after 20-inch wheels, it easily stands aesthetic comparison with more modern cars.

With a relatively low mileage for its age, this car would make an excellent foil for a trip abroad, or for a long-distance trip across the UK as the weather improves. The embodiment of ‘a lot of car for the money’; buy now, before prices rise further!

We estimate for this Jaguar XKR to reach anywhere between £10,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.