Oh, how the mighty have fallen. It’s always depressing to see once-great cars sitting in the bargain basement of life, but not every limited-production model can be a star. This 2004 Jaguar XKR sold for $85,000 when new, which is over $100,000 in today’s money; however, you can now buy one for a pittance of that in running condition or even less when it’s a non-running project like this XKR convertible listed here on eBay for $5,900 or best offer. In addition to being one of the prettiest cars Jaguar has made since the original E-Type, the R series models are also loaded with performance goodies.
The XKR was heralded when new, recognized for its composure, speed, and downright sexy good looks. The styling to this day remains quite captivating, especially in coupe form. The larger wheels fill in the arches and give the elegant XK-Series a serious dose of attitude. The clever Computer Activated Technology Suspension (CATS – isn’t that clever) allows for electronic suspension adjustment while a Mercedes-built 5-speed automatic provides reliable, redline-snapping shifting. We haven’t even gotten the engine yet, but the XKR also benefits from functional hood vents that help dissipate heat from the engine bay.
The interior does feature a sharp two-tone leather interior, but that’s where it stops for noticable differences between this and a conventional XK. The dash features acres of wood trim, all of which looks heavily weathered and faded by years in the sun. The driver’s seat is thoroughly trashed, which is all the more surprising considering it has under 35,000 miles. The seller suspects a battery was left on top of the seat, which also suggests a period of serious neglect in this Jaguar’s life. Sadly, another tragic event in this Jaguar’s life occurred in January 2014, when it was issued a salvage certificate from New York State and possession was taken by an insurance company.
So, assuming the car was otherwise totaled right before this point, it makes sense that the seller believes it’s been parked since 2013. The question now is why? The paint doesn’t look like it was recently resprayed, but it’s certainly possible that any repairs seemed too expensive for an insurance company to want to mess with refurbishing an old Jaguar. The supercharged AJV8, which makes a heady 370 horsepower and a downright magical 387 lb.-ft. of torque, was known for having timing chain guide issues, with brittle plastic snapping off and causing catastrophic damage. Listen for engine noises and spy for smoke if you can get this one running before commiting to buy.
Did the seller say the car starts on ether? Battery 🔋 was stored on the driver’s seat apparently and wrecked it. Thanks for the article Lavery 👋
Why not just buy a nice oner? It’s not like they are high-priced.
There are lots of nice one out there. Why buy this?
X100 series Jags are like Corvette C4s. Neglected examples are cheap, plentiful and almost always cost more to fix than they are worth.
A rough XKR like this is similar to a rough C4 ZR-1. Both are somewhat rare, and worth significantly more than standard models. They also cost exponentially more for powertrain repairs. The advice is always the same: Buy a good one.
Dirty engine compartment, wrecked driver seat, non running…..hmmmmm? Sounds like some abuse here which could add up to big $. I would stay away from this one. This Jag, when they came out, looked very similar to the Chrysler convertible of the time. I always had to look twice to see what I was looking at………
Just think, with this money you’d be a quarter of the way to buying a burned out Porsche…
Sounds like a Hurricane Sandy car.
Following the provided history report the mileage jumps from 15,830 to 28,575 in just over a year prior to that both owners put very little mileage on it per year per the history report it has a theft deturent system I’m almost wondering if this wasn’t affected by the hurricanes that managed to hit Amityville and that’s why it has a branded title. Either way I think it could make a fun car to get back on the road but definitely inspect in person.
Here’s a perfect way to spend down your bank account. I wouldn’t take this Jag if the seller was paying me.
Looking at the seats,this car looks like a Portfolio XKR. I do not care for the tu-tone leather seats,so setting the leaky battery on the driver’s seat just motivates me to have recovered. The BBS wheels were a 6k option. If I bought this,I would do everything to build this car into a screaming cat. Pull out all the stops. Lastly,I prefer the coupe…………
I don’t think the acid left on the seat would be comfortable to the flesh, sitting on when trying to start this. Maybe a parts car now .
The timing chain issue was rectified by 2001 and this engine has metal guides. That said, there are other things that fail, most famously the hydraulic lines in the roof (hood) that are part of the raising/ lowering system. I owned a flawless example for many years. Fabulous to drive, night and day difference to the plain XK. But parts, especially anything electronic, are becoming unobtanium. That’s why I ultimately sold mine. IMO this one is a salvage/parts car now.
I will never understand how someone could pay the price for a new car as beautiful as the XKR and then abuse it and let it fall into this condition. I see several other 2000-2004 XKRs that have been abused and neglected too. Makes no sense to me. These were, and still are, amazing cars. That supercharged engine will push it 0-60 in under 5 1/2 seconds. On top of that, it’s a Jag. Nuff said.