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Used 2003 Jaguar XK-Series Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
44 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 XK-Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the XK-Series since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Finally Found The Perfect Car (for me anyway...)

mplstim, 01/13/2012
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
40 of 40 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2002 XK8 in December 2011 with just 47,000 miles on it. I've never owned a Jaguar but after an exhaustive search for a luxurious coupe and being open to just about anything, I could not find anything out there in a reasonable price range until I started researching the 1997-2006 Jaguar XK series. It took a while to find the right one, but I finally found a black on black coupe for sale in Philadelphia. I drove it 1500 miles over a weekend back to Minnesota and absolutely love everything about it. Power, handling, comfort, luxury and the most unique and beautiful styling I've ever seen. Get one!! You won't be disappointed

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A terrific vehicle

peregryne, 03/12/2007
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful

This car is a blast to drive, it handles really well, and has good acceleration. Unfortunately I haven't been able to verify the top speed :), but at high speeds it's still very smooth and quiet. The convertible top produces little noise, and looks great from inside. Jaguar reliability is much better than it used to be, and the AJ-V8 engine and ZF tranny are a very solid combination. Research the timing chain tensioners however, esp. on pre-2000 models. Oil changes are very easy thanks to intelligently-situated filter and drain. Good amount of trunk space, but the back seat is all but useless for moving people.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2002 Jaguar XKR

Les, 04/16/2007
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful

After 30 years of driving, this is by far the best driving car I have owned. Recent 3500 mile trip was a smooth satisfying experience (as opposed to other sports cars where I needed to rest kidney bruises). Bought it Select Edition pre-owned. Very satisfied with reliability and efficient warranty repair and maintenance program.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

SEXY BEAST

Jungle Jim, 01/06/2003
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Beautiful, powerful auto. Turns heads everywhere. Great leather & walnut inside, but cheap plastic controls just below that gorgeous wood. Sound system should be better. Rocket-like acceleration. Superb handling. 20 mpg on highway.

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5 out of 5 stars

Powerful but refined

G Pinsky, 06/29/2005
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

My car is bright red with black leather interior and it is stunning. There is not a more beautiful vehicle on the road. I wanted a fine luxury convertible for weekend driving with room for 2 suitcases or sets of golf clubs. There are only a few vehicles in this class but the others are set up for racing and I wanted a smoother ride. The XKR has the power and performance in a league with the 500 SL Mercedes and the Porsche but the ride and features of a fine luxury car. It is perfect the perfect mix for me.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Know what it is.

Mr Dearborn, 12/04/2007
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

The XKR is a touring car, not a race car. People often get caught up in statistics when evaluating cars in this category. The XKR is heavier than other sports cars so it is slower in 0-60 times and around a track. You do get something though from the weight - leather and wood everywhere. Sitting in an XKR is a thrill in itself let alone driving it. And it is plenty fast with 400bhp. There are some quirks and design flaws on the XKR that you wouldn't find on a German car but the XKR seethes passion unlike its rivals. It is gorgeous to look at and a very rare car, the coupe especially; people will stare. In short, when I feel like getting out of town for a weekend, this car is perfect.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

excellent xk8

jagxk803, 12/29/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Love this car for the fact that my father had a e-type back in the 60s and these bring me back to those days. Jag has wonderful services and excellent reliability.

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5 out of 5 stars

Singing in the Rain with my Top down!

Simone, 11/22/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

This car has changed my life,liturally! I no longer stress in traffic jams, I have the convertible top up or down with ONE touch of a button,I feel safe and it almost drives itself. Their are features to let you know how far you are behind and in front of and obstacle with a ring of a ascending bell. My trunk is HUGE, holds 2 sets of golf clubs and ALL the Holiday Shopping I can do in one day! I look forward to going to the store a quick errand. When I drive I am wrapped in Performance and Luxury.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Wife Loves It (so do I)!

2ndowner;2ndJag, 11/04/2006
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

Wife's Xmas present 12/05. She said she always wanted one, and she couldn't believe it when it "appeared" in the driveway 2005 Xmas a.m! She drives it everyday. This is "our" 2nd Jaguar; had an '89 XJS coupe (V12) previously - what an improvement since Ford took over. The '03 is wonderful: 4.2 engine is buttery smooth, and not as fragile as former 4.0 of earlier years' V8s. I put the XK-R wheels on it with all-season Michelins, and these work much better in winter than the 19s with Pirrelli summer/snows -- we have a lot of rough roads in Michigan. KNOW your mechanic, even if just warranty stuff. Not all dealers have "Jaguar certified" ones do work (some go out on own).

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great vacation car

rmk, 03/18/2007
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Just try to fit a suitcase or two and golf clubs into the new MB, Lexus or new Jag XK. Can't do it with the new cool hard/convertible tops down. Top down, trunk space gone. I really like the clean look of the new disappearing hard convt tops but not at the expense of the trunk. I use this car to take to the coast or mountains for vacation and pleasure driving. It has a large trunk and is very powerful, comfortable. I will not be getting a new one due to the trunk space issues.

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4 out of 5 stars

Parade Worthy

Lynda, 05/20/2018
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful

This fantastic model is no longer made, the body style is a classic. For a high performance car fuel economy is great. Offers sport mode and shift. No problem getting repairs, most repairs are consistent with routine wear and tear for the age of car. Oil pan in front low position makes is susceptible to damage if scraped by going over cement parking blocks.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Elegance & beauty

Sonni, 09/22/2008
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Beautiful sleek profile--I love the look and style. Gorgeous wood dash. Fabulous power--gotta watch the speed. Strangers stop and stare and comment that they love my car--me too. Even the 25-26 mpg was a pleasant surprise.

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5 out of 5 stars

jaguar

anderson, 03/02/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

best all around car on the road

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Almost no gripes

Jagman, 02/13/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

The only thing I could find wrong with this car is that the interior is not up to Jaguar standards, even though it is more sport-oriented than the others. Jaguar is known for their Connolly leather and acres of trees chopped down for wood paneling, and this doesn't have enough of it, but other than that, it is a great car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

XKR 100 Coupe First Impressions

J. S. Henry, 06/02/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 100 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

High performance, incredible luxury! Tackles any road at crazy speeds. Braking is outstanding, throttle response especially quick, gas pedal feedback too light. Engine is smooth, quiet, very torquey. Automatic trans is excellent; 6-speed would be more fun! Steering is tight and predictable, too insulated from "road feel". Recaro seats are spectacular. Buttons are "Fordish", but intuitive. Gas door/trunk release are too easily bumped. Sound system is great, needs in-dash CD player. Nav system accuracy and capabilities are better than most. Overall: Far classier than anything in its class. Interior luxury to match exterior sexiness. A spectacular car!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Fun car, build quality weak

bobsmith, 11/05/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Performance and styling are outstanding. The factory quality has declined over the previous jaguar I had. The interior headline is impossibile to keep clean and the boot for the top is antiquated.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Pax Britannia

winston, 02/13/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

British cool and class all rolled into this beautiful aluminium jewel of the crown. Mercedes SL is a good alternative but its interior is too cheap in appearance. Besides, its cheaper SLK version steals the thunder while the Jag XK series exclusivity is assured. There is no mistaking the XK8 as a cheap Jaguar. If anything, the XK8 represents everything that Jaguar stands for. Long live its designer, Sir Ian Callum!

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5 out of 5 stars

E-Type Redux

Chat Noir, 05/03/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

For 30 years, I've always owned a sports car as my primary transport -- because I just really love to drive. The XK8 is really my first sports car (if you can call it that) for grownups. Actually, it's really a GT or a GGT (Greatest Grand Tourer) with the emphasis on the "Gee!" It's kinda like the girl you marry, after you've had a lot of flings. Nothing else comes close to the coupe for poise and polish. It's design is timeless -- like its lineal ancester, the XKE. You don't own this car for the numbers -- you own it for its style. It's incredibly sleek and sexy and just whispers elegance. It's a lady.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

BabyCakes**Kimi**, 01/17/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This car is a great car. It rides very smoothly and you can't feel the ground when you are riding/driving this car. Once I drove this car I never liked another car again.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome car!!!

Mary Watson, 11/25/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

This car was just really nice when I bought it little did I know it was goingt to be amazing to drive I recommend this car to anyone who is thinking about buying it you will love it I know you will. Have Fun!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Getting my Jaguar jag back again.

C M Cooper, 01/19/2021
updated 07/20/2021
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Acquired my 2002 Jaguar XK8 convertible 6 months ago and I really love it. I found a home for my 1976 XJ12C (which I owned for 43years) and this car was part of the payment. The seller called it “Jaguars’s masterpiece”. And he is right. From a driving standpoint it has all that my 12C has but it’s more modern, sophisticated and developed. Not only do I love it’s style but it is the best driver’s car I’ve ever driven. I don’t know why I didn’t get one years ago (got mesmerized by Mercedes I guess). Anyway I now have two newer Jags instead of one older one. And really glad I did it. After 1 year I love it even more. So smooth, powerful, comfortable and quiet. Nothing better than top down at 80 mph without getting blown about or loosing my hat.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

First Class Car

tomsimstad, 10/27/2002
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

My wife and I shopped ALL the luxury convertibles. We narrowed the search down to the 2003 SL500 (hardtop) and the 2002 XKR (ragtop). The non- availability of the SL500, the poor quality CD based NAV and the 'cheap" looking interior of the SL500 made our decision easy. Both cars are quiet, smooth and really great vehicles. We bought the XKR and we're loving every minute of it. We made the right decision. Its a reallllly fun car to drive. Quite, powerful, smooth, and very comfortable - FIRST CLASS, ALL THE WAY! May be Mercedes will make some improvements for 2004, till then XKR is the way to go.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

Klooser, 01/14/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Has sweet acceleration and every thing you can think of.

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5 out of 5 stars

Sexy, Sleek and Brutal Acceleration

NkMut, 02/13/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fabulous engine, as much power as most of us could ever handle. Refined and supremely stylish.

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5 out of 5 stars

Perfection.

Dubii, 02/18/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I would spend my last $85k on this car and have no regrets. In fact, I think I did. Simply the most incredible car I have ever seen, driven, or owned. Makes my previous S55 Benz look like a Yugo. Never has there been a more beautiful shaping of sheet metal in the history of the automobile, add to that the technology and performance and quality and you have a perfect 10.

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5 out of 5 stars

XKR Coupe 03

XKR=SWEET, 02/23/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The 03' XKR coupe coupled with the 20" wheels and the Brembro brake kit makes this car one the most appealing car on the road. In the past I had a 01' XKR coupe and I've noticed hardly any differeces on the 03' car except cosmetics. The 400Hp gives the exact same result of the 01'.

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5 out of 5 stars

THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE

CLINE DAVIS, 12/20/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

THIS CAR IS THE MOST EXCITING CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND WILL CONTINUE TO TURN HEADS EVERY WHERE I GO! THE FUNNY THING IS MOST PEOPLE HAVE NEVER REALLY SEEN ONE AND I LOVE IT!

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5 out of 5 stars

great car

jag lover, 07/14/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Have just put 1000 miles and love everything about the vehicle. Comfort, performance, looks. I have had more people come up to me and talk about the car. A sheer beauty. I glad I sold my SC430, can't compare.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

nothing but PROBLEMS

Russ122, 03/30/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful

I have put less than 40000 miles on this car and have nothing but problems. The rubber used in the tires is very soft - I have put on 13 tires due to flats (they are not cheap either). The coolant systems had to be replaced, the engine uses 2 quarts of oil a month (and the dealership argues that nothing is wrong with the car). The leather is splitting in the front seats. It costs over $150 for an oil change.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Refined class with blow 'em away power

ed orgon, 03/24/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Beautiful, unbelievably fast and pwerful

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5 out of 5 stars

FSTCAT

eaorgon, 05/28/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Beauty and the Beast. You can't find a better looking vehicle on the road, and its power rivals the hottest little rattle boxes out there, yet delivers with a grace and style no Teuton can match. Editors complain about a fussy GPS, which is ridiculous...its acuracy will amaze. The interior is divine, all high quality with an outstanding 9 speaker sound system.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome British motoring

WL, 02/24/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Owning one of these Jags is like owning a piece of history. Most people don't realize that the XJ and XK series are still hand assembled over in Conventry. All the leather and woodwork is still done by hand! Only the British can produce something so beautiful. I can't tell you how many people have come up to me on the street to comment on it's beauty (can you blame them?) I am very impressed with Jaguar's realiability improvements. I don't have to pay for anything for 4 years, not even oil changes! I absolutely love this car and seeing them made in England has made me a fanatic. I would highly recommend a tour in Coventry for all of you Jag lovers.

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4 out of 5 stars

great looks, but disappointing performer

socalh2oskier, 04/23/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

This car is gorgeous...it has a great ride, always garners stares and compliments...but it is so disappointing to drive even a little bit sporty...all because of seats that seem like they're straight out of a 1970's Cadillac. The seats have no side bolster support whatsoever...take a left corner at anything above granny speed and you'll likely end up in the passenger seat...plus, the seats have terrible lumbar support. I'm really amazed...the less "sporty" XJR sedan and even the lowly X-Type have much better seats than this "top-of-the line" supposedly sportiest of cats.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Shoulda gone for the R

yogistein, 07/02/2003
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love driving this car, and I wish it had more amenities, like the BMW 7 series. If you can, go for the XKR: while the XK8 is great, the extra--wheels and the nav system--make it all the more worthwhile.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Auto

Garry Hardt, 08/08/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Best Auto in the World

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4.88 out of 5 stars

XKR 100 Coupe First Impressions

Jeff Henry, 06/02/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 100 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

High performance, incredible luxury! Tackles any road at crazy speeds. Braking is outstanding, throttle response especially quick, gas pedal feedback too light. Engine is smooth, quiet, very torquey. Automatic trans is excellent; 6-speed would be more fun! Steering is tight and predictable, too insulated from "road feel". Recaro seats are spectacular. Buttons are "Fordish", but intuitive. Gas door/trunk release are too easily bumped. Sound system is great, needs in-dash CD player. Nav system accuracy and capabilities are better than most. Overall: Far classier than anything in its class. Interior luxury to match exterior sexiness. A spectacular car!

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5 out of 5 stars

my review

GOD, 02/28/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

the best

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5 out of 5 stars

GREAT

katherine )&, 03/20/2003
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is one of the most cofortable cars i have ever drove

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Bomb

Ericp, 07/16/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is my fav. car! I am so glad my dad decided to get this work of art for me! if u are considering getting this car my words to you are wat r u waiting for!?? It makes me feel like i am the happiest 16 year old in the world. My words to you:Get one now!!!!!!!!!1

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5 out of 5 stars

My XKR

Timothy A Reed, 04/14/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I Live in Alaska and this car runs very good in snow and on ice and the CATS is great!

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5 out of 5 stars

SUPER

Thomas2, 09/20/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 100 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

This car is perfect. The best car I have ever driven. My dream car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The fastest Gentleman's Club in England

David Ford, 05/06/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

OK, so I'm biased. I'm a Brit, work both in the US and the UK - but the XKR is the second I've had - and the 2003 model is my latest purchase for my UK travels. I've driven stacks of different and very nice cars - but something just keeps me in these Jaguars. Perhaps it's the feeling that any moment the waiter will come over and ask if sir would care for another Pimm's.. All that leather and walnut combined with neck snapping acceleration make this a seriously quick tool for demolishing distances in style, grace and comfort. I guess (proudly) it's something that us Brits still do well

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1.38 out of 5 stars

Bad news when problems happen

PerryR, 06/20/2003
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful

I just had my 2003XKR break down while I on a trip. My steering went out. Jahuar does not keep replacement parts! They kept telling me "next day" stories on when it would be fixed. After almost three weeks I got the car back. Now I am getting the roal run around on what they promised to reimbusement for travel to get back home. Beware...this company wants to sell you a car, but does not live up to any of the after the sale promises. Its' always a story as to why someone else gave you wron information.

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5 out of 5 stars

I Love It

Mike Fitz, 04/17/2002
2002 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

nice car

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