Lloyd Tries - The Jaguar XKR - #95 | Is it better than an F-Type?!

Welcome to Lloyd Tries Cars, this is a channel dedicated to my own experiences of a variety of cars, motorcycles or anything else that moves under its own power!
Episode 3 of the Evo Top 100 Drivers cars of 2009, Nunber 95, The Jaguar XKR, quietly said that this was always the best car Jaguar made - so, is it better than an F-Type? Let’s find out.

[@nickbrotherton5804]

Took my 2011 Black and Speed Pack XKR through France, Germany, Austria down to the Italian lakes, then back via Switzerland. A true continental GT. The XKR is a keeper

[@Lloydtriescars]

Perfect, love a eurotrip. Perfect use for it.

[@scotty141169]

I've just bought a 2010 Black & Speed Pack XKR...what a machine...definetly need to do a euro trip while we still can....

[@jkutv]

Don't let the secret out! Wonderful cars.

[@Lloydtriescars]

I know tell me about it! A proper case of “if you know you know”

[@detonator2112]

That is seriously good looking car. Sounds incredible too.

[@Lloydtriescars]

You’re absolutely right

[@martinrussellhughes2963]

I had a 2007 4.2 and it was as versatile as mentioned here. It was my only car and a daily driver. I only sold it because of financial difficulties because of COVID and would have another in a heartbeat. In my opinion it is a different car than an F type and a better one.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Fingers crossed you can find yourself back in another one day Martin!

[@etmccaus]

Agreed. And feels more like a 'proper' Jaguar to me than the F-type ever did.

[@captainbimble]

I love my XKR. Nothing like the sound of a V8 first thing in the morning!

[@Lloydtriescars]

NOTHING LIKE A V8 IN THE MORNING!

[@lothar52]

Amen! I’ve had my V8 today!

[@toffeepie1878]

Nothing like a V8 every day of the week - I have a 2009 XKRS, what a beast that is

[@Burghbhoy1]

I agree but my neighbours don't 😂😂😂😂😂😊

[@thorstenfleiter8238]

Love our coupe version - super comfortable for long distance travel - but it can be a Hooligan if you desire.

[@lesliedweck244]

I highly recommend putting Michelin Pilot sports on this car. It transformed my convertible 5L XKR Supercharged to 610 HP and really grips the road, totally amazing the difference it made, the back end stays firm even in wet conditions. It’s a very comfy rocket that sticks to the bends. AMAZING, get all the thrills of a supercar at beer money with reliability! GREAT FUN, I will never sell this car its performance is spectacular with the very best engine sounds of any car.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Great point, and no doubt that a brand new set of Michelins will improve any car! Premium tyres are always the way forward!

[@lesliedweck244]

I would also highly recommend supercharging the car to 610hp the Michelin sports deal with the power beautifully and the extra 100 HP plus makes all the difference reaction and speed wise for the car never to disappoint. Eliminating your slight negatives. The convertible has a wonderful hood mechanism which is quiet when up. I use the back seats as additional luggage space so have been able with my wife to travel through Europe with a vast array of clothes from casual to very formal. My grandchildren get great joy from sitting in the backseats with the roof off. Isofix allows even the youngest to enjoy the experience. The car is also a delight to drive at very low speeds by anyone with a very light foot, especially in the sunshine with the hood down!

[@2702simmo]

What mods did you do to get the 610hp? Thinking of doing something to mine

[@kevinford6420]

Possibly ECU tweak​@@2702simmo

[@finneganfly]

I was at the dealer for service on my F type S today and they had just sold a beautiful xkr. I love my F type but that xkr was NICE!

[@Lloydtriescars]

👌🏼👌🏼

[@lothar52]

Buy it.. V8 baby!

[@DJWenlowe]

What a brilliant review, you've got a real skill for presenting thanks very much indeed 👍👍

[@GEARED_MrLucas]

Lovely cars! 👌🏻 Good video mate, getting much better the more you’re doing! 💪🏻

[@Lloydtriescars]

Thank you mate! I’m not sure what I did with this video to make it take off compared with the others, but here we are!

[@paulfrondella3528]

Took mine to France for few weeks fully loaded up returned just over 28mpg fantastic on the open roads and mixing it in towns..better than my 911 carrera!

[@chadjenkins9900]

Righto I'm sold... this will be my next car, will be hanging out for a 5 litre to come up

[@janekjanek3607]

Nice video. Greetings from Poland !

[@patrickjohnson9329]

I have owned an XKR in the past and now own a 2020 Mustang Bullitt. The Bullitt is as comfortable, I recently drove to Cornwall from Suffolk, 350 miles and got out the other end with no aches or pains. The XKR is a GT in every sense, but the Bullitt is more involving and more fun. Long live both.

[@Lloydtriescars]

I have a Bullitt too! I love it 🤠

[@indykalia8224]

F Type over the XKR! My mate had two of them, coupe and convertible! Gorgeous looking and sounding car! 🚘

[@1061shrink1061]

F type is somehow heavier, yet smaller, isn't a 2+2, has a smaller boot..... not sure it represents a step forward in anything other than interior style.

[@christophertaylor-nc3bm]

i got a 2010 convertable and amazing power and only 45 k love her and a keeper for sure

[@jacklee7104]

Fabulous, especially in Stratos grey. Looks like I may have found my next car.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Do it! You won’t regret it!

[@lothar52]

I own 2… an updated 12 xkr and 13 xkrs…. When something is this good you just got to have 2. Can we believe they only made a total of 55-56k of these for the entire world?!? Blows my mind

[@Lloydtriescars]

Rare beast!

[@gdfggggg]

I had a ride in one of these, as a passenger. A mighty impressive machine. The back kicked out very easy 👀

[@Lloydtriescars]

Back kicks out SO easy on these. Torque for daysssss

[@gdfggggg]

@@Lloydtriescars BIG TIME

[@lesliedweck244]

That problem is solved by a full set of mitchelin sport tyres put on it. Problem solved even on my 5L 600+ hp XKR super charged convertible car! Which is a rocket that sticks round the bends. So a very solvable problem on this car and not outrageously expensive!

[@circulation69]

I own almost an exact copy of the car you drove, except mine is black with the cream interior, but a 60 plate. I use it as my daily drive, and will probably use it as such until either it dies or I die! As for running costs, I average about 24mpg, but on a long run, if you can resist the temptation to overuse the right pedal, you can hit 29ish mpg. Definitely find a Jag specialist rather than a main dealer and even servicing costs can be kept under control. Bang for your buck wise, you'll have trouble doing better. I highly recommend the experience.

[@Lloydtriescars]

I completely agree! I would always choose an independent over a specialist where I could, especially now these cars are out of warranty.

[@TheVagolfer]

I bought a 2009 XKR Portfolio coupe model. I preferred the 4.2 engine with 420h.p. and the J gate shifter. Wonderful car, fast, comfortable, 100 k new, I bought one for 25k. Get one while you can.

[@lionyleftwich4418]

It's better than the F-Type in looks,space, and the convertible department.The only thing that looks better than the XK is F-Type's rear view of the car which I think looks incredibly better than the XK rear view which they could've made another Generation of the XK by giving the XK a similar facelift look of the F-Type's rear view.If they updated the XK like this,it would be the best looking car in the world.I believe the new Aston martins have the rear view look a new XK would sort of have if they did this,but I say they should've went ahead and made it completely look like an F-type in the back and just make the tail lights look a little different

[@Beemernow]

Haha, thank you! Had a 2010 XK and now own a 2015 XKR. This car is waaaaaay better looking than the F-type IMHO

[@odinikita4821]

Ah no

[@killutsho]

I want to own this car as my first one or second. such a gorgeous car

[@thierryschaeffer5669]

I have a 5l xkr after an x 100 Silverstone its a major change. Even compare to an Aston DB 9 it is much better quicker gearbox more torque better road handling...and more reliability. For me it is the best gt you drive it quietly or wait for some porsche and start some competition. Yes it is less agile than an f type 5 r but in general on a day to day basis it is more quieter. Definitely a must have.

[@charlesglover6222]

t to see one with dark interior , headliner etc pretty rare looks fantastic ......one day .....

[@tonyhilliarduk]

In 2010 I bought an ‘07 XKR 4.2 for £36k and drove it for 3 years before selling it for £24k .. drove like a new car and only cost me £4K per year in depreciation. Miss it.

[@Lloydtriescars]

That’s the way it’s done. Love that.

[@chrisculpt57]

Styling wise, the F type, seems very short at the rear, to my eye, and the front a bit blunt and clunky.. personal thing . I think the XKR a bit more elegant, resolved and cohesive throughout.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Completely agree

[@mbadi5735]

Back of the F type looks like a lizard with a missing tail. You know there should be more to it but is cut off abruptly.

[@ryancrawford8042]

I still am miffed that the xkr is lighter than the ftype. Both look great imo. The xkr ages very well, less tailights. They are a great buy right now

[@Suprahampton]

If you need to ask "F-type vs XKR" then you don't get that they're entirely different cars for different purposes. F-type is a sportscar for a Sunday morning blast, XKR is a GT for a cruise to St Tropez

[@Lloydtriescars]

I’m not sure the primary purpose of an F-Type is a Sunday morning car for a Sunday morning blast. I think Jaguar wanted it to also be a rival for 911 and be useable everyday. F-Type is sharper than an XKR for sure, but the conclusion I’ve come to is that for me, the XKR is a better sports car than the F-Type is a cruiser. And easier to live with more of the time in my opinion. I hope that makes sense! I worked for JLR back in 2013-2016 so I’ve experienced and love both! 🙂👍🏻

[@philzvids3577]

I'm not so sure. The 3.0 V6 S F-Type is a different car certainly, but it has similar performance to the bigger engined XKR that you feature in this video, much lower road tax and potentially does more mpg. I admit I haven't driven the XKR (on my list to drive ASAP) but I have driven the aforementioned F-Type. The F-Type was exceptional on the motorway and very comfortable. I concede that boot space on them is poor! In terms of styling, I think the F-Type makes the XKR look a bit old. I'm still undecided but for a purchase I'm considering, I'm still leaning towards the F-Type. You need to do an F-Type video!

[@Lloydtriescars]

That’s the plan! I sold these cars when they were brand new back in 2013-2016, so I’ve got a good deal experience of both. Jaguar killed the XKR to focus on the F-Type so I’m asking the question of if they did the right thing 🙂 I love both cars, they are slightly different, but go and drive an XKR, see for yourself. You’ll be so surprised and how much more comfortable it is than the F-Type, without losing out too much when you compare driving dynamics! 😀👍🏻

[@philzvids3577]

@@Lloydtriescars I will definitely test drive an XKR!

[@davidguildford4293]

😅​@@Lloydtriescars

[@davidguildford4293]

​@@Lloydtriescarso

[@lloyd9819]

I've recently become obsessed with this car. And my name isn't that common

[@digbyranford6657]

The f type looks too short to me where as this is one of the best looking cars ever made, I remember driving one and it was blisteringly fast 👍

[@Lloydtriescars]

Totally agree

[@johnhorchler1953]

Just curious. When he says the bonnet opens backwards, I thought a better way is to say it opens forward.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Good point 😂

[@graemejones9707]

I had one exactly like that, same year and colour. I sold it seven years ago and deeply regret it

[@VXNmuffin]

Having now owned both, the XKR wins with the 5.0

[@Lloydtriescars]

I reckon you’re right

[@andypower31]

Only just found this video. Does anyone know what that hesitation was at about 9:30. I’d love to get one of these but is that a gearbox issue???

[@Lloydtriescars]

I can tell you exactly what that was, that’s switching the car to sport mode, and the fly by wire throttle map changes, so basically it becomes a lot more difficult to drive it smoothly. It’s not an issue, it just expects you to aggressively stamp on the throttle pedal when in sport mode, so it calibrates it differently and can sometimes be abit sensitive. Drive one and you’ll kind of see what I’m on about, but no issue 🙌🏻

[@andypower31]

@@Lloydtriescars I appriciate the reply. It’s between one of these and a m4 I’m getting soon

[@DrPittenstein]

200kg lighter than the new M2. I test drove an XKR back to back with an Aston DBS V12. I loved both but the XKR was better in almost every way apart from exhaust note.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Yeah again I agree, I’ve worked for an Aston Specialist and the DBS while great, is no more comfortable than the Jag!

[@mamovaka]

Owned both silver dbs manual and black xkr. I owned theme a decade apart so just can’t remember but the Xkr is a perfect gt. I think jaguars and Aston’s are both awesome.. I also owned a bullet stick and a f type S. The buller was the cheapest feeling car and the recaro seats sucked. Jags are Always, always have been. Same with Aston.

[@Lloydtriescars]

@@mamovaka The seats in the Bullitt SUCK. You’re so right, I’ve never known seats be so annoyingly uncomfortable on long journeys as that car.

[@BitcoinKal]

Nice watch. Cars not bad either 😉

[@Lloydtriescars]

Thank you! 😂

[@pires908]

I have the XK 5ltr, its all the car you need. Not sure if its worth the extra money for an XKR. I have never been able to put my foot all the way down so far, because the car fly's even half way down.

[@ingrampowell9111]

Camchain guides of the 5.0 are suspect and failure is expensive. The 4.2 is bulletproof - perhaps check out a 4.2 XK-R?

[@pires908]

@@ingrampowell9111 I have the 2012 model so think some of the earlier glitches have been sorted out. Had it for a year now, no problems so far 🤞 booked in next week for a service

[@Lloydtriescars]

Each to their own in terms of what you want performance wise. Both cars are lovely, I agree an N/A 5.0L is all the performance you’d want in the real world. Nice to have that supercharger though!

[@lothar52]

I’m at 116k miles on my 12 XKR.. even the supercharger versions hold up. I did have timing chain tensioner failure at 35k miles and you hear a “chat chat chat” at startup. Fixed under warranty thankfully and never re-occurred.

[@slimpikkins9526]

just purchased a 2012 supercharged 5 here in Texas. trying to decide if an aftermarket warranty is the way to go, new to this car so trying to learn all i can. any tips are much appreciated! Cheers mate!

[@robertdon777]

Probably a better car than the F-Type which neither a GT or an outright sports car. These are mega compared to other similar power/price cars. AM Vantage 4.7 is a Rival but twice the price really for a good one.

[@andrewmitchell8859]

Have you tried an xk 5 ltr naturally aspirated. Beautiful

[@Lloydtriescars]

I have, lovely car as well!

[@markwarner6195]

I've had my 2012 XKR-S for 6 years and I'm still in love. The F type is nice but not as sexy, to me.

[@Upemm]

JLR made a big mistake going for F/E Pace only imho.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Yeah understandable

[@maureencora1]

2024 I Wish Jaguar Bring Back the 2+2 XKR. I Want a 2015 XKR.

[@Lloydtriescars]

You and many others!

[@maureencora1]

@@Lloydtriescars Touche' (smile)

[@iSOBigD]

Agreed. I love the F Type dimensions a little better, but damn that XKR Coupe has 2 small seats and a lot more trunk space... Too bad it wasn't AWD so it couldn't put down all that power. I'm sure it's great at high speeds and it sounds amazing, but it can't keep up with today's AWD sports cars at lower speeds. I keep looking at it because it seems so much more practical than the F Type R, but I just find the R so beautiful...

[@2702simmo]

Beautiful car the XKR Head and shoulders better looking than the F type

[@Lloydtriescars]

🙏🏻

[@autonaryman]

Great car, great review could well be a future classic. Please review the R171 SLK 55 AMG. My car 😁

[@Lloydtriescars]

Thank you! I can have a go at reviewing it as a roller skate if it’s 1:18 scale? 😂

[@autonaryman]

Mistake but funny…look forward to your review one day of it but either way keep up the good work. Similar to this Jag, I believe the R171 is a future classic and the nicest shape of the SLKs.

[@boyblunder8889]

I can assure you that 5 secs on the gas from 70mph would put you at about 130 +

[@markbrisbane8929]

You want to be mindful of the the fuel gauge never let it get that low 🤦‍♂️

[@Lloydtriescars]

@@markbrisbane8929 good to know!

[@mr.13zn83]

Neighbour had a new F type, so many issues he got his money back! under 7k miles in 11 months , more time in garage, than him driving it.

[@Lloydtriescars]

@@mr.13zn83 such a shame, so bad for reputation!

[@lukeshardlow768]

Had a test drive in one many moons ago, think it was a 2009 one and it wanted to spin the rear wheels all the time. Think they did revisions in 2010 with a different diff.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Ooo, I Wonder if a 2009 was still a 4.2 or had moved to 5.0. That’s right on the crossover point I’m sure of it.

[@stevenmoore4078]

Yes.

[@wayland7150]

If you blur out the speedo then you don't have to be mindful.

[@henryviii6341]

right question, but wrong CAR. the X100 2005 XKR 4.2S White Badge with Paramount Performance kit. THATS A FAIR COMPARE.

[@leeboy212]

that will be the traction control kicking in hence th on off throttle responce turn it off but beware back end is livley

[@ingrampowell9111]

Electric LSD fails when it overheats under hard use. There is a choice of Mustang mechanical LSDs which fit in the same diff casing.

[@evgenyurupin8729]

Funny scratches on the window

[@Lloydtriescars]

Just smears from the window seal 😀

[@MikeWooshy]

You must be local, coming past Worcester at 13:40.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Nearby! 😀

[@lewgoogle5530]

Looks like new.

[@Lloydtriescars]

It was in great condition!

[@roxammon5858]

cabin noise seems high.

[@Lloydtriescars]

It’ll be my iPhone microphone. I’ll be getting better microphones going forward. 😂

[@georgefinlayson8448]

My neighbour stopped my wife the other day , said I think the exhaust has hole in it , she said no it's suppose sounds like that . ?.......good isn't it

[@Lloydtriescars]

Brilliant 😂

[@lm68lancashire60]

Low fuel light…..standard! 😂

[@Lloydtriescars]

Ah yes. They like a drink 😂

[@jonboy9912]

Merc made the best car in this class back in 1989 with the R129.

[@freebo27]

The F-Type is just so much nicer looking than this thing and will age far better. The XKR looks a bit old to be honest, but not in a classic way, its interior is awful too, that silver plastic reminds me of a Vauxhall. The only thing it seems to have going for it is a bigger boot. At least the XKR is cheap but you can see why.

[@Lloydtriescars]

In your opinion…

[@user-1500HP]

F type

[@canary_in_a_coalmine]

Yeah, the XKR is a nice cruiser but the gearbox and overall performance and handling cannot be compared to the Ftype which is much more of a sports car. The XKR was meant to compete with the Mercedes SLK, the F-type was matched against the Porsche 911.

[@christophertaylor-nc3bm]

i mean miles not cost

[@lincolnjones938]

To answer the question... NO 😂

[@Lloydtriescars]

Prefer an F-Type?!

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

They never got the front right on the X150- the nose cone lacks subtly and it's a bit too 'try hard.' Shame because the rest of the car is pleasing to the eye. The XK8 was better looking in my humble opinion- more E-Type cues, smaller. The rear end of the X150 is positively corpulent. If you took this car on the A road between Ambleside and Coniston, a well driven Peugeot 205 GTI would leave it for dead- despite the power disparity- the 150 is just too big and bulky- the F-Type is even worse.

[@Lloydtriescars]

Each to their own, although I have to say, as a 205 GTi owner - I agree on the right road will out drive most things, however on 95% of UK roads the Jag would leave it for dust. It just would.

[@christianolssontravels]

😂

[@chrisculpt57]

You could find many cars, that, given enough twists and turns, roller skates would be quicker.. bit silly really

[@2702simmo]

The looks on the xk8 were no where near as nice. They’re starting to look better with age but the newer XK was such an improvement looks wise

[@robertfreeman7906]

E-type is the best ever

[@Lloydtriescars]

It’s definitely the prettiest!

[@evgenyurupin8729]

An old, really old car. The best for what? To look at?

[@2702simmo]

I don’t get the fuss of the e type I can’t get into the wheels and arches

[@BrisLS1]

Probably great in the UK, where there is no sun. In the US, those headlights will glaze over and crack, and you won't be able to replace them. Old cars people, are not your father's old car. The parts supply chain for a 2009? Forget it. Seats, steering wheels, headlight lenses. No thanks for me. unless they start making it for 2024.