The XKR Is The Affordable Supercharged Jaguar Convertible That Isn't Too Good To Be True

Alex may have taken possession of a £100,000 Jaguar F-Type R for a few months, but you really don’t need to spend that much to put a stunning ‘big cat’ on your drive. You don’t even have to sacrifice the deeply sexy supercharged V8.

For your consideration we give you this: an honest-looking 2000 XKR with the perfect upgrades. Let’s start with the basics: for a £7499 asking price you get a nearly 18-year-old and thoroughly gorgeous Jaguar convertible on a V-plate (stop giggling at the back).

Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre supercharged V8 enhanced by an aftermarket stainless steel exhaust system. Power is a modest-looking 365bhp at 6150rpm, but 62mph comes about in 5.4 seconds.

The instant response of the supercharged engine, not to mention the noise, has got to make this one of the smiles per gallon bargains in the classifieds right now. This one has done a modest 110,000 miles with a full service and maintenance history.

The MOT runs until August next year. Emissions are over 300g/km but it doesn’t affect road tax. As a pre-March 2001 car the big Jaguar is no more expensive to tax than a 1.6-litre Ford Fiesta of the same year, at £245. As for fuel economy, expect sub-20mpg – and that’s the reason it’s affordable.

There’s a handy wind deflector, rear parking sensors and a set of 20-inch XKR upgrade alloy wheels, which could apparently use a refurb. The black soft-top has recently been serviced, and the “timing chains, tensioners, guides, water pump and thermostat have been replaced along with a huge list of other parts.”

This is no bargain basement terror in waiting, as some of you judged these bargain barges to be. This is a fair price for a desirable car that doesn’t look too good to be true. It looks just good enough to make you want to pick up the phone…