X150 coupe: Talk me out of it

[Patrick Bateman]

GeniusOfLove said:

Patrick Bateman said:

Don't take this the wrong way chaps but...why bother?

I mean in terms of nav only- a quality phone holder and you're sorted.

I have an FM transmitter for music and podcasts etc. that works really well, obvious limitation being wanting to change something while on the move aside from skipping forward or back.

I have tried an FM transmitter a few times in various cars and I find them a royal pain in the arse, as I drove around the country I'd keep stumbling into areas where my chosen frequency was in use and never once found a frequency that I didn't have to mess around with.

Is yours a 4.2? Do they have an aux input somewhere?

I also have a strong dislike for holders, trailing wires etc. I put up with in my X150 but if I could fix it for £500 I would.

I've never had an issue with 108 as the frequency, depends where you are I suppose!

Holders are easy to remove and only really need them for nav which I assume is few and far between for most.

I have a 4.2 and I'm not aware of an aux input.

[AC43]

Patrick Bateman said:

Don't take this the wrong way chaps but...why bother?

I mean in terms of nav only- a quality phone holder and you're sorted.

I have an FM transmitter for music and podcasts etc. that works really well, obvious limitation being wanting to change something while on the move aside from skipping forward or back.

It's great to be able to swap between playlists, podcasts and audio books on long journeys and I find it almost impossible from a phone screen. Plus, when it's all integrated you get Maps and Waze on the dash as well.

I'll speak to the guys that did the AV on mine. At the very least, if I am going to use a phone for nav, I'd like a decent mount with a discrete power supply. That's not too hard.

Then I can get some sort of BT or FM connection into the amp. Just typing that makes me twitch slightly. And then put a very very long playlist on :-)

Meanwhile nice low-mileage private XK 5.0's are getting more and more affordable.

[AC43]

Vsix and Vtec said:

My 4.2 has a USB and Ipod connection in the centre console cubby box. I use an Invery (80 quid off Amazon) which is a Bluetooth device that fakes being an ipod, so it pugs in, the phone connects, and it allows me to play Spotify or mp3s with the head unit, and even skip songs with the steering wheel buttons.

This sound like the tech on my previous E500 (the 211). A decent workaround.

[summit7]

AC43, Mine is a last of the line 5.0 non supercharged cars.

For me it is a perfect blend of cool relaxed driving and go have some fun. I know many here have the 500hp supercharged cars and love them but that urgency is just not for me anymore.

I can not think of a better all round, great looking GT than the 5 litre XK, if that is where your headspace is go for it. If you want a performance car that can travel many miles/distances I think the supercharged car is good, if you want an out and out sports car maybe look elsewhere.

I can not comment on the sound system as I don't use it, I personally like the car having manual HVAC controls though! I do however touch the screen to put on my heated seat. Want an old man I am.

[Patrick Bateman]

I think any of these would be excellent GT's, NA 4.2 maybe missing some handy low down punch perhaps?

I've driven up to the Black Isle north of Inverness today, through the Cairngorms and it just absolutely swallows up the trip. Cracking car for going away with the other half- handiness of the rear seats is not to be underestimated.

Riding really well on the 18" winter wheels too which doesn't half help deal with some of the poorer surfaces.

When really wanting to grab it by the scruff, especially given some of the best driving roads in the UK, paddles just don't do it though (I think I'd have this opinion no matter the car). It's still enjoyable to drive of course but I love the idea of a manual one.

[Vsix and Vtec]

Patrick Bateman said:

I think any of these would be excellent GT's, NA 4.2 maybe missing some handy low down punch perhaps?.

I can't say I've ever touched the accelerator in my car and thought it was lacking. Granted it'll feel a bit slower than the others, but compared to everything else on the road, certainly not. I've driven mine down to the Le Mans 24hr for the last couple of years now (going again this year) and it shows the strengths of a true GT every time. It's a quick car, even when packed to the roofline with bags a tent and chairs.

It seems to me, having one at all is the most important thing.

[SD_1]

Vsix and Vtec said:

My 4.2 has a USB and Ipod connection in the centre console cubby box. I use an Invery (80 quid off Amazon) which is a Bluetooth device that fakes being an ipod, so it pugs in, the phone connects, and it allows me to play Spotify or mp3s with the head unit, and even skip songs with the steering wheel buttons.

This is exactly what I use on mine, it works very well. Sound quality streaming from a phone is excellent, just as good as a CD. Tried an FM transmitter for a while and while they are acceptable for podcasts I found them rubbish for music. In terms of nav I just use a phone mount, it's easier to see and so much better than the standard system. Personally I wouldn't bother trying to fit something else.

18 months and 10k+ on with my 5.0 NA and it's absolutely excellent. Been all over the country in all sorts of conditions and it's perfect for the job. Very comfortable, plenty fast, and sounds great. Won't be changing for quite a while I don't think.

[GeniusOfLove]

Vsix and Vtec said:

Patrick Bateman said:

I think any of these would be excellent GT's, NA 4.2 maybe missing some handy low down punch perhaps?.

I can't say I've ever touched the accelerator in my car and thought it was lacking. Granted it'll feel a bit slower than the others, but compared to everything else on the road, certainly not. I've driven mine down to the Le Mans 24hr for the last couple of years now (going again this year) and it shows the strengths of a true GT every time. It's a quick car, even when packed to the roofline with bags a tent and chairs.

It seems to me, having one at all is the most important thing.

The nasp 4.2 feels much stronger than you expect, a 4.2 X100 feels a little bit of a slug to me but I have no complaints about an X150 (or X350) with the 4.2.

I just had a lovely drive in the sunshine with the roof down in my XKR, they have such a feelgood factor and the noise they make just bobbing along in traffic makes the experience even better for sure.

I've got a bluetooth to 30 pin adapter called a bovee and it works extremely well, it's a must have if your car has the iPod interface I think.

[AC43]

summit7 said:

AC43, Mine is a last of the line 5.0 non supercharged cars.

For me it is a perfect blend of cool relaxed driving and go have some fun. I know many here have the 500hp supercharged cars and love them but that urgency is just not for me anymore.

I can not think of a better all round, great looking GT than the 5 litre XK, if that is where your headspace is go for it. If you want a performance car that can travel many miles/distances I think the supercharged car is good, if you want an out and out sports car maybe look elsewhere.

I can not comment on the sound system as I don't use it, I personally like the car having manual HVAC controls though! I do however touch the screen to put on my heated seat. Want an old man I am.

My BIL had a 4.2 n/a (black over ivory) and it was a fantastic thing. Having moved from a 300 bhp-ish E500 to a 400 bhp-ish E500 (and liking the increase) I started looking at 4.2 XKRs before realising I could get a 5.0 n/a for similar money.

I'm not after an out and out sports car, I'm looking for a relaxed GT and the 5.0 looks great for what I'm after. Same power as my E500 but significantly lighter. Plenty for me.

[AC43]

LanceRS said:

AC43 said:

Diderot said:

Diderot said:

Stunning car chap. Congratulations.

I’m going to be buying one of these in the Spring. Back in 09, I had an 07 plate in a very similar colour. It’s the only car I’ve really ever missed. Perfect blend of performance, comfort, effortless continental cruising ability (although not great range given the MPG), and IMO fantastic looks. It doesn’t help now that two neighbours on our street have them, plus another neighbour has an immaculate 1998 X100. The bds rubbing my nose in it every single day as I drive past in my elderly 350SL.

I blame the OP. I’ve just bought one much earlier than planned (2011 XKR). Pick her up next week. Can’t wait.

Edited by Diderot on Saturday 6th January 18:57

Nice. Pics when you get it pls. I spotted a lovely brace of them today on the M40. A grey coupe and a black vert.

I originally had my search set to blue and green but have now added black and grey as that massively increases the cars available.

I can recommend grey.

I saw a fantastic-looking grey one in some dealer shots over the weekend. I thought it looked amazing. Blue or grey over ivory (with the light headlining) would be my personal preference.

With green and black in reserve. And maybe silver? Not entirely sure.

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Hello everyone...... I just joined the team !

Bought this 2011 5.0 Portfolio last weekend *edit - evidently not a portfolio



It has already made friends with my SL



And my other Jaaaag

Edited by TriumphStag3.0V8 on Tuesday 23 April 19:23

[AC43]

TriumphStag3.0V8 said:

Hello everyone...... I just joined the team !

Bought this 2011 5.0 Portfolio last weekend



It has already made friends with my SL



And my other Jaaaag

Great line up. Did you get that car from a dealer? There was a grey one up for what seemed like 5 mins last weekend before it was taken down.

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

AC43 said:

Great line up. Did you get that car from a dealer? There was a grey one up for what seemed like 5 mins last weekend before it was taken down.

Thanks, no, it was a private sale from a guy near Wokingham. Stratospheric mileage (180K) but does not show it and drives like a much lower mileage car. Lots of history and money spent in his ownership including timing chain replacement.

Paid £7,400 for it. Hopefully not a bad deal.

I looked at an 06 plate one at a dealer which was £6,500 and was a wreck - night and day difference to the one I bought.

[Stedman]

Nice 350

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Stedman said:

Nice 350

500 But thanks!

[GeniusOfLove]

TriumphStag3.0V8 said:

Stedman said:

Nice 350

500 But thanks!

He means the X350 XJ!!

Glad you didn't get the little girls SL though

[GeniusOfLove]

TriumphStag3.0V8 said:

AC43 said:

Great line up. Did you get that car from a dealer? There was a grey one up for what seemed like 5 mins last weekend before it was taken down.

Thanks, no, it was a private sale from a guy near Wokingham. Stratospheric mileage (180K) but does not show it and drives like a much lower mileage car. Lots of history and money spent in his ownership including timing chain replacement.

Paid £7,400 for it. Hopefully not a bad deal.

I looked at an 06 plate one at a dealer which was £6,500 and was a wreck - night and day difference to the one I bought.

They take miles very well, I like a bargain well maintained leggy car you can use without thinking about it, much more my kind of fun that paying for a low mileage car and either not using it and just polishing it, or seeing it's value crater as you actually use it.

Do you have the invoice for who did his timing chain job and what they charged him?

Edited by GeniusOfLove on Tuesday 23 April 14:49

[AC43]

TriumphStag3.0V8 said:

AC43 said:

Great line up. Did you get that car from a dealer? There was a grey one up for what seemed like 5 mins last weekend before it was taken down.

Thanks, no, it was a private sale from a guy near Wokingham. Stratospheric mileage (180K) but does not show it and drives like a much lower mileage car. Lots of history and money spent in his ownership including timing chain replacement.

Paid £7,400 for it. Hopefully not a bad deal.

I looked at an 06 plate one at a dealer which was £6,500 and was a wreck - night and day difference to the one I bought.

You can hardly go wrong at that price.

The one I saw looked great in the dealer's photos.

Re-inforced my liking for an X150 in grey.

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

GeniusOfLove said:

TriumphStag3.0V8 said:

Stedman said:

Nice 350

500 But thanks!

He means the X350 XJ!!

Glad you didn't get the little girls SL though

I know, I was trying to be funny but failed

I do happen to have a broken x358 in the same colour that I bought to give mine a facelift. Haven't decided if I am actually going to do it or not.

Been a long time since my last XK (was a 1998 x100) and this is a different beast. It's brutal - even compared to the 4.2 Super V8 XJ.

Problems discovered so far.....
1) Drivers side dash vent is missing the handle bit. Rest of the vent is fine. I might have one in my box of bits for the x350 (the little handle bit).
2) CD changer in the dash does not work. It is making lots of whirring and clicking noises, sounds like there may be a CD stuck in there. Not a major issue at the moment as it came with a Bluetooth to IPOD adapter in the centre console so am just using my phone to stream music

It is missing a couple of things that bug me... keyless start but not keyless entry (as far as I can tell), and the cruise control is not adaptive (it is on the XJ).

[drmotorsport]

I'm in the market to buy a late 2012-2014 XKR coupe with excellent maintained condition sensible lowish miles (50-80k) and speed pack. Really looking for red, green or maybe silver and getting annoyed with all the black&white ones Anyone know of somewhere else to look apart from here, Autotrader, Ebay, Gumtree? Facebook marketplace is just full of scams these days.