All X150 XKs have a double wishbone with coilover spring, anti-roll bar and damper set-up at the front and rear. Jaguar offered its (CATS) Computer Active Technology Suspension as an option when the XK was first launched but soon made it standard across the board. The CATS system offers the driver a choice of suspension settings to suit comfort or sporting moods. An easy way to check if an XK has this suspension is to look for a wire coming out of the suspension tops under the bonnet. No wire means no CATS.
CATS optional early on, then standard
The electronic components inside the dampers tend to wear out by 60,000 miles. A new damper is around £350 plus a couple of hours of labour to fit. At the same sort of mileage, you can also reckon on replacing each of the lower wishbones and all of the suspension bushes to keep the XK handling and riding as it should. Look for uneven tyre wear, vague steering or any shuddering when braking.
Rack and pinion steering is used on all X150 models with hydraulic assistance. It's proven to be very durable, so the only thing to check is for damaged alloy wheels and especially the larger 20-inch rims that are more susceptible to warping from pothole impacts.
Tyres are commonly mentioned by owners as an expensive part of ownership, with decent rubber costing from £180 per corner. Jaguar dealers charge quite a premium on tyres, so best to source and fit them from an independent supplier.
Larger wheels more vulnerable to damage
Braking is by vented discs all-round, with 326mm front and rear discs for the XK models, while the XKR benefits from larger 355mm front discs. The XKR-S gained 400mm fronts and 350mm rear discs to cope with slowing from its raised top speed of 174mph. These Alcon discs can be bought as an aftermarket upgrade or you can choose a set of four EBC discs from £567 from Adamesh.
An electronic handbrake saves space in the cabin but it can fail as the car reaches five years old. It's a simple enough fix for a Jaguar dealer or independent garage, but DIY work is inadvisable as the service mode has to be engaged using the car's diagnostic port to prevent the handbrake's calipers potentially closing and trapping your fingers as you remove the pads.
The only other drivetrain worry is the E-diff used on early XKR models, which can cause a vibration when cornering and accelerating. Jaguar should have cured these problems under warranty.
PHers view:
"I cannot think of a car that I have experienced that rode better. Ours came on the 20 inch Senta alloys which are a sought after option, and yet there was no sign of tramlining or anything but the worst scars in the road. The handling was excellent, but it is very much a grand tourer and the size of the car could not be disguised in tighter turns."
Ben Baseley
Buying Guide Contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior