Discussion
Morning everyone.
I am considering getting an early XK (2006/7) in the summer.
I was just wondering if anyone runs one here and whether it is an enjoyable car to own. Are running costs reasonable?
I currently have an SLK 350 so this will quite a bit different. I like the Merc a lot but just fancy a change.
Thanks in advance...
I am considering getting an early XK (2006/7) in the summer.
I was just wondering if anyone runs one here and whether it is an enjoyable car to own. Are running costs reasonable?
I currently have an SLK 350 so this will quite a bit different. I like the Merc a lot but just fancy a change.
Thanks in advance...
I got a 2006 conv last year - something of a wildcard choice and 'distress purchase' (!) after my XF lost a couple of corners.
I hadn't planned to buy an XK - I'd always ruled them out as impractical and expensive to run. Then I chanced to see one on Autotrader, and looked at all the photos, and the cream leather, and the walnut, and thought 'Ooh! How many times a year do I actually carry passengers in the back? I can afford the extra fuel'.
In short, I love it. I used to have an S-Type and a TVR and the XK has some elements of both. It's beautiful, I feel a bit special walking to get in it, it turns heads, it's quiet but with a lovely soft V8 woofle. It's no harder to park than the XF, the suspension is no magic carpet but acceptable. It's my only car and whilst it has to live outside (uncovered because my neighbour won't let me have a car port), it doesn't seem to mind. After almost a week covered in snow it started as usual, the inside perfect and no damp anywhere.
I get 26-30mpg and use a good local indy for any work that needs to be done. It needed a new starter motor 2 months after I bought it and a new OSF wheel bearing after 5, both fixed under warranty. Insurance is the same as my XF was. So apart from a bit more fuel, running costs are comparable with other cars I've had. Last year I took it to a car show, where it was parked alongside an AM Virage, and it didn't look shabby at all. Some interior details are a little cheaper quality than you might expect in a car with that price tag new, but I hear Jaguar was a bit short of cash in those years.
I view the X150 as the last of the proper Jaguars, and can't see myself driving anything else for the foreseeable future.
I hadn't planned to buy an XK - I'd always ruled them out as impractical and expensive to run. Then I chanced to see one on Autotrader, and looked at all the photos, and the cream leather, and the walnut, and thought 'Ooh! How many times a year do I actually carry passengers in the back? I can afford the extra fuel'.
In short, I love it. I used to have an S-Type and a TVR and the XK has some elements of both. It's beautiful, I feel a bit special walking to get in it, it turns heads, it's quiet but with a lovely soft V8 woofle. It's no harder to park than the XF, the suspension is no magic carpet but acceptable. It's my only car and whilst it has to live outside (uncovered because my neighbour won't let me have a car port), it doesn't seem to mind. After almost a week covered in snow it started as usual, the inside perfect and no damp anywhere.
I get 26-30mpg and use a good local indy for any work that needs to be done. It needed a new starter motor 2 months after I bought it and a new OSF wheel bearing after 5, both fixed under warranty. Insurance is the same as my XF was. So apart from a bit more fuel, running costs are comparable with other cars I've had. Last year I took it to a car show, where it was parked alongside an AM Virage, and it didn't look shabby at all. Some interior details are a little cheaper quality than you might expect in a car with that price tag new, but I hear Jaguar was a bit short of cash in those years.
I view the X150 as the last of the proper Jaguars, and can't see myself driving anything else for the foreseeable future.
Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 7th March 11:24
I have had my 08 for 17 months now, love in it.
Absolutely no issues at all to shout about and not much spent at all. However the two minor irritants were/are...the aircon tube can get blocked and leak the condensation water into the passenger foot well if not unblocked so it drains under the car like it should. Second, it can eat rear brake pads quicker than the front due to constant use of the electronic hand brake.
But the noise/ sound of the thing with especially and after market exhaust is sublime, in sport mode it auto revs down on the down change.
I own some great sounding machines, and the sound of the XK is right up there
Absolutely no issues at all to shout about and not much spent at all. However the two minor irritants were/are...the aircon tube can get blocked and leak the condensation water into the passenger foot well if not unblocked so it drains under the car like it should. Second, it can eat rear brake pads quicker than the front due to constant use of the electronic hand brake.
But the noise/ sound of the thing with especially and after market exhaust is sublime, in sport mode it auto revs down on the down change.
I own some great sounding machines, and the sound of the XK is right up there
FezSpider said:
the aircon tube can get blocked and leak the condensation water into the passenger foot well if not unblocked so it drains under the car like it should. Second, it can eat rear brake pads quicker than the front due to constant use of the electronic hand brake
Aircon - this is a known fault involving a thing called the duckbill and most cars have had it modified by now.Brakes - I almost never use the parking brake, I just put it in P (you can of course release the parking brake manually rather than lett the forward motion ping it off)
I find the 'sport' mode rather useless as it simply drops you down a gear whatever the car is doing (same as the XF). If I need to boot it for an overtake I use right foot kickdown and flappy paddle simultaneously. The rest of the time it stays in D. I don't regard 300bhp in a large car massively powerful but was surprised when nipping across a roundabout recently that it spun both rears on dry tarmac.
Agree with everything below
X150 is a cracking car with few faults and relatively cheap to fix if they go wrong. As noted some of the interior fittings look and feel a bit flimsy.
If you can stretch to a 5.0 do (the N/A version is more then enough, no need for a Supercharged), they are sublime.
Such a shame they stopped making it
X150 is a cracking car with few faults and relatively cheap to fix if they go wrong. As noted some of the interior fittings look and feel a bit flimsy.
If you can stretch to a 5.0 do (the N/A version is more then enough, no need for a Supercharged), they are sublime.
Such a shame they stopped making it
Thanks, everyone, some excellent, and encouraging info here.
In an ideal world, I would get the 5.0, but the realistic situation sadly is that I will be looking at the low end of the early cars. Hopefully, I can still find a well looked after example.
I must say it looks like they are rather difficult to sell, I have noticed some that have been for sale for several months. I hope as a buyer that will give me some haggling potential.
In an ideal world, I would get the 5.0, but the realistic situation sadly is that I will be looking at the low end of the early cars. Hopefully, I can still find a well looked after example.
I must say it looks like they are rather difficult to sell, I have noticed some that have been for sale for several months. I hope as a buyer that will give me some haggling potential.
The premature rear pad wear is caused by the traction control, not the parking brake 
These really are lovely cars - a blend of space, grace and pace. And affordability. They're reliable with no major Achilles heels that I've discovered or seen discussed frequently on the forums (other than those you might expect on any ten year-old sports car).
These really are lovely cars - a blend of space, grace and pace. And affordability. They're reliable with no major Achilles heels that I've discovered or seen discussed frequently on the forums (other than those you might expect on any ten year-old sports car).
threadlock said:
The premature rear pad wear is caused by the traction control, not the parking brake
These really are lovely cars - a blend of space, grace and pace. And affordability. They're reliable with no major Achilles heels that I've discovered or seen discussed frequently on the forums (other than those you might expect on any ten year-old sports car).
I must say I am delighted by what I have read so far, both here and elsewhere. I had previously been considering a Porsche Cayman for my next car. I love them, but crikey, there are some horror stories about the potential for fearsome bills...... These really are lovely cars - a blend of space, grace and pace. And affordability. They're reliable with no major Achilles heels that I've discovered or seen discussed frequently on the forums (other than those you might expect on any ten year-old sports car).
Bear in mind that the 5.0 cars have a facelifted front, which personally I don't find as nice as the early cars. Internally, around 2009 the gear selector changed from normal lever to rotating knob (like the XF) and the buttons got some chrome whch is nice as the early ones are rather plain. Apart from that, interior colour options are quite limited.
As for 'space', the interior feels wide and spacious for what's effectively a two seater, but don't expect to use the back seats for much more than shopping! If you're looking for a convertible the boot space is of course compromised by the roof stowage, but there's a sliding divider which allows you have a bit more if you keep the roof up.
I think your next step is to go and try one!
As for 'space', the interior feels wide and spacious for what's effectively a two seater, but don't expect to use the back seats for much more than shopping! If you're looking for a convertible the boot space is of course compromised by the roof stowage, but there's a sliding divider which allows you have a bit more if you keep the roof up.
I think your next step is to go and try one!
Simpo Two said:
Bear in mind that the 5.0 cars have a facelifted front, which personally I don't find as nice as the early cars. Internally, around 2009 the gear selector changed from normal lever to rotating knob (like the XF) and the buttons got some chrome whch is nice as the early ones are rather plain. Apart from that, interior colour options are quite limited.
As for 'space', the interior feels wide and spacious for what's effectively a two seater, but don't expect to use the back seats for much more than shopping! If you're looking for a convertible the boot space is of course compromised by the roof stowage, but there's a sliding divider which allows you have a bit more if you keep the roof up.
I think your next step is to go and try one!
I am indeed looking forward to trying one However, I am typing this from an American Airlines flight to Fort Lauderdale....I am on my way to a 4 month work contract, so it will be a while yet, I am just planning ahead!As for 'space', the interior feels wide and spacious for what's effectively a two seater, but don't expect to use the back seats for much more than shopping! If you're looking for a convertible the boot space is of course compromised by the roof stowage, but there's a sliding divider which allows you have a bit more if you keep the roof up.
I think your next step is to go and try one!
I am not fussed about storage space really, and also I have got the convertable thing out of my system with my SLK so I am looking at getting a coupe. I really feel after all I have read that this is indeed the car for me and will be my next vehicle. Excited about it already...
Some interesting comments and advice on here.
I'm about to sell my faithful Z4 Coupe and have narrowed it's successor down to an SL350 or an XK.
However, with a maximum budget of £12k, am I better getting a higher mileage 2006/7 X150 or a low mileage 2004/5 XK8? Whichever I eventually buy will be my daily driver, it will be used only three days a week and cover no more that 8,000 miles.
I'm about to sell my faithful Z4 Coupe and have narrowed it's successor down to an SL350 or an XK.
However, with a maximum budget of £12k, am I better getting a higher mileage 2006/7 X150 or a low mileage 2004/5 XK8? Whichever I eventually buy will be my daily driver, it will be used only three days a week and cover no more that 8,000 miles.
I had an XF 5.0 V8 n/a 385 BHP for 2 1/2 years. No issues whatsoever, and a peach of an engine. In my view the best engine for the XF and most Jaguar like. It's the same as used in the XK later editions/
Regret agreeing to sell it as wife was having trouble getting in/out due to hip problems.
R.
Regret agreeing to sell it as wife was having trouble getting in/out due to hip problems.
R.
I've owned my 2007 XKR for two years now and I'll try and give as best an unbiased opinion as I can, having come from very different cars and ownership experiences.
As far as looks are concerned, I consider it Ian Callum's ( is he not a Sir yet?) very best work. I go all gooey when I see an X150, especially side on, or from a rear / three quarters angle.
Performance. Three main angles to this really. The 4.2 and later 5.0 is fast, the 4.2 Supercharged is very fast, and the 5.0 Supercharged is mental! If you roll onto acceleration, i.e. 30 - 100+ they're incredible. Here's an example against a 'supercar' https://youtu.be/dvNSDDKua9M
The interior is generally well made and robust. Jaguar seats and dashboards are some of the best made I've come across and wear well.
Reliability. The XK is the most reliable car in its class (large GT) and is generally cheap to run, even if you take it to Jaguar for servicing (around £200 per year for a regular service).
To summarise: They're a handsome car, they handle well, they're fast and generally don't break. They're well liked by most people, you get let out of junctions and get admiring glances when out and about. They're as docile as a pussy cat and just as easy to look after.
I'm trying to think of some negatives
Perhaps a little wide if you have a 'modern garage' to park it in, and aluminium is a b
h to work on if you get a ding, but other than that, I'm all out of words,
Good luck, here's mine to tempt you
As far as looks are concerned, I consider it Ian Callum's ( is he not a Sir yet?) very best work. I go all gooey when I see an X150, especially side on, or from a rear / three quarters angle.
Performance. Three main angles to this really. The 4.2 and later 5.0 is fast, the 4.2 Supercharged is very fast, and the 5.0 Supercharged is mental! If you roll onto acceleration, i.e. 30 - 100+ they're incredible. Here's an example against a 'supercar' https://youtu.be/dvNSDDKua9M
The interior is generally well made and robust. Jaguar seats and dashboards are some of the best made I've come across and wear well.
Reliability. The XK is the most reliable car in its class (large GT) and is generally cheap to run, even if you take it to Jaguar for servicing (around £200 per year for a regular service).
To summarise: They're a handsome car, they handle well, they're fast and generally don't break. They're well liked by most people, you get let out of junctions and get admiring glances when out and about. They're as docile as a pussy cat and just as easy to look after.
I'm trying to think of some negatives
Perhaps a little wide if you have a 'modern garage' to park it in, and aluminium is a b
h to work on if you get a ding, but other than that, I'm all out of words,Good luck, here's mine to tempt you
V88Dicky said:
I've owned my 2007 XKR for two years now and I'll try and give as best an unbiased opinion as I can, having come from very different cars and ownership experiences.
As far as looks are concerned, I consider it Ian Callum's ( is he not a Sir yet?) very best work. I go all gooey when I see an X150, especially side on, or from a rear / three quarters angle.
Performance. Three main angles to this really. The 4.2 and later 5.0 is fast, the 4.2 Supercharged is very fast, and the 5.0 Supercharged is mental! If you roll onto acceleration, i.e. 30 - 100+ they're incredible. Here's an example against a 'supercar' https://youtu.be/dvNSDDKua9M
The interior is generally well made and robust. Jaguar seats and dashboards are some of the best made I've come across and wear well.
Reliability. The XK is the most reliable car in its class (large GT) and is generally cheap to run, even if you take it to Jaguar for servicing (around £200 per year for a regular service).
To summarise: They're a handsome car, they handle well, they're fast and generally don't break. They're well liked by most people, you get let out of junctions and get admiring glances when out and about. They're as docile as a pussy cat and just as easy to look after.
I'm trying to think of some negatives
Perhaps a little wide if you have a 'modern garage' to park it in, and aluminium is a bh to work on if you get a ding, but other than that, I'm all out of words,
Good luck, here's mine to tempt you
Absolutely spectacular.As far as looks are concerned, I consider it Ian Callum's ( is he not a Sir yet?) very best work. I go all gooey when I see an X150, especially side on, or from a rear / three quarters angle.
Performance. Three main angles to this really. The 4.2 and later 5.0 is fast, the 4.2 Supercharged is very fast, and the 5.0 Supercharged is mental! If you roll onto acceleration, i.e. 30 - 100+ they're incredible. Here's an example against a 'supercar' https://youtu.be/dvNSDDKua9M
The interior is generally well made and robust. Jaguar seats and dashboards are some of the best made I've come across and wear well.
Reliability. The XK is the most reliable car in its class (large GT) and is generally cheap to run, even if you take it to Jaguar for servicing (around £200 per year for a regular service).
To summarise: They're a handsome car, they handle well, they're fast and generally don't break. They're well liked by most people, you get let out of junctions and get admiring glances when out and about. They're as docile as a pussy cat and just as easy to look after.
I'm trying to think of some negatives
Perhaps a little wide if you have a 'modern garage' to park it in, and aluminium is a b
h to work on if you get a ding, but other than that, I'm all out of words,Good luck, here's mine to tempt you
Had mine since July now, and easily the most versatile and brilliant car I’ve owned or driven.
Very fast, gets admiring looks from young and old, costs are reasonable for what it is and again...just look at the thing.
Feels like an event each time I see it in the garage or drive it. Go buy one
V88Dicky said:
I'm trying to think of some negatives
Perhaps a little wide if you have a 'modern garage' to park it in, and aluminium is a bh to work on if you get a ding, but other than that, I'm all out of words,
Well the obvious downside is all the other buggers on the road. How is one supposed to enjoy 500BHP when all it means is that you catch up with the next queue of traffic that much sooner Perhaps a little wide if you have a 'modern garage' to park it in, and aluminium is a b
h to work on if you get a ding, but other than that, I'm all out of words,
Northern.N said:
Had mine since July now, and easily the most versatile and brilliant car I’ve owned or driven.
Very fast, gets admiring looks from young and old, costs are reasonable for what it is and again...just look at the thing.
Feels like an event each time I see it in the garage or drive it. Go buy one
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