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...
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.
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).
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...
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 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
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
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
Simpo Two said:
Pacific blue? I haven't seen an XK in that colour before.
Earlier XK paint colours are a little more imaginative, with some dark reds and greens, but these seem to peter out on later cars - eventually lining up with Aston and Merc into mostly black, silver and grey,
I normally find grey rather dull, but on an XK it works well, I think because it's a subtle colour on a loud shape.
Sure you don't want a convertible...?
It's certainly very elegant with the roof down. Earlier XK paint colours are a little more imaginative, with some dark reds and greens, but these seem to peter out on later cars - eventually lining up with Aston and Merc into mostly black, silver and grey,
I normally find grey rather dull, but on an XK it works well, I think because it's a subtle colour on a loud shape.
Sure you don't want a convertible...?
Plenty of time to ponder, I start my 4-month work contract today.....Simpo Two said:
paulguitar said:
Can I get some views please on mileage? One car I have been looking at has 141,000 miles on the clock. Do you guys think that is a non-issue or would that be a bit much to consider?
Personally I'd prefer lower, but if it has a good SH and certain essential work has been one - eg I know S-Types needed a new cambelt at 105K miles so maybe XKs do too - then you could get a bargain. If it's a private sale you can also get an idea of the car from the buyer's house, garden etc - if it's well cared for, chances are the car is too.That said if you have a budget for, say, £20K do you really want a car that's only £10K?
Another encouraging thing I have noticed is that many seem to have been sent to Jaguar for a service once per year, sometimes more, irrespective of miles covered. That speaks of conscientious ownership in my view. I suppose a few may have fallen into the wrong hands, now that the earliest are 12 years old, but I think there are many well looked after early examples out there still.
Northern.N said:
paulguitar said:
I’ll be at Silverstone Sunday service in it soon!
You really hit the nail on the head when it said it feels like 'an event' each time you drive it. That is exactly what I want from a car.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed here. The more I read and the more photos I see, the more I think that the XK is the next car for me.
8bit said:
Oh go on then, here's mine:
I've had it 4.5 years now and still genuinely can't think of anything I could realistically afford that I think I'd like better. Mine's an 08 4.2 XKR with some minor modifications - "Portfolio" special edition wheels, the black front grilles from the early 5.0 "Black Pack" option and a nice aftermarket exhaust for extra sound.
I'd echo all the positive comments here, feels special attracts positive attention, enjoyable thing to drive at 1/10th right up to 10/10ths. Most rewarding of a smoother hand/foot at the controls, if you try to throw it around too much it'll bite back but more agile than you'd think and can be hustled along a B-road effectively with the right approach.
I don't understand the hate for the electronic park brake - it's a big, auto, RWD GT car, nobody's going to be doing handbrake turns in it anyway. The EPB will only eat rear pads/discs if you don't disengage it manually before pulling away - you'd never do that in a car with a manual handbrake either. I've yet to hear of it going wrong either. Rear pads/discs get a harder time because the DSC will use the brakes to respond to wheel slip.
Maintenance and servicing costs are reasonable if you have a good dealer or independent handy. Being a "posh Ford" there's nothing terribly outlandish or exotic about the car so you could safely DIY most regular maintenance work or get any competent garage to do it (stuff like basic servicing, discs/pads, changing fluids etc. all fairly standard stuff).
Downsides - they like a drink, my best economy was 32mpg on the motorway between Edinburgh and Aberdeen one weekend last year, typically about 13-14 around town or on a B-road blast, lowest ever was 7mpg on track. Aircon drain blockages on the 4.2s and some early 5.0s not unheard of, electrical gremlins caused by tired batteries and/or infrequent and short drives but go away with a good charge or fresh battery. These are mostly aluminium construction but some rust in certain places not unheard of.
Choose one, buy it, treat and maintain it correctly and you'll have a great time with it.
Wow, another glorious looking car! I love the wheels.I've had it 4.5 years now and still genuinely can't think of anything I could realistically afford that I think I'd like better. Mine's an 08 4.2 XKR with some minor modifications - "Portfolio" special edition wheels, the black front grilles from the early 5.0 "Black Pack" option and a nice aftermarket exhaust for extra sound.
I'd echo all the positive comments here, feels special attracts positive attention, enjoyable thing to drive at 1/10th right up to 10/10ths. Most rewarding of a smoother hand/foot at the controls, if you try to throw it around too much it'll bite back but more agile than you'd think and can be hustled along a B-road effectively with the right approach.
I don't understand the hate for the electronic park brake - it's a big, auto, RWD GT car, nobody's going to be doing handbrake turns in it anyway. The EPB will only eat rear pads/discs if you don't disengage it manually before pulling away - you'd never do that in a car with a manual handbrake either. I've yet to hear of it going wrong either. Rear pads/discs get a harder time because the DSC will use the brakes to respond to wheel slip.
Maintenance and servicing costs are reasonable if you have a good dealer or independent handy. Being a "posh Ford" there's nothing terribly outlandish or exotic about the car so you could safely DIY most regular maintenance work or get any competent garage to do it (stuff like basic servicing, discs/pads, changing fluids etc. all fairly standard stuff).
Downsides - they like a drink, my best economy was 32mpg on the motorway between Edinburgh and Aberdeen one weekend last year, typically about 13-14 around town or on a B-road blast, lowest ever was 7mpg on track. Aircon drain blockages on the 4.2s and some early 5.0s not unheard of, electrical gremlins caused by tired batteries and/or infrequent and short drives but go away with a good charge or fresh battery. These are mostly aluminium construction but some rust in certain places not unheard of.
Choose one, buy it, treat and maintain it correctly and you'll have a great time with it.
I am slightly concerned by the potential electrical gremlins. I work on cruise ship for 4 months at a time, so my cars do stand idle quite a lot. My stepfather drives my current SLK 350 every 2-3 weeks on average whilst I am away. What’s the feeling here about that, will the XK tolerate such infrequent use whilst I am away?
iain123 said:
Oh and another thing that wears more than most cars is the quantity of rubber bush that need replacing. My 8 year old has just failed a MOT on rear shock bush's and suspension arm bushes having excessive play (these are expensive if you go via dealer as they want to replace the whole arm). I guess that's the price you pay for a reasonable ride on 20 inch rims.
What kind of money is it to carry out that job Iain?iain123 said:
Full approximate breakdown of my 2009 XK costs after owning for 4 years & 40Kmiles (to 87K)
1st year
£120 diff oil seal (to fix leaking diff - didn’t work)
£500 2nd hand diff fitted - specialist
£500 Gearbox service due to lurching - specialist
£300 front disc/pads
£250 service
£550 tyres
2nd year
£350 Main dealer service
3rd year
£350 Main dealer service
4th year (this year - paying today in fact
- independent)
£250 tyres
£300 Rear disc/pads
£300 2off lower shock bush
£500 1 new suspension arm (due to bush rubber – you can get this refurbed for about 200quid at a specialist but my car was stranded MOTless)
To do
£250 Main dealer service
£220 Front tyres
£70 battery
£120 wheel bearing?
£40 aspirator
I’ve also spent £300 quid on an amp, speakers and sub unit and probably about £30 quid on bulbs.
But as with all cars the killer is depreciation. I bought mine at 5 years old for £23.5K and its now worth £11K trade in maybe on a sunny day. Sounds a big drop for a 5 to 9 year old car but as they are £60K + new, that’s just normal in percentage terms! (another 5K to go before it bottoms out?)
So what's that in total? I’m classifying £660 as failures and £4310 as service items. So £5K on fixing, £12.5K depreciation, so £17.5K/4=£4400 per annum or £360 per month which would get you a lease on a Audi S3/Golf R/nice beemer and that’s with not mentioning the £2K car tax.....
(you could easily knock £1K off my service bill if I’d used a specialist more – but they are 3 hour round trip for me)
Interesting reading, thank you.1st year
£120 diff oil seal (to fix leaking diff - didn’t work)
£500 2nd hand diff fitted - specialist
£500 Gearbox service due to lurching - specialist
£300 front disc/pads
£250 service
£550 tyres
2nd year
£350 Main dealer service
3rd year
£350 Main dealer service
4th year (this year - paying today in fact
- independent)£250 tyres
£300 Rear disc/pads
£300 2off lower shock bush
£500 1 new suspension arm (due to bush rubber – you can get this refurbed for about 200quid at a specialist but my car was stranded MOTless)
To do
£250 Main dealer service
£220 Front tyres
£70 battery
£120 wheel bearing?
£40 aspirator
I’ve also spent £300 quid on an amp, speakers and sub unit and probably about £30 quid on bulbs.
But as with all cars the killer is depreciation. I bought mine at 5 years old for £23.5K and its now worth £11K trade in maybe on a sunny day. Sounds a big drop for a 5 to 9 year old car but as they are £60K + new, that’s just normal in percentage terms! (another 5K to go before it bottoms out?)
So what's that in total? I’m classifying £660 as failures and £4310 as service items. So £5K on fixing, £12.5K depreciation, so £17.5K/4=£4400 per annum or £360 per month which would get you a lease on a Audi S3/Golf R/nice beemer and that’s with not mentioning the £2K car tax.....
(you could easily knock £1K off my service bill if I’d used a specialist more – but they are 3 hour round trip for me)
Hi all, resurrecting this thread as I got back from my ship contract and bought the XK this week.
Here it is:
|https://thumbsnap.com/4uezPcFI[/url
I have had it for five days now and really like it so far. Sat nav can't find me and thinks I'm in Droitwich, and fuel gauge thinks most of the time the tank is empty, but occasionally behaves itself.
Aside from that, all is lovely!
Here it is:
|https://thumbsnap.com/4uezPcFI[/urlI have had it for five days now and really like it so far. Sat nav can't find me and thinks I'm in Droitwich, and fuel gauge thinks most of the time the tank is empty, but occasionally behaves itself.
Aside from that, all is lovely!
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