Apart from the headlights. I'll never understand why they went for that gormless, gawping look on the early cars. The post-2012 facelift sharpened things up massively.
Great video. This is my wife's all time favourite car that she thought she would never get to drive let alone own but after a life changing experience we decided to throw all caution to the wind and buy one. It was cheap, out of an auction and is a very early example (so early the road tax is about half that of the rest of them) .Yes we bought someone else's problems but I've set too and given it back its dignity, the list of work done is extensive but it's all doable, (wish I'd videoed it) the fun and frustration has been so rewarding without any of it breaking the bank and the best bit is the smile we both have every time we open the garage door 😊 we've had many happy miles on days out and plan many more, it's nothing special, basic 4.2 soft top yet the car just can't help but please.
“Buy a Porsche and people will think you’re a prick; buy a jag and your neighbour’s wife will invite you round and throw keys into a bowl” haha spot on 😂
It is. Coming from an Aston, it’s still staggeringly fast, comfortable, well equipped and not “that” expensive to run. Well done Jaguar. It’s such a shame that it seems they’re on the slide again.
We have 2 XK's (2013 and 2015). Beautiful cars all around. I bought the second one because the first one was so reliable. One thing you didnt mention is the water pump. Jaguar has a 3 piece design that can fail right out of the box or go 100k. Thankfully the aftermarket pumps are a 2 piece design that only take an hour or two to fit and cost about $130. Both the XK and DB9 were designed by the same person but one is a tenth of the price to maintain. BTW, besides water pumps and consumables, we have had nothing break on either of our XK over years of use.
@@MotorAlli I'll try to find out who my mechanic used - he told me is was a German manufacturer and more reliable than the plastic JLR one. He had 3 jags including mine in his show all getting water pumps, mine basically exploded apart, he showed it to me after it was replace. Crazy poor cheap part in a 100,000 car.
Great car and great value for money. I’ve owned my 2008 XK 4.2 coupe for almost 2years and done 20,000 trouble free miles and it hasn’t missed a beat. Half the price of an equivalent 911 997 but certainly not half the car and considerably more cost effective to own.
I live in the US and bought a barely used 2014 model 2 years ago and I absolutely love it as much today (maybe more) as the day I bought it. With so few of these in the US, I get asked about it almost every time I get it out of the garage. I can't imagine ever selling that car.
I have an XK in caviar, with the 5 litre engine. It is really as fast as any sensible person could want on public roads and a wonderful machine. I have had a wide variety of cars over the years, but this is as good as it gets apart from being slightly cramped for me at 6'1"
Quality quality journalism James, thoroughly enjoyed your storytelling and discussion points. You make me regret selling my X250 XF and even more convinced of my desire for a X150 XK! Keep up the fantastic content, you are on an absolute roll at the moment.
2011 XK Coupe Owner here. I have had my car for over 7 years and it now has about 67k miles. So far, biggest issue I had was a stuck fuel injector... did the plugs and all 8 injectors while everything was exposed. My headliner recently dropped... another pretty common issue. The ZF transmission is also due for a drain, fill and pan replacement. I am 6-3 and i found the F-Type a little tight. The XK is a great long trip cruiser... the N/A 5.0 has plenty of power if you are not going to do burn outs, but I admit it the supercharged cars will probably hold their value a little better. I do as much work myself as I can... brakes, oil and fluid changes etc. The biggest issue long term is probably going to be the plastic cooling pipes... no issue here yet, but expecting it someday. It is a pretty rare car to see on the road here in the US, and I will probably keep it for a few more years.
I sold my 5 litre XKR last year for 26K after 8 years of ownership , the car was always serviced in accordance with the maintenance schedules and we toured all over Europe in it , the only part replaced was the water pump which started to leak but was caught at one of the services, it never ever let me down and was the best jag I had ever owned , previously had the 4.2 and the 4 litre XKR . Now own an F type roadster
I treated myself to a 2014 XK Signature as an early retirement present. It was supposed to be a weekend car, but I just can't face getting out of it and into a mundane Ford Puma. So far it's been an absolute delight to own and drive, and totally reliable too!
I own a 2013 XK coupé. For someone like me, who can only fit one car on the driveway and doesn't need more than the offered two seats or additional cargo capacity, the XK is a surprisingly liveable daily driver. In my opinion the boot is not only quite sizeable for this type of car, but also easily accessible due to the hatchback design. Sometimes I catch myself yearning for the supercharged R, but if I am being honest the normal 5.0 litre is already plenty powerful enough I am still in love with the car, every time I exit I have to look back at it. And I absolutely agree with James that no matter the situation it will make you smile as soon as you're behind the wheel. For me this is one of - if not the - last proper old school Jags. If you manage to ignore the atrocious infotainment it is just such a special, very old school feeling thing to own and drive, in a way that more modern cars just cannot match. Even when people scoff at the XK for being just a bargain bin Aston, I know this is a car that I will drive for a long time.
Great video! Makes me proud to be an XKR owner (2015 XK Dynamic R Coupe). Jaguar is such an amazing yet underrated manufacturer. They have produced some mega cars over the years, not sure why the car buying public needed time to appreciate them? - usually after they've gone out of production! I'll add an F-Type R (RWD) to start my Jaguar collection - another gone but not forgotten classic in the making.
My 2010 5.0L XKR, pulleyed and tuned to about 600hp has been my daily driver and occasional track car for the past 10 years. Yesterday, I passed 200,000 miles on my odometer. It has been utterly reliable with few hiccups along the way. In 55 years of driving, I have never owned nor will ever own as fine an automobile as this has been. Even at 200,000 miles it is still a delight to drive and look at everyday. It's why this car will never leave my garage. I highly doubt you could find a single Maserati or Aston that has this kind of mileage that could still be considered enjoyable to drive.
@@sprezzatura8755 Glad I could help you make that decision. While it's not flawless (what car is?) it's better than any of the other dozens of cars I have owned over half a century.
@user-zb6po1bv5g The XKR, although aluminum, still weighs over 4000 lbs and is a large car. So, yes there is some body roll, and it's not the ideal track day car. BUT, you can still have plenty of fun with it. When I first bought mine 11 years ago, I pulleyed and tuned it which brings hp up to about 600hp. At a "stoplight grand prix" you'll have no trouble dusting the vast majority of challenges. The supercharged 5.0L V8 is just so ready and willing and smooth. I went looking today at an XKR-S because I realized that with now 212000 miles on mine, there may be a time when it may finally expire, and there is nothing that I could replace it with that could give me as much pleasure as another one.
I also have an X100 XKR in addition to my X150 XKR. The X100 is a beautiful tribute to its XKE heritage but falls short in the driving experience and reliability in every single category to the X150. I have almost never driven my X100 in the 11 years I've owned my X150.
The only car that I’ve ever owned and loved more the longer I kept it! Exceptional in every regard. Absolutely ludicrous in the snow and wet weather isn’t so good. Apart from that it is amazing to drive - can be smooth or an absolute beast.
My dad owned an XK 4.2 - a former demo car from a local dealer. It was a wonderful thing to drive, but also suprisingly frisky on wet roads. The stability control had a bad habit of suddenly stopping to help you crash, so you'd enter a turn, feeling the electronic systems helping you and then halfway through they'd throw in the towel and you'd be on your own. But none of my family members minded that. What was annoying, though, was the constant train of electronic glitches: windows that did or did not open, seat heaters that didn't always work, a confused sat nav that was sometimes 3 kilometers off, lots of bings and bongs,... That and the fact that the battery would be completely dead if the car was not driven for more than 8 days. So if you went on a holiday with another car and forgot to hook it up to a trickle charger, it was stranded. Contrary to what some people claim, though, I thought the standard exhaust noise was absolutely glorious. But I live in country where almost everybody drove four cilinder diesel cars at the time, so that's a no wonder...
As a former XFR owner with 100k miles on the 5.0 AJ133, there is quite a lot to look out for. I will admit it's one of the nicest engines ever built with a true split personality, but can be quite a fickle mistress too at high mileage. 1. Not just the coolant hose in the V, but every (plastic) coolant hose should be addressed based on age, not mileage. They really get very brittle indeed and the 5.0 doesnt like overheating. 2. Chain tensioners are a mystery, some (old and new style) fail within minimal time, some go 200k miles on original ones. One could assume a perfect (
I ran one of these (XK-R 5.0) for about 8 years, it was a great car, no major issues in general. With the pedestrian airbags though be really careful. *If* they deploy you will need a new bonnet, new hinges and a full front end respray as well as new airbags and a replacement module to control them... Mine deployed when a cat, I kid you not, ran across the road in front of me (didn't hit it, it carried on through the garden the other side) but the airbags deployed with quite a bang. On come the hazards leaving me wondering WTF!! The force of the airbags will warp the bonnet and hinges. Moral of the story? If you see a cat run out in front of you, don''t brake, gun it and get over 30mph 😀 What I liked about it was you can enjoy the engine at any revs. When I bought it I wanted a V8 and having had BMW's for a while looked a the M3 with the V8, but it didn't come alive until 6000 rpm and you look like a t****t if you drive around like that. Plus in the Jaaag, people let you out!! Yes the batteries fail, that big V8 takes some cranking, and on a really flat one you get no power steering which is interesting... Best car I've ever owned. Miss it. Did a road trip to Italy and back and it was flawless. Brilliant cars.
It's a pity we couldn't have James and Matt Watson on topgear, i feel these two and Chris Harris together would probably save it. Car men talking about cars again instead of random comedians.
Also a few "benefits" to the base XK... no supercharger issues to worry about, no limited slip diff... the XKR has an electronic clutch unit, which is more prone to issues if not serviced.
Bought my 5.0 XK just a few weeks ago and absolutely in love with it. I did consider the XKR, but it’s a bit too spicy. Putting your foot down is a ticket straight to jail/grave. The NA has more than enough power for fun on twisty roads, without the constant dread of ‘what if my supercharger goes wrong?!’
Very good video. It was my dream car and I bought one a few years ago. For 3 years it was great and each trip felt like an occasion. In the forth year it kept on breaking down and going into 'go slow' mode. I got sick of spending money and fell out of love with it. Swapped it for a very boring Hyundai. Watching the video brings back good memories, but not enough to buy another one.
I purchased a 2013 XK 5.0 Portfolio , Italian Racing Red ,Ivory leather , 22.000 miles one owner and my God it makes me smile like a Cheshire Cat every time it starts up , it’s so smooth and has more than enough power to make you fall in love with it ❤ , last of the great GT’s 🇬🇧 😪
Love my '07 xkr convertible. That 4.2 purrs nicely around town but boy does it growl when you want it to. It's the only car I've owned where the wife *wants* to put petrol in.
Thanks for the video. Roger has the right tyres on his 75. Having tried P Zeroes, SP Sports and Conti's, the Michelin Sports are the very best on the XK/R. I also recommend the Larini exhaust. It's pricey but so much better than Adamesh, Quicksilver and Elite - all of which I've tried.
Interesting vid. I've currently got a 2011 late facelift cabriolet XKR and I've had a near identical car before. The fact I felt compelled to buy another one is a good indicator of how good these cars are! I've had Boxster's, a 911, an M4 and an M140i as 'fun' cars and yes they are all totally different but the XKR seems to tick all of the boxes and is actually great fun to drive for something so big. Couple of things you didn't mention. Water pumps are a weak point on the 5.0 SC engine. And with no water temp guage on the dash of these, I replaced alot of the coolant system as a precaution on both of mine. Some Superchargers can be a bit noisy as well as the torsion coupler had a spring in it which can fail. Its a pretty cheap part but you need to strip the SC to replace it, but while you are doing it you can service the SC and check the valley pipe that you mention and replace the connector on that pipe which always fails and causes the leak.
Another brilliant video James. I am definitely in the market for a nice low mileage GT, and the XKR seems a better bet than the competition (Aston Martin DB 9, Maserati GT and Bentley Continental GT) if only because of the running costs.
i've had my 2010 XKR for over ten years and it passed 199,000 miles this week, is tracked fairly regularly, pulleyed and tuned to about 600 hp, and is the most reliable car I;ve ever owned in over 55 years of driving. It is still my daily driver as it's still such a pleasure to drive How many 200,000 miles Astons or Maseratis do you see running around let alone being driven everyday. it has been the best automobile I will have ever owned and will never leave my garage as long as I can still drive.
A tip I'd give would be to point your ear toward the grille and listen at idle for excessive rattling; this could point to a slack timing chain, which could jump cogs. Replacing the chains is an engine out job. A very special car, though. I really miss my 5.0 n/a convertible.
One quirk that's worth bearing in mind. Even these are easy cars to work on and maintain. At times the seats will loose the function to recline the seats. This problem has to be plugged into a jaguar service machine to re set the seats parameter. Remember this, you can't do this at home.
I brought 4.2 n/a in 2022 from auction with 120k on the clock unloved and came with no service history over a period of 6mths and £1.5k later luckily all work carried out by myself. Its now a real joy and and head turner especially with the back box deleted sounds like a British muscle car. I use my as my daily car put over 15k on the clock. Even ropey n/a one's with a bit love and money can be put right for another 50-70k miles.
Loving the Declassified series Jay! I'm looking at either a Maserati Quattraporte or Jag XK and your videos provide fantastic a overview and hit the nail on the head for direct, concise opinion 👌👍
As a middle class US citizen, I've manage to afford a higher mileage 2012 xkrs very easily, but that's with doing all my own work. I can confidently say that I would probably not have bothered if I were to rely on mechanics, because I would have had to sell all my belongings at this point.
I have an XF and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT - IT'S BEAUTIFUL FROM EVERY ANGLE - IT WOULD STILL BE GORGEOUS EVEN IN A BLACKOUT!!. I must admit that I would love an XK in my garage as well. People can compare other makes against the XF/XJ/XK range, but, all of these models have something that NO OTHER RIVALS HAVE OR WILL EVER HAVE ............................ THEY ARE JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGS
I've had some good experience with XKR-S and F-type SVR. XKR-S was a convertible, which I gunned around Gaydon roads. SVR is still my top speed record (175mph) on the Gaydon test track. AJ133 is a gem of any engine (unless the head gaskets blow...).
Good clip, i have a 2911( December reg), so new model and last change. She's a 5 litre s/C. I've done the gear box, rear diff, underseal, belts, new compressor and condenser rad. 77000 miles service and mot every OCTOBER . I've had her since Oct 2019 and love it. I will probably put 4 new boots on this summer. MOT............No advisories. its a truly fab car
---Simply a masterclass in storytelling, I can listen to you all day, although I have the x100 I still get a kick out of listening to you critique other examples. The content on the 2005 XK8 was magnificent as well keep up the good work buddy, you have a gifted talent. Thanks for info.
The reason why the 5.0 V8 will have FMC (Ford Motor Company) on it in places is because it was built at Ford's Bridgend plant in Wales. Later, a part of the site became dedicated to JLR, when Ford sold JLR to Tata. The V8 then (I think) moved up to Wolverhampton for production, alongside the I4 & I6 JLR engines.
I test drove the xkr and what a car it is ,so damn quick off the mark but I settled for a manual V6S f type which I love and put my own spin on it now punches 450bhp with a newly developed valvetronic cat back exhaust system from viezu
Bought a2006 XK 4.2 with 162,000 miles on it. I’ve done the thermostat housing and fitted a new battery, sailed through the MOT in January with no advisories and is the best car I have ever had.
XK has been on my want list for a very long time now. Hopefully be able to get one in a few years, I will say though, I'm very surprised you didn't mention that the 5.0L variants are prone to timing chain tensioner and water pump issues before 80K!
It is worth noting that the chain tensioner issue is largely rectified on the 2013 and up models. I'd recommend anyone looking at a 5.0 model to go for the later ones for this reason.
Word of warning on additional issues with these cars is the headlights, especially the adaptive headlights where the motor tends to fail and points the lights directly at the ground thus failing any MOT. Replacement new are 2k, always a risk with eBay!
The subframe rust is a pain on these things. My dad has a lovey example 4.2 R but the front subframe completely rotted away, the rear will need painting and protecting to prevent it going as well. This car is garaged and has been in previous ownership. The electronic issues are also a pain - mainly the ecu. Rain leaking into the boot through rubber that just isn’t fitted very well near the hinges is also annoying. There are other issues too. Yes you can buy these for around £16k but don’t be too surprised if you need to pay £5-10k on repairs. Maybe my dad just got unlucky, I don’t know.
JayEmm with Jaaaag. Great to take a break from the recent Cayenne love fest, and get things back to normal. How many A's should there be in Jaaaag? Four seems about right to me.
I have a 2006 XK Convertible with a mind blowing 180,000 miles on it runs perfect and no issues whatsoever my 5th XK i just love them within 6 months of me selling one I'm pining for another.
The XK 150 sits a very niche middle ground; it's got the badge appeal of the halo brand like Aston, Bentley and Maserati, but with something close to 'normal' car servicing costs and not requiring a specialist, so it's got almost a market unto itself. I currently own a 650i (Thanks for the excellent review of that back in the day Jay, you are partly responsible for that happy purchase) and one of the few cars that I could like-for-like replace that with without massively bumping my bills is an XK 150 but the XK will be that leap forward in badge appeal.
I'm in the US and I have 2014 Jaguar xkr with the speed pack and black pack. Most people do not know what they are looking at and I get a ton of questions. Then the people that do know the car (or think they know) always want to say it is a Ford due to thinking it has a Ford engine. 🤦🏿♂️ The best and most thorough review that I have seen thus far by the way!!❤
Great video with some good advice from James on what to look for in this car. Had my XK 5.0 N/A for just under 3 years and not regretted a moment. Every time I get in my XK I find my inner 18-year-old, just past my test and the roads are my oyster to take me too many an adventure. Had some of the issues described, particularly coolant and water pump. If you have to do the water pump then change all the plastic hoses and pipes at the same time. Had to replace the exhaust as a previous owner used to rest the car during the winter and water settled and rusted the exhaust from the inside. Just had a 100K service which meant replacing the spark plugs, so the most expensive service you can expect. The rear wishbones had gone noisy as well, so had to be replaced. In total just under £1.2K which I was OK with. Rear seats are basically shopping, hats or atlas holders and therefore useful. Ensure you buy one of those Bluetooth FM sockets (about £5 on Amazon), link this to the Jag Radio and your phone. This basically coverts your infotainment system into the modern connected source from your phone including Sat Nav, Whatsapp, Spotify etc. using your voice to command. Right, I better get ready as off for a drive over the Cotswolds, it is tough life but someone has to do it! Finally, yes people do let you out at junctions and all the rest, it is just a damned cool car.
I’ve owned an XKR for the past 4yrs, I also have a Peugeot 407 estate which I use daily for taking the dogs out. Jumping out of my 1.6 turbo diesel into my supercharged V8 is a dream every time.
Lucky those who have AWS44X right in time, unlucky those who think it's meaningless. There's a reason why so many would write about it no matter where you lookin' at
For me one of your best ever reports on a car I love dearly. The independent specialists I use are marvelous. Ford did Jag a big favour but it looks like EVs could prove a bridge too far for Tata once the first phase is over.
Loved the Jagosphere concept. "Your neighbours will invite you over for tea with their wives and throw car keys into a bowl" Extremely informative video for potential buyers and quality entertainment!
Here in the States I bought a 2013 XKR with 35K miles in 2018. I drove it daily to work about 90 miles a day for a couple years; averaged about 19 mpg so not great on gas. However other than that didn't cost me a thing. Sold it last summer at the peak of the used car market, as I barely drove it anymore in the wake of COVID. Absolutely stunning and smooth, with impeccable interior luxury quality. I considered it a Corvette in a tuxedo. They don't depreciate much anymore and imho are quite reliable with the 5.0 V8 and ZF trans.
Great review thanks James. I've always lusted after the XK/XKR and they are a relative bargain. It will be at the top of the list when I'm looking for a 5.0L v8 2 door coupe. My Audi S8 will have to do for now.
Was toying between the idea of a DB9 and an XKR (and also watching your DB9 video - which was the most informative i could find) I think what the XKR lacks in badge compared to the Aston, it makes up for in heaps elsewhere and this video may have swayed me away from the Db9
Very interesting video. I have felt very on the fence and have always been dissuaded by no manual gear box and nearly no aftermarket. I like modding my cars and I'd feel bad tearing one up but I'm so intrigued by them at the same time.
I bought an XK-RS a couple years ago. I have thought about trading up to something else but every time I look I can't locate anything more beautiful or more satisfying. I guess I will have to wait.
The maintenance of my previous VW Passat cost me 2000 euros ( oil, filters, timing belt change, and break pads)... So, in comparison, it amazes me you can own and maintain such a nice supercar for about the same money.... Lovely 😊
As a 30-something when new these just didn't appeal. Too "old man" I thought. "Not focused or prestigious enough" I said. Now a 40-something (near 50-something, ahem), they're very tempting! Great review, as always James. Thanks. You may have just turned me to Jaaag ownership
Having owned my 4.2 XKR for about 10 years, and done most of the work on it myself, I'd say you've covered nearly everythng that can go wrong on them, and that they're definitely not DIY-friendly! Great Vid!
Had one in the family for well over 10 years, ultimately it has been very reliable. Same with any British built car, keep it on a trickle charger when not in use. Aircon can leak under the dash. The main screen can also play up and fail. Alarm sounder batteries fail and cause a battery drain. Headlights go foggy and the headliner will come down at some point.
The ZF 6 speed generally needs quite a bit more than a fluid and filter change if it isn't changing properly, often (almost always) needing solenoid's, sleeves and connector tubes as well, expect a fairly substantial bill for the work.
The only reason I sold my 2010 5.0 was because the rear seats really are unusable in most scenarios. If you have children between the ages of 6-12 yrs or so, then you will be fine. Older children will feel squished and younger children will require a carseat which means the front passenger has absolutely no legroom at all. My partner made me get rid of mine as she had to sit with no legroom and bolt upright whenever we drove it as a family. Beautiful cars though and miss mine dearly.
I have a 2009 5 L portfolio. It’s a great car and I love it. I’ve had it for about five years and it’s been pretty reliable. I’ve had the water pump fail and the steering has needed some attention. One thing to look out for though is the rear subframe I’ve just had to get mine replaced. It’s about a day labour I bought a used subframe for about £700 plus another £100 for anti-rust paint so it’s about a £2000 cost my mechanic has also discovered the rear suspension arms are worn out so they are being replaced also so I think my bill is going to be about £3500 which isn’t exactly small change but I think it’s something that goes with the territory of only a older high performance luxury car. But in five years I guess I have spent about £5000 in Repairs so I guess that’s not too bad over that periodI still really enjoyed it and I’m hoping I will continue to be able to afford it in my retirement, we will have to see.
Having driven daily (not owned! Just had to drive them for work) my favourite is definitely the N/A 5.0. The F type is just too firm for my tastes, and I agree that it's a totally different beast. The best engine for that car is the 3.0 supercharged V6. 380hp in the 5.0 and improved refinement and torque over the 4.2, but quieter exhaust note than the supercharged 5.0 makes it a real pleasure to me. Definitely a car I'd have in my dream 3 car garage.
Had a 4.2 about ten years ago quickly followed by a 5.0L (Black Pack and Speed Pack) XKR soon after. Fabulous GT cars, the R with a distinct sporting edge. Buy one, I’m seriously considering revisiting with the idea of one as a high day and holidays car.
Had a 2006 XK Convertible since 2014 in Frost/Ivory. Brilliant car with 42000 on the clock and only expenditure has been to replace the rear suspension arms a common issue over time apparently. The pedestrian warning system is a pain which intermittently comes on and I wish I could disable it’s a waste of time!
I'm sure we all agree the XK is a beautiful timeless design 🙌🏼
It's not timeless, it will certainly rust away in a few years.
Apart from the headlights. I'll never understand why they went for that gormless, gawping look on the early cars. The post-2012 facelift sharpened things up massively.
Yes it is its only the steering that puts me of it's the only thing I'd swap out if I brought one
@@StephenGraves have you ever seen an e type?
Nope, not even close.
Great video. This is my wife's all time favourite car that she thought she would never get to drive let alone own but after a life changing experience we decided to throw all caution to the wind and buy one. It was cheap, out of an auction and is a very early example (so early the road tax is about half that of the rest of them) .Yes we bought someone else's problems but I've set too and given it back its dignity, the list of work done is extensive but it's all doable, (wish I'd videoed it) the fun and frustration has been so rewarding without any of it breaking the bank and the best bit is the smile we both have every time we open the garage door 😊 we've had many happy miles on days out and plan many more, it's nothing special, basic 4.2 soft top yet the car just can't help but please.
You're a good man for helping her realize her dream. I think you made the right decision.
“Buy a Porsche and people will think you’re a prick; buy a jag and your neighbour’s wife will invite you round and throw keys into a bowl” haha spot on 😂
It is.
Coming from an Aston, it’s still staggeringly fast, comfortable, well equipped and not “that” expensive to run.
Well done Jaguar. It’s such a shame that it seems they’re on the slide again.
RE: "slide again," I'm hoping it is that they're being too quiet about their new line up. I think an update is due in April '23.
❤
I always wanted an Aston, but went for the Jaguar XK price wise and simply adore it and get stopped most days in Las Vegas when I have to top down.
Their whole electric car bs thing isn’t helping either
We have 2 XK's (2013 and 2015). Beautiful cars all around. I bought the second one because the first one was so reliable. One thing you didnt mention is the water pump. Jaguar has a 3 piece design that can fail right out of the box or go 100k. Thankfully the aftermarket pumps are a 2 piece design that only take an hour or two to fit and cost about $130. Both the XK and DB9 were designed by the same person but one is a tenth of the price to maintain. BTW, besides water pumps and consumables, we have had nothing break on either of our XK over years of use.
You got a link to the aftermarket pump or the name of the manufacturer who makes it
@@MotorAlli I'll try to find out who my mechanic used - he told me is was a German manufacturer and more reliable than the plastic JLR one. He had 3 jags including mine in his show all getting water pumps, mine basically exploded apart, he showed it to me after it was replace. Crazy poor cheap part in a 100,000 car.
@@MotorAlli Sorry late reply. I got it from FCP Euro....$103 plus shipping.
Great car and great value for money. I’ve owned my 2008 XK 4.2 coupe for almost 2years and done 20,000 trouble free miles and it hasn’t missed a beat. Half the price of an equivalent 911 997 but certainly not half the car and considerably more cost effective to own.
I live in the US and bought a barely used 2014 model 2 years ago and I absolutely love it as much today (maybe more) as the day I bought it. With so few of these in the US, I get asked about it almost every time I get it out of the garage. I can't imagine ever selling that car.
I have an XK in caviar, with the 5 litre engine. It is really as fast as any sensible person could want on public roads and a wonderful machine. I have had a wide variety of cars over the years, but this is as good as it gets apart from being slightly cramped for me at 6'1"
This is not the video I should be watching when I just sold my Caterham to buy a house and have wanted a XKR for years...
😂
Can't you just buy an XKR and live in it? It is a 2+2 after all!
You still have time. I did the same with my Motorbike and now have a Porsche 987.1 sat on the drive 10 years later 😂
Needn't be either or. They can be had really cheap right now.
Did you resist?
Quality quality journalism James, thoroughly enjoyed your storytelling and discussion points. You make me regret selling my X250 XF and even more convinced of my desire for a X150 XK! Keep up the fantastic content, you are on an absolute roll at the moment.
The detail you have plainly taken a great deal of time to go into here is… almost mental.
Please keep it up.
2011 XK Coupe Owner here. I have had my car for over 7 years and it now has about 67k miles. So far, biggest issue I had was a stuck fuel injector... did the plugs and all 8 injectors while everything was exposed. My headliner recently dropped... another pretty common issue. The ZF transmission is also due for a drain, fill and pan replacement. I am 6-3 and i found the F-Type a little tight. The XK is a great long trip cruiser... the N/A 5.0 has plenty of power if you are not going to do burn outs, but I admit it the supercharged cars will probably hold their value a little better. I do as much work myself as I can... brakes, oil and fluid changes etc. The biggest issue long term is probably going to be the plastic cooling pipes... no issue here yet, but expecting it someday. It is a pretty rare car to see on the road here in the US, and I will probably keep it for a few more years.
I sold my 5 litre XKR last year for 26K after 8 years of ownership , the car was always serviced in accordance with the maintenance schedules and we toured all over Europe in it , the only part replaced was the water pump which started to leak but was caught at one of the services, it never ever let me down and was the best jag I had ever owned , previously had the 4.2 and the 4 litre XKR . Now own an F type roadster
I did the reverse swapped out my Continental GT after 6 years for a 5.0 XK convertible and I’ve had it 4 years and never been disappointed.
I treated myself to a 2014 XK Signature as an early retirement present. It was supposed to be a weekend car, but I just can't face getting out of it and into a mundane Ford Puma. So far it's been an absolute delight to own and drive, and totally reliable too!
I own a 2013 XK coupé. For someone like me, who can only fit one car on the driveway and doesn't need more than the offered two seats or additional cargo capacity, the XK is a surprisingly liveable daily driver. In my opinion the boot is not only quite sizeable for this type of car, but also easily accessible due to the hatchback design.
Sometimes I catch myself yearning for the supercharged R, but if I am being honest the normal 5.0 litre is already plenty powerful enough I am still in love with the car, every time I exit I have to look back at it. And I absolutely agree with James that no matter the situation it will make you smile as soon as you're behind the wheel. For me this is one of - if not the - last proper old school Jags. If you manage to ignore the atrocious infotainment it is just such a special, very old school feeling thing to own and drive, in a way that more modern cars just cannot match.
Even when people scoff at the XK for being just a bargain bin Aston, I know this is a car that I will drive for a long time.
I couldn't agree more. Every time I drive my XF I have a Cheshire cat grin on my face.
Great video! Makes me proud to be an XKR owner (2015 XK Dynamic R Coupe). Jaguar is such an amazing yet underrated manufacturer. They have produced some mega cars over the years, not sure why the car buying public needed time to appreciate them? - usually after they've gone out of production! I'll add an F-Type R (RWD) to start my Jaguar collection - another gone but not forgotten classic in the making.
My 2010 5.0L XKR, pulleyed and tuned to about 600hp has been my daily driver and occasional track car for the past 10 years. Yesterday, I passed 200,000 miles on my odometer. It has been utterly reliable with few hiccups along the way. In 55 years of driving, I have never owned nor will ever own as fine an automobile as this has been. Even at 200,000 miles it is still a delight to drive and look at everyday. It's why this car will never leave my garage. I highly doubt you could find a single Maserati or Aston that has this kind of mileage that could still be considered enjoyable to drive.
Thank you for helping me decide what my next car will be.
@@sprezzatura8755 Glad I could help you make that decision. While it's not flawless (what car is?) it's better than any of the other dozens of cars I have owned over half a century.
Did u find the suspension cause a lot of body roll ? Or did u make any suspension mods?
@user-zb6po1bv5g The XKR, although aluminum, still weighs over 4000 lbs and is a large car. So, yes there is some body roll, and it's not the ideal track day car. BUT, you can still have plenty of fun with it. When I first bought mine 11 years ago, I pulleyed and tuned it which brings hp up to about 600hp. At a "stoplight grand prix" you'll have no trouble dusting the vast majority of challenges. The supercharged 5.0L V8 is just so ready and willing and smooth. I went looking today at an XKR-S because I realized that with now 212000 miles on mine, there may be a time when it may finally expire, and there is nothing that I could replace it with that could give me as much pleasure as another one.
Even as a proud X100-owner I have to admit: the X150 is one of the best looking cars ever made 🤩
I also have an X100 XKR in addition to my X150 XKR. The X100 is a beautiful tribute to its XKE heritage but falls short in the driving experience and reliability in every single category to the X150. I have almost never driven my X100 in the 11 years I've owned my X150.
@@tedgeldberg6498Why not sell the X100 to allow someone else to enjoy it?
JayEmm, one of the few TH-camrs whose videos I click like on before even watching. Always an enjoyable watch
The only car that I’ve ever owned and loved more the longer I kept it! Exceptional in every regard. Absolutely ludicrous in the snow and wet weather isn’t so good. Apart from that it is amazing to drive - can be smooth or an absolute beast.
My dad owned an XK 4.2 - a former demo car from a local dealer.
It was a wonderful thing to drive, but also suprisingly frisky on wet roads. The stability control had a bad habit of suddenly stopping to help you crash, so you'd enter a turn, feeling the electronic systems helping you and then halfway through they'd throw in the towel and you'd be on your own. But none of my family members minded that.
What was annoying, though, was the constant train of electronic glitches: windows that did or did not open, seat heaters that didn't always work, a confused sat nav that was sometimes 3 kilometers off, lots of bings and bongs,... That and the fact that the battery would be completely dead if the car was not driven for more than 8 days. So if you went on a holiday with another car and forgot to hook it up to a trickle charger, it was stranded.
Contrary to what some people claim, though, I thought the standard exhaust noise was absolutely glorious. But I live in country where almost everybody drove four cilinder diesel cars at the time, so that's a no wonder...
As a former XFR owner with 100k miles on the 5.0 AJ133, there is quite a lot to look out for. I will admit it's one of the nicest engines ever built with a true split personality, but can be quite a fickle mistress too at high mileage.
1. Not just the coolant hose in the V, but every (plastic) coolant hose should be addressed based on age, not mileage. They really get very brittle indeed and the 5.0 doesnt like overheating.
2. Chain tensioners are a mystery, some (old and new style) fail within minimal time, some go 200k miles on original ones. One could assume a perfect (
Had a 4.2 was bulletproof.
I have had mine for 6 years now. It's my daily and the most reliable car I have owned. No fuss just go🤗
Great video James. Love a Jag and am missing my recently departed XF S. Always fancied an XK.... damn, off to the classifieds...
This is the best Jaguar XK video I’ve seen on TH-cam quality with knowledge excellent well done
I ran one of these (XK-R 5.0) for about 8 years, it was a great car, no major issues in general. With the pedestrian airbags though be really careful. *If* they deploy you will need a new bonnet, new hinges and a full front end respray as well as new airbags and a replacement module to control them... Mine deployed when a cat, I kid you not, ran across the road in front of me (didn't hit it, it carried on through the garden the other side) but the airbags deployed with quite a bang. On come the hazards leaving me wondering WTF!! The force of the airbags will warp the bonnet and hinges. Moral of the story? If you see a cat run out in front of you, don''t brake, gun it and get over 30mph 😀
What I liked about it was you can enjoy the engine at any revs. When I bought it I wanted a V8 and having had BMW's for a while looked a the M3 with the V8, but it didn't come alive until 6000 rpm and you look like a t****t if you drive around like that. Plus in the Jaaag, people let you out!! Yes the batteries fail, that big V8 takes some cranking, and on a really flat one you get no power steering which is interesting...
Best car I've ever owned. Miss it. Did a road trip to Italy and back and it was flawless. Brilliant cars.
It's a pity we couldn't have James and Matt Watson on topgear, i feel these two and Chris Harris together would probably save it. Car men talking about cars again instead of random comedians.
Jack at #27 just got the aforementioned Bentley....LOVELY !!!!!
Also a few "benefits" to the base XK... no supercharger issues to worry about, no limited slip diff... the XKR has an electronic clutch unit, which is more prone to issues if not serviced.
Bought my 5.0 XK just a few weeks ago and absolutely in love with it.
I did consider the XKR, but it’s a bit too spicy. Putting your foot down is a ticket straight to jail/grave. The NA has more than enough power for fun on twisty roads, without the constant dread of ‘what if my supercharger goes wrong?!’
Very good video. It was my dream car and I bought one a few years ago. For 3 years it was great and each trip felt like an occasion. In the forth year it kept on breaking down and going into 'go slow' mode. I got sick of spending money and fell out of love with it. Swapped it for a very boring Hyundai. Watching the video brings back good memories, but not enough to buy another one.
I purchased a 2013 XK 5.0 Portfolio , Italian Racing Red ,Ivory leather , 22.000 miles one owner and my God it makes me smile like a Cheshire Cat every time it starts up , it’s so smooth and has more than enough power to make you fall in love with it ❤ , last of the great GT’s 🇬🇧 😪
Love my '07 xkr convertible. That 4.2 purrs nicely around town but boy does it growl when you want it to. It's the only car I've owned where the wife *wants* to put petrol in.
Thanks for the video.
Roger has the right tyres on his 75. Having tried P Zeroes, SP Sports and Conti's, the Michelin Sports are the very best on the XK/R.
I also recommend the Larini exhaust. It's pricey but so much better than Adamesh, Quicksilver and Elite - all of which I've tried.
I’m in the market for a car and I keep coming back to these I feel like they are the best value for money at the moment
Interesting vid. I've currently got a 2011 late facelift cabriolet XKR and I've had a near identical car before. The fact I felt compelled to buy another one is a good indicator of how good these cars are! I've had Boxster's, a 911, an M4 and an M140i as 'fun' cars and yes they are all totally different but the XKR seems to tick all of the boxes and is actually great fun to drive for something so big.
Couple of things you didn't mention. Water pumps are a weak point on the 5.0 SC engine. And with no water temp guage on the dash of these, I replaced alot of the coolant system as a precaution on both of mine. Some Superchargers can be a bit noisy as well as the torsion coupler had a spring in it which can fail. Its a pretty cheap part but you need to strip the SC to replace it, but while you are doing it you can service the SC and check the valley pipe that you mention and replace the connector on that pipe which always fails and causes the leak.
My favourite Jag design of all time, especially in this guise
Another brilliant video James. I am definitely in the market for a nice low mileage GT, and the XKR seems a better bet than the competition (Aston Martin DB 9, Maserati GT and Bentley Continental GT) if only because of the running costs.
i've had my 2010 XKR for over ten years and it passed 199,000 miles this week, is tracked fairly regularly, pulleyed and tuned to about 600 hp, and is the most reliable car I;ve ever owned in over 55 years of driving. It is still my daily driver as it's still such a pleasure to drive How many 200,000 miles Astons or Maseratis do you see running around let alone being driven everyday. it has been the best automobile I will have ever owned and will never leave my garage as long as I can still drive.
You must get one, beautiful car.
I own a 2010 XKR with a Wraptor 650 conversion.
Phenomenal Cat
Always loved them, never pulled the trigger - and can’t explain why! Great video.
Same as Rick, I think it’s the thought of “what if” it goes wrong 😩
A tip I'd give would be to point your ear toward the grille and listen at idle for excessive rattling; this could point to a slack timing chain, which could jump cogs. Replacing the chains is an engine out job.
A very special car, though. I really miss my 5.0 n/a convertible.
One quirk that's worth bearing in mind. Even these are easy cars to work on and maintain.
At times the seats will loose the function to recline the seats. This problem has to be plugged into a jaguar service machine to re set the seats parameter. Remember this, you can't do this at home.
I brought 4.2 n/a in 2022 from auction with 120k on the clock unloved and came with no service history over a period of 6mths and £1.5k later luckily all work carried out by myself. Its now a real joy and and head turner especially with the back box deleted sounds like a British muscle car. I use my as my daily car put over 15k on the clock. Even ropey n/a one's with a bit love and money can be put right for another 50-70k miles.
I bought a 2009 XKR Portfolio with 70,000 miles for $25K. Best car in the world for that kind of money.
Loving the Declassified series Jay!
I'm looking at either a Maserati Quattraporte or Jag XK and your videos provide fantastic a overview and hit the nail on the head for direct, concise opinion 👌👍
As a middle class US citizen, I've manage to afford a higher mileage 2012 xkrs very easily, but that's with doing all my own work. I can confidently say that I would probably not have bothered if I were to rely on mechanics, because I would have had to sell all my belongings at this point.
I have an XF and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT - IT'S BEAUTIFUL FROM EVERY ANGLE - IT WOULD STILL BE GORGEOUS EVEN IN A BLACKOUT!!. I must admit that I would love an XK in my garage as well.
People can compare other makes against the XF/XJ/XK range, but, all of these models have something that NO OTHER RIVALS HAVE OR WILL EVER HAVE ............................ THEY ARE JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGS
I've had some good experience with XKR-S and F-type SVR. XKR-S was a convertible, which I gunned around Gaydon roads. SVR is still my top speed record (175mph) on the Gaydon test track. AJ133 is a gem of any engine (unless the head gaskets blow...).
Huge stats, love it, and the car, so thorough !!!!! Cheers.
Slowly getting the horn, and the sound of Roger's hits the right notes
I LOVE the Italian Racing Red. with the later revised headlights. That V8 AJ is a win!
Probably one of your most entertaining reviews to date 😂👍
Good clip, i have a 2911( December reg), so new model and last change. She's a 5 litre s/C. I've done the gear box, rear diff, underseal, belts, new compressor and condenser rad. 77000 miles service and mot every OCTOBER . I've had her since Oct 2019 and love it. I will probably put 4 new boots on this summer. MOT............No advisories. its a truly fab car
---Simply a masterclass in storytelling, I can listen to you all day, although I have the x100 I still get a kick out of listening to you critique other examples. The content on the 2005 XK8 was magnificent as well keep up the good work buddy, you have a gifted talent. Thanks for info.
The reason why the 5.0 V8 will have FMC (Ford Motor Company) on it in places is because it was built at Ford's Bridgend plant in Wales. Later, a part of the site became dedicated to JLR, when Ford sold JLR to Tata. The V8 then (I think) moved up to Wolverhampton for production, alongside the I4 & I6 JLR engines.
I got the XKR convertible to enjoy the noise 😄
I test drove the xkr and what a car it is ,so damn quick off the mark but I settled for a manual V6S f type which I love and put my own spin on it now punches 450bhp with a newly developed valvetronic cat back exhaust system from viezu
Bought a2006 XK 4.2 with 162,000 miles on it. I’ve done the thermostat housing and fitted a new battery, sailed through the MOT in January with no advisories and is the best car I have ever had.
XK has been on my want list for a very long time now. Hopefully be able to get one in a few years, I will say though, I'm very surprised you didn't mention that the 5.0L variants are prone to timing chain tensioner and water pump issues before 80K!
It is worth noting that the chain tensioner issue is largely rectified on the 2013 and up models. I'd recommend anyone looking at a 5.0 model to go for the later ones for this reason.
Word of warning on additional issues with these cars is the headlights, especially the adaptive headlights where the motor tends to fail and points the lights directly at the ground thus failing any MOT. Replacement new are 2k, always a risk with eBay!
The wiring in the headlights is usually the issue as the insulation breaks down.
The subframe rust is a pain on these things. My dad has a lovey example 4.2 R but the front subframe completely rotted away, the rear will need painting and protecting to prevent it going as well. This car is garaged and has been in previous ownership. The electronic issues are also a pain - mainly the ecu. Rain leaking into the boot through rubber that just isn’t fitted very well near the hinges is also annoying. There are other issues too. Yes you can buy these for around £16k but don’t be too surprised if you need to pay £5-10k on repairs. Maybe my dad just got unlucky, I don’t know.
JayEmm with Jaaaag. Great to take a break from the recent Cayenne love fest, and get things back to normal.
How many A's should there be in Jaaaag? Four seems about right to me.
Four to five by default
I have a 2006 XK Convertible with a mind blowing 180,000 miles on it runs perfect and no issues whatsoever my 5th XK i just love them within 6 months of me selling one I'm pining for another.
The XK 150 sits a very niche middle ground; it's got the badge appeal of the halo brand like Aston, Bentley and Maserati, but with something close to 'normal' car servicing costs and not requiring a specialist, so it's got almost a market unto itself. I currently own a 650i (Thanks for the excellent review of that back in the day Jay, you are partly responsible for that happy purchase) and one of the few cars that I could like-for-like replace that with without massively bumping my bills is an XK 150 but the XK will be that leap forward in badge appeal.
I'm in the US and I have 2014 Jaguar xkr with the speed pack and black pack. Most people do not know what they are looking at and I get a ton of questions. Then the people that do know the car (or think they know) always want to say it is a Ford due to thinking it has a Ford engine. 🤦🏿♂️
The best and most thorough review that I have seen thus far by the way!!❤
Great video with some good advice from James on what to look for in this car. Had my XK 5.0 N/A for just under 3 years and not regretted a moment. Every time I get in my XK I find my inner 18-year-old, just past my test and the roads are my oyster to take me too many an adventure. Had some of the issues described, particularly coolant and water pump. If you have to do the water pump then change all the plastic hoses and pipes at the same time. Had to replace the exhaust as a previous owner used to rest the car during the winter and water settled and rusted the exhaust from the inside. Just had a 100K service which meant replacing the spark plugs, so the most expensive service you can expect. The rear wishbones had gone noisy as well, so had to be replaced. In total just under £1.2K which I was OK with. Rear seats are basically shopping, hats or atlas holders and therefore useful. Ensure you buy one of those Bluetooth FM sockets (about £5 on Amazon), link this to the Jag Radio and your phone. This basically coverts your infotainment system into the modern connected source from your phone including Sat Nav, Whatsapp, Spotify etc. using your voice to command. Right, I better get ready as off for a drive over the Cotswolds, it is tough life but someone has to do it! Finally, yes people do let you out at junctions and all the rest, it is just a damned cool car.
I had a 2008 XKR as my first "serious" car. It was absolutely lovely.
I’ve owned an XKR for the past 4yrs, I also have a Peugeot 407 estate which I use daily for taking the dogs out.
Jumping out of my 1.6 turbo diesel into my supercharged V8 is a dream every time.
I did listen and I bought one 3 weeks ago...love it...beautiful car all round..
Lucky those who have AWS44X right in time, unlucky those who think it's meaningless. There's a reason why so many would write about it no matter where you lookin' at
For me one of your best ever reports on a car I love dearly. The independent specialists I use are marvelous. Ford did Jag a big favour but it looks like EVs could prove a bridge too far for Tata once the first phase is over.
Loved the Jagosphere concept. "Your neighbours will invite you over for tea with their wives and throw car keys into a bowl" Extremely informative video for potential buyers and quality entertainment!
My original script for that was a bit more risque!
@@maceymunro7194 His enough to make want one...
Here in the States I bought a 2013 XKR with 35K miles in 2018. I drove it daily to work about 90 miles a day for a couple years; averaged about 19 mpg so not great on gas. However other than that didn't cost me a thing. Sold it last summer at the peak of the used car market, as I barely drove it anymore in the wake of COVID. Absolutely stunning and smooth, with impeccable interior luxury quality. I considered it a Corvette in a tuxedo. They don't depreciate much anymore and imho are quite reliable with the 5.0 V8 and ZF trans.
If you don't mind sharing, what were you able to sell it for?
Great review thanks James. I've always lusted after the XK/XKR and they are a relative bargain. It will be at the top of the list when I'm looking for a 5.0L v8 2 door coupe. My Audi S8 will have to do for now.
Was toying between the idea of a DB9 and an XKR (and also watching your DB9 video - which was the most informative i could find) I think what the XKR lacks in badge compared to the Aston, it makes up for in heaps elsewhere and this video may have swayed me away from the Db9
Much prefer the lines of the XK vs the 90s rounded XK8.
Thanks!
Very interesting video. I have felt very on the fence and have always been dissuaded by no manual gear box and nearly no aftermarket. I like modding my cars and I'd feel bad tearing one up but I'm so intrigued by them at the same time.
THANK YOU! WONDERFUL VIDEO. Enjoyable and informative. Good job, JM!
Fallen in love with my recent purchase a 4.2 XK . Exhaust sounds good however I'm going to fit a backbox from an XKR . Why not 😊
I bought an XK-RS a couple years ago. I have thought about trading up to something else but every time I look I can't locate anything more beautiful or more satisfying. I guess I will have to wait.
This year I'll e getting one.. to keep as an ode to a V8 & GT all in one.
The foreplay is fantastic 😍
Owned an XKR and XKR-S 4.2L engine. Lovely cars.
Mercedes SL55 could be the main competitor actually.
The maintenance of my previous VW Passat cost me 2000 euros ( oil, filters, timing belt change, and break pads)... So, in comparison, it amazes me you can own and maintain such a nice supercar for about the same money.... Lovely 😊
"Buy a Porsche and they'll think you're a prick" just absolutely slayed me. Burst out laughing whilst listening to the video in the background.
As a 30-something when new these just didn't appeal. Too "old man" I thought. "Not focused or prestigious enough" I said. Now a 40-something (near 50-something, ahem), they're very tempting! Great review, as always James. Thanks. You may have just turned me to Jaaag ownership
This was very enjoyable, liked the "depth" of detail you went into. Thanks
These sound great! I looked at the ‘05 XK before buying my SC430
Having owned my 4.2 XKR for about 10 years, and done most of the work on it myself, I'd say you've covered nearly everythng that can go wrong on them, and that they're definitely not DIY-friendly! Great Vid!
Whats the best (loudest) cold air intake?
Had one in the family for well over 10 years, ultimately it has been very reliable. Same with any British built car, keep it on a trickle charger when not in use. Aircon can leak under the dash. The main screen can also play up and fail. Alarm sounder batteries fail and cause a battery drain. Headlights go foggy and the headliner will come down at some point.
The ZF 6 speed generally needs quite a bit more than a fluid and filter change if it isn't changing properly, often (almost always) needing solenoid's, sleeves and connector tubes as well, expect a fairly substantial bill for the work.
The only reason I sold my 2010 5.0 was because the rear seats really are unusable in most scenarios. If you have children between the ages of 6-12 yrs or so, then you will be fine. Older children will feel squished and younger children will require a carseat which means the front passenger has absolutely no legroom at all. My partner made me get rid of mine as she had to sit with no legroom and bolt upright whenever we drove it as a family. Beautiful cars though and miss mine dearly.
having owned 2 x XK-8's - I can confirm they are expensive garage queens
I have a 2009 5 L portfolio. It’s a great car and I love it. I’ve had it for about five years and it’s been pretty reliable. I’ve had the water pump fail and the steering has needed some attention. One thing to look out for though is the rear subframe I’ve just had to get mine replaced. It’s about a day labour I bought a used subframe for about £700 plus another £100 for anti-rust paint so it’s about a £2000 cost my mechanic has also discovered the rear suspension arms are worn out so they are being replaced also so I think my bill is going to be about £3500 which isn’t exactly small change but I think it’s something that goes with the territory of only a older high performance luxury car. But in five years I guess I have spent about £5000 in Repairs so I guess that’s not too bad over that periodI still really enjoyed it and I’m hoping I will continue to be able to afford it in my retirement, we will have to see.
Having driven daily (not owned! Just had to drive them for work) my favourite is definitely the N/A 5.0.
The F type is just too firm for my tastes, and I agree that it's a totally different beast. The best engine for that car is the 3.0 supercharged V6.
380hp in the 5.0 and improved refinement and torque over the 4.2, but quieter exhaust note than the supercharged 5.0 makes it a real pleasure to me. Definitely a car I'd have in my dream 3 car garage.
I mean the thumbnail itself is beautiful. The XKR is a fascinating car to be honest. Probably a worthy rival to the Aston Martin.
Had a 4.2 about ten years ago quickly followed by a 5.0L (Black Pack and Speed Pack) XKR soon after. Fabulous GT cars, the R with a distinct sporting edge.
Buy one, I’m seriously considering revisiting with the idea of one as a high day and holidays car.
Had a 2006 XK Convertible since 2014 in Frost/Ivory. Brilliant car with 42000 on the clock and only expenditure has been to replace the rear suspension arms a common issue over time apparently. The pedestrian warning system is a pain which intermittently comes on and I wish I could disable it’s a waste of time!
Absolutely Best Buy!