Hey all,
I'm agonizing over which model jag to shop for. One option would be an '07 XK / XKR
Is the the x150 generally more mechanically reliable? Of course the '07 would be the first year of that new gen. Or would an '06 XKR (x100) which should have all the bugs worked out by the end of the run?
Any opinions welcome. (I know cars have to be felt with on a case by case basis)

 

Honestly I think in this class of car, the XK/XKR is pretty reliable. The XKR is just as reliable as the XK. Apparently the regular XK has a plastic thermostat housing that is prone to failure. The XKR has an aluminum one.

Good luck!

 

I think it would depend on what kind of ride your looking for. I recently purchased an 07 after having a 97 for the last 8 years. Each one has its own issues as far as reliability and its own merits in regard to feel.

My 97XK8 felt like more of a cruiser to me than a sports car but not in a bad way. Very comfortable and luxurious ride yet the handling was incredible. You felt the weight of the vehicle more so than in the new model.

Even though the 07 weighs in at 700 lbs more, it has a sportier ride and has a more agile feel in my opinion. Also has 20" wheels compared to the 17" on the 97 so that may explain a few things.

I can't speak to much for reliability yet on the 07. Had to replace the blower control module which was due to an issue with the AC system design. There is a little duck bill drain for condensation in the system that doesn't quite work, then either shorts the motor or module.

I replaced quite a bit on my 97 but they had more issues than the later years. Mostly engine related with the 4.0l compared to the 4.2l in 2003 and later. Chain Tensioners and cooling issues (thermostat and water pump). She was a daily driver and I had 220,000 miles on her when I passed her off to my father. Been burning oil for the past year but as long as I kept her full she was happy and quite as ever. Just didn't want to put her through another winter. Great in the snow by the way, most impressive car I ever had the pleasure of driving in the winter.

I believe the 4.2l is the same engine from 03-09 with a few tweaks here and there until they replaced it with the 5.0l in 2010. However I think 2005 is when they went to a 6 speed trans.

There is more documentation on repairs you may encounter with the older design. But I think the 07 and later have fewer issues, not really sure about 06.

My suggestion would be to take both for a test drive and I'm sure you'll find which model suits you. There are plenty for sale that I'm sure you could take for a spin.

Good luck with you hunt.

 

I stumbled onto my loaded '07 almost 3 years ago, dumped my Lexus, and never looked back.
A stunning car to look at, amazingly reliable, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face each time you get behind the wheel.

If you have to find a nit-picking point, the infotainment system is an embarrassment. It works, but not well, and not at all worthy of a car in this class. Oddly enough, I find myself turning the tunes down, and pressing on the loud peddle more.

Drawback number 2 is that the facial muscles used for smiling really start to hurt after a few hours on the road....

 

If you can afford it, go for a 2010 or newer xk or xkr. The 5.0 engine at 385 bhp is almost equivalent to the 4.2 xkr engine. I have found the 2012 that I own to be a better all around vehicle than the 08 I had prior to this one. Good luck in your search and be patient and do your due diligence and you will be very pleased when you have finally acquired your new ride.

 

Ralphwg What differences do you see in the 2012 vs the 2008 ?? I have an 08 and just love it . Would really like to know what differences there are . As to CleverName's remark about putting a smile on your face I do agree.

 

I can't make a comparison to the 2008 as I have never had one. My selection process started by considering the 2010 model changes. This to me was the final upgrade to the XK and with the larger engine I felt it would be my choice. As I started to do my homework the changes in the 2012 swayed me in my selection process. The key was the back up camera as dumb as it sounds but it was what took me over the top. Then there was the change to the front end and the new headlights with the LED's. Then there was the rumors that the XK model would end in 2015 but not being able to write that check I fell back to 2012. My thoughts were that the 2012-2015 models were mostly the same in all features and other then some options the cars were the same. So I got the last overall change with a few years of proven upgrades . The car is great but then again I am still on the honeymoon drive.

 

Some good advice. The 2012-on is the model to own. The last litter of a timeless model. I sold my 2011 175 to upgrade to the 2013 because of the dynamic pack, performance exhaust, LED headlights and backup camera. I found the 2011 175 an extremely well build car, solid, smooth, no noise and tons of power. I also own a 2013 Mercedes AMG and a 2012 Volvo S80 T6 Platinum; in comparison have no issues with the infotainment system of the XK model. Yes, the infotainment system is a few nanoseconds slow but compared to my other cars it is just as good or even better (especially the Volvo's). If you can financially handle a 2010-on you will not be sorry. Although, I have never owned a 2009-down model. The MY10 was the last year with significant changes and the car has been well tested and found to be very reliable. By the way I have no loyalty to brand and will trade my 2013 XKR for a better mouse trap if available but, their isn't one. The current Jaguar XK/XKR/XKR-S 2010-on is the best performance street friendly GT available today and it's available at a very reasonable price compared to other performance GT cars.

 

I have found the infotainment not as bad as the reviews state either... Once u get the hang of it, it is really not THAT BAD. I don't think it's user intuitive but you will get used to it and it will grow on you. Yes indeed.

 

DGL, I though you sold your car?

 

Hey Loth,


Read post #58: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-121726/page3/




It's not easy parting with a Jaguar XKR.

 

Yeeeeehaw!!! Keep it forever brother

 

DD - To me the 12 is a new iteration of the XK. The 5.0 na engine is much faster, smoother and more powerful than the na 4.2. Although the cars look almost the same the 12 is a tighter leaner vehicle with more drive options than the 08. As I recall the 08 was missing the the winter mode. The 12 has a winter mode which I have never used living in S Cal. I think maybe the spring rates or shocks have been adjusted due to the new engine. The rearview camera is a very useful device which makes up for the poor rear visibility when the top is up.

To me the 12 is just a better vehicle all the way around. Anyway, you can't really go wrong with either vehicle as long as you do your due diligence. Be patient and get what you really want, by the way, see if you can't get an extensive test drive in both model years, then you should be in a better position to decide. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

The 2010 has the 5.0L, too. As far as I can tell, 2012 introduced some cosmetic updates for the aging platform.

 

2 years and 20,000 miles and no issues. just wear and tear items (battery, tires, oil and general service) amazing so far

 

There has been some controversary over the 4.2L vs the 5.0L Jag engines.

I own a 2009 Jaguar XKR (4.2L) and at 420 HP, I certainly feel that is all you need on USA roads or highways. While the 5.0L might deliver a bit more HP, I really think if your looking for a entry Jag XKR the 2007 to 2009 MY will provide a great ride, pleanty of power, and lots of fun.

For many who are entering this brand for the first time, such as I did, the 4.2L Supercharged engine will fill any desire for speed and power. My 2009 XKR has more power than I will ever need. I don't like speeding tickets and haven't had any in 25 years of driving.

The MY of a Jaguar XKR will be dependent on your overall budget. While many may solict the 2010 and beyond, you have to have the bucks to pay for it.

The XK/XKR has proven to be a reliable car. We read about good points and read about bad issues here on the forums, because this is a dedicated forum to the Jaguar brand and it is reasonable to expect Jaguar owners here on the forum to discuss problems or issues with the cars.

What you will find here, is a loyalty to the brand. An excitement to own this brand.

I suggest that you take the advice of forum, member "Bocatrip" and take your time, shop around, and find the car with the lowest mileage possible in the year that you can afford. Depreciation on the 2007, 2008, 2009 have already been factored in, and you can always start with a earlier model like the 2007 and work up in years.

Nevertheless, I am sure that you will enjoy the ride, the brand, and the exclusiveness of ownership from such a fine automobile.

I have owned my 2009 jag XKR Portfolio Edition for about 18 months now, with great reliability. So far since ownership, I have incurred expenses of $135.00 at the local dealer. I did buy a new set of tires and some aftermarket wheels which was my own choice.

Keep us posted regarding what you decide and keep close contact with this forum. The members are the best I have ever seen in an open forum like this.

 

The 6 speed box was introduced at the same time as the 4.2 engine, in MY 2003.

 

I have a 2012 XKR-S as my daily driver and other than scheduled maintenance I have never been back to the dealer.

 

The OP was asking about an '06 or the newer '07. Not sure I even saw mention of the 5.0l anywhere in his/her question.

 

Typhoon, like DpezXK8, I'm a former XK8 owner that now has an X150, though mine is a 5.0 XKR. While the last of the X100s will certainly have most of the 'kinks' ironed out, the X150 is a superior car. And it was introduced in the UK in '06, so I believe the '07 US models are not the first off the line. In any case, there are few intrinsic faults with the X150 - a clever-but-flawed AC drain tube design, which can block and cause leaks into the passenger footwell, is the main issue with the pre-5.0 cars.