Hi Everyone,

I would like to introduce myself here. I am looking to buy a XKr very soon but still no luck for the last 2 months. I have read many threads and still not sure which year to chose. I am looking at 07, 08 and 09.
Is that true the 09 is more reliable than 07 ? and Portfolio package really worth $2K extra ? I own 06 E55 AMG with some modification around 560hp (ECU tune, SC pulley, Kleemann Header...) so not looking something with huge power.

Can anyone give me some hint about reliability from 07 to 09 ?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Chuck

 

Chech here:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ose-xk-124649/

Very timely post for you!~

 

Welcome ChuckE55 i bought a 2007 xkr recently and apart from a few issues that were sorted by dealer , i love it. Everyday i look out a see the car it put a smile on my face and driving it is a joy. Done some mods on mine. What ever your budget you won't be disappointed. Remember all car makes aren't bullet proof, you can get bad ones and good ones, hope you find a good one.

 

Chuck:

Welcome to the boards.....I own a 2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Edition. Has lots of extras. Portfolio Edition well worth the extra $$ IMO. Mine has the $5000 Alcon braking package. It's a 4.2 L Supercharged. Jaguar only produced 200 of the 2009 XKR PE's in the convertible model which I own. I just turned 16,000 miles, and the car has performed flawlessly. Jag produced 180 of the 2009 XKR PE coupes.

Since the car is the 4.2L, Jaguar had a few years over the 2007 and 2008 to make improvements for the 2009MY.

My Portfolio Edition was only available in the Shadow Gray for the 2009 production. There are a few other 2009 XKR Portfolio Edition owners on the site here as members.

Photos of my 2009 XKR PE can be found in my signature below.

Welcome once again. There are GREAT members here available to answer just about any question on the 2007 to 2009 XKR's that you are looking for.

Welcome to the brand.

 

We have a 08 with the Portfolio package. From what I can find, they only sent 138 XKR Portfolio convertibles to the US in 2008 which makes them somewhat unique. we use it as a driver and enjoy traveling around New England. It's comfortable to drive on both the highways as well as back roads. We've taken it to a couple of car shows and always seems to get a lot of attention.
In the 5,000 miles we've driven it, it has never given us any problems. We plan to keep it for a long time. The service records show that the previous owner had not experienced any problems either. It now has 47,000 miles.

 

Thanks for all the welcomes.

I have searched down to 3 cars:

2008 Dark Blue with 91K miles asking $28,000 (Texas)
2008 Silver with 72K miles asking $29,000 (Oregon)
2009 Dark Gray Profolio with 78K miles asking $33,000 (Oregon)

I was always thinking stay away for the first year that's why my research is base on 08 and 09. I really like the Profolio package but is it really worth $4K ? My only problem is I live in Los Angeles area and can't see or test drive it before purchase.

Once I made my mind and have the car I will post some pix.

Thanks !

 

Hi Chuck, Welcome to the forum,
When time allows please post an intro in the new members area for a warm welcome.

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

All 3 of your choices have high mileage for this type of car. For not much more you can find a low mileage example with no stories as well as being well maintained. Patience is key to XK ownership. There are enough cars out there for you to get an exceptional car. Keep looking.

 

Welcome aboard Chuck. You've come to the right place. This forum is a great place to discuss Jaguar cars.


My experience with both of my xkr's has been very rewarding. I've had no problems during my ownership to complain about. If you can manage a 2010 or above with the 5L SC you will have the most reliable version of the XKR. I have not owned a model later than MY11 but from being on this forum and meeting some members who have had Jaguar XKR's for many years tell me the 2010-on models are the most reliable. The 2010 model had a major revision and the 5L SC engine is sweet.


I also have a 2013 Merc SLK 55 AMG. For a high performance sport roadster I'm disappointed with the car in many respects from a performance perspective. My XKR is more responsive, much more powerful, shifts many times faster, sounds so much better and it's a GT. I would trade my SLK 55 AMG for a V8 S F-Type in a heart beat.


I have no regrets with my Jaguar XKR ownership experience. The only thing I miss on the car is AWD, but that's only because I live in snow bound eastern Canada. Consequently, my XKR painfully stays in my garage for 5 months of the year.

 

I've owned a XJR, then XKR and now Ftype R and all have been very reliable. My XKR was a 2010 and the engine was an improvement over the prior years versions.
My dealer told me that if they get a XKR (or I suppose any Jaguar) in from the original owner and the warranty has not yet run out... they can re-warranty the car from Jaguar for re-sale.. so I think that would mean late 2010 and 2011 forward would qualify.
Always nice to have warranty on high priced exotic cars as the parts and service can be expensive.
Lawrence.

 

Hi Chuck,

Welcome to the Forum. You'll find lots of great info and help here.

As for your specific questions, IMHO as for the 4.2L XKR, if listening to music from an iPod is important to you, then the 2009 model is the one to get. 2009 was the first year that Jaguar made iPod integration with the touchscreen and steering wheel controls standard equipment. It wasn't even optional on 2007 and 2008 models, although a dealer-installed factory retrofit kit with similar, but not identical, functionality became available in 2009 for those earlier models.

Is the Portfolio package worth the additional cost? That depends on what value you place on the unique Portfolio bits and pieces. I won't post those details here, but you can read about them in these links:
2008 Portfolio: 2008 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Edition - Car News - Car and Driver
2009 Portfolio: 2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Details

The Portfolio is the top-of-the-line model in terms of luxury features and leather everywhere. The only feature the factory forgot to include is a heated steering wheel. Not even available as an option. I have no idea why.

Note that Portfolio models aren't all the same - there were choices and options: two different upholstery colors, wood or aluminum dash trim, black or grey soft top color. Portfolios had unique exterior paint colors and wheels - all 2008 Portfolios were Celestial Black with 20" Cremona wheels and all 2009's were Shadow Grey Metallic with 20" Selena wheels. Alcon performance brakes were standard on 2008 Portfolios but Alcon's were optional on 2009's. Adaptive Cruise Control was optional on both 2008 and 2009 models. Even the side vents are different (expensive milled polished aluminum) on the Portfolios.

I'm very satisfied with my 2009 Portfolio and enjoy it as much today as when I bought it 4 years ago. I agree with Bocatrip's advice - keep looking for the low mileage XKR (it doesn't have to be a Portfolio, but that would just be icing on the cake) with the options and features that are important to you. Be patient, do your due diligence, and you'll be glad you did. Good luck with your search!

Stuart

 

Thanks for all the advises and this forum really get reply fast. I will continue my search and like to get one soon. I always thought the 4.2SC is more reliable since it's used from year 2000 to 2009 and the 5.0 SC is newer engine and stay away for the first 2 years. I test drove 09 Porfolio 2 weeks ago with 63K miles and fall in love with that car. The sound is amazing ! the speed and power is good enough for my use. Very similar to my E55 (5.5 SC) but XKR is much more nimble and lighter. I will keep searching but should get one soon !

Thanks again for the quick replies.

 

Welcome aboard and good luck in your hunt!! I currently have a 12 XK vert that replaced an 08 XK vert. the 12 is slightly modified it has an ETG tune and a Mina Exhaust system. I hjave had it on a dyno and it checks out about 410 bhp. similar to a 4.2L XKR.
IMO the 5.0L is the way to go. If you can afford the price differential it is a better vehicle than the 07 - 09. Another advantage is you will find one with significantly lower mileage more readily due to the age difference. As other responders have cautioned, be patient and you should be able to find just what you want. When you zero in on the primary candidate insist on having the car examined by a Jaguar dealer before you pull the trigger. Good hunting and good luck.

 

Like others have said, I'm afraid of the high mileage on the 3 you listed. I just now looked on eBay Motors and found several in the model years and price range of the 3 you listed that had 42,000 miles or less, including a '07 XKR with 29,500 miles for $33,000. That's the way I suggest you go. I bought a 2009 with 19,000 miles and the balance of factory warranty 18 months ago from a Jag dealer for $45,000 and I couldn't be happier. Be patient and good luck!

 

There is alwaays going to be a "for just a little more cash I gan get X-Y-Z feathures" and that incrementally bumps you up just a little at a time untill before you know it you've justified 80K for an XKRS!

Draw a line in the sand with regards to your budget and work backwards from there. Be honest about your budget before you get emotionally attached to a car and buy the nicest example you can afford.

 

Chuck, I'm not aware of any 'noted' problems with the 5.0 engine, The 5.0 SC is phenomenal, but the 4.2 SC is no slouch. On the other hand, the 5.0 also has a more sophisticated gearbox and suspension.

The big issue is: you'd have to pay more for a 5.0 car, and that might lead you to compromise further on mileage. But if you can get a good deal within your budget, don't be afraid of the 5.0's reliability.

 

That 4.2 is a 20 year old design and is as bullet proof as they come. That engine will outlast the car if cared for. It's the same basic dessign/block that Jag has been building for Astom Marting for 20 years as well. The 5.0 would be on wall posters if BMW created it or another brand with more fanbois. Its the most fuel efficient engine for the power and is as epic as any other marque's flagship. The power/torque curve is perfection.

The 4.2 and 5.0 have the same transmition but the ECU and electronics are significantly improved in the 5.0.

Another large factor that is often overlooked as we hyperfocus on power figures is the diff on the 5.0 which is a drastic improvement. This is perhaps the largest mechanical factor with the engine being the largest component difference. I'd hypothesize that the new e-diff makes more of a performance variance than the engine.

All the being said... there is no difference in performance < breaking law between the 5.0 and 4.2. the diff may help in the snow but if you're driving this car in snow then you're doing life worng. The 4.2's are beautiful and anyone driving an XK/R of any year or generation should count themselves fortunate.

 

The 4.2 has the ZF 6HP26; the 5.0 has the 6HP28 - quicker shifts, quicker torque converter lockup, and the ability to bypass gears on the down- & up-shifts.

Agreed, both are great cars.

 

To be honest, my budget is about $35K since I will spend about $2k after the purchase in maintenance stuff or little upgrade. For all the used cars I bought in the past, I always do a major service even not require just for peace of mind. I will be driving the car about 300-400 miles per month since I work home office and still have other 2 cars. I don't think my budget will find 5.0 SC or 2010+ Also, I like better the pre-2010 the tranny shifter. I guess I am kinda old school. I will keep searching in my budget to find the best one and I guess it will take some time since not many XKR for sale. It's true that XKR is much more exclusive car than AMG or BMW M series. You can hardly find in the street. Just love the way they look. Thanks to everybody quick reply and warm welcome.

 

Good luck with the search - and, of course, we're here if you have questions.