Hi! First off let me say that in trying to do research about buying my first Jag, this forum has been invaluable. I really appreciate all the knowledge and help here!

It seemed that the 2007 year was the primary one to avoid for various reasons, So I had been looking for an ’09. However there are a very limited number of cars for sale in my price range in this area. Then I found this…..

1997 Base convertible with some options, 98,000 miles. What I really like is that it is a one-owner car who maintained it regularly at a Jaguar dealership. Clean Carfax with all service records. No repairs performed. Has the original timing chain and tensioners. They are asking $16,000. Part of the leather dash top has peeled back about 8 inches. No other issues noticed yet.

I’m pretty excited about this car, and would appreciate any opinions anyone has to offer. Thanks!

 

Your request meanders through so many production years that I am unclear of your request.
Moreover, you state this will be your first purchase… there is a level of maintenance and care required for these vehicles that many are not comfortable with. It will be significantly more for an’97, ‘07, ‘09. or anything else more than 5 years old. Are you prepared for this??

Cheers

 

Thank you for your reply. I was specifically requesting an opinion about a 2007 model.

 

There is something wrong here. A well-maintained 1997 X100 would have definitely had the tensioners changed. A poorly maintained X100 might not have had the tensioners changed but there is no chance that it would have survived 98k miles.

You do know that the 2009 model is a completely different car, X150?

Richard

 

I am under the impression that 2007 may have produced both x100's and X150's, and I believe this is an X150.

 

Every 2007 built is an X150. 2006 in the UK are X150.
Why all the confusion adding in a 1997?

 

Dang it! Of course I screwed up my typing...it's a 2007. My apologies! All comments and advice appreciated!

 

I don't know about Jag 4.2 timing chains, but in years past I'd take off a valve cover and watch what happens with the timing chain on the sprocket for the valves when the engine is rocked back and forth with a breaker bar. There shouldn't be much slack, depending on when the tensioners were last pressurized. Some slack of course, but not a ton. On a XKR that'd be a nightmare to check, but N/A it should be a breeze.

 

Now that we have the year sorted…. As Cee Jay mentions, it is the x150. The 4.2 is bullet proof. These timing chains comments by those with the 5l engine very, very, very rarely affect the 4.2. There is a significant redesign in the 5l that leads to this situation.

Is it an XK or XKR version. The xkr has the supercharger, dual exhaust tips, hood vents, bigger brakes…
Too bad about the dash leather. Let this be a lesson, she needs to be kept in a garage.
Some common complaints by newbies include battery, transmission, bushings, rear window delaminating…
On the powertrain, brakes and suspension and battery... just deal with it when it needs dealing with.
Especially the battery.

Me, I trust no one. First order of business… change EVERY fluid and filter. (even if the shop says “thats not recommended” or its a “sealed for life component” )
Confirm ALL bushings and engine mounts.
Be sure the EPB works properly.
Be sure the touch screen works properly.

I have been enjoying spirited drives and very long drives in my car since 2010. And she is perfect. Thats a testament to build quality and rigorous maintenance.

Good luck!🍀

 

Thank you for the insight. I wish it was an XKR! But I'm glad to have a solid engine. This morning, reading a few dozen posts here, I discovered the leather delamination is a huge problem. I was hoping/thinking I could just re-glue it, but from all the posts I've seen it's essentially an unfixable problem requiring acceptance of what is, or replacing all of the dash upholstery. That will become a major negotiation point on the car.

 

It’s not a “huge” problem. If you park the car with the windshield in direct sunlight, for prolonged periods, it may cause the leather on the dash to shrink. If you have to keep it outside, in direct sunlight, cover it. A double folded towel over the dash can do wonders.

if you are looking at the 2007-2009 XK, they are one of the better efforts by Jaguar. Fast, comfortable and very well built and reliable.
Read up on battery care. It’s not as bad as some think.

 

Thanks! Unfortunately, once the leather has shrunk, it can't seem to be stretched back and reglued. I've read so many posts this morning about all kinds of methods people have tried to no avail.....

 

Reglued is probably not the best solution. Other members here have had the leather stretched and then stapled (maybe it was glued too). Perhaps they’ll chime in, as it can be done.

 

I have a 2007 Vert naturally aspirated and its plenty fast and fun to drive. It has lots of low end torque giving one the impression of "fast". In my opinion, $16K is too much for an 07 with 98,000. I just saw a 2011 with 92,000 miles painstakingly maintained for that price.

 

Thank you all for your assistance and your encouragement. Please forgive me for my mistakes! Yes, I think that's a bit much, but I suspect it may be quite negotiable. If not, I'll practice patience until the right one comes along…

 

Or…. as they get older, the good ones become harder to come by.
Live a little

 

Thanks Guy! Which fluids are sealed? And what's your guesstimate of changing every fluid cost? Will a dealer be willing to do it? Thanks!

 

The list:
Differential
Transmission (and pan)
Power Steering (and reservoir)
Brake fluid
Coolant
Oil (filter)
Fuel filter
Intake (air) filter
PCV valve
Clean the MAF
Perform hard reset
Enjoy the italian tune up...
(no supercharger fluid in this case)

 

Thanks! (When I was a kid, my country cousins and uncles in rural South Carolina just called it "blowin' the carbon off!"

 

Please note: both the differential fluid and the ZF transmission fluid should be changed. The original specification said that the ZF 6hp26 transmission was “sealed for life” and it was, assuming, of course, that this life was not expected to be a long one. The current instructions by the manufacturer (ZF) is that the fluid should be changed at regular distance intervals. I think it is 50,000 miles/80,000 kms. The fluid used should be equivalent to the ZF Lifeguard 6 fluid.
The differential fluid should be changed and there are many appropriate brands.
And in answer to your question, next week my JLR dealer is going to do both the above fluid changes on my 4.2 litre/ZF 6hp26 2006 S-Type - no problem at all.