When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello, I came across a 2008 XKR at 12K sold by Autonation in US. I Was wondering if this engine suffers of the same timing chain tensioner problems found in earlier XJR and XKR models.
Is 85000mi considered high mileage for this engine?
thanks
Rick
Hello, I came across a 2008 XKR at 12K sold by Autonation in US. I Was wondering if this engine suffers of the same timing chain tensioner problems found in earlier XJR and XKR models.
Is 85000mi considered high mileage for this engine?
thanks
Rick
No to both questions.The first couple years of the 5.0L XK/R could have the issue, but not the 4.2L cars.
Thanks, so it is pretty much a reliable car? I had very bad experience with 1998 XJR previously, and a fairly good experience with a 1996 XJ6.
If you research this forum, you’ll find that the 4.2 engine is very reliable. Other things will deteriorate with age on a 17-18 year old car, like the plastic hoses under the hood/bonnet, and suspension bushings and ball joint boots. Engine and transmission mounts may also need attention. On the interior look for leather dash shrinkage and door panel bubbling.
Everything is fixable, although finding some replacement parts may be a challenge.
Search this forum for any particular item that is of concern, as it probably has been seen and addressed by someone at some point.
Thanks, so it is pretty much a reliable car? I had very bad experience with 1998 XJR previously, and a fairly good experience with a 1996 XJ6.
Rick, After 14 months of searching and researching, I just picked up my 2008 XKR portfolio convertible with 84k miles about 2.5 weeks ago.
$12k is a frighteningly low dealer price in my experience, especially in Cali. But sometimes ya get lucky.
KJ is correct, the 4.2L and paired transmission are rock solid.
It is all the things that make that engine go and drive smoothly that age out.
Hoses, tanks, sensors, pumps, rubber suspension parts, electronics (mostly gremlins not car killers).
A PPI from a Jag Dealer or at the very least an Indie shop that is familiar with jags is a must.
Maintenance history (outside of what is on CarFax) is super important.
At that mileage you'll want to see that these have been done:
Transmission Service (they aren't sealed for life)
Supercharger serviced
Plugs/Coils and even better, injectors too
Differential service
You have cumulatively decades of experience residing in this forum.
Take advantage of the advanced search function.
Start though by just skimming the threads from the past 9 months or so.
Helped me a ton.
Good luck in your search!
Aside from the obvious cosmetic problems with the paint and the driver seat leather, I don’t see any glaring issues. Even the Carfax looks good with plenty of regular services listed and only 2 prior owners. If the cosmetics don’t bother you, go for it!
The one I see is a 2009 for $12,495 with 85k.
Yeah, the paint is a bit rough and even several door dings. Other than that though..... who knows? However, it IS VIN identified as a Portfolio with door sills to match. Can't tell about the brakes, photos too dark.
This is one of the first 2009 XKR Portfolios made, as the MFD DATE tag shows 05/08.
It's a base 2009 XKR Portfolio coupe, with no options. It doesn't have Adaptive Cruise or the Alcon Performance Brake package. It has the original Selena wheels, but they've been painted black. The original front grilles (silver painted plastic) appear to have been replaced with chrome mesh but the center emblem is missing. It has the worst paint I've ever seen. Many plastic fasteners are missing from the engine compartment. There are no photos of the spare tire, jack/tools (only Alcon brake cars came from the factory with no spare or jack).
The window sticker says it has "R" logo embossed front headrests, and that the "Selena" wheels have a Shadow finish. Nope, both are wrong. There are no embossed logos and the wheels are now black.
The Jaguar XKR Portfolio coupe is a big cat, but this one's a real dog.
Alight my 2 cents since I know all the shops in the Bay Area. Owner clearly cared about upkeep. Indy shops listed are great (and expensive). Why does a 1 (maybe 2) owner XKR Portfolio (lease, then personal) w a full service history (at expensive Jag Indys) look so dinged up?
Just a guess but maybe inherited and abused, owner's driving skills declined or something. Traded in to Acura dealer for a little cash and washing machine? I'm joking but brand name dealers don't like these cars. Dealer has enough margin that they can sell and make money. Dealer uses the CF value to set the price.
Lots of tire work. At 53 (tires), 61 (tires), 73 (2 tires) and 79 (4 tires).
Water pump was replaced. Does this mean valley hoses were done? SC service? DEF do a PPI. I've owned enough Jags that low price is a flag. Hopefully I'm wrong and it's the deal of the century. Good luck
I’d add, and really surprised Stuart didn’t catch this, both the XK and R logos are missing from the rear.
When a badge is missing on any car, 90% chance the part was replaced / painted and the logos were never put back.
Maybe for $8k this would be a deal, but if the outside looks this bad, can’t imagine they took care of the engine.
And where the chips and missing paint is (mostly lower 1/3rd) would be a good indicator of being amateur tracked. Which also matches up with frequent tire replacement.
Which is fine when one is careful, but when you’re not… this is what you see.
Last edited by Circumnavigator; Sep 7, 2025 at 05:10 PM.
I’d add, and really surprised Stuart didn’t catch this, both the XK and R logos are missing from the rear.
When a badge is missing on any car, 90% chance the part was replaced / painted and the logos were never put back.
Maybe for $8k this would be a deal, but if the outside looks this bad, can’t imagine they took care of the engine.
And where the chips and missing paint is (mostly lower 1/3rd) would be a good indicator of being amateur tracked. Which also matches up with frequent tire replacement.
Which is fine when one is careful, but when you’re not… this is what you see.
Good point on the badges. Get the impression it was well maintained for years. Someone inherited it and beat on it. My experience is low price Jags end up being the most expensive. Still don't know about valley hoses, SC service, tires, etc, etc. I wouldn't buy it.
how did the red xkr compare to this one? Wasn't it lower mileage and (asking) 15k?
wj
Sorry forgot to reply.
He would have take $8-9k after I pointed everything out.
The inside was wrecked. I mean a complete redo, maybe minus carpet.
Large undisclosed dent over the passenger wheel well.
Tons of codes thrown.
This one is way better visually.
2008 XKR
