Hello all,

I have been reading on this forum for quite some time now and I have been very happy to see the polite and helpful way people go about their business here.

As I am currently in the process of chasing down my very first Jaguar I am asking for a bit of help with hammering out my list on what to look for as I am sifting through the used car market.

By reading here and elsewhere I have come to know the XKR convertible as a fairly reliable car, but there are a few things I have heard crop up repetitively:

1. Engine overheating due to blown Termostat or blocked/damaged waterpump
2. AC hose issue, drain gets clogged by dirt and causes venting of condensed water into the car on the passenger side
3. 1250 RPM growl of the exhaust system (fixed by adding brackets which can be spotted mounted on the gearbox). Not all cars have this problem?
4. Issues with the cab top, where hinge covers will not retract/cover hinges or failure to lock the top into place seems to be the common ones.

If I could rely on the more expert people to help me check my list and perhaps add items I would be very grateful as I am rearing to go get a Jaguar of my very own. Please tell me and I will go about editing in the things found to make this list as complete as possible. Also if there is already a post like this out there somewhere please point me to it

Best regards

Staffan

 

I've enjoyed mine for two months now and can say I have not experienced any of the issues outlined. However, I have found myself smiling like an idiot at times. Find one with low mileage and jump in- the waters fine.

 

I'm currently scouting my first jaguar thanks in large parts to a friend of mine that renovates them (******* let me drive his XJR and I was hooked from the first second). Been a Porsche guy before (had a really nice -85 911 Carrera and a -94 911 vert) but after seeing the XKR vert I was lost. Took the bait with the hook, line and sinker attached... Currently I'm just trying to prevent myself from diving in head first without checking the waters for hidden rocks. But it's HARD... SO hard not to just buy the thing.

I wanted to drive it yesterday!

 

I don't own the XKR but the XK. I haven't had any of those issues you describe. I've had the car two years now. It's still a blast to drive.

 

I've owned my 07 XK for over a year now. Unlike some other Jag models, such as the XJ, it has no permanent vices that I'm aware of. In fact, and I think this is a consensus, it's one of the best sorted out Jags around.

Keep in mind that you can find almost any failure you care to in these pages. That's the nature of auto forums. It's all in the perspective. If you love Jags, an 07 and up XK will make you happy.

 

I have owned 3 XKR's over the years (2002, 2007, 2010).

I had the issue of the blocked AC drain hose, but this was only on the 07 XKR and was easily fixed.

Never heard of a blocked blocked thermostat or water pump.

I guess I have been lucky because I have never had any problems with convertible tops.

I'd get a 2010 or newer. the engine differences between the 07-09 and 2010+ are *significant*. The interior is a little different in how the leather is appointed on the doors.
There are other improvements with the electronics, with the 2012+ having a backup camera.

Good luck.

 

Why do 2010+ owners always talk smack about 2007-2009 XKRs?

 

Because they're right, unless you prefer less power and less content. I'm very satisfied with my 2009 because it has every option and I love the color combination with the 2-tone interior. RSCULTHO makes a good point because, unlike the 2007-2009 models, the 2010 model really didn't have any options other than colors - adaptive cruise was standard as were other features that previously were options. But the 2010-up models have the pop-up hockey puck shifter, which some people don't like.

Stuart

 

I was looking at the Park Place Plano site (I think it was) and looking at XK's. I'd find one that I was interested in and then read the CarFax on it. I remember one car that look just fine but the CarFax mentioned that the water pump had been replaced.

This on a 2010-2011 XK. No way I'd take a gamble on that one. That's the only thing I ever seen regarding a coolant problem on Jaguar XK's.

EDIT: This Carfax: http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...WA4DC1AMB34162

 

I recall some guy on the forums having trouble with his car overheating on hot summer days when stopped at traffic lights. It turned out, I think, that the thermostat housing had disintegrated after a thermostat replacement, causing chunks to become lodged somewhere in the system. If I remember right, it was a relatively easy fix once he figured out what was going on.

 

First off thanks for all the answers, like I said it is nice to be in a friendly environment.

Rscultho, you make a compelling case for the 2010+ cars however the very simple fact is that I've decided they are out of my wallet size. I would love to have one however I know from previous experience that I don't REALLY need the punch of the 5.0... And there is something about the 2008 with the beating heart from the old car. Can't quite describe it, but it's really compelling to me.

Basically it is nice to get my hunch confirmed that this really is a solid car. I've found a prospect already and if it is sound and the history on it checks out I am going for it. I'm even sending in a friend of mine who's completely objective to the car to get an unbiased opinion. Gods I feel grown up, when did that happen...

 

And Stuart S... that 2009 Vert of yours is a serious looker. Nice car!

 

Welcome to the forum D-end.

Why don't you stop by our New Member Area & introduce yourself.

We also have a Europe Regional Section and there are a number of members from Sweden here on the forum too.

Good luck with the search for an XKR, I'm sure you're already looking across Europe for the right car. Have a look on autoscout.eu