Thanks in advance for any guidance. Love the community and knowledge shared in these threads and forums.
I think I may have found the right XK. Been looking for quite a while.

Asking for guidance on items to check, things to think about, and general counsel on buying and caring for the x150 convertible.
This will be my first purchase without actually seeing / driving the car. I will condition the sale on a pre-purcahase inspection and review of service records.
Owner will make service records available upon offer.

The car is a single owner 2012 XK Convertible, approaching 70,000 miles
Owner reports:
- No accidents, no paint work
- No leaks from weather nor fluids leaking into into the passenger area (like the AC duckbill drain)
- Water Pump replaced in 2016 at ~35k miles, hoses replaced 4 years ago
- Over the last 2 years replaced front shocks, spring seats, upper and lower control arms
- New top in 2022, need to confirm if mechanism was also replaced
- New front and rear tires about 10k miles ago

I am expecting the immediate need for:
- Transmission fluid and filter service
- Engine oil and filter
Also anticipating need to replace water pump, thermostat

Should I be planning to replace timing chain, tensioners, guides, and sprockets? if yes, when would i likely begin to hear the rattling?
Any other service / maintenance I should expect?

I have a pre-purchase inspection checklist from the x308 forum for the 2002 X308 I purchased in 2020 from the original owner.
Would appreciate being pointed to pre-purchase inspection guide / checklist for the x150 facelift

All guidance welcome!

Thank you,
amarjr

 

. Have suspension boots been replaced? ( Excluding front upper and lower control arms).

 

5.0L engine oil/filter change is EZ DIY with extractor pump and proper oil filter wrench. Search for threads on this Forum.

 

Thank you Bocatrip. I will start my list for service record review and PPI with Suspension Boots.

 

Thank you Stuart. I do need to start the DIY activities on the VDP as well.

 

Hi amarjr

Are you 100% sure about no leaks ? Look in the passenger rear seat footwell..fav place for them to leak and a nightmare to get it dry. If it is dry and you have a new hood then that's excellent. Awesome cars, love mine !!

 

That's the usual spot for the 4.2 cars, rarely happens to the newer models.

 

Thank you Mr Wolf and Cee Jay
Would the prospective leak be from the top or the other fluids that collect in rear passenger-side footwell?

 

The 4.2 litre engine in your car is very robust and does not have timing chain issues (unlike the 4.0 engine in your sedan). The thermostat and its plastic housing should be replaced because over time the plastic can break allowing pieces to clog the thermostat…and either overheating or insufficient heating can ensue. Very inexpensive protection.

 

Is this not a 2012 XK in question? If so, it is the 5.0l engine.

I like “older”, “original” vehicles. And I know your VDP very well…. I had one. (Then I drove the ‘04 xjr) So you know the importance if preventative maintenance.
As for the XK, it is 13 y.o. Glad you are thinking of maintenance up front because any car of this age, if you want to keep it, requires a preemptive maintenance schedule (which is the reason perhaps you are here).

Oxidation, continually changing temperatures and “contaminants” acidify any fluid. I’d be changing them all.
Heat cycles, and age affect all plastic and rubber components. Belts included.

And as you’ve probably read… 13 y.o. hoses is a recipe for disaster.
Many dump their jags when they learn that the exceptional handling observed by the double wishbone system requires twice the number of bushings being replaced.
Many ignore the importance of the battery. It is just not a “help the vehicle get started and then it will all be fine” component. - Replace it up front.
And I’m all about good fresh rubber. Not just the tires but the door moldings as well.
When you lift the bonnet, is it clean or dirty in there? And does it sound good when idling?

Don’t bother “asking for the maintenance history”. Go to your trusted dealer service debt and ask for the maintenance history for the vin.

Some think that “synthetic oil” affords them elongated oil change schedules. Don’t fall for that. (see comments above).

And, as for your questions, I follow a aggressive maintenance schedule, addressing most components prior to the suggested schedule… Which is why perhaps my vehicles despite thier age, can be counted on.

 

Condensation from the Air Conditioner collects in the 'heater' box and is SUPPOSED to drain out a little drain called a 'duckbill' to the outside. The older duckbills fail and the AC drains into the cabin on the floor, PAX side.

 

As per Cee Jay's comment, the duck bill is a known aggravation. But touch wood, mine is fine. I wonder if my arbitrary setting of the fan on high, the selector moved to vent, and close all the vents for a minute or two has something to do with it.

 

Thank you guy, Cee Jay, and sov211
Duckbill: Will check at PPI, have read the duckbill except the latest "Alternative" will review that shortl
Battery: Owner provided receipt showing replacement last year
AC: Owner provided receipt showing replacement last year
Hoses: Owner reports replacement in 2021

Questions:
Rubber: What works to keep door seals, window seals, and moldings from failing?
Timing parts: Do the timing chains, tensioners, guides, and sprockets need tending? I saw mention that 5.0l cars experience stretch and failure in model years earlier than mid 2013

thank you,

 

There was a redesign of the chain tensioners.
In the early days , the chain would be replaced without addressing the worn sprockets… which led to stretched chains… again.

Rubber… don‘t drive it and don’t let the clock move ahead. (I don’t have such influence on Father Time so I can’t help you)

 

No problem. Sounds like later cars had the issue sorted. With mine it was traced to the hood initially but then to the rubber seal around the n/s rear passenger quarter window - the water collects and drains into the footwell.

 

I’d highly recommend finding a place to have it put in a lift, and check out all the bushings, and boots. Check for leaks, and rust.

 

When you have bought your convertible, purchase this from WHITEXKR with the rear window control option- you will not regret it!
https://www.thejagwrangler.com/new-0...e-control.html