I am going to buy a Jaguar XK convertible and I would like more current advice than I'm finding after doing a forum search. I'm leaning toward the 2007 - 2009 model years and would like to know if there is anything in particular I should be aware of or look out for. Also, is there any reason to avoid the XKR?

This will be a daily driver.

 

The only reason to avoid an -R is fuel mileage (your foot will always be in it) and speeding tickets (your foot will always be in it).

 

Read this thread:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...oblems-116151/

Overall, my 2009 XKR Portfolio convertible has been very reliable. I haven't had any electrical gremlins because I regularly use a battery maintainer. My leather dashboard is still like new because I always use a reflective sunscreen and apply leather conditioner every 3 months. And my AC condensate line "duckbill" hasn't clogged up because I regularly do the "close all vents, run AC on max cooling and vary the airspeed" trick. My rear window separated from the convertible top, but that was an easy DIY fix.

I recommend the 2009 model because it was the first year that iPod connectivity was standard equipment, although the dealer-installed Audio Connectivity Module was available to retrofit on earlier models. That allows you to control the volume and track from the controls on the left side of the steering wheel and the touchscreen display.

Buy the lowest mileage XKR in the color you prefer and the options that you must have. Rare options include the Alcon Performance Brake Package and Adaptive Cruise Control. Don't rely on CarFax and pay for a pre-purchase inspection by a Jaguar dealer to their Certified Pre-Owned standards. These cars are rare, so extend your search nationwide and have "the one" shipped to you.

Sorry, but mine is a keeper.

 

Avoid 2007 to get away from the Taurus wings and antenna. I'd take a 5.0 XK over a 4.2 XKR if similar money.

 

Buy the //R, avoid the NA because it's just another N/A V8. The blower makes the car amazing. Think big block Chevelle versus 307 Chevelle. X150 4.2's have almost no problems. N/A's do have plastic T stat housings that will fail though. And no blower...

 

What in the world are "the taurus wings"?

The old school motorized antenna is definitely stupid though and I'm glad my car's former owner replaced it with a tiny little spike instead.

 

The 2007 upper oval grille has bars extending outwards from the sides of the Growler badge, which is reminiscent of the old Ford Taurus grille.

 

You can think Taurus all you want, but as the owner of a 2007 XK, I think E-Type!

 

Oh ok! I never had looked at the base cars and the R doesn't have the bars, I get what you mean though.

 

 

Use the search function on this forum as this topic has been discussed many times.

2007 X150 styling cues are from the E-Type, including front grille and rear tail lamps. Has nothing to do with any Ford, Taurus or otherwise.

 

If it's a 2007 XK, it did when it was manufactured. It appears that a previous owner modified your XK and changed the grille and wheels, since those chrome Cremona wheels were first made available on the 2008 XKR Portfolio. Also, it's hard to tell but it appears that the radio antenna mast was removed from the right rear fender. From your album:

 

It also appears to have the aluminum vertical blade fender things that were body colored on the non-R. It is a nice looking car all said though! Very nice and I love the color.

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Ford Taurus??? Come on guys!!

Luckily that piece of **** Ford never made it to South Africa.

Anyways, my 2007 XKR doesn't sport the bar in the grille.

And, South African cars were loaded with extras as standard, including Adaptive Cruise Control and the 20" wheels.

Mine is still perfect and runs like the clappers.

Drinks like a student though.....

 

The "propeller" was only on the first model year (2006 UK market, 2007 North American market) XK and not the XKR. I don't know what the first model year was in South Africa.