Hi All. Although I've been lurking around the F Type forum for quite some time, I'm only now seriously considering a grand tourer (XK or XKR) to replace my 2004 G35 Coupe that I've owned for the last 10 years. While I am aware of the major changes from 2010 on, I'm fine with less horsepower as long as I'm getting the same body style from 2007. I'd also prefer the extra bonus of a well depreciated Jag as the 2010 and later models are priced significantly higher with low mileage. I'm only looking for a Coupe either XK or XKR. Since reliability is a major factor with a used Jag I wanted to ask you guys if one year is more trouble free than another between 2007-2009. Thanks again for any feedback you can give.

 

Every new model has "growing pains" of minor flaws that get corrected by the factory as they become known (Technical Service Bulletins "TSBs"), so later models have those bugs already fixed by the factory. Also, every succeeding model year brings some new bells and whistles. For example, when the X150 (alloy body) was introduced in the USA as a 2007 model, it had an external power operated radio antenna (that was universally despised). That antenna was eliminated in the 2008 model year. In 2009 iPod connectivity became standard equipment. So, since you're considering 2007-2009s, I recommend the 2009 because it comes better equipped and is better built than the 2007s and 2008s.

In addition to the model year, optional equipment can make a significant difference. Since you're looking at used cars, you'll find cars with either wood or aluminum dash/door trim, 19" or 20" wheels in different styles, perforated leather seats, 2-tone or solid color upholstery, adaptive cruise, big Alcon brakes, etc. Do your research and try to find a car that has all the equipment that is important to you. For example, I decided to buy my car, a 2009 XKR Portfolio, because I loved the colors and it had every option.

Many of the problems with these cars involve the battery, so it is important to routinely use a trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged. And to always lock the doors when you park to shut off the computer to minimize battery drain. Also, since the trim is leather, it is important to use a reflective sun shade to protect the dash and use leather conditioner to keep it from shrinking. There is a lot of great information on this forum and you can learn a lot by searching and browsing.

Let us know when you find the car of your dreams!

 

Thanks Stuart S for the warm welcome as well as the wealth of info in your post. I thought the 2009 might be relatively close in pricing to the 2010 which gets a significant revamp. However, I will do my research to find the right car. I'm very particular and will not even look at a car with any paint work, and for this purchase I will be sensitive to mileage. Thanks again for the headstart and I'll keep you guys posted.

 

Bocatrip,

You will do well with an 07/10 XK. The car has no significant vices and reliability is holding up as the car ages. That's saying a lot as Jag has a history of major screw ups with every prior new model - they even screwed up the 05 XJs (the best looking sedan on the planet) with a major suspension flaw.

As a Jag owner of many years standing I rate the 07 and up XK is almost boring in it's reliability general satisfaction. Go for it and good hunting.

 

Allow for the AC condenser drain fix to be done as soon as you take ownership. Unless you have a dealer supplied receipt on the service, I would just do it from the get go.

I'd look for the right car (color - miles - condition) over model year. Look nationally as well.

 

If it ain't broke, why fix it? I haven't had a problem with it, but I do some simple PM often that I think helps keep the drain clear. Close all the upper vents, set AC on inside air (recirculate), set to blow from upper vents only, and turn the fan speed to max. Let it blow for a couple of minutes. That pressurizes the drain tube and keeps it clear. Works for me, so far...

 

That did not work for me. I tried that method many times. Pay now or pay later, but be ready to pay.

What year did they fix leather application on the dash? That is the other big ticket item to consider on the older models.

 

Here is Florida, naturally the a/c is of utmost importance. It is on 99% of the year and almost always needs to start out blasting. Not only do I need it to be reliable, but strong blowing as well. What am I looking for in the way of miles for the occurrence and cost? Also, are their any areas for the electronics to look for?

 

Brutal and constant Florida sun takes its toll on many car's dashboards here. Any additional info on this leather application on the dash?

 

See https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...pulling-51324/

 

I had the 2008 XK with the only minor issue of the AC drain tube. Dealer fixed it under warranty. Other than that the car was ultra reliable for me.

Albert

 

Did you try that before or after you experienced the failure?

 

Thanks everyone for such great info. I have now finished reading all the posts regarding the A/C condensate line and dashboard leather peeling. It seems many if not all of the 2007-2009 cars are affected at one time or another. Here in the blistering heat of Florida the A/C and leather can be expensive issues. Those 2 problems alone can be thousands of dollars as well as recurring. Did Jaguar address these very issues for the 2010 cars and newer? Although a more expensive investment, I might be able to skirt these problems.

 

I tried it after the first notice of water in the footwell.

 

I use a sun visor almost 100% of the time my car is outside in the sun. The Car Craft brand folds and fits nice in the back seat. I put leather conditioner on the dash almost monthly. My interior looks like new, but car has 27K on it.

The 2010 XK is worth going for if you can swing it. A lot of updates were done and it's close to the 07-09 XKR in performance.

 

I bought on 07 XK last November. My only disappointments were the drone at about 1200 rpms which has a thread. That cost me 900.00 to fix with the brackets Jag made to retrofit the problem. Then I had the A/C drain issue and was able to fix it with the special tool devised by a clever guy on the forum. It has not recurred yet.
Interestingly I replaced my 09 G37 with the Jag. The Infiniti was a good car but not too exciting in the styling department. I never had a compliment on the G37, and get a few each week with the Jag. A few asked me if it was an Aston Martin. Good luck!

 

Don't worry about the 2007 being a "first year" model and the usual problems a first year car usually displays. Truth be told...this car especially the engine, has been around for the better part of a decade with incremental improvements being made from year to year. During Ford ownership, Jaguar didn't have a bunch of cash to throw at the car so I believe this forced them to use he Kaizen approach of incremental improvement. With Ford's quality assurance practices and Jaguar's excellence in engineering, history of opulence and racing lineage it has produced this modern XK. You will enjoy this car.