Considering an x150 XK, looking for some feedback with a few generic questions.

Quick back story: I've owned my 2006 XJ for 11 years, recently got sideswiped and totaled. I've enjoyed the car thoroughly, putting over 100k miles on it, and until the accident wasn't really looking to change. The 4.2L naturally aspirated has been as reliable as granite. However, now that I'm looking at the prospect of finding a replacement x350 (at best 14 years old), and doing the same repairs over, I'm considering something slightly newer and different as a replacement.

I did test drive a 2014 XK coupe a few years back, and was very impressed with the ride and comfort. It was exactly as a Jag should be. I should note I'm not looking for a convertible, so any hydraulic top woes shouldn't be applicable.

Questions (if these have been asked and answered, please point me to them, I did not find anything readily available).
1. Does the 5.0 naturally aspirated have any major known issues or repairs that I should check for or anticipate? I'm thinking by this date, any of these would have been fixed already or aren't going to happen.
2. My understanding is the 5.0 is direct injected, will I need to consider intake carbon cleaning every 60k miles?
3. Minor concern, but how are they in real life for fuel economy? The 4.2 was only EPA rated 26 mpg highway, but I regularly got 28-30 mpg on long trips.
4. Is the XK serviceable for a DIYer? I have done nearly everything on my XJ. I know the XK has a more crowded engine bay and lower chassis, not sure if it is home garage friendly.
5. Does the suspension burn through bushings as quickly as the x350 does? (i.e. every 50k it needs an overhaul)

Thanks for any advice,
Michael

 

I have an XK 2012 with 70k miles. The car has been very reliable to be honest. I did replace the original water pump that is well known for failing.

The ride is fantastic. I had a 2006 xkr, and I agree that the XK has a better comfort (mine has the 19 inch wheels) and rides like a jaguar is suppose to.

The only issue with Jags that didn’t happen to me with any other car brand I had before is that is very hard to find any other car that gives you the same experience for the money. So you end up keeping the car for a long time.

 

I had a SuperV8 for many years and was one of the most reliable cars I've ever had. I've had 2 4.2 X150s, including the current XKR, also very reliable, 15 years later and it's held up well with no major repairs, just minor annoyances like bushes and headlight wiring insulation failure. I've actually had 5 of the 4.2 era Jags plus 1 Range Rover and all were fantastically reliable cars. Sadly I can't say the same for the newer generation with the 3.0 and 5.0 litre variations. Tons of brittle plastic, bush failures, complete cooling circuit failures including pipes, hoses, pumps, radiators, etc; alternator, fuel injectors, valve cover leaks and more. But with skill, proper tools and money, they are DIY friendly.

 

Old water pumps are an issue. If the car you are looking at has a relatively new pump (you should be able to find the part number by using the search box) you should be good with it. All of the original coolant pipes are plastic with seams and are prone to failure due to age/use. If the originals haven't been replaced you may need to replace them.
The other item to be aware of is a weak battery. If the car is going to sit for periods of no use get a battery tender (CTeck) and plug the car in. Batteries should show a minimum voltage across the anodes of 12.6v. Other than those items these cars a very reliable and a pleasure to own, maintain and drive. There is at least one member of the forum with 200K + miles on his 2010XKR coupe.

 

I heard before of the battery problems, I put the xk like 3000 miles a year, it sears for weeks in a normal basis and never had any issue with the battery. it turns on every time. And just replace the previous battery that had almost 6 years, and never failed.

My car is completely stock I don’t know if that can explain why…

 

Thank you for the replies--will keep the cooling pipes and water pump in mind. Not too different from the XJ with it's plastic thermostat housing failing every 50k miles like clockwork. I can deal with that knowing to watch for the issue.

Definitely right about the Jag providing an experience like no other car. If I could get into another XJ as sorted as mine was before the accident, I would in a heartbeat. Definitely makes my decision more difficult.

Some other questions, mostly regarding options. I have a 2012 brochure and I'm not sure how accurate it is...
1. Adaptive cruise control was part of the Advanced Technology Pack? Was that fairly common to have?
2. Were cooled seats standard? I am finding conflicting info on this.

 

Not sure about that, I think most XKs have cooled and heated seats and steering wheel. The adaptative cruise control is more complex, my XK has it, but then I see XRS or XKRs without it. I use it really frequently, if you can get one with it I would go for it. But when buying a used car, you should probably focus more on the condition than on the features. Good luck with that!

 

my XK manages 30mpg on a run, even a quick ish one, easy enough for oil changes plugs are awkward but only every 100k, air filters are bit awkward compared to the five minutes fir the xj, I note you mention suspension bushes, my XJ X350 was 16 yrs old when I sold it, only ever replaced one spherical joint on the lower front strut and needed a couple of rubber boots on the rear track rods, otherwise all original as were the shocks, over 160k miles on the clock! The di engine is noisy but don’t suffer from carbon build up like some do, mine has just suffered failure if the oil cooler but I don’t think it is particularly common, but it emptied 4 ltrs of oil into cooling system and out on the road, hoping I haven’t wrecked the engine, issues with removing injectors can cause problems if you have to have the valve covers off. If you have an engine issue it will be expensive.

 

Timing chain issues with the 5.0 liter

 

Cooled seats were introduced with the 5 litre cars and was standard except on the lower spec Touring XK introduced in 2013 and cars with the sports seats, e.g. XKR-S.