Budget is a concern but I won't say major. More important to me is the overall condition. I will pay more attention to the 4.2 XKRs.
I really appreciate all of the input from everyone. All of this is very helpful. I don't mind spending for what I want, I do mind spending on problems.
It's tough being patient when wanting a car like this!

 

I would go drive both, if you're serious about buying find the one you enjoy more.

For a coupe, I like the look for the '09 with its sleeker front. The '10 XK gets a more aggressive front bumper, but not enough changes on the rest of the car to match.

There does seem to be a bit of a lottery on engine failure with 5.0 XKR/XFR, but I haven't seen this on the base model.

There is also a lot of extra chrome plastic in the '10 vs '09 on the interior.

I say go check 'em out.

For an XKR, I would have the opinion that an '09 might win on reliability over '10, but for an XK I don't have an opinion between the two. My time reading the forum doesn't really show up a lot of issues for either the 5.0 or 4.2 XK.

 

It's a matter of personal taste.
I searched for three years before I found my dream car
.I wanted a low milage one owner XK or XK8 Coupe in a dark color, black, green or red for under $25K.
The 4.2 is really all I need, but then I haven't driven a V8 responsive car like that in almost 40 years. I am a happy camper.

 

KODYW.....Let me put it this way. You have already heard the differences between the 09 and 10 on this forum and I assume to you they are significant. The 10 is a way different car from the 09. If this doesn't help your decision.....Think ahead. How will you feel in a few years from now when you are understanding and actually seeing the real differences between the 2 cars as well as how much "OLDER THE 2009 SEEMS". If you are planning on keeping your car for a longer period of time... definitely go for the 2010.. If not.. take either one.. Long term is the 10..

 

I've had both (XKR's) and there is really no comparison. The 2010 HANDS DOWN if it's an R.

 

These are XK's, so both will be open differential, the '10 XK won't gain the E-diff that your newer XKR did over your older one.