Narrowing down my search for a 2010-2014 XK conv.
I’d love an XKR, but the price point is a little high for a weekender.
(Haven’t seen any under $28k, most in the $30s)

Just found a 2012 XKR. Doesn’t have the racing seats which I thought they all came with, but that’s ok.
”Italian racing red” is the color listed.
The miles are a bit higher at 88k, but is priced at $22k which is more what I’m looking for.

Anyone have a market feel on if this is a good price for the car/miles?

If I take the flight to look at it, anything I should look for in that year that could indicate a common problem?

Only service history is what is on carfax, which is sporadic and has standard stuff like brakes, suspension and filters.

Make sure the engine (AJ133) does not show signs of exhaust gasses in the cooling system.

Get a service history that's complete.

This is at a dealership. He said outside of carfax they have no history.
Should I find a trustworthy jag specialist near them to have that tested? Or are their signs I can detect.
(not a mechanic)

Agree w getting a complete service history. Personally would not buy a high mileage semi exotic expensive to repair car based only a CarFax w a “sporadic” history. Suggest test driving one before flying somewhere. You mentioned thinking an XK had enough power that you thought it was an XKR. A 5.0 XK is 380 hp. A 5.0 XKR IS 510. Big difference. The lower mileage 2013 XK Portfolio for around the same price sounds more interesting. Also a local dealer (if good) more likely to sell better cars to maintain reputation.

Thanks CA. These are exactly my thoughts and concerns.
So many of the ones I see for sale, at least on my side of the country (East), are at smaller car lots.
Not quite “buy here pay here” but definitely mom and pop.
So service history is MIA.

i agree the best resolution to the XK’s 385hp vs the XKR’s 510hp question can only be resolved by test driving an XKR. If I can find one near me.

I’ve had powerful cars in the past, but they could be a gentleman when desired and a beast when needed.
Avoided cars that were jumpy with even the slightest touch if the pedal at any speed, 0 or 70.

Insist on having a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done by a Jaguar specialist prior to buying any X150 as the newest of these vehicles is now ten year old.

Can't pound this one home enough. Full service history is a must.

The 5.0 have some issues and not limited to the X150. See also the XF and F-Type. Timing chains, Water Pumps for example.

Maintenance - Valley hose on all models (a hose in the valley of the V8 engine - gets cooked over time and needs replacing. Also all models, suspension, all of it, wears from both time and use.

Consider a national search and also the ads posted in the forum here. I bought my last one from Jaguar Palm Springs. Full history was provided along with video and pics. Had it shipped to me. Sometimes, it makes sense to fly out after you've ordered an independent inspection.

The only time you can rely on CarFax is to NOT buy a car. Never, ever rely on a "clean" CarFax to buy a car because they report only things that are reported to them, and not all shops report to CarFax as it takes time to do so. Time is money.

You will pay the highest price if you take your X150 to an authorized Jaguar dealer for maintenance and repairs, as you're covering the high cost of their overhead - fancy showroom, free snacks and drinks, free service loaner cars, and more. My local ASE-Certified technician owns the building that houses his shop (and a dry cleaner tenant) and has all the diagnostic tools and experience to keep my 2009 XKR and 2013 XJ in perfect mechanical condition at a fair and reasonable cost. He even encourages me to buy the parts if they're less than his cost! This is just one of the cars he owns - a modified 2007 Aston Martin Vantage with a 6-speed manual and great stance! It's really quick and nothing rubs.

Once again have owned an 07 xkr for 5 years and no issues been a great car . Bought it with little history . Been buying cars for 40 years with little history. If engine purrs no shakes or rattles generally you are ok , worked for me so far.

Love that you had great experiences.

I frequently get caught up in analysis paralysis.
While I assume any 10+ year old car I choose won’t be 100% plug and play, I want to avoid being in a situation where I save a few thousand over another one just to spend a few thousand in updates/repairs in the first few months.

As always I appreciate everyone’s input!

@Sean - Completely agree on full service history. Only way I buy Jaguars.
@ Stuart - agree that a CF with just a few entries isn't much use. However, the ones w lots of entries do provide useful info. CF on my 07 shows regular dealer service and high end Indy. 31 entries. Work done by mileage and time. Bought based on this and PPI (250) by a good Indy Jaguar shop. That's a nice AM! Have considered a Vantage. My indy Jag mechanic said no way, don't even think about it.
@ Canadacat - congrats, glad it's worked out. I've owned many cars over the years. If it's cheap enough and a reliable brand (Honda Lex), ok I trust my judgement, then have a garage look it over. Rack it and look at the underside. An XKR can be babied or beaten. Glad yours has been good. Have the same car. It's been a lot of fun.
@circumnavigator - my experience is that the cheapest Jaguar means expensive repairs. Suggest drive a 4.2 if you can find one. Less expensive and great reputation. Im totally biased.