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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Yorkshire U.K.
Introduction
Hi all, I’m a regular on the xjs forum and a previous owner of xk8 and xkr cars . Now I’m getting towards the end of my xjs restoration I’m looking more and more at the xk150 . I don’t think I need the xkr back in my life having scratched that itch and from what I’ve read the xk should suit me. I know I could research all the facts and figures but I always like to consider people’s 1st hand experiences. So specifically talking xk, are the early 4.2 ok or would you try for a 5.0? I’m fancying a coupe so is there any thing I should specifically look out for? I know it’s difficult as there are so many different things to consider but all input is gratefully received. Hope you all enjoy the holidays . Thanks bob
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: LA
Well, 5.0 is the latest with pretty updates and facelift, with built in weaknesses.
4.2 is the original design, and is pretty much bulletproof and has less built weakness.
Im into all XKs but prefer the front end in the facelift models, yet I also prefer the early cars for their originality. 4.2 is the easier one to live with, 5.0 is more power though
4.2 is the original design, and is pretty much bulletproof and has less built weakness.
Im into all XKs but prefer the front end in the facelift models, yet I also prefer the early cars for their originality. 4.2 is the easier one to live with, 5.0 is more power though
I've owned both the 4.2l and 5.0. and would vote yes on any of the x150 model years. 2010 was the first year of the 5.0l but, by this point in time, any of them out there should have had any of the weakness points addressed already.
That said, I couldn't be happier with my '12 vert.
That said, I couldn't be happier with my '12 vert.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Los Angeles
Whether the XK or XKR, the leather dash is potentially an expensive issue with either. The leather becomes separated from the foam and frame since it was only glued not anchored with staples. The result is that many X150 owners have loose leather flappin' around or bubbles all around the dash. In comparison to the X100 (i have both), the X150 platform, especially the 5.0L cars, are head and shoulders more enjoyable to drive, more stable, more planted, handle and ride better, and is far more reliable. And the speed of the X150 XKR is explosive and intoxicating. Obviously, look for a car with a service history.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 434
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From: Charlotte, NC USA
I recently sought out and purchased an ‘09 XKR Portfolio for the following reasons :
- 4.2 supercharged engine
- JGate shifter
- red stitching on the dark leather
- Shadow Gray color
The proven nature of the 4.2 combined with the supercharger gives the car all the power it needs. I personally think the JGate is much cooler than the later rotary knob. Red stitched leather, oh yeah, gotta have it! The color is exceptionally well suited to the XKR.
- 4.2 supercharged engine
- JGate shifter
- red stitching on the dark leather
- Shadow Gray color
The proven nature of the 4.2 combined with the supercharger gives the car all the power it needs. I personally think the JGate is much cooler than the later rotary knob. Red stitched leather, oh yeah, gotta have it! The color is exceptionally well suited to the XKR.
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Los Angeles CA
I would suggest you drive both before you make a decision. IMO the 5L is different better vehicle with one caveat. Be aware that the water pump has been an issue on the 5L. they tend to give out somewhere around 35k+ miles unless they have been updated with the latest design.
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Joined: Mar 2017
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From: NC
Even the new updated 5.0 water pumps fail. Just had mine replaced again, last updated one lasted all of 7000 miles. I had the prior pump changed at Jaguar and had a 1 year warranty so they replaced it free of charge. That being said, the 5.0 is a superior car dynamically. The only reason to get the 4.2 is because its cheaper to purchase.
Just fyi , you can have just as much power out of 4.2 XKR as the stock 5.0, with basic bolt on and a proper tune. Speaking from experience 
__________________
2008 XKR Convertible, (mods: AlphaJagTuning ECU Tune , 1.5lb pulley, (200cel cats( are now melted), xpipe, Bosch 001 pump, 180 Thermostat.
Drag strip : 7.9sec 1/8mi 90 MPH . 1/4 mile 12.55 at 112.98mph
432rwh Dyno on Mustang Dynometer , Approx 511 crank HP.
2013 XJ 5.0 SC (Alpha Jag ECU, TCU tune, crank pulley), 600+ HP, 11.6 sec 1/4th mi 122mph, 7.6sec 1/8th mi
2018 Jaguar F-Type (AlphaJag ECU TCU, lower upper pulleys intake) 10.77 ,131mph ,700hp
2008 XKR Convertible, (mods: AlphaJagTuning ECU Tune , 1.5lb pulley, (200cel cats( are now melted), xpipe, Bosch 001 pump, 180 Thermostat.Drag strip : 7.9sec 1/8mi 90 MPH . 1/4 mile 12.55 at 112.98mph
432rwh Dyno on Mustang Dynometer , Approx 511 crank HP.
2013 XJ 5.0 SC (Alpha Jag ECU, TCU tune, crank pulley), 600+ HP, 11.6 sec 1/4th mi 122mph, 7.6sec 1/8th mi
2018 Jaguar F-Type (AlphaJag ECU TCU, lower upper pulleys intake) 10.77 ,131mph ,700hp
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6,068
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From: Newport Beach, California
I personally prefer the early, pre-facelift cars as the design is less cluttered. I also wanted the AJ133 for its proven reliability as the timing chain issues associated with the 4.0 litre unit in the X100 had been sorted.
As for maintenance and items to pay attention to:
As for maintenance and items to pay attention to:
- Water outlet on the AJ133 is plastic and should be replaced as an assembly every time the coolant is changed.
- The evaporator drain can become blocked causing water to accumulate in the RH front footwell. There are several fixes such as trimming the 'duckbill' to allow better drainage.
- Battery condition and age as the X150 requires consistent current with a minimum of 12.6 volts or electrical 'gremlins' and random DTCs are the result.
- Suspension bushes can perish and affect handling.
- MoT advisories, if any on the vehicle you're considering.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Atlanta suburbs
All Jaguar and Land Rover models with 5.0L engines (normally aspirated and supercharged) are prone to water pump failure. While anything mechanical can break, the water pump in the 4.2L engine has been far more reliable.
You worry too much about your new 2007 XK.
You worry too much about your new 2007 XK.
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