Hi all,

finally getting the time to start searching for an XK again, but would benefit from the collective wisdom of this outstanding forum.

I live in the sticks 3-4 hours away from a Jag indy but with good local mechanics near where I live. I'm not equipped to do much mechanical work myself.

So, all other things like service history being equal, which would be more reliable and easy to maintain / fix, a 2004-2005 Xk8 or a 2006-2007 XK (XK150).

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

fenderman,
Since you've got the same engine, the 4.2L, there shouldn't be much difference in engine maintenance. I own a 4.0L 2002 XKR, which I love dearly, but I also own a 2010 XKR, which while I don't think is as beautiful as my 2002, is just head and shoulders a tauter, tighter, quicker, more solid car to drive. So, outside of the maintenance issues, I think there should be other issues involved in your decision. Drive both of them over good and bad roads, curvy and straight ones, and then make your choice. Completely different personalities, rides, and looks, both have their attributes. Good luck, however you decide, I love them both for different reasons.

 

We have both; 4.0L XK8 & 4.2L XK. the XK is so much better than the XK8.
Only things I don't like on XK is gas cap on wrong side and 1 BU light (this I have fixed with UK BU light so now have 2!
Replaced tranny on XK8 @ 60K and electrical gremlins every so often including coils (keep plug gaps correct helps this)

Cheers, Adrian

 

Thanks for your comments.

Given that either choice would be the 4.2, my big concern would be the electrical system. Is the X150 much more complex and troublesome?

Also is the suspension pretty well comparable in terms of its robustness (I know the 4.2 front is better than the 4.0, but what about x100 vs x150?).

I was thinking too that the first year or two of the X150 might have teething problems all of its own? I know about the AC condenser drain problem and the stretching dash leather. Anything else?

I must say, I'm totally sold on the X100 looks, but if the X150 was generally less troublesome I'd go that way.

Thanks again. What a great forum this is. I wouldn't even be thinking of jumping into jagland, living where I do, without the amazingly helpful folks on here.

 

The X150 is better engineered than the X100 in every way - yes, the electronics are more complex and NO, they do not give problems (keep the battery at full charge!). The early cars have no particular issues. And living in Ireland, you will not have any issues with the dash leather - this seems to be a hot-area problem. I live in a temperate climate zone, warmer than Ireland, with fairly hot summers and mild winters (no snow), I have never seen an XK dash problem here (and I have seen many XKs).

 

Thanks for that info, Sov. At least that gives me a choice. Not too many XKs of either type in Ireland and very few of years 2003-2005, so later may be the answer.

Good to hear that there's an upside to our dreary weather too.