So I've been looking for a 09-14 XK in good shape to buy. It's always been a dream of mine to own one of these nice cars. In my intro, I talked about this and how the car was always a dream, and now in my later years I can now afford one. My question has to do with the quality of the car - not so much in the frame or motor, but the rest of it' Looking around I see a number of these cars and every time I go to the carfax I get scared away. Why is there battaries being replaced at only 10k miles, why is the suspension such a huge issue? Why is the cars getting alienment, new tires, with only 15K on them ?? Why is there so many electrical issues (having the shop reset the computers) - and why do service departments give 30k and 45K services on a car with only 20k miles or less on the car ??? Tires seem to wear out on these cars - I don't mind oil changes, flushes, and replacement of a hose now and then - but almost every car is these issues over and over.... thus it scares me away as being a lemon. Maybe I need to be education - so I've come here - help me out.

 

I surely do not know where your information comes from, that seems quite abnormal to me.
ONE thing that can cause extra services is when an owner lets a car SIT. That isn't a good thing for a car that wants to run.
Also, most owners have an additional vehicle for mundane purposes, such as commuting and shopping. XKs are usually the extra 'fun' car, so therefore they don't usually get a lot of miles. Sitting for a month or two without going can drain a battery, and once it happens it will happen more often, resulting in the need for a new battery.
I have NO idea about suspension issues at all. At least, not in excess of any other vehicle. Again, sitting and component rot can cause issues and the need to replace dry rotted rubbers and such. DRIVE THE DANG CAR ALREADY!!!
The ONLY real issue I know of that is serious is the cooling system. Plastic hoses deteriorate and the 5.0 water pumps are sometimes suspect (not mine tho).
These are used cars, and they are getting older. Don't expect more from them than you would from any other used car of the same age.

 

Servicing is either on a MILEAGE or TIME basis. For the later XK's this is every 15K miles OR 12 months - whichever comes sooner. Consequently my April 2014 XK has had 7 scheduled services at yearly intervals and the next one will be to the 120K mile/96 month schedule regardless of it having covered less than 70K miles.

Batteries take a pounding and usually last around five years although I'm hoping regular use of a CTEK is going to extend this for the replacement.

Tyres - depends on how the vehicle is driven but 15K for the rears usual for me.

Electrical issues mainly occur if the battery is not maintained at optimum charge. Keep it on a CTEK and they are quite rare.

Graham

 

I know what 3G is saying - and not having the car makes sense to me. So I go over to YOUTUBE and see how you'd hook up a charger on your battary - and wow - the damn thing is in the Trunk of the car and it's not easy hook up. But I understand what you are saying. If I had a car like this it wouldn't wind up being stuck in my garage for months and letting it sit there routing out.

 

The CTEK battery maintainer is VERY EASY to hook up permanently. You do it once and it takes less than 10 minutes. When you put the car in the garage it takes 3 seconds, perhaps 4 seconds if you are slow, to connect the charger. Using this charger eliminates any possible electronic gremlins caused by low battery voltage and ensures a fully charged battery always. These cars are very, very reliable - the equal of any luxury make including the vaunted Germans. But any car requires servicing on a yearly basis at least.
As you can see on the first photo of my XK, the CTEK cord goes from the permanent battery connection out the trunk; the cord can be left with the small waterproof connector outside. There is no damage to the weatherstripping or the car - but this photo does not show the wire routing I suggest. The second and third photos (from my F-Type) do. You can see the small waterproof connector sitting just at the edge of the trunk lid. No opening the trunk necessary for access; :



and as it is on the F-Type:



and to connect: the CTEK unit is on the wall; it can be left connected for months and months at a time with no damage:

 

My battery maintainer is hooked up to the remote battery terminals in the trunk. I use the alligator clips that came with the maintainer and I've never had a problem.

If I knew where the remote negative terminal was (and didn't have to look for it) I could have hooked it up in less than 30 seconds.

 

My colleagues have all given good information.
The one thing that hasn’t been mentioned is that an older near exotic car does take significantly more care and maintenance then a typical late model commuter car. And yes, this does account for the higher cost of ownership.
If the car is not well maintained, it will not provide the service expected of it. For example, This car has 2 wishbones at each corner. if you are used to driving a car with 1… it would be a mistake to think the maintenance cost would be the same.
Ditto for 8 cylinders vs 4. etc.
My son can put new quality rubber all around his car for about 500. The same rubber on my car costs 2000.
I suppose my point is the cost of purchase is just the beginning. And many seem to avoid the necessary maintenance. You may be looking at the wrong cars.
And my car handles brilliantly… which may be the reason why my tires don’t last nearly as many miles as some might expect. Nor my brakes… and lets not talk about my mileage, lol.

 

The maitanance is no different than any similar car. High performance tires are done after 10K in the back, 15K in the front. Alignement should be done any time there are two + tires being changed. Expect an annual service regardless the mileage. Top tires are like $1200 or less installed for 4. Take you pick on the brand. XK is quality car.

 

Look, speaking from experience, treat this thing like your daily driver Civic and it'll perform dang near perfectly. Keep it in a garage and drive it monthly and it'll give you absolute Hell. My '07 Coupe was a worn down Hoovie that needed some love to get sorted out. After the initial pain it's been a true joy to drive. The body and interior is pretty beat up from before my time but it's a damned fine and fun commuter car. Rear my resurrection thread and put your worries away. The early cars are pretty bulletproof, parts are available and really cheap if you avoid the green and white box. Tons of Ford tech and parts. It's like owning a sexy '15 Mustang without the boxy shape and being expected to wreck whenever you smash to go pedal.

 

heh heh heh.....
"Hoovie"...
Or you could spend the BIG bucks and be a Tavarish.