A friend of mine was bitten by the jaguar bug and is looking at 07-09 XKRs. He asked me how he should think about mileage in terms of price and expectation of maintenance issues as he looked at cars - any advice from the group?

Thanks!

 

I'm going to bow to most the folks here, but wanted to assure you mileage is not always a key indicator of care or condition of an XK or XKR.
I only say this because as a aircraft mechanic and car nut, i'll stack my 97k 2007 XK against anything 15K mile and over. She is still show quality, and near showroom condition.

Your friend is looking at a phenomenally reliable era, where the 4.2L engine is well sorted and as reliable as they come. The 2009 XKR Protfolio is the most desirable of the generation, mostly because it comes fully loaded. You can find similar in earlier models, but you spend time hunting.

Tell your friend to look at ALL the options available, and buy a car with with most, because a lesson quickly learned is that upgrades simply do not exist thanks to limited production, and that so much of the electronics are integrated to each other.

"What you buy is what you live with". The only exception is deep pockets and even there choices are limited. But trust me, what you buy is a sweet car that makes you smile regardless.

BOL
Vince

 

Well, from a maximum reliability standpoint, I would seek out a 2009 in the 60-70K mile range with a full fluid flush including transmission and worn suspension parts replacement at 60K. If the car would of had major problems, they'd of shown up and been dealt with by then.

Low mileage cars can be a bit of a crap shoot based on storage conditions, cold starts to rev the **** out of the engine without actually warming it up and driving it, etc.

The reason I advocate the 2009, is it got an upgraded rear end unit over the 2007-2008's. You'll find several threads on noises from bearing failure.

I'd focus on finding the nicest looking interior possible regardless of miles. 2007's have a factory wood steering wheel available that is quite nice.

 

Very few issue's with my 2007 XKR. Air conditioner drain if not a problem will be unless already addressed. Easy fix. I had an unusual catalytic convertor failure internally, one I'm sure very few others have experienced. And that's it, I purchased the car with 19,000 miles and now have 33,000. Leather dash on mine had already been addressed. The black portion pulls away next to the windshield. Passenger air bag light likes to stay on when nobody's home. One of the best cars I have owned. Best advice to give would be look at many cars before buying, and don't be in a hurry. I looked for over a year but I wanted a specific color and low mileage.

 

One thing you should consider when buying ANY used car as mileage goes... if you plan on driving it a LOT, buy a low mileage one. If it will be an occasional toy, or seasonal where you won't add a whole bunch of miles yourself, a higher mileage choice will do just fine.
Either way, in five years both will be at about the same point.

 

The 4.2L engine of the 2007-2009 is tried and true and capable of very high mileage use, so don't be afraid of a car with 60,000 miles or more. (My 2002 XKR with the 4.0L has over 160,000 miles and runs great). The components that will break down first will be sway bar links, bushings, and shocks. The bushings and links are less than a $100 and the all four shocks can be sourced on ebay for under $400 (they are Jaguar OEM units, I just replaced mine). So long as there is a good maintenance history, you should have little problems for a long time. Yesterday, I saw a couple of incredibly nice and very inexpensive convertible XKs on Craigslist in Los Angeles. It's shocking how reasonably you can get into a great car now.

 

I have a 2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Edition Convertible available with only 18,045 miles. Only 200 of this model in the convertible was imported into the USA. It is quite rare.

I can guarantee you will not find another 2009 XKR Portfolio Edition Vert in pristine condition with this amount of mileage or Jaguar options like the Alcon brake system which is a $5000 option alone. Many more on the jaguar XKR. The convertible model is also $5000 more in price.

I am a strong believer when shopping, if you can find an ultra-low mileage vehicle, most of the time the car will be in top shape.

MSRP $108,000 asking $39,000 firm. You can't find another XKR PE Vert in this condition or options anywhere in the USA for this price.

Jaguar XK XKR | eBay

See images in my signature below.

..

 

Maybe you should have your friend contact me. 09 Portfolio coups with 25K miles. Absolute minto condition. Negotiable $35K. Call Gary 315-534-8361

 

Your friend has decided on the XKR, so the next choice is convertible or coupe. With these decisions done, determine the budget and begin to look. Buy the newest vehicle with the fewest miles that will fit into the budget. My personal choice was not to look at cars in the North as I had no way to know they were not driven in the winter. Others will disagree but that was my choice.