As the topic sez, I'm new to Jaguar. Prior to to this I have been a long term Mercedes SL owner (2 to be exact) but now it's time for a change. I have looked around at other roadsters and the Jaguar XK has caught my eye. I'm captivated by the classic lines of the XK and the exclusivity. That said, when I find the right convertible w/ very low miles I'll have a PPI performed by a good indy mechanic before taking the plunge.

Now to my question. At the moment 2007 thru 2009 XKRs w/ the 4.2 engine are a great buy. Would I be missing the boat by not looking at the 5.0? They do cost more but is the performance that much different? The car I'll buy will be driven less than 3,000 miles a year. It will be a garage queen and not driven hard or abused. Any thoughts on this will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Hi. The performance is massively different but the 4.2 has a lot of character and is a great drive.

The 5.0 XKR has some technological wizardry that helps when it is driven hard and the puck gear shift and a slightly different front end. The 5.0 XK is nearly as quick as the 4.2 XKR, but the 5.0 XKR is a real weapon. I had the 4.2 NA XF which was sedate, the 5.0 XF which was quick-ish, but the 5.0 XKR is in another league and can be a real handful in the wet. Forget mashing the pedal.

Personally, if you arent wanting massive power there is a lot to be said for the 4.2 XKR. Aside from it being cheaper, the engine note is gorgeous and it is still a quick car.

 

4.2 vs 5.0 is a hard question and a bit loaded. The cars drive a bit differently so it depends what you want.

The 5.0 has significantly more power but has a much more modern/detached feel imo. If you want modern, the 5.0, hands down. If you want more of a raw, retro, feel, the 4.2 (or an X100) may be a better fit.

Honestly, both are great. You will be happy with either provided you get a quality example.

 

5.0 n/a, 4.2 \\r

 

It would be a real shame to Garage any XK or XKR. These cars LOVE to be driven.

 

From what I'm hearing, the 4.2 looks like the best bet for a weekend cruiser. I think a 2007 to 2008 XKR convertible will probably do the trick. I can find a very low mileage, well cared for example for a very attractive price. It's just a matter of being patient which is a tough proposition. BTW, thanks or the responses.

 

Do take your time but jump on the right car. Most important is getting a high quality example. A neglected car can cost multiples of purchase price.

Best!

 

Thanks for your concern. I learned the hard way. Best to get my hands on the car before handing it over to an indy mechanic. The mechanic can hook the car up to a computer to see if it will throw any codes.

 

O also wouldn't be overly concerned about mileage. Cars that sit get sick and break when used. Keep them exercised and they'll last a long time.

 

SLazz,
There are a number of us forum members in Southern California that have one or the other or both, and I'm sure any of us would be more than willing to allow you to try out the cars for a test drive to validate any of the opinions that have been expressed. Personally, as an owner of a convertible X100 XKR and a 5.0L coupe X150, the 5.0L is hands down a phenomenal performance GT. The power is massive and the ride is firm but sophisticated, and not punishing. If power is your addiction, then you'll not want to look at anything but the 5.0L. However, the 4.2L is a fine, tried and true engine that will not disappoint either. Forum member Ralphwg (who has a convertible 5.0L XKR and who previously had a 4.2L XKR convertible has direct knowledge of both and can be a valuable resourse. Ralph and I get together on a regular basis, you should join us sometime. Let me know if we can be of any help. Ralph and I are both in Los Angeles.

 

There's not a lot of difference between the 2008 and 2009 XKR convertibles, except for iPod connectivity that became standard equipment in 2009. But many 2008 owners retrofitted the accessory Audio Connectivity Module (ACM) to upgrade to iPod connectivity with steering wheel functionality and touchscreen display. The Portfolio models were top-of-the line in 2008 and 2009, with exclusive features. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ertible-45154/

There are lots of threads about the differences between the 4.2L and 5.0L models, so research this forum to become an educated buyer. I drive both the 4.2L SC (420HP 2009 XKR) and 5.0L SC (470HP 2013 XJ) and without a doubt the 5.0L SC feels far more powerful. But the 4.2L SC is no slouch, and has a better sounding exhaust note with Fuse 19 removed.

You won't go wrong with either one.

 

Tberg referred to me up above. MY 08 was an XK, my 12 was an XK and my 13 is an
XKR. Having had a lot of experience with each of the three cars I feel fairly confident in saying the 5.0L XKR is head and shoulders above either of the two NA XKs. It is a real driver's vehicle and if you like to hit the twisties that should be the car for you.
Don't misunderstand me the 4.2L XK is also a great car as is the 5.0XK. You should know that the transmission was updated for the 5.0L cars and the XKR 5.0L has an electronic differential. All three of the XKs I have owned are great GTs and eat the miles up with great ease and are very comfortable. PM me if you want to get together with me or Tberg and me and we will work something out.
As for the PPI, if it were me I would have a dealer perform the pre-certification inspection and then have a Jaguar approved body shop take a look at the body.
Total cost should be in the $500-$600 range.

 

When I was looking, I was on the fence between the 4.2 and 5.0. In the end, I felt that the shifter of the 4.2 was dated and that if I "settled for only 420 hp," I'd be leaving something on the table.so, I ended up with my 2010. I've never driven a 4.2, so I can't speak of them one way or another, but the 5.0 is a monstrous engine when you throw a couple pullies, heat exchanger and a tune at it.

 

I want to thank everyone for their responses. This forum will be a great source of info on these cars. I will take heed and be patient for the right car to come along. It appears that the majority of the cars I'm interested in are located on the East Coast, Florida mostly. That does create a bit of a hurdle since I'm here in Orange County, CA. Knowing that time is on my side, kinda, I'll wait and see what happens. Perhaps I'll find one on the West Coat or fly back to Florida and make a short vacation out of the trip. Cruising along Ocean Avenue in South Beach in a beautiful convertible would make for a great trip.

I'd like to also thank tberg and ralphwg for their generous offer. Perhaps a time in the near future will arrive and I'll take you guys up on test drives. Thanks again.

 

 

Hi Joe. Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on this since you know these cars.

When I do get a new (to me) XK and, after a thorough inspection, I plan on changing out all of the fluids and the thermostat. I've done this with all of the Mercedes SLs I have purchased just to be on the safe side.

BTW, I did see this 07' XK convertible on EBay and, although it is a Base model, I would be interested in your opinion.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Jaguar-XK-Base-Convertible-2-Door/352213600490?epid=74056269&hash=item52019108ea:g:O 3oAAOSwTEJaEIh2&vxp=mtr

Thanks again.

 

I'd go with either 5.0 variant over the 4.2. Too many things were updated and the 4.2 was a while back at this point...

 

That one looks great to me. Some of the things I looked for when shopping for mine:


Rear convertible window - edges need to be not separating - many I have seen are separating. This one looks great.


Under the hood - there are some plastic covers. They have fasteners that can be lost. This particular one is missing a couple. It is not that important, but to me it demonstrates how meticulously the car has been maintained, and having some missing to me is a data point.


Door cards - the leather on the door cards often kinda bubbles up above the armrest. This one looks pretty good, though it may have it starting on the drivers side door.


Dash leather - some of these separate, but this one looks great.


Overall, that car looks great. I personally love the color combination, which would have been my ideal colors when I was looking. Price is good, mileage is good. The only drawback is that it is a 2007 and has the antenna. But otherwise, looks like one I would pursue further.

 

Thanks Reef,

I'm going to run a Carfax on this one and see if there have been any issues.