Hi,
I'm planning to look over a 2007 and 2009 XK convertible. This will be my first Jaguar. Very bad experience with a Triumph
product many years ago, but that's another story. I've done lots of research on the 'net, but are there any experts with
more knowledge than me, that might be able to chime in? I'm looking for tips and hints on what to look for. Thank you!

 

Other than the normal car-buying items, there are some specific areas to inspect;

Bubbled leather on the dash in the center.
Moist/stinky passenger footwell carpet due to a blocked A/C drain 'duckbill'.
New(ish) Nav DVDs (2014 or newer).
TWO KEYS! Very expensive to get another. INCLUDING emergency key blades.
Drooping headliner, the adhesive tends to fail after awhile.
Separating rear window glass, it sometimes becomes detached from the fabric top.
Status of transmission fluid, it should be changed at the 60k mile point or so. Probably now, since 10+ years old.

I'm sure others will post more.

 

Bought a 2007 xkr very 6 months ago love it. Pretty fast ,handles great and no real issues so far!

 

Why not a 2008? No "whip" antenna and some other issues with the "new" version of the XK worked out.

 

Checkout the Pistonheads buying guide.

 

Before even doing an inspection, start by asking about Service History. The schedule is every 15K Miles OR 12 Months - whichever comes first. These vehicles do not respond well to lack of maintenance and any gaps in the history should be treated with suspicion.

Already good advice above in post #2 on the mechanical issues to check. To that I would add that Jaguar plastic trim costs more than its equivalent weight in gold. If there's anything missing or broken, factor it into the purchase price. Buyers new to Jaguar often get a horrible shock at the parts cost.

When you get the the inspection stage, spend twenty minutes or so with the Owner's Handbook going through all the switches and settings. Again, apparently minor electrical issues can prove expensive to fix.

Graham

 

Thank you all who responded! Exactly the info I was looking for.

 

If playing music from an iPod matters to you, 2009 was the first year for integrated iPod connectivity including steering wheel controls and touchscreen display. For earlier years, a dealer-installed accessory Audio Connectivity Module was available with similar functionality.

Compared to 2019 model cars, the infotainment system is stone age.

 

Don't be afraid to look nationally and have the car shipped. Even if you can't see it person it can be quite worth it. Take you time and look for you perfect car. I'd avoid 2007 due the power antenna.

 

If the price is right and the car is good , I would overlook the antenna , I have one pulled the fuse and problem over.

 

Before you buy your first Jaguar, I have to ask you "Are you able to take on maintaining an aging $100K MSRP car?" The car will be cheap, but keeping it on the road will be relatively expensive to other similarly-priced cars. The reason I am asking is you mentioned hating Triumph and I don't think your experience with Jaguar going to be categorically different.

If reliability is your #1 concern, well-aged Jaguar should be crossed off your considerations list.

 

Hey! I owned a 1973 Triumph GT6 MK3 and it had the dash catch on fire and burn my left leg in 2007. I own a 2000 XKR Convertible that the coolant tank blew out on it's seam and burnt my right arm in 2015. TOTALLY DIFFERENT.

 

Don't know why you Guys are paranoid about the antenna; works great for AM!!
The XK is a great Jaguar model, very few problems; rear brakes could use bigger pads, but not a big deal. And AC duck drain only a problem for humid climates and can be fixed with a lot of effort & contortions!
Bought my 2007 Coupe sight unseen (except photos) from Nashville Jaguar in 2011; shipped free to Seattle........no surprises at all.

Cheers, Adrian, founder member Seattle Jag Club