Dear Jaguar XK owners,

I'm thinking about joining the club and I need your advice. Story is taking place in Stockholm, Sweden. I have my eye on a gorgeous silver 2009 Jaguar XK 3.5 with 110'000 kilometres run. What I want to do is to use this car as a daily driver.

But I think it might be a crime to use XK in winter conditions. Even though winter in Stockholm is not that harsh, we have salt on the roads during peak of the snow season. And I really don't want to ruin this car, it's clearly one of the most beautiful cars out there. I called to a few dealers including German and north Canadian ones, all say it's a solid unit which if in a good condition will ride next 5-10 years with no major problems. However I'd highly appreciate members to answer the following:
1. Should I use this car as a daily during winter? With winter tires of course. Washing the car properly every 2 weeks. No rust on the car so far, aluminium body theoretically should work.
2. Before the purchase I'm planning to put this car on a service check-up. What should I ask the service to pay special attention to? Carfax is clean.

Thanks everyone in advance. I can't wait to join the club. Being an absolute anglophile reading Wodehouse, watching all the British panel and TV shows, being in love with the language and the culture I can't imagine myself driving something else now. However let's see what you say first, maybe I should quit this idea and go for a boring, practical Volvo instead 😬

Look forward to replies!

 

 

Just because the body structure is aluminium does not mean it cannot corrode when exposed to a harsh environment such as road salt.

Bear in mind that if you should have an accident caused by slippery conditions, the shop repairing it must be knowledgeable in the repair of aluminium.

 

JagRag, I see your point
That would be this one for me though. And a question for a separate thread would be when finally someone will incorporate modern interiors and gears in those fantastic older cars.

 

Cheers, recorded.

 

The X150 would not be what it is without Jaguar having been bought by Ford in the early 90's. Don't be surprised when you see the Ford logo on some Jaguar parts, particularly electronics and fasteners. You'll also see the Ford logo on some Volvo parts, too, because Ford also bought Volvo at that time, as well as Aston Martin. Once again, us Yanks to the rescue. And don't forget the followup by Tata.

It's not your grandfather's Volvo any more. Polestar by Volvo is far from boring.

 

Thanks Yanks indeed! Oh, and I didn't catch this bit, can you elaborate please?

 

As said above, aluminum will corrode. If corrosion get's under the paint the base metal will dissolve. I have a spot on mine that I'm concerned about digging into because the prior accident repair (bondo) is lifting.

Per winter, I plan on driving mine. The 4.2 cars warm up remarkably fast and blower cars love colder weather. I'm running a set of wheels and tire from a newer XJ and think they'll be OK in everything short of snowy white roads. I got caught out a couple times in my prior blown Mustang and it was far too exciting trying to slip home keeping to the bare spots between snow drifts. I spun out going up the mountain on the interstate and had a semi go past on the left and right as I was sliding backwards.

 

Could you please explain what a an XK 3.5 is. According to the bible on X150s (XKs and XKRs) by Nigel Thorley the only XKs and XKRs produced had 4.2 and 5.0 Litre engines. What does the 3.5 in your original post refer to?

 

Smaller engine vs. ROW. It's documented

 

Jaguar thrived after being sold by Ford to Tata. See:
www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/07/18/who-owns-jaguar-and-land-rover.aspx

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XK_(X150)

Engine
3.5 L AJ-V8 V8
4.2 L AJ34 V8
4.2 L AJ34S SC V8
5.0 L AJ-V8 Gen III V8

 

They are briefly mentioned on page 159 and in the production figures on page 217.

 

Beyond the obvious of needed snow tires, not all seasons.... the only issue I had with my XK during the winter (drove through two winters with snow) was the door latches don't work well in below freezing temperatures. The door would not close tight, but bounce off of the door jam until the door panel warmed up some. I had to carry a heat gun and extension cord in case this happened out on the road. Jaguar specialist shop could not fix it. The latches were lubricated correct.

 

Oh wonderful. My old Lincoln LS does the same thing. Gallon of warm water poured slowly over the door handle fixes it. I never understood it because it would let you get in once but not latch once you were where you were going.

 

It can't remember if the door handle made a difference or if when opened, nothing moved. Could be the same latch if it's from a Lincoln LS.

 

And guess what.
PAG headquarters is now Taco Bell.

 

I feel the article can help many people understand the quality of JLR vehicles has come a long way. Ahead of the Germans? Blimey!

 

Oops my bad, I must of missed the nrs the first time through. Thanks for the correction.

 

This is one of the most English cars you can buy right now.
If what you envision is an all-rounder, always composed gent and yet competitive. Or as Lyons coined it- Space, Pace & Grace

It begins with a car designed to have a character, which itself is a uniquely British approach. Germans believe a good machine must never have a set character. The designers of this car said its the most alive thing they have ever made. Note the Jaguar campaign that underscored the Alive aspect. It has character in how it drives, handles and looks.

Dramaless progressive acceleration. The power is not in short bursts and not towards the end of a labored climb in rpms. Only to have to change gears again. You have all the power you need at very low rpm, and continues to redline. It has a gratifying long pull on every gear. In application it translates to having authority and headroom no mater what gear you are in.

If you are familiar with British woods and leather, you will find yourself at home. (not avail in Ftype)

There is nothing ostentatious or disingenuous about the exterior design. No needless sharp lines and padded shoulders

I believe you have the picture.