Thinking about getting an XK
Thinking about getting an XK
Hello Everyone,
I have a 1996 XJ6 Vanden Plas (X300). I am tired of driving such a large car. It's usually just me in the car. I have been looking around at several different possibilities for a replacement vehicle.
2017 VW GTI.
2015 Audi A5.
Audi TT.
Then I started thinking about the XK. I've always loved them. So I checked on prices and insurance costs and I was surprised to see that the XK is right in the same price range as the above mentioned cars! And, the insurance is a bit less expensive than the A5.
I want an early X150. I prefer the 4.2 engine over the 5.0. It seems like the 4.2 gets better fuel economy. Is that true?
Also, I believe the 4.2 has less problems than the 5.0.
When did the 5.0 engine arrive? 2009 or 2010?
What problem areas should I look for?
Is the plastic thermostat housing problem just on the 5.0?
I appreciate all of the help and knowledge on this site.
I have a 1996 XJ6 Vanden Plas (X300). I am tired of driving such a large car. It's usually just me in the car. I have been looking around at several different possibilities for a replacement vehicle.
2017 VW GTI.
2015 Audi A5.
Audi TT.
Then I started thinking about the XK. I've always loved them. So I checked on prices and insurance costs and I was surprised to see that the XK is right in the same price range as the above mentioned cars! And, the insurance is a bit less expensive than the A5.
I want an early X150. I prefer the 4.2 engine over the 5.0. It seems like the 4.2 gets better fuel economy. Is that true?
Also, I believe the 4.2 has less problems than the 5.0.
When did the 5.0 engine arrive? 2009 or 2010?
What problem areas should I look for?
Is the plastic thermostat housing problem just on the 5.0?
I appreciate all of the help and knowledge on this site.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 184
Likes: 136
From: Oklahoma, USA
I'm only a few months ahead of you in my purchasing my XK, so I can't answer all your questions, but I'll answer the ones I can.
I think my XKR gets great fuel economy. I'm in the mid 20's (24.5mpg the last I checked) with average driving. It's actually my "economy vehicle" compared to the rest of my cars.
I think the problems between the 4.2 and 5.0 aren't that much different in quantity. Different problems, but similar in quantity.
The 5.0 did start in 2010.
Neither seems to have a bunch of real problem areas, in my opinion. Older forum members may disagree, but I don't see that many issues that are really serious. The convertibles have some top system issues, but not all have them. There are some engine issues, but not everyone is having those. The R types do have more areas to be concerned about, but because they're more complex to begin with, that's to be expected.
Enjoy your search!
I've really enjoyed mine. It's a fairly comfortable car, but being 6'4" I need to drive it more to really find a good seat position for a longer trip. It's very quiet, especially for a convertible. It's much quieter than other convertibles I've been in, even at excessive speeds.
I think my XKR gets great fuel economy. I'm in the mid 20's (24.5mpg the last I checked) with average driving. It's actually my "economy vehicle" compared to the rest of my cars.
I think the problems between the 4.2 and 5.0 aren't that much different in quantity. Different problems, but similar in quantity.
The 5.0 did start in 2010.
Neither seems to have a bunch of real problem areas, in my opinion. Older forum members may disagree, but I don't see that many issues that are really serious. The convertibles have some top system issues, but not all have them. There are some engine issues, but not everyone is having those. The R types do have more areas to be concerned about, but because they're more complex to begin with, that's to be expected.
Enjoy your search!
I've really enjoyed mine. It's a fairly comfortable car, but being 6'4" I need to drive it more to really find a good seat position for a longer trip. It's very quiet, especially for a convertible. It's much quieter than other convertibles I've been in, even at excessive speeds.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 8,938
Likes: 4,745
From: USA
Hello Everyone,
I have a 1996 XJ6 Vanden Plas (X300). I am tired of driving such a large car. It's usually just me in the car. I have been looking around at several different possibilities for a replacement vehicle.
2017 VW GTI.
2015 Audi A5.
Audi TT.
Then I started thinking about the XK. I've always loved them. So I checked on prices and insurance costs and I was surprised to see that the XK is right in the same price range as the above mentioned cars! And, the insurance is a bit less expensive than the A5.
I dunno for certain but that's not why I drive one. I get about 18mpg on the 4.2 N/A
Yes - the 5.0 are direct inject engines which have their own unique concerns. The 5.0 has a water pump issue. Some tensioner issues on the 5.0 are starting to crop up. Don't know how widespread it is.
2010 here in the US
All the cars have a valley hose (coolant hose runs through the valley of the engine). If you're looking at supercharged, the hose runs underneath it and the S/C needs to be pulled to change it. Suspension bits wear with both time and age on all vehicles you noted. Sometimes it's just the boots that rot. The 5.0 has an E-Differential. I don't know much about them so can't speak to them. The 5.0 has an electronic dip stick.
Both - plastic bits get old - change out the housing when you flush you cooling system - 5 yrs or 50,000 miles. Cost about $150 for the housing and stat. This is not unique to Jaguar.
I appreciate all of the help and knowledge on this site.
I have a 1996 XJ6 Vanden Plas (X300). I am tired of driving such a large car. It's usually just me in the car. I have been looking around at several different possibilities for a replacement vehicle.
2017 VW GTI.
2015 Audi A5.
Audi TT.
Then I started thinking about the XK. I've always loved them. So I checked on prices and insurance costs and I was surprised to see that the XK is right in the same price range as the above mentioned cars! And, the insurance is a bit less expensive than the A5.
Yes - the 5.0 are direct inject engines which have their own unique concerns. The 5.0 has a water pump issue. Some tensioner issues on the 5.0 are starting to crop up. Don't know how widespread it is.
2010 here in the US
All the cars have a valley hose (coolant hose runs through the valley of the engine). If you're looking at supercharged, the hose runs underneath it and the S/C needs to be pulled to change it. Suspension bits wear with both time and age on all vehicles you noted. Sometimes it's just the boots that rot. The 5.0 has an E-Differential. I don't know much about them so can't speak to them. The 5.0 has an electronic dip stick.
Both - plastic bits get old - change out the housing when you flush you cooling system - 5 yrs or 50,000 miles. Cost about $150 for the housing and stat. This is not unique to Jaguar.
I appreciate all of the help and knowledge on this site.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...enance-227403/
Always get a full maintenance history on any used car you buy - Jaguar or not. Good luck!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 184
Likes: 136
From: Oklahoma, USA
Around the corner
I’m actually between TriCity and Tuttle. I found an ultra low mileage XKR last year. It’s my first cat and is a real neat machine. I’m having a hoot learning how to treat it right.
Last edited by fxdwg; Mar 11, 2021 at 10:08 PM.
I use to work in OKC Monday-Friday for a couple of years and fly back to Boston for weekends.
It was in OKC where I sold my VDP to my accountant and bought an XK. I'd go for an 4.2 XKR if you are hot on the 4.2 or a 5.0 XK to get the nicer interior touches.
It was in OKC where I sold my VDP to my accountant and bought an XK. I'd go for an 4.2 XKR if you are hot on the 4.2 or a 5.0 XK to get the nicer interior touches.
I really don't want the added maintenance of the 4.2 supercharged.
As for the 5.0, I'm not sure if I like the gear shift knob, instead of a real lever.
As for the 5.0, I'm not sure if I like the gear shift knob, instead of a real lever.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 344
Likes: 121
From: PA
I went from a rock solid 96 VDP to an 08 n/a XK with 35 K miles two years ago for the exact same reasons you are looking at a n/a 4.2. I literally just picked it up this afternoon from my third state inspection and 15K miles since purchase and it needed nothing (not counting routine oil change).
I love the lines of the XK coupe and was looking to step into something just as solid as the VDP. I'm happy with my decision so far.
I love the lines of the XK coupe and was looking to step into something just as solid as the VDP. I'm happy with my decision so far.
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 1,240
From: Los Angeles CA
These cats love to be driven. When you get close to a particular car insist on PPI (pre-purchse inspection). If you use a Jaguar dealer for the PPI have them do a certification inspection which is quite thorough. Also take the car to a Jaguar approved body shop to see if any repairs have been made, and if so, were they done properly? XK150s are all aluminum and require very competent technicians for any body work. The two inspections should cost no more than $500-$600 and will alert you to any problems. If there are problems, then you can use the results of the PPIs to assist you in negotiations. Good hunting, be patient and you can end up with a great automobile.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 351
Likes: 200
From: dfw, tx
at first i didn't like this either but i've learned to love it. it's out of the way, so you can focus on what the real enjoyment is. just crank it all the way to sport and use the paddles and you'll likely feel the same as i do. and probably also get the same 12.1 mpg that i do.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 8,938
Likes: 4,745
From: USA
same here - reminds me of a sewing machine -not intending to insult anyone.
Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 42
Likes: 51
From: Memphis
These cats love to be driven. When you get close to a particular car insist on PPI (pre-purchse inspection). If you use a Jaguar dealer for the PPI have them do a certification inspection which is quite thorough. Also take the car to a Jaguar approved body shop to see if any repairs have been made, and if so, were they done properly? XK150s are all aluminum and require very competent technicians for any body work. The two inspections should cost no more than $500-$600 and will alert you to any problems. If there are problems, then you can use the results of the PPIs to assist you in negotiations. Good hunting, be patient and you can end up with a great automobile.
Depends on the car. I bought my XK sight unseen from a Jaguar dealer in another state. One owner, trade in on a newer XK. She said "like new" and it was. Once the miles and owners increase, you may want to have an objective eye on it.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,865
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From: MI
It really varies. I always trust that whoever wants my money is willing to deceive me when they have a vested interest in the sale; however, some dealers really are excellent. I'd pay the cash for an outside PPI and view it as $300 of an insurance premium.
Veteran Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,116
Likes: 7,123
From: Atlanta suburbs
Well said!Trust, but verify. Always get it in writing before you pay. If the seller refuses, run - don't walk - away.
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,891
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From: Kaysville, Utah, US
What the heck??!!??