I am under the vague impression that the 2007+ generation XK models were pretty reliable and cheaper to run versus competitors such as MB CLK 55 AMG(04-06), MB CLK 550 (07-09), BMW 3 and 6 series. Same vs prior gen XKR too? Fun to drive is key consideration but fewer expenses over the next five years is helpful.

Actively looking but patiently waiting for the right condition and price...

 

I think you will find the 2007 and newer generation was a leap ahead of earlier models.
Amazing cars overall, and now ranked alongside Lexus in dependability.

Others will have better perspective, but in my view, earlier Jags had a reputation (deserved?) that destroyed resale values.
When the 2007 (us market) hit the streets, the reputation lingered driving resale down. It took about 4 years for the market to realize the new car was in fact an amazing turnaround for Jaguar, and folks like myself bought into a stunning car for a bargain price. Now used market values are actually climbing as consumers realize Jaguar quality is top notch.

Our only weak area is the infrotainment system, which is sub-standard even for a 2005 Hyundai.

BOL
Vince

 

Between servicing and repairs (break-fix and tires, oil, etc...) I spent about 2K a year on the XK. Some of the items were on time fixes like transmission pan and ac fix. Over all, to me it was as reliable as any similar car you want to compare it against. I would not hesitate recommending one, but make sure the big ticket items (as mentioned above) are done and that the leather dash is not shrinking.

I believe my '07 with 30K miles is still for sale, FWIW.

 

I just went through my records last night. For 8000 miles and 21 months, I spent about 4000 USD on maintenance. My overall costs including taxes, insurance, estimated depreciation, maintenance and fuel came out to over $24,000.

I'm guessing cars are one of those "economies of scale" things. The less you drive them, the more expensive per mile they are!

 

After 3 years of ownership, the things I've done maintenance wise is flush the brakes, get a new set of tires, and change the oil once a year. It's full on synthetic in the 5.0L motors, so it's not a cheap change (and you'll either need to get it done at a shop or have an evacuator as there's no drain plug). And for decent tires you're looking at 1.2 to 1.5k. Probably every 15 to 20k miles, depending on how much your right foot likes to feel the floor (wry grin).

 

I've had an XJ for years (2006) and it's been super reliable...so I just jumped in and got a used XK convertible as a 'fun' weekend/summer car and I'm hoping that it's as reliable as the XJ. I picked it up Friday, drove it 700 miles on Saturday without an issue, then while driving around today, the engine overheat note came up. Not an auspicious start.

 

I have a slightly different perspective in maintenance and reliability. I look at reliability as costs associated with abnormal maintenance. Insurance , state costs , oil changes , tires are all considered normal requirements regardless of the car brand that you have. So this is the cost I would incur regardless of the brand and don't play into my reliability costs. So with that I consider abnormal issues like water pumps or timing chains or any malfunction that is not normal. These are the costs which are most likely out of pocket dealer costs which I would not expect for the time and miles I would put on the car. As an example I now have 10,000 miles on my car in which I had just put 3,000 miles on since I purchased it in May. I expect to have it for 10 years or maybe 40,000 miles. Reliability to me says I should not have any abnormal (maybe I'm dreaming, but) repairs during my ownership. We'll just have to see if this works out. That is my view.

 

I purchased an 07 XK in the summer after first considering a 911 and an SL550. If you read their forums looking for issues, it leads you to a Jag. Porsche has had a very serious engine failure issue on the water cooled cars until they redesigned around 2010. There is a 10% catastrophic failure rate on 1999-2007 911's and Boxsters. (An intermediate shaft bearing fails) As to Mercedes, the Achilles heal is the suspension. That apparently costs about $8K to resolve.

 

My experience with the XK is that it is 100% reliable - no issues of any kind, although I do intend to have my dealer remove the AC drain tubes (that is what they do: they do not cut them, nor replace them; they remove them - and they have had no resultant issues).
Jaguar technicians have told me on direct questioning that the 2007- onward XK is just about the most reliable model Jaguar has ever made, and given the quality of modern Jaguars (and I have had several), that is quite a statement. We have finally reached the point, gone beyond the point, actually, at which buying a Jaguar is not simply an affair of the heart but also of common sense. Wonderful, gorgeous machines. And for the record, I find the sound system to be excellent - even if it weren't, the engine/exhaust sound would more than make up for any deficiency!

 

I had an older XK8 and now a newer XJ8L

In my experience, the less I drove it (as a weekend/special occasion-only car), the more issues I would have. Then, I started using the XJ8L as a weekday driver 18 months ago....long highway trips, short errands around town, etc. -- not a single problem since! (even the "DSC Not Available" warning went away)

 

have owned a 2007 XKR for 2 years now and 12,000 miles later

1. changed the org battery (nothing different than other car)
2. new rear tires (basic stuff)
3. oil change every 5,000 miles (no more than my old 740i bmw)
4. new breaks at 23k miles
5. basic fluids etc

check engine light has never come on (came on the first week since i think car hasnt been driven in a while when I bought it)

drives like a champ and no issues, I will get it detailed soon.

goal for the car; keep it for another 2 years and I will have 35k miles on it and by then hoping to get an 2012-2014 XKR-S vert with low miles.

this car is rock solid! and this coming from someone who has had other bmw's for years. love it! reminds me of my Acura 10 years ago

only issue....battery died and the top didnt work for a while but a local shop fixed that