I'm looking to purchase a XK between 2007 and 2010, is there a better year to purchase?

 

Older if you want good looks, newer of you want more power.

 

Your posting on the wrong fourm however I'd get a 2010 as it has the 5 liter V8 if looking for a 07 up XK.

The 03 XK8/R hits the sweet spot as far as I'm concerned.

 

Difference in maintenance?

 

kerr8806,

Generally speaking, the later model year the better. For example, iPod connectivity became standard beginning with the 2009 model year. But a dealer-installed accessory could be fitted to 2007-2008 models to provide similar capability. I would base my purchasing decision more on the condition of the vehicle than the year.

2010 was a major update for the X150 model. Cosmetic changes included a new design front fascia, LED tail lights, and minor interior changes. Mechanical changes included a new design 5.0L engine, rotary gear shift knob, improved transmission, and an electronically-controlled limited slip differential. I'm not sure about the XK, but the supercharged XKR (510HP) came fully loaded, including Adaptive Cruise Control - which is hard to find on later models when it became an option.

If you don't need all that power, consider the 2009 XK/XKR with the 4.2L engine (300/420HP), which has proven to be very reliable. The 5.0L engines are known to have water pump and other problems, unlike the 4.2L engines. From a maintenance standpoint, the 5.0L engine requires a specific motor oil but you can easily DIY because the filter is on top of the engine and the oil is removed using a suction pump. Oil requirements are not as strict with the 4.2L, but you have to drain the sump from below. The filter is readily accessible after you remove the belly pan.

Good luck with your search!

Stuart

 

What Stuart said plus the 07 has a 80's style retractable whip antenna. Later models had it in the rear wing. My 07 has been bullet proof. Personally I wouldn't spend the extra money on a 5.0 unless I got the 2012 and up model year with the facelift. I'm coping with *only* 420hp.

 

I'm opposite fly, I gladly got the 2010. I didn't care for the looks of the older front end plus I definitely wanted as much oomph as I could get. Beyond that, the newer ones are.... NEWER. Can't beat that. Sure the 2012s are more-so, but they weren't around when I got mine. But is the different headlight shape really worth the extra $10k? Of course the same could be said for the extra $5k or so from a 2009 to a 2010.

 

"

FYI - "Fully Loaded" is mostly true but adaptive cruise control was an option - My 2011 XKR does not have that option.

 

I do believe that Stuart meant that all the 2010 models have adaptive cruise as standard. It became an option for 2011 and later models.

 

Got it! I retract my previous statement. Thanks.

 

Thanks, Cee Jay, for being able to read English and coming to my rescue, which really wasn't necessary because what I meant was exactly what I wrote. My reply was responsive to the OP's question and was not ambiguous.

The Op stated: "I'm looking to purchase a XK between 2007 and 2010, is there a better year to purchase?" The second paragraph of my reply began: "2010 was a major update for the X150 model." The last sentence of that paragraph stated, in part: "... the supercharged XKR (510HP) came fully loaded - including Adaptive Cruise Control, which is hard to find on later models when it became an option". That entire paragraph pertained to the 2010. ACC became optional beginning in 2011.

The human brain is a work of wonder. But sometimes it tricks you into thinking that what you understood is exactly what you read. Sometimes we see what we anticipate. For example, I enjoy vacationing in Paris in the the Spring.

If you didn't get it the first time, read the last sentence again. I don't intend this reply to be critical of ceckman, as his misinterpretation of what I wrote is something that everyone (myself included) does from time to time because it seems like we're aways in a hurry.

 

Thanks, that's exactly the type of info I was seeking. HP is not really that important to me, staying out of the dealership is!

 

You should test drive both iterations, the 2009 and back with the 4.2L and the 2010 with the 5.0L engine.

Back in 2009 and was looking at a Jag XK vs the BMW 650, I was less than impressed with the previous 4.2L performance, so I passed on the Jag. While I wasn't in the market for a sports car I found it's performance lacking for this class of vehicle. Fast forward to the 5.0L and the overall performance improvements are (in my opinion) night and day, with that said I bought a 2012 XK. The tranny is upgraded to a newer version and more responsive, the handling dynamics were improved, these mated with the 5.0L engine made for a more spirited drive.

Only you can make the very subjective decision on what is the best match for you, price vs performance vs features. Plenty of folks are extremely happy with their 4.2L XK so my opinion is what it is, a singular slant from my viewpoint. You may drive the 2009 and prior and think it is the greatest thing you have ever driven, a lot depends on your expectations!

 

For me the best year is the 2007 year. It has the leather and wood steering wheel, I also prefer the center console because I put on my own custom wood shift knob [and it looks amazing] and the I do like the retractable antenna. Like most cars models, the first year is the best and truest to the original design and afterwards it just gets uglier and uglier. I also believe that the 4.2 models have less electrical problems than the later cars.

 

+1
I don't think I could give up the 'leather and wood steering wheel' (about a year ago I did some not-too-serious internet shopping for an XKR, to have a little more oomph than my XK, but none at the time had the wood wheel, although swapping steering wheels was a possibility).
I also don't mind the retractable fishing pole (although its down 99% of the time anyway), and the 'Taurus wing' actually (in my mind anyway) gives the car a linkage back to its XKE heritage.

 

Considering your model and price range, a 2010 XKR is the one to get. Updated looks, all the power and least expensive of the 510 HP XKR's...

We are considering another XK/XKR to replace our S60 and 2010+ are the only one's I would consider. I just love the updated chrome touches on the front end along better stereo, nicer interior trim, contrasting stitching...

 

Good thread. Pros and cons either way, and good to see that 07-09 owners are an enthusiastic bunch. I've got a 2010, but was close on an 09 when I first drove an xk. I'll throw in my two cents:

- looks-wise, it's subjective (obviously), and all about the front end. Personally, I always thought there was something not working with the looks of the 07-09. When I read somewhere "...the nose looks fine, as long as you're into that 'late 90s Ford Taurus' look," that was it for me. I couldn't look at one after that without thinking of the Taurus. I think the redesign looks much better, but that's just me.
- I have to disagree with the observation that the first model year of an updated version is best. Essentially, once a new version's on the road the manufacturer has thousands of free beta testers out there, and a lot of the problems that arise are addressed in later years. (I'd offer the quickly-gone "whip" antenna on the 07 as an example.) So if you're thinking of an earlier version, I'd stick with an 08 or 09. I'd also observe that my 2010 has had a lot of the issues (AC "whine," etc) that seem to me new to this version. I think I've gotten most of them.
- once I got used to the shift knob in the 2010 (It takes a few weeks) I loved it. I'll never go back.
- Then there's that engine. It's just faster.
On the flip side, I do get the impression that the 08-09 years are fairly bullet-proof, so cost of ownership might be lower.
Whichever you decide, you'll have a great car!

 

Having owned an 08 and a 12XK and now owning a 13XKR (all verts); it is my opinion that the 10 and newer XKR's are the superior vehicle. The reasons stated in post 13 by TampaMark pretty much say it all for me.