Hi all,

I'm in need of a new car and I really like the XK150s. I'm hoping to find some info on the following:

1. Are certain years considered more reliable than others? I've done lots of reading and am aware of some of the common problems, but would love the firsthand knowledge.

2. Has anyone had theirs serviced at an independent shop? If so, has that kept the cost of maintenance down?

3. Anything else you would advise me to know before making a decision?

Based on what I know now, I'd like to get a 2010 XK in salsa red, but they're pretty hard to find.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

The problem most often reported in the 2010 XK/XKR line has been failure of some part of the cooling system, basically the waterpump. Also the TPMS (tire pressure management system) can be temperamental showing that various tires are either not monitored or that the tire pressure is low. Beyond those two items i can't recall any other issues that appear on the forum on a regular basis. You may want to go the corporate website and see if you can find a listing of any TSBs issued for the 2010+ X150s or XK/XKRs.

These cars are proving themselves to be very reliable!

 

My advice is to read the past 40 or so pages of threads in this sub forum if you want an understanding of these cars. The topic has been discussed a lot by pretty much every new member.

 

+1.

 

From my own personal experience, the first year 2007 is the one to get. I know this sounds unusual, as first year production cars usually have the most problems...but Jaguar got this one right the very first time. It is also the only year with a leather and wood steering wheel and it has a traditional gear shifter (instead of the later rising one) and I have added a custom made shift knob that looks fabulous (see pic). The 2007 body style is the best as well when compared to XKR/S models in my opinion (car makers have a tendency to get the first year right and then make them less attractive each passing year). I also recommend a coupe over a convertible, not only because there are less things that can go wrong but it just looks stunning. Let us know which one you decide to buy.

 

Answers to the OP's question are not very meaningful, since all X150 models are now used cars in varying condition and mileage and service records. My advice is to get a Pre Purchase Inspection from a Jaguar dealer to determine the mechanical condition and an inspection from a body shop authorized to do Jaguar aluminum repairs to determine if it had been wrecked or repainted. Buy the latest model year with the lowest mileage that's within your budget. You can't rely on CarFax.

 

Good advice, particularly about CarFax!

 

What I did was spend less than half of what I could buy, then if it goes kaput I just buy another one.

Reliability, what is that?

 

Maybe the question could be asked a little differently.

Was there a bad year of Jaguar XK150: None whatsoever. No year had any issues.
This is not the same as first Gen Ferrari California, BMW 6, Corvette 6.2.

Seriously. No design changes had to be made- not even minor ones.
The corvette changed its oil strategy after blowing 2 engines submitted to review
Ferrari had to recall the engine
BMW has now changed the 6 to be made the same way the XK is made.

The Engine and Differential are massively evolved, but it was way ahead of its time. (the evolved engine is still being used in the top of the line Ftype, Range Rover and XJR) So in other words, even the gen 1 engine is very good for its era.

 

Yes the water pump issues do persist even on the newer XKs. No such problem with the 2007 and older models. The 5.0 from 2010 on had problems that could lead to overheating and destruction of the expensive engines. Yes the 2007 and earlier due to age had shrinkage of dash leather and the duck bill a/c drainage issues. Still less of an issue than losing an engine. I tend to agree that earlier XKs might be the way to go if you could find a lower mileage well cared for car, but remember the power is not there if you are comparing the two. No comparison with HP from early to 2010XK models. All have their issues, but are worth the effort if you want something semi exotic.

 

[QUOTE=Queen and Country;1731567]Maybe the question could be asked a little differently.

As someone shopping for an XKR, this is genuinely helpful. Sifting through forum posts can be difficult to get such a clear statement. Having previously looked closely at a Range Rover this is a very different answer from what I had expected.

Thank you.
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There are many red ones from 2007 to 2012... https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...lorsSimple=RED

This one in particular looks nice... https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...&modelCode1=XK

 

I don't want to hijack this thread long after it was started. But thank you for the Autotrader link. I believe I want to find a low mileage non-black XKR coupe with the 4.2 supercharged engine. There's one listed just yesterday in Autotrader fairly close to home. Thanks again!

 

The OP began this thread on 7-31-2017 and hasn't been back. His Personal Profile includes links to all of his posts, and this one shows that he bought an X150, but no further details.

 

-Good advice, particularly regarding Carfax!

 

I guess that he has had no problems then, or he'd be back!

 

[QUOTE=Kevin Hutchison;1933851]Just a note, they changed the differential for 2009.

Although rare, you will find some differential issues in 2007 and 2008.

At this point I would consider the 2009 to be the car to go for if reliability were a prime concern; however care and environment are I think more important than model year.

There are also transmission changes made part way in 2010, and if performance matters you'd want the newer transmission. I'm not sure between the two on reliability.

Know to look for these you could probably find the relevant threads.

 

Can you share this info please? Never heard this one and would like to see the info and VIN range.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

A sound decision.
While rare, avoid a vehicle owned by someone who would not have prioritized maintenance.
Its the single most important thing in selecting the right one. All else is secondary.

 

I shouldn't go hunting for it today.

Maybe it was in Cambo's XKR-S GT thread where he detailed many parts differences and sharing between different related cars.

You can learn a lot reading that thread from start to finish.