Good Morning all, I have just signed up as I am currently on the lookout for an XK / XKR and just want some basic advice.

Want to spend between 15k - 17k.

Are there any common issues I should look out for, and is the XKR really worth the extra over and above the XK.

I am also torn between the convertible and the coupe, but looking more towards the coupe as need to carry golf clubs etc in the rear.

Any advice welcome

 

Welcome to the hunt, best of luck.
With that budget, you'll be looking at the early years of the X150 production (2007-2009). Use the search function to find more about these, but a few common problems would be:
1. Clogged duckbill drain for the air conditioning, causing water dripping into the passenger footwell.
2. Thermostat and it's housing, on the XK.
3. Bubbling/shrinking dash leather (all years).

If you go for an XK, don't drive an XKR, that extra power can be exhilarating.
Not sure how much extra trunk space the coupe has over the 'vert, not a whole lot. Another member here, can fit 2 sets of clubs in his 'vert trunk, just need to get the right size bag(s). And with the top down, you can carry some pretty big items in the 'vert (been there, done that).
Good luck!

 

It would be very doubtful that you will be able to find a decent XK/XKR in the 2007 to 2009 price range of $15k to $17K.

You may have to drop down into the 2004 to 2006 MY range.

Complete some basic research for price points and that will provide a good indication of what your up against for price and model years available for your budget.

..

 

Hey Jay,
If speed and a bit sharper handling with a stiffer suspension is your cup of tea, than the XKR will be your choice. If a wonderful, elegant Grand Tourer that has more than adequate power and handling is what you desire, you will not be disappointed with the XK. If you have to carry two sets of golf clubs to the course, it's not going to happen in the convertible unless they're mini bags. I put two sets in my coupe every weekend (with the driver and 3 wood removed and laid diagonally across the trunk). In my X100 convertible the trunk is so cavernous I could get 4 sets of clubs if I wanted. One thing to watch out for in addition to those of the previous post, are shock absorbers, you shouldn't hear any clunking or any extraneous sounds and the feel should be very solid and of one piece when going over bumps and dips. I test drove a 2007 for another forum member and all four shocks needed replacing with a very poor ride. I just replaced all four of my own last week and the difference is startling.
Good luck.

 

Hello Jay,
My advice would be to get a 2007/2008 xk coupe. While I am also a convertible guy, the coupe is such a stunning looking car that you will completely forget about wanting a convertible after you drive it. The coupe has a larger boot [for golf clubs] and does not have all the extra mechanicals that a convertible has [less things that can break]. The standard xk has more than enough power to keep you happy.


If you get a 2007 you will most likely have the very desirable wood on the steering wheel [the later models do not have this option]. My final advice would be to spend around 18-20K and buy one that is perfect and needs nothing. Don't be put off by high mileage, 100K is nothing for these cars provided that they are well maintained.

 

I'd like to find a Ferrari 458 spider in that price range too.. for $15-17 you'll likely have two choices - extremely high miles OR salvaged cars either of which you should expect to keep a big reserve of cash as problems may be VERY costly. 2007 XK examples usually start in the low $20's for 60K+ cars XKR's add another $2-5K. The old saying "there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes" holds true here. Price does not indicate "value", be ready to pay for trying to be cheap.

 

Just my two cents, but it sounds like your budget and your needs would be much better suited with a '03-'06 model convertible from the X100 series.
They are great cars and have almost as much power, and great lines as well.

 

I agree with Richard as that price range is not suitable for a decent X150 series. Unless you get a tired car or very high miles, your choices are not going to be there. Better off waiting until you can save a few more dollars as you may be disappointed on anything that would work with your savings.

 

You will probably spend more time trying to find a good car at that price, than working a side job to be able to afford what the market tends to demand. Maybe wait a few more years to indulge.

I highly recommend not buying a car like this unless you have the reserve account to outright replace it. I spent less than half of what I could of to get my 2009XK. I would say the 4.2L NA could use more power if driven on higher speed limit roads, but under 50MPH, it really doesn't matter. Either one is much faster than my old Porsche's.

 

Depends on what you want out of the car. If your looking for looks and performance, the XKR is the way to go. If you just want looks then the XK will suffice as they are nearly identical.


Its comparable to the mustang debate. If the look is what matters get a V6, if you want a car that performs too, get the Shelby GT 500.


Personally I would kick myself if I had not bought the R, but that's just me. If budget is an issue, be patient. I knew what car I wanted, and after 7 years of budgeting on a military salary with a single income family of 4 I was able to get my dream car.

 

Congratulations, and my hats off to you for your persistence and patience.

 

I think, if looks matter, get a X100. The X100 is far more beautiful and elegant. I don't really oggle when another X150 that I see parked or out driving, but a X100 in excellent cosmetic attention won't fail to make me stare. The X150 is more machine than soul, the X100, despite its Ford origins, still gives off a certain something about it.

 

^^^^^ exactly that ^^^^^^

 

Perhaps I'm in the minority but I don't find the X100 body style appealing, "beautiful", "gorgeous" as some seem to think... I FAR prefer the X150 in looks, performance, ride, pretty much every way. The X100 did nothing for me or I would have opted for that model and saved big $$$

Back to the OP - you're in over your head, either pick another car in your price range OR pony up the money needed to get a good example of a X150... you can't get a new Mercedes for the price of a new Hyundai and there's a good reason that is so. Time to get real. Trying to pick a X150 for 25-35% discount will only land you a car that is trash (abused, salvaged, or extremely high miles by soneone looking to dump their headache)... If you want a 2007 XKR for $15K they're out there, they've been wrecked and insurance companies will sell them before repairs are done so contact Geico or State Farm. You'd have better luck with the lotto or penny stocks and neither of those are good bets either. You wanna play you gotta pay and there are NO shortcuts

 

Btw, 15-17K was mentioned without currency, and the user's location might be Great Britian. The pound is I belive worth a lot more than the dollar; but I do not keep up with such things. Its possible 15-17K might buy a 60K+ miles XK. This might put it on edge for needing suspension bushings, especially in the British Climate, but other than that, if fluid changes have been taken care of, not a lot to go wrong that couldn't go wrong with a lower miles example. Its just, *if* something goes wrong, be it a high mile, or low mile car, it may be cheaper to get another car.

 

Guys, Jay gives his location as "Brighton, Peacehaven" - that's here in the UK. So his price range is £15-17k. There are a fair few XKs on Autotrader in that price range, 2006-8. Not so many XKRs; only 4 and they're 2006-7 with high-ish mileage (though there's one with only 65k on it)

 

I find that the x100 is very pretty in the front but that rear bumper is a disaster. Looks like an afterthought...'hey design team we forgot to design an integrated bumper, hurry up and slap one on'...For that reason alone I never bought one.

 

If we're having the X100 vs. X150 debate, I will venture forth an opinion based on the fact that I own beautiful examples of both (and love both of them). In my humble opinion, the X100 is the winner in the looks department, more sensual, more ties to Jaguar heritage (especially XKE), tucked in front and side rockers, great view of the sloping front hood. The X150 is more muscular looking, gorgeous, but not quite the same appeal (for me). In the receives compliments competition, my X100 receives about ten to one compared to the X150 although lately I have been receiving more compliments on my 2010.

However, in the power, driveability, handling, and suspension contest, there is no contest; the X150 is so far advanced in comparison that it's not even in the same galaxy. Gone is all of the jiggling, bottoming out, loose rear end, jello shaking shimmying of the X100. Instead the X150 offers a taut, firm but comfortable, great handling, riding, package that the X100 could only dream of.

But I still get a great sense of occasion driving my 2002.
Guess I'll have to keep both and alternate.

 

For me the sweet spot is the 06-09 XK. I am not so fussed on the front of the 2010 on XK's and have never liked the rear of the X100.

I was talking to a non-Jaguar driving colleague at work to day about the X100 v X150 v F-Type and even he said that it was like they ran out of ideas when it came to the rear end of the X100 so just scribbled a few lines down on a bit of paper then went off for a tea break.

 

the x150 is a far better driving vehicle than the x100 according to lot of people on the Forum. I would tend to agree with them as the 150 is all aluminum (US spelling) and stiffer than the x100. some say the x100 is better looking than the x150, but that is a matter of taste and it is difficult to find an ugly Jaguar coupe or convertible. Hunt patiently and persistently and you should be able to find what you want at a reasonable cost level.