Hi, I have been thinking about purchasing an XKR coupe or convertible .

.I was tempted to go for a 5.0 engine but was told by a few "friends" to say way from that engine and instead purchase a 2007- 2009 model.
Would you say that the 4.2 engine is a better engine than the 5.0 ? I have read conflicting reports online so maybe some of you can help me with this.

Thank you

 

Yes - 4.2 doesn't have the WP issues but they're getting up there in age and will need attention particularly on old rubber hoses around the cooling system

 

Thank you - what the WP issue ?

 

Water pump on the 5.0…it has gone through several revisions. While both are excellent engines, the 4.2 has proven to have fewer problems. One item that might need attention is the thermostat unit…as it ages the plastic housing can deteriorate and
the broken bits can interfere with the opening and closing of the thermostat. This is a minor and easily rectified issue…it might even be considered a normal replacement item. Other than that….hmmm…let’s see. Nope, nothing comes to mind.

But a used car is a used car. So much depends upon the use and the servicing (or lack of servicing) that it has had. If you get one, change all the fluids, and be aware that these cars need a fully charged battery to avoid gremlins -which can be in any system. The battery is always the first suspect for any electrical malfunction (and this means any warning lights, the touch screen, the windows, the convertible top, anything). In 98% of cases a failing or insufficiently charged battery is the culprit, and nothing more.

 

thank you for a detailed reply. I will look into getting one from a private party and most likely and coupe .

Terry

 

Bought an 07 xkr 4 years ago and it has been a great car lots of pop and always feel like where ever I go it will bring me back, good luck in your search. The only concern I would have and I do have is parts availability in the future.

 

My 5.0L XKR has passed 200,000 miles and been extremely reliable. Most important about buying a used one is service history and a documented oil change history. And in either engine, I would recommend oil changes at no more than 5000 mile increments especially on the 5.0L. Other service notes, are even though supposedly the ZF does not require fluid changes, have it changed anyway. I have changed mine 3 times in the 10 years I've owned the car, and the transmission is still great. I have never had any automobile, cheap and low powered or expensive and high powered like my XKR that has gone 200,000 miles without a rebuild or replacement. It's hardly believable. Don't worry about which engine, they're both tried and true and proven, just get the car that you like and that has a documented history. These cars don't care so much about mileage as they do having been treated right.

 

@tberg 200.000 miles that’s very impressive and reassuring!

 

Both are excellent cars. One argument for the 4.2 is they're generally a little cheaper. Second argument based on my Jag indy's recommend. He says they rarely see the 4.2's. Good service history is the key to these cars. Also says a lot about how the owner treated the car generally. Good luck w/ your search. A 4.2 may not have the punch of a 5.0 but it's still plenty fast and handles great. Just a great car to own and drive.

tberg - congrats. 200k is pretty impressive.

 

I've owned my 07 XKR for 2 months and have enjoyed every mile driven. Agree that it feels reliable. My XK8 is gathering dust. Am looking forward to some road trips and Jag shows. My only complaint is that now my other cars feel so slow. Good point about parts availability. FYI there's a place called Jaguar Heaven in Stockton, CA. Huge selection of used parts for many different cars. Also just good people. They'll ship anywhere so there's an option.

 

Good point. I've budgeted for full replace all rubber hoses. Also thermo housing. The duckbill issue (AC drain leak in passenger footwell) is a standard problem. Ridiculous cost to have someone fix it. Not a bad DIY if you have long arms and small hands (or can find a volunteer).