2003 and newer 4.2 Litre engine reliability

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Mar 27, 2008 | 04:25 PM

nsx4pete

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Posts: n/a

2003 and newer 4.2 Litre engine reliability

Hey all, I used to have a 1999 XK8 convertible and loved the car. Its been awhile now and want to purchase another one, and I am curious to know if the 2003 models, those with the updated 4.2 litre engines are better (no more tensioner issues, fail safe, traction control failure...) Are the 2003 and newer MY's better, or do these same problems still plague the 2003 and newer models. I miss my car and would love to buy another one. TIA for the input.

Mar 27, 2008 | 04:45 PM

ken@britishparts.com

Veteran Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 2,533

Likes: 23

From: Houston, Texas

RE: 2003 and newer 4.2 Litre engine reliability

For Pete's sake, I hope not! I need the work!

Seriously, they seem to be really pretty solid. Wait for JFT or Jag-genius to answer though. They are in the dealerships and will have first hand knowledge.

Mar 27, 2008 | 05:59 PM

FactoryJaguarTech

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 2,961

Likes: 89

From: 33498

RE: 2003 and newer 4.2 Litre engine reliability

The 4.2 engine is extremely durable. I posted earlier that our dealership has replaced only I think 3 since they came out in 2003. That is pretty darn good. We are a big dealer. So we have sold thousands of 4.2s.
We have had a few tensioner issues but nothing like the 4.0.
I would definitly say go for it. The 4.2 will make you forget you ever had the 4.0. Night and day. Thouroughly enjoyable to drive. Much smoother.

Mar 27, 2008 | 07:08 PM

jag_genius

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 2,076

Likes: 40

From: Pompino Beach , FL

RE: 2003 and newer 4.2 Litre engine reliability

yeah some tensioner issues.. but simple stuff.. the whole car is pretty mint and durable.. i wud go for the 2005 . looks sweet
only had one engine failure.