X150 - anything to look for?
Discussion
I'm looking at buying one of these fairly soon, wanted to check if there is anything to watch for that I haven't considered already. Budget around 20k, and I have narrowed my search to a 4.2R or a 5.0 NA. Reason being I think the 5.0R would be too much on the greasy Scottish roads, and the standard 4.2 may not feel powerful enough as the daily is a 335d.
From what I have read they seem to be pretty reliable, main problems being the water pump on the 5.0s and the air con pipe on all models? Main questions I had were as follows:
Is there that much difference between a 5.0 NA and a 4.2R? Any reason to go for one over the other?
Service history- I've seen a few low mileage models serviced by mileage as opposed to annually, is that much of an issue or should I avoid those ones?
Mileage - are miles much of an issue? Seen them ranging from 30k up to 110k. Is it worth seeking out a low miles one or are the fine if looked after?
Appreciate any help - as I'm up in Aberdeen going to look at a bunch of them isn't really an option so trying to do the research before going to see one.
From what I have read they seem to be pretty reliable, main problems being the water pump on the 5.0s and the air con pipe on all models? Main questions I had were as follows:
Is there that much difference between a 5.0 NA and a 4.2R? Any reason to go for one over the other?
Service history- I've seen a few low mileage models serviced by mileage as opposed to annually, is that much of an issue or should I avoid those ones?
Mileage - are miles much of an issue? Seen them ranging from 30k up to 110k. Is it worth seeking out a low miles one or are the fine if looked after?
Appreciate any help - as I'm up in Aberdeen going to look at a bunch of them isn't really an option so trying to do the research before going to see one.
Good choice. They are lovely cars.
There is a lot of info on the UK Jaguar Forum, and the US one for that matter.
To answer some of your initial questions, some people have had problems with water pump and many haven't. One just has to deal with it if it happens but I'm not convinced that it is a certain weak point. All water pumps will go eventually. Not all go early.
The AC drain was fixed around 2010. Some early 5.0 cars still had the old design "duckbill" from the factory.
The two cars you mention will have different characters but are similarly fast. The 5.0 NA will probably use a little less fuel though. Jaguar typically progressively develop their models and the 5.0 facelift does feel better made than the 4.2 cars. They look a bit different too. The outside is slightly fussier in the later cars but the interior is a step up for sure. There are two levels of interior too so a dig in some old brochures is wise to be sure you know what you are looking at. The 5.0 cars got a suspension upgrade with continuously variable dampers and the 5.0 NA is sportier in character than the 4.2 NA - more like the XKRs.
Service history is a difficult on on these cars. They don't usually get used for short trips but might do few miles a year. Doing an oil change every year after 1000 mile use isn't necessary in my book but would be a bargaining point. Higher mileage cars need regular servicing like any other car. Condition is important. Full service history on a tatty car suggest poor care even if on paper it appears OK.
These cars seem to be able to absorb miles without great problem as long as the correct maintenance is done. Suspension parts wear and they can feel baggy on old components. However, this type of car drops in value significantly faster if the mileage is high and if it is tatty. Don't pay too much for a worn car.
I have had mine for 7 years now but when I was looking I did quite some research as is my way
Have a look here, it might help: https://www.jaguarforum.com/threads/buying-bought-...
There is a lot of info on the UK Jaguar Forum, and the US one for that matter.
To answer some of your initial questions, some people have had problems with water pump and many haven't. One just has to deal with it if it happens but I'm not convinced that it is a certain weak point. All water pumps will go eventually. Not all go early.
The AC drain was fixed around 2010. Some early 5.0 cars still had the old design "duckbill" from the factory.
The two cars you mention will have different characters but are similarly fast. The 5.0 NA will probably use a little less fuel though. Jaguar typically progressively develop their models and the 5.0 facelift does feel better made than the 4.2 cars. They look a bit different too. The outside is slightly fussier in the later cars but the interior is a step up for sure. There are two levels of interior too so a dig in some old brochures is wise to be sure you know what you are looking at. The 5.0 cars got a suspension upgrade with continuously variable dampers and the 5.0 NA is sportier in character than the 4.2 NA - more like the XKRs.
Service history is a difficult on on these cars. They don't usually get used for short trips but might do few miles a year. Doing an oil change every year after 1000 mile use isn't necessary in my book but would be a bargaining point. Higher mileage cars need regular servicing like any other car. Condition is important. Full service history on a tatty car suggest poor care even if on paper it appears OK.
These cars seem to be able to absorb miles without great problem as long as the correct maintenance is done. Suspension parts wear and they can feel baggy on old components. However, this type of car drops in value significantly faster if the mileage is high and if it is tatty. Don't pay too much for a worn car.
I have had mine for 7 years now but when I was looking I did quite some research as is my way
Have a look here, it might help: https://www.jaguarforum.com/threads/buying-bought-...Thanks for the pointers, sounds like either option would be good. I hadn't realised there were interior upgrades in the 5.0 besides the gear knob, that is something to consider as I like the idea of a nice interior.
Some good information on that Jag forum as well. Couple of questions after reading through the threads on there- is the timing chain on the 5.0 a real concern, or a case of the Internet blowing things out of proportion? And is there much of a sound difference between them? I'd like a good V8 soundtrack to enjoy.
Some good information on that Jag forum as well. Couple of questions after reading through the threads on there- is the timing chain on the 5.0 a real concern, or a case of the Internet blowing things out of proportion? And is there much of a sound difference between them? I'd like a good V8 soundtrack to enjoy.
The NA cars have the standard or the luxury Portfoliio interiors, which includes nicer leather, more seat adjustment, cooled seats and better stereo.
A similar luxury upgrade is available on the XKRs and there it is called the Performance interior.
The 5.0 cars do use better materials for parts like the seat switches, display surround, etc. They do feel nicer, especially if it has the luxury interior upgrade.
There is a lot of talk about the timing chains and many people have had problems, but again many haven't. I can't comment about mine because it has so little mileage and is still quiet. My feeling is that those that are used with more mechanical sympathy don't suffer this problem but I don't know. They are fun driven hard but maybe this comes at a price.
These are not the very loudest of cars under normal use and I'm happy not drawing any more attention to myself than the car already does out here. IIRC, the 4.2 cars sound a little more traditional V8 and the 5.0 cars are harder sounding, racier, but it has been a long time since I tried the others out. You need to hear them for yourself
A similar luxury upgrade is available on the XKRs and there it is called the Performance interior.
The 5.0 cars do use better materials for parts like the seat switches, display surround, etc. They do feel nicer, especially if it has the luxury interior upgrade.
There is a lot of talk about the timing chains and many people have had problems, but again many haven't. I can't comment about mine because it has so little mileage and is still quiet. My feeling is that those that are used with more mechanical sympathy don't suffer this problem but I don't know. They are fun driven hard but maybe this comes at a price.
These are not the very loudest of cars under normal use and I'm happy not drawing any more attention to myself than the car already does out here. IIRC, the 4.2 cars sound a little more traditional V8 and the 5.0 cars are harder sounding, racier, but it has been a long time since I tried the others out. You need to hear them for yourself
SD_1 said:
Thanks for the pointers, sounds like either option would be good. I hadn't realised there were interior upgrades in the 5.0 besides the gear knob, that is something to consider as I like the idea of a nice interior.
Some good information on that Jag forum as well. Couple of questions after reading through the threads on there- is the timing chain on the 5.0 a real concern, or a case of the Internet blowing things out of proportion? And is there much of a sound difference between them? I'd like a good V8 soundtrack to enjoy.
This item might, (or might not Some good information on that Jag forum as well. Couple of questions after reading through the threads on there- is the timing chain on the 5.0 a real concern, or a case of the Internet blowing things out of proportion? And is there much of a sound difference between them? I'd like a good V8 soundtrack to enjoy.
), be of interest. The US-based author also wrote an article on blowing head gaskets on RR/Bentley V8 6 3/4 engines (primarily turbos) on the SZ-series Rolls/Bentleys from approx the early '90s before it really became an issue in the UK.https://robisonservice.blogspot.com/2019/08/timing...
A 5.0 XKR is perfectly usable on greasy Scottish roads - I'm in Aberdeen too and have had mine for almost four years, and a 4.2 XKR before that. Make sure you have properly good tyres then drive according to conditions. A 5.0 XKR is bloody quick at 10/10ths but it's only as fast as you drive it and it's still rewarding at less than the limit.
Timing chain/tensioner issues, I think there's a strong case of internet fear on this one - yes they're not infallible but they're not the only car to suffer this and from what I've read, it seems that we hear of more cases of this on later models with that engine (RR Sport, F-type, XFR/XFR-S). I read a post by one of the most highly-respected Jaguar independent specialists on a Facebook group for XK/XKR owners who stated as much.
Other things to watch for, the water pumps on the 5.0 cars have been known to fail but that's very rarely catastrophic, just get the pump changed if there's an issue and sleep easy at nights. Suspension bushes are a not uncommon weak point and annoyingly, most are only sold as part of the whole control arm assembly so a more expensive replacement than they really should be, but on the upside you're then replacing two or three bushes (per arm) at once so there's benefit there. Rear diff on the 5.0 cars is an electronically controlled unit (more in a moment) and it's not unheard of for these to fail but far from commonplace.
4.2 vs 5.0 - I've had both (4.2 for 5.5 years, 5.0 for nearly 4 years now), for me it's the 5.0 all day, every day. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a 4.2 XK/XKR, they're very lovely motors but by almost every measure the 5.0 is a better car. The suspension, handling, road manners, driver involvement, braking, interior quality and by no means least, performance are all improved - in some cases only a little but in others, a lot (for "only" an extra 800cc the performance uplift is very significant) but the whole thing adds up to a much better experience. My first thought when I traded my 4.2 in for my current 5.0 was that immediately the old car felt like a prototype for the new one, overshadowed in every way.
As above, I'm in Aberdeen as well, if you'd like a good look around mine feel free to PM me. Good chance mine will be for sale soon too.
Timing chain/tensioner issues, I think there's a strong case of internet fear on this one - yes they're not infallible but they're not the only car to suffer this and from what I've read, it seems that we hear of more cases of this on later models with that engine (RR Sport, F-type, XFR/XFR-S). I read a post by one of the most highly-respected Jaguar independent specialists on a Facebook group for XK/XKR owners who stated as much.
Other things to watch for, the water pumps on the 5.0 cars have been known to fail but that's very rarely catastrophic, just get the pump changed if there's an issue and sleep easy at nights. Suspension bushes are a not uncommon weak point and annoyingly, most are only sold as part of the whole control arm assembly so a more expensive replacement than they really should be, but on the upside you're then replacing two or three bushes (per arm) at once so there's benefit there. Rear diff on the 5.0 cars is an electronically controlled unit (more in a moment) and it's not unheard of for these to fail but far from commonplace.
4.2 vs 5.0 - I've had both (4.2 for 5.5 years, 5.0 for nearly 4 years now), for me it's the 5.0 all day, every day. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a 4.2 XK/XKR, they're very lovely motors but by almost every measure the 5.0 is a better car. The suspension, handling, road manners, driver involvement, braking, interior quality and by no means least, performance are all improved - in some cases only a little but in others, a lot (for "only" an extra 800cc the performance uplift is very significant) but the whole thing adds up to a much better experience. My first thought when I traded my 4.2 in for my current 5.0 was that immediately the old car felt like a prototype for the new one, overshadowed in every way.
As above, I'm in Aberdeen as well, if you'd like a good look around mine feel free to PM me. Good chance mine will be for sale soon too.
I'm definitely leaning towards a 5.0 car now for the better interior, timing chain sounds like it may be one of those things blown out of proportion on the internet. Or perhaps I am just doing a bit of wishful thinking! I take it they give plenty of warning before the go - rattle on startup etc?
8bit - thank you for the informative post and the generous offer. I'll get in touch with you via PM.
8bit - thank you for the informative post and the generous offer. I'll get in touch with you via PM.
SD_1,
I have owned my 5.0L XKR for nearly ten years, and it now has 200,000 miles on it and is still my daily driver. Without any question, it is the best automobile I have ever owned in 55 years of driving. It has also been the most reliable car I've ever owned. In terms of what to look for, a consistent documented history of oil changes is probably the most important. If given the opportunity to test drive, the suspension should be taut, but comfortable with no noises. I would never have imagined this car could be this good. Mine is pulleyed and tuned to about 600hp, has been tracked many, many times, and is still driven everyday. I could easily part with my beautiful Pantera, but the XKR will live in my household forever!
I have owned my 5.0L XKR for nearly ten years, and it now has 200,000 miles on it and is still my daily driver. Without any question, it is the best automobile I have ever owned in 55 years of driving. It has also been the most reliable car I've ever owned. In terms of what to look for, a consistent documented history of oil changes is probably the most important. If given the opportunity to test drive, the suspension should be taut, but comfortable with no noises. I would never have imagined this car could be this good. Mine is pulleyed and tuned to about 600hp, has been tracked many, many times, and is still driven everyday. I could easily part with my beautiful Pantera, but the XKR will live in my household forever!
Another seen but not inevitable failure seems to be the injectors. Maybe only the earlier ones before the update from Bosch. As long as you don't buy from a Jaguar dealer or any independent who insists on Jaguar original parts, these items are not too expensive (80-90 Pounds each). However, when one does go, another is not far behind and it appears wise to change them all at the same time, which does add up 
tberg said:
SD_1,
I have owned my 5.0L XKR for nearly ten years, and it now has 200,000 miles on it and is still my daily driver. Without any question, it is the best automobile I have ever owned in 55 years of driving. It has also been the most reliable car I've ever owned. In terms of what to look for, a consistent documented history of oil changes is probably the most important. If given the opportunity to test drive, the suspension should be taut, but comfortable with no noises. I would never have imagined this car could be this good. Mine is pulleyed and tuned to about 600hp, has been tracked many, many times, and is still driven everyday. I could easily part with my beautiful Pantera, but the XKR will live in my household forever!
That is certainly very confidence inspiring, sounds like consistent servicing is key. I spotted a 2010 car for sale that is advertised as having a whopping 4 services! I have owned my 5.0L XKR for nearly ten years, and it now has 200,000 miles on it and is still my daily driver. Without any question, it is the best automobile I have ever owned in 55 years of driving. It has also been the most reliable car I've ever owned. In terms of what to look for, a consistent documented history of oil changes is probably the most important. If given the opportunity to test drive, the suspension should be taut, but comfortable with no noises. I would never have imagined this car could be this good. Mine is pulleyed and tuned to about 600hp, has been tracked many, many times, and is still driven everyday. I could easily part with my beautiful Pantera, but the XKR will live in my household forever!
Have you have much in the way of big bills over that mileage or has it mostly been regular maintenance? Looks fantastic in silver too.
It has mostly been very reliable with just normal maintenance. I have had a couple of sensor replacements, changed the transmission fluid twice, and differential fluid once, and shocks once. I must say, I've never owned an automatic transmission that's gone 200,000 miles without a rebuild especially behind a 600 hp engine, it's astonishing to me. I have the oil changed every 3-5000 miles. This week I am have my indie do a full service to the car just because I want to have it back to perfect so that I can enjoy it for another couple of hundred thousand miles. Plus I need to have the air conditioning serviced, otherwise truly a pleasure and care free car to own and drive.
To conclude this thread (very late...), I did end up buying a 2009 XK 5.0. Absolutely delighted with it, did the North Coast 500 with a mate not too long after purchase where it was subjected to some pretty serious weather conditions! Did very well and was the perfect tool for the job.
Got the spec I wanted with a light interior with a wood finish. Drives very well, and it's a lot faster than our 335d which is a nice surprise. Very loud as well in standard form which I was also not expecting.
Thanks for all the help, got a car I am very happy with.
Got the spec I wanted with a light interior with a wood finish. Drives very well, and it's a lot faster than our 335d which is a nice surprise. Very loud as well in standard form which I was also not expecting.
Thanks for all the help, got a car I am very happy with.
SD_1 said:
To conclude this thread (very late...), I did end up buying a 2009 XK 5.0. Absolutely delighted with it, did the North Coast 500 with a mate not too long after purchase where it was subjected to some pretty serious weather conditions! Did very well and was the perfect tool for the job.
Got the spec I wanted with a light interior with a wood finish. Drives very well, and it's a lot faster than our 335d which is a nice surprise. Very loud as well in standard form which I was also not expecting.
Thanks for all the help, got a car I am very happy with.
Its a great Car and despite several attempts over the Models history to get the nosecone right , in my humble opinion the best Jaguar Design since the E Type .Got the spec I wanted with a light interior with a wood finish. Drives very well, and it's a lot faster than our 335d which is a nice surprise. Very loud as well in standard form which I was also not expecting.
Thanks for all the help, got a car I am very happy with.
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