New to Jaguars

[Ex-SL Man]

Good evening, all. I'm just about to acquire my first Jaguar - a very low mileage 2007 XK 4.2 convertible. It's a whim purchase, really; an E-class estate is my daily driver - the dogs insist on it...  

The XK is replacing a 140K mile 1994 SL500, which I like a lot when it's running; the problem is, it spends too much time not running, and I've lost patience with the thing. I'm a decent mechanic, but the older I get the less time I want to spend spannering - I'd rather just be driving...

I'm hoping that the XK will give no trouble, but inevitably I'll need a garage sooner or later. I live near Beaconsfield in south Bucks; can anyone recommend a decent indy near me? 

[Leo]

If it is 2007 it would normally be an X150 XK rather than an XK8.

I recommend that you keep the battery fully charged since it is not your daily drive: That way you should avoid problems, which are mostly related to a low state of battery charge. I use a CTEK Battery Conditioner every week on mine.

[Ex-SL Man]

Thank you, David. Yes, the CTEK is good; I have one already. I make a point of using all my cars at least once a week, but I recondition with the CTEK at least every six months anyway.

It was advertised as an XK8, but I think you're right; it has the vertical chrome side strip on the front wing, so an X150 XK. Even better...

The car itself is 'interesting'. It has the 4.2 engine, and according to the DVLA  it was first registered in January 2007, but first registered in the UK in December 2015. Its first UK MoT shows 27000 miles, the second shows 15000, and according to the seller, the odometer was reset to miles from km. It is RHD. There's no history whatever with it. 

RHD, distances in kilometres, very low mileage and no history? If it was a Mercedes, the odds would strongly be that it was a re-import from Japan. That would not be a problem. Of course, it could have 'had a haircut'; I'll see. 

I'm going to collect it on Tuesday. I'm quite confident of being able to tell from the interior condition whether it actually has high mileage, and if I'm happy, I'll hand over the money and drive away with a smile on my face. Wish me luck. 

 

Dennis 

 

Edited April 9, 2017 by Ex-SL Man

[Leo]

Do post some photos when you pick it up: I shall be interested to see this somewhat mysterious XK!