Advice on my purchase please

[XK_Fan]

Hi guys, I would appreciate any advice you can offer with my current buying decision.

I have been looking for an XK for the last 6-8 weeks and was originally looking at 4.2 litre 2006/2007 model with 60k-70k miles, but I have also been very tempted with a couple of 5.0 2010/2011 models with 93k -100k miles, (both with full jauguar history). I am leaning towards the 5.0 2010/2011 as I will only be putting 3k-4k miles a year on it max, but what would you do and why?

 

Thank you in advance

[Leo]

I had my 2006 XK for 7 trouble free years, and sold it a few days ago at 37000 miles. It was perfect for me.

In buying my focus was very much on condition: It had to be near showroom perfect, and absolutely everything had to be working. As soon as I saw it I knew that I was going to buy it!

However, we are all different, so you may well have different priorities.

[XK_Fan]

2 hours ago, Leo said:

I had my 2006 XK for 7 trouble free years, and sold it a few days ago at 37000 miles. It was perfect for me.

In buying my focus was very much on condition: It had to be near showroom perfect, and absolutely everything had to be working. As soon as I saw it I knew that I was going to buy it!

However, we are all different, so you may well have different priorities.

My focus is very much on condition too but also its service history and provenance. I have ruled out so many cars because of 3 and 4 year gaps in the service history despite them being advertised as full history, it's so annoying.

Would you guys be put off from buying at proper full history 2011 car with 95k miles in mint condition, or would you prefer to buy a 2007 with 65k with most of the history, if both cars are the same price?

[Leo]

It is sometimes a matter of mileage between services: A gap of a couple of years is not ideal, but acceptable to me if the car has only done three or four thousand miles in that time. Four years would never be acceptable.

These engines are pretty bulletproof, so a fairly high mileage in a properly serviced car doesn’t necessarily point towards trouble, though it does tend to lead to greater wear on the interior and on suspension etc.

In the 7+ years with mine the only repair was an AC condenser. Apart from that I needed a brake light Bulb, an indicator Bulb, new wiper blades, tyres and a battery, which are all consumables rather than faults. I have never owned a more reliable car.

[David Collins]

With that mileage I would get it checked over fully by a official Jaguar dealership

[XK_Fan]

On 12/22/2021 at 8:06 PM, David Collins said:

With that mileage I would get it checked over fully by a official Jaguar dealership

I went to buy the 2011 5.0 Portfolio XK with 100k and FSH and took a knowlegable mechanic with me as this was a private sale, unfortunately I didn't end up buying it because after driving it there was a problem..... a noise from the diff above 30mph, which was worse when not under load. When deccelarating from 50-60+ mph it was clear this was (or would be) a future issue.

Also on cold start there was quite a timing chain rattle albeit only for a short time, but the diff noise alone was enough for me to walk away from it, wich was a great shame as the car was lovely.....so the search continues

[Leo]

Disappointing, but you were obviously right to walk away.

You will know the right one when you find it!

[XK_Fan]

UPDATE:

I am pleased to say that I have put a deposit on a car and I am due to collect it at the end of the week :)

A 2010 Portfolio with full history.

 

[Leo]

Looks simply wonderful: Enjoy!

[XK_Fan]

8 hours ago, Leo said:

Looks simply wonderful: Enjoy!

Thanks Leo