Which to buy - miles or FSH?

[Avalon]

Hi all, I'm getting close to buying my first XK 4.2 coupe.  I've driven a few now and have a shortlist of two:

One is around 45k miles,  in great condition all around, and drives really well.  The issue is a patchy service history.  It has dealer stamps for its first six years, but then a gap of 9 years & 10k miles with no stamps until a local garage service.  That was 3 years ago, and since then it's done a further 4k with no further services.

The other is at almost 90k miles, but has a full history of (mostly dealer) servicing.  It drives just as well as the other.  The interior is still very good but is noticeably more worn in places than the first. I'm a little concerned that when it gets to 100k it's going to be less saleable.

I'm expecting to drive it maybe 3k per year, mainly long journeys.

I'm struggling to figure out which would be a better buy - any thoughts/advice?

[Psy Power]

Hi Paul

Wow! There’s a dilemma for you!  In the end you probably have to go with your gut on that one.

If it was me, I would go for the lower miles; on the grounds that each part or system has a “lifespan” designed into it.  The lower miles mean less of that has been used up.  No matter how good the service history, a car approaching 100K miles has many bits that will be nearing the end of that lifespan and due for replacement soon.

If you’re planning on keeping the car for several years all those “kaput” parts are going to cost you, so buy the low miler, get a proper in-depth inspection done by a Jag specialist to flag up any corners cut by the previous owner/s (or not) and then when you do finally sell it on, that report along with details/receipts for any repairs will go a long way to make up for the previously “skimpy” history.

If you’re only going to keep the car for a year or so, you could probably take a bet that nothing major will need replacing in that time before selling on, in which case the car with the better service history would be the one to go for, purely for resale value at the end of your tenure.

But that’s only my personal point of view, if you get better advice from someone who knows about these things, take it LOL!😂

Good luck with your choice and I hope it works out for you🤞🏻
 

Si

[Wrinkly]

Simon

You ask advice etc. I will not sit on the fence. My personal opinion is, after having it checked out for any major problems, and it seems OK, go for the lower mileage car.  It has to be said though, "It is your choice/decision at the end of the day", no matter what anyone else has to say.

Best Wishes and Regards, John

[David Collins]

On 8/17/2022 at 9:10 PM, Avalon said:

Hi all, I'm getting close to buying my first XK 4.2 coupe.  I've driven a few now and have a shortlist of two:

One is around 45k miles,  in great condition all around, and drives really well.  The issue is a patchy service history.  It has dealer stamps for its first six years, but then a gap of 9 years & 10k miles with no stamps until a local garage service.  That was 3 years ago, and since then it's done a further 4k with no further services.

The other is at almost 90k miles, but has a full history of (mostly dealer) servicing.  It drives just as well as the other.  The interior is still very good but is noticeably more worn in places than the first. I'm a little concerned that when it gets to 100k it's going to be less saleable.

I'm expecting to drive it maybe 3k per year, mainly long journeys.

I'm struggling to figure out which would be a better buy - any thoughts/advice?

Would avoid both- sorry

[Wrinkly]

34 minutes ago, David Collins said:

Would avoid both- sorry

Avalon was actually asking, which one of two, he should buy.

Best Wishes and Regards, John

[Avalon]

Still, it's a valid answer - if the consensus is that a patchy history (one service in the last 10 years) and highish mileage are both red flags, then I can keep looking.

Does anyone have any tips of anywhere to look other than auto trader, or will they all be listed there?

[Psy Power]

Hi Paul

The Jag Drivers Club and Jag Enthusiasts Club both have “Classified” areas where people advertise cars and accessories/parts etc.  you might find some on those that didn’t make it on to commercial platforms?!

Cheers

Si

[Wrinkly]

A general search on the internet for the actual car and model you are looking for will usually produce most that are advertised anywhere.

I have just briefly looked and there are well over a dozen locations listings advertising Jaguar XK 4.2 coupe for sale.

Good Luck in finding what you want, Regards, John

[Jimac]

There's currently one on the Jaguar XK Owners Page on Facebook.  2009 XK60 with 68k for £13,950.