Survival Guide: Jaguar XK/XKR
The X150 is so much better than the X100 and not much more to run.
Sourcing new and used parts.
The second-generation XK, available as a coupé and a convertible, went on sale in 2006 and made the headlines for its aluminium bonded and riveted monocoque structure and aluminium panels. That made it 90kg lighter than its predecessor, as well as stiffer and far less susceptible to the corrosion which is now catching out owners of the steel-bodied model. Initially, the XK was fitted with the 4.2-litre V8 from the X100, with the hot XKR being a supercharged variant of the same engine improved by variable
valve timing and a more efficient fuel injection system. A six-speed auto was standard across the range.
The XKR-S followed in 2008 as a limited edition of just 200 cars. Jaguar removed the speed limiter, made it more aerodynamic and added strong Alcon disc brakes as fitted to the Audi Quattro.
A facelift in 2009 resulted in subtle front-end tweaks and LED rear lights but, most importantly, the arrival of a new 5.0-litre V8 for even more brutal performance. In addition to the XKR, various limited runs followed, including the XKR 75, the R-S and – perhaps the ultimate XK – the phenomenally quick XKR-S GT. Production of the XK stopped in mid-2014, making the oldest ones now five years old. Like the X100, they’re brilliant value, with early coupés available for less than £10,000.
As for running costs and parts, read on to find out if they’re just as affordable.
Brakes
There are vented discs on all four corners – the XK has 326mm rotors, the R version has 355mm discs, and the XKR-S has 400mm discs at the front and 350mm items at the rear. The inclusion of an electronic handbrake means putting the caliper into ‘service’ mode to replace the discs and pads, so you’ll need to have access to the right kit if you are doing it yourself. The pistons wind in clockwise.
Brake component prices
FRONT BRAKE DISCS (XK, PAIR)
Main dealer £211.90 Independent from £98.40
FRONT BRAKE PADS (XK)
Main dealer £109.14 Independent from £66.99
REAR CALIPER
Main dealer £224.33 Independent from £172.99
Steering & suspension
The X150 features double wishbones, coilovers and beefy anti-roll bars at the front and rear. CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) was standard on most cars and you can determine if an X150 has it by the presence of a wire exiting the strut tops. Beware, though, as the internal components eventually let go and replacement dampers are almost £400 each.
The rack-and-pinion steering is generally trouble-free, although there was a recall concerning the possibility of power steering pipe corrosion on some 2010 examples, so check with a dealer to see if your car’s affected and whether the necessary remedial work has been done.
Steering and suspension component prices
FRONT LOWER BALLJOINT
Main dealer £371.69 (includes vertical link)
CATS FRONT DAMPER
Main dealer £398.05 Secondhand from £96.00
Other issues
There’s lots you can do to improve the sleek Jag’s performance, with a popular upgrade being to swap the original exhaust for a more throaty, tuned aftermarket item. Reckon on paying £695 for a good quality aftermarket cat-delete system. Incidentally, the section of downpipe with the catalytic converter costs more than £1000 from Jaguar and there’s two of them!
While alloy doesn’t rust, don’t underestimate the cost of putting right any blistering where the panels come into contact with steel (where it’s used to secure trim, for example) or where body repairs have been carried out. It requires specialist techniques to repair and get the colour-match correct.
Otherwise, the X150 comes well recommended – especially now that the early 4.2s have dipped below £10,000 – and if you buy wisely in the first place, it might not deplete your finances as quickly as you first might have thought.
Other parts prices
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Main dealer £3700.00 Independent from £695.00 Secondhand stock from £350.00