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Hi Jim, below is some pointers I posted a couple of weeks ago for someone else looking at procuring a New XK (X-150) with the aluminium body. There was a specific car in mind for this chap, so some of my comments are car / mileage specific. The 4.2 New XK was only available from introduction in 2006 until MY 2008, meaning you may find a 2009 car, but most of the 2009 cars will be 5.0 litre engined. I regularly keep an eye on the Classifieds and right now there are a few 4.2 litre convertibles for sale, but practically all are the NA XK, as opposed to the S/C XKR. Let us know if there are any specifics yu come across in your search. N6 JMX There is quite a bit of information around on various Forums in regard to the New XK (X-150) model, which production ceased in 2014, despite some registrations taking place in 2015. I appreciate that you state you would like a 4.2 litre engine, but you should not discount the 5.0 litre engine, especially in Supercharged format. Most of what I gave below will also apply to the 4.2 litre engine. The 5.0 litre engines are very reliable, but there are some areas to watch out for, like the supercharger coupling. A relatively simple and cheap fix, but not if you go to a dealer. Listen to the top of the engine at tick over. At 86k miles, the gearbox oil should have been changed, probably around 60k miles so check that has been undertaken. Supercharger belts and serpentine belts should have been changed at 10-years, so check service records. Look at the MoT history on the free DVLA check website. The aluminium bodies are very good, but can still corrode. Areas to look at are the boot, above the plinth. Here is a water trap and if the boot plinth is loose, it can rub through the paint allowing the corrosion cell to develop. Other areas are on the A-pillars and the front of the roofline, where stone chips have been allowed to progress - check for bubbling. Easily fixed, but the bodyshop needs to know how to work on aluminium panels. Aluminium corrosion that hasn't broken through the paint looks surprisingly like rust bubbling, so check these areas, the leading edge of the bonnet and the rear bodywork after the doors, ahead of the rear wheels Biggest area of concern is underneath where the subframes meet the monocoque. If the car has been used all year round, and at 86K on a 2012 model, that sounds to be the case, then exposure to salt roads can cause significant corrosion on the underside. It also may not need to be a year round car, there is a suspicion that living in the salt laden air by the seaside can cause the same issues, so spend plenty of time scrutinising the underbody. Inside, the interiors are very robust, but wear on the driver's seat could be an issue to be sorted with a repair kit, or a good trimmer. Note that the convertible can get quite grubby with road dirt if driven plenty with the top down and not regularly cleaned / treated. All of the switchgear should be tested and all of the various screens / menus on the centre touchscreen should be checked and working. A lot of functionality is controlled via the touchscreen. Obviously check there are no warning lights illuminated on the dash and if available, check for stored codes via the OBD port. Depending on your own abilities, or skill levels, it may be worthwhile investing in a full inspection of the vehicle by an "expert" either from a Club, or one of the motoring organisations. If you have any doubts, come back here, with details / photos and the community will get back to you. N6 JMX

Arm

Paul, the issue of the congealing fluid in the convertible roof hydraulic system refers to the X-100 cars, early XK8 up to the late nineties. It is not necessary to replace the fluid in the circuit on the X-150 vehicles. Of course leakage can occur due to hose / pipework aging, so you may wish to consider that in the future, but carry out a pipework inspection first. The hydraulic circuit is self bleeding. N6 JMX

My 2013, xf soft close has stop working, and now I'm having trouble closing. Most times when I try and close the boot it will pop open. Any thoughts please.

Hi Terry, obviously this should not be happening to a 2013 era car, but it depends on what, if anything, the offending areas have been subjected to in the past. Do not use any solvent type cleaners, but try an internal detailer fluid, such as Meguiar's, to see what can be cleaned up. Do not spray the detailer direct onto the steering wheel surfaces, but onto a microfibre cloth and then work the solution into the cloth before tackling the control thumb wheels on the steering wheel. Work the areas around the controls and then wipe clean using a dry / clean microfibre cloth. If the Meguiar's doesn't do the trick, mix up a weak solution of lukewarm water and washing up liquid. Again using a microfibre cloth, soak it in the prepared solution and wring it out thoroughly until the cloth is just moist / damp, once again work the cloth over the controls and then dry with a second cloth, or a hairdryer if you have gotten the area a bit too wet. N6 JMX

Hi Andrew, I assume you have not yet undertaken a trial fit of your 18 inch space saver, at least to the front axle of your XKR? As Jim has stated above, the 18 inch, red wheel WILL NOT FIT the XKR as a consequence of the larger front brake callipers. It has to be the 19 inch space saver for the XKR, which in Jaguar supplied days was black in colour, whilst the 18 inch was red. Nowadays, there are multiple companies offering space saver spare wheels and one can no longer rely on selecting by the colour of the wheel. I have spotted black space savers that are only 18 inch. Anyone who needs / wants to procure a space saver spare wheel needs to take due care and attention so as not to be caught out. And, DEFINATELY do not elect to purchase a suitable standard (front) road wheel as that would be dangerous if fitted to the car in a puncture situation. In these cases, it is not a diameter issue to fit over the rear callipers, but it is an "offset" issue to avoid binding on the spokes on the rear. Look at a company called Road Hero, who use Kwik Fit as a retail agent. They offer a complete kit, including chocks and jack, which all came with the Jaguar supplied version. N6 JMX

Looking for recommendation for reasonably priced reliable for my 2004 V6 Thanks in advance

You should see 'Add Images in the top right corner (on desktop) and if you are signed in you can create a new album and add photos to it

Thanks Jim. just back from over the pond.

Hi thankyou for your quick reply and for all your information, I will do as much information digging as I can, and look forward to seeing an XK-R on my drive.

Jaguar Classic Parts offer period correct looking radio heads with all of the modern technologies incorporated - they cost circa £1,000 + VAT, so your desire is available, but at a cost. Alternatively, you can visit your local Halfords or Auto Store and speak with the incredibly young looking technician who will set you up with everything you need at a fraction of the cost from Classic Parts. N6 JMX

Hi Aubrey, I've purchased a ticket, and plan to bring my recently acquired XK8. Couple of questions, are dogs allowed, I have one very docile Greyhound. Does entry for everyone start at 10am. Am I OK to have a collection tin in the car for Children's Hospice South West charity, if anyone passing feels like popping in a donation. Thanks in anticipation Pete

I have a1999 September xj8 sport,,,,it has nearly 99,000 miles on the clock ...i was told that the cam tensions ect needed to be changed as they give lots of problems...i removed the cam cover on the left hand side and found no type of damage any where ....the car has always had a yearly oil change and sometimes was only 2000 miles max!!! the car has hardly been driven over 70 mph in its life .. could the regular oil change and low top speed be the reason the parts are not damaged ???

I think the radar window looks funny sticking proud of the grill like that. I also think the grill's "holes" should be painted black and just the front face left as chrome.

Hi Alan, check out the Scottish Jaguar Enthusiasts Day happening at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow on Saturday the 29th of June 2024. This is one of the few opportunities to meet and chat with fellow Jaguar enthusiasts north of the border and without making a 600 mile round trip to somewhere in the south. There is further information on this Forum, in the Events section near the bottom of the page, but if you cannot locate it and want more information, send me a PM and I will get back to you. N6 JMX

For a few months, the auto trans warning light has come on intermittently. Usually, or always on a cold start. I had a fluid and filter change done. However, on picking the car up, the garage said that the filter was not the metal box type filter, but a mesh one. I can't find any info to mention a mesh filter. They cleaned it out. But the light can still come on. Usually the light doesn't come on the third start and the car runs perfectly. The car is a japanese import and many of the specialists I've contacted don't like the thought of that. But a gearbox is a gearbox. Can anyone help please?

Many thanks. I will look into them. Robert

Hello al,,, After 3 strokes but still luvin the jag XJ 2.7 diesel X350, mot time & I was asked why no ABS light when turning on the ignition. I really can't remember if I've ever seen it light up before. The mot man says yes the mechanic says no. Can't get the mot done & its 3 months on now. Any one have the same car . Thanks

Thanks Jim checking out the silver one. Nick

Can I just ask how olds the battery and is it the correct one for the car ????

Thank you much appreciated I’ll start with dvla

Had a great time at Bridgnorth Rugby club with ARC events Classic car show. Great weather and lots of different marques of cars, including those from Shropshire Jaguars Owners, who helped run the event. Exhibitor tickets sold out before the event, it was very well attended and the atmosphere was superb . Any one who lives in Shropshire who is interested in local meetings and trips with SJO, please contact me for more details. Our next big event is Ludlow Race Course in June, a bigger and even better event at a fantastic venue. Food Available, Bar, stalls, Entertainment and of course beautiful Jaguars. See Events section in Jaguar Owners for details. We can offer a discount on show tickets to Jaguar Owners Members. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1553119958580767/

Hello every one new member. Can any one help with central locking problem, which started over night. Drivers door opens but not the other 3 all close with fob after opening manually . I did have to replace the battery could this cause a problem

4.2 V8 116k miles, grey metallic, decent condition and drives well, excellent engine and gearbox, Failed MOT, needs significant welding but has four brand new tyres, new battery, new coils and plugs, new mats, and refurbished computer. Collect from Anstruther Fife.

HI CAN ANYBODY CAN TELL ME WERE IS THE STARTING RELAY IS ON CAR IT JUST CLICKING THANKS ALLAN