Hi. I've joined the forum looking for info and advice from members on potentially purchasing an XK convertible.

I've been looking for a car with soul that sounds great and Ive never owned a v8!

I was initially looking at an X100, partly due to less eye watering tax, but am concerned about corrosion issues and other related problems and thought that the subsequent XK/XKR models may be less problematic

Im looking for a model that's potentially reliable and won't surprise me with huge maintenance costs whilst appreciating all cars have issues

I have read some buyers guides but any advice would be great!

I understand the 4.2 engines in the XK/XKR are pretty solid but have also read that the later 5.0 cars are better overall

It's hard to know what's best!

Thanks

Hi Tim, both the X-100 and the X-150 models have their supporters and both have their own particular foibles. Yes corrosion on the X-100 models can be an issue, but if it's been looked after by an Enthusiast owner who knows the areas of concern, they should all be addressed and solid. X-100 principle areas of corrosion are the rear arches and the floor pans under the passenger and driver footwell.

The X-150 models have aluminium architecture, which means that the body should largely be corrosion free, but you still need to look carefully. The car body will not rust, but corrosion can still be present, evidenced by some blistering of the paint as the white aluminium oxide works under the paintwork. Typical areas to inspect are front end stone chips, trailing edges of the lower doors, boot lid around the chrome plinth, which can be a water trap, especially if it is a little loose and also vibrating through the paint coating. Also check above the windscreen rail, which can also catch stone chips. Of course the X-150 has steel underpinnings and if the car has been used all year round, or lived most of its life next to the sea (air) then the front and rear subframes can be corroded - badly in some cases. Check rigorously under the car, especially around the rear subframe mounts where it meets the aluminium body - preferably on a ramp. More difficult to inspect the front subframe as it is generally hidden by the undertray. If the rear is bad, then you can be assured the front will also be poor.

The 4.2 litre engines are good, but in my opinion the 5.0 litre is better. The difference between the XK and the XKR are not as marked as you might consider - it really depends on how you drive the car. Yes the XKR with its "active" exhaust can sound awesome on acceleration, but the exhaust noise valves only open above 3,000 RPM, and you will rarely be pushing the car to that extent in day to day use.

In conclusion, check out cars that have previously been owned by an enthusiast - there may be a club sticker on the window or in the glovebox, or a show rosette. Check out the MoT history via DVLA, and purchase the best you can afford - there are quite a few good ones out there, but also any number that may have been subjected to a "hard life".

N6 JMX