Models · Jaguar
Jaguar XK / XKR X150 buying guide
The aluminium-bodied XK, built from 2006 to 2014 as a coupé and convertible. It launched with the 4.2 V8, and the 5.0 V8 took over in 2009, in naturally aspirated XK and supercharged XKR forms.
The versions
- XK 4.2 (2006 to 2009): 4.2 V8, 294bhp
- XKR 4.2 (2007 to 2009): supercharged 4.2 V8, 420bhp
- XK 5.0 and XKR 5.0 (2009 to 2014): AJ133 5.0 V8, 385bhp, or 510bhp supercharged
- XKR-S: supercharged 5.0, 550PS, with the limited-run XKR-S GT in 2014
- Coupé and convertible, six-speed automatic with paddle shifters
What to check on a X150 XK
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Timing chain rattle on the 5.0
What to look for: On 5.0 cars, start the engine from fully cold and listen at the front of the engine for a rattle in the first seconds. Ask whether any engine warning lights have shown, and look in the history for timing chain work.
Why it matters: Timing chains on the 5.0 can get noisy, and a stretched chain can store a fault code for incorrect cam timing. A car with the timing chain work documented has had the main 5.0 job taken care of.
Water pump on the 5.0
What to look for: With the engine cold, look around the water pump at the front of the engine for dried coolant crust or wet streaks, and check the level in the expansion tank. Ask whether the pump has been replaced.
Why it matters: Water pump failure is common on the 5.0 engine. Coolant can corrode the pump's bearing, and a leaking or failed pump can lead to overheating. A replacement pump in the history is a positive sign.
Coolant leak at the back of the supercharged 4.2
What to look for: On a 4.2 XKR, look for coolant staining at the back of the engine and underneath, and watch the coolant level. A sweet coolant smell after a drive is another clue.
Why it matters: The two-piece valley pipe runs between the cylinder banks under the supercharger and can perish and leak. Reaching it means removing the supercharger and intake, so many owners replace it before it fails, and paperwork for it is a plus.
Also in the full guide
- Steel subframe seams
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the X150 XK
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Jaguar.