Photo: Fiver, der Hellseher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Fiver, der Hellseher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
V8 grand tourer and convertible, sold as the 4.2 until 2009 and then as the 5.0. The 5.0 V8 (2009-2014) has a documented weak point: the timing chain tensioners and guides, whose repair is expensive, and the water pump frequently leaks. The 4.2 is described as healthier; in every case, a complete specialist history is essential.
- Reliability
- 4.0/5
- Indicative prices
- €19,500 – €29,000
- Monthly cost
- €671
- Euro NCAP
- Rating not found
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: XK 4.2 V8 300.
XK 4.2 V8 300
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Automatic · 300 hp · 11.4 L/100 km · Crit'Air 2
Naturally aspirated 4.2 V8 of around 300 hp (298 hp according to the listings), 6-speed automatic gearbox. Presented by Carchecker as one of the most reliable Jaguar engines.
XKR 4.2 V8 compresseur
Petrol · Automatic · 416 hp · Crit'Air 2
Supercharged 4.2 V8 with 416 hp, before the 2009 facelift.
XK 5.0 V8 385
Petrol · Automatic · 385 hp · Crit'Air 2
Naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 with 385 hp, introduced at the facelift (2009 in Europe). Watch the timing chain and the water pump.
XKR 5.0 V8 510
Petrol · Automatic · 510 hp · Crit'Air 2
Same supercharged 5.0 V8, 510 hp. Same checkpoints as the naturally aspirated 5.0.
Market prices
€19,500 – €29,000
Indicative range: 2006 to 2012, yearly medians of 46 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Timing chain tensioners and guides (5.0 V8)
Severity 3/3 · SeriousThe most reported fault of the AJ133 5.0 V8: according to Carchecker, a steel pin wears a groove in the chain guide, which then develops play, from around 80,000 km (isolated cases from 60,000 km); all 2009 to 2014 XK 5.0s are affected, and revised parts only arrived in 2015. Au7o rates it as high severity (rattle on start-up, progressive chain stretch). A reader of Honest John describes a P0016 code on a 2010 XK 5.0, with a chain suspected to be loose. Preventive repair of 3,000 to 6,000 € at a specialist according to Carchecker; 8,000 to 15,000 € if the chain jumps and damages the engine. Au7o estimates 4,000 to 8,500 dollars.
- Versions
- XK 5.0 V8 385, XKR 5.0 V8 510
- Onset
- from 80,000 km
- Repair
- €3,000 to €6,000
Water pump leak (5.0 V8)
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingCoolant passes the water pump shaft seal and corrodes the bearing (Carchecker, Au7o). In 2013 Jaguar published a service bulletin (SSM64657) on a water pump leak on the 5.0 V8, whose design was revised several times. Carchecker estimates the repair at around 600 to 1,500 €.
- Versions
- XK 5.0 V8 385, XKR 5.0 V8 510
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- €600 to €1,500
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Jaguar XK”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €281 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €73 |
| Maintenance | €57 |
| Depreciation | €260 |
| Total per month | €671 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- NEDC consumption (older, more optimistic than WLTP) as no WLTP figure is published: fuel is probably slightly underestimated.
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€281
XK 4.2 V8 300 version: combined consumption of 11.4 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
11.4 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €281
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€73
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€57
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€260
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Jaguar XK II — inspection checklist
Things to check
- 5.0 V8: require the specialist history and invoices for the timing chain (tensioners, guides); listen to the engine when cold (rattle, a few seconds of whine).
- Read the fault codes (notably P0016, crankshaft/camshaft correlation) before buying.
- Look for traces of coolant around the water pump and check the level.
- Ask for an inspection by a Jaguar specialist before buying.
- Check with a dealer that manufacturer recalls have been carried out.
Questions to ask the seller
- Has the timing chain (tensioners and guides) been replaced? Do you have the invoice and the mileage?
- Has the water pump already leaked or been replaced?
- Has servicing been done at a Jaguar specialist, with an up-to-date service book?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Jaguar XF
I (X250) · 2008–2015
- Price
- €7,500 – €17,500
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lexus RC
I · 2014–2023
- Price
- €24,450 – €69,990
- Reliability
- not rated
- Fuel types
- Hybrid, Petrol
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
Chevrolet Corvette
C7 · 2014–2019
- Price
- €65,900 – €87,900
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Jaguar XK II (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Which engine should I choose for a used Jaguar XK?
Carchecker presents the 4.2 V8 as one of the most dependable Jaguar engines, whereas the timing chain weak point concerns the 5.0 V8 of the 2009-2014 XKs.
How much does a timing chain repair cost on an XK 5.0?
Carchecker gives 3,000 to 6,000 € at a specialist if it is dealt with early, and 8,000 to 15,000 € if the chain jumps.
Found a listing?
Soon, we will analyse your Jaguar XK listing: price, mileage, watch points.
Get notified at launch