Buying an XK

[JONNJAGS59]

Thank you, Allan. That's a great guide for future ref.

Many thanks,

Jon

[ianoliver57]

Indeed, thanks for that info. That was exactly the sort of thing I was looking for with the very first post. The cars I'm considering all have full service history, but now I feel much more confident in knowing what specific questions need asked and answered.
The search goes on, but now better informed.

Regards

Ian

[ianoliver57]

A further thought. Several people have mentioned the Nikasil issues. Can someone please tell me what this is?

Thanks,

Ian.

[mike020150]

Nikasil is a proprietary process used to toughen the surfaces of aluminium bores so that pistons can run directly in the bores without needing a separate steel liner. It works well and results in lighter engines. However, the Nikasil coating is vulnerable to attack by sulphuric acid. In the late nineties, the quantity of sulphur in petrol was sufficient to form sulphuric acid in engines operated under certain circumstances and for that to be a problem. In essence, those circumstances occurred in engines regularly not run until thoroughly warm. The acid created during warm up was not expelled through the exhaust and could eat into the Nikasil coated surfaces. Once the Nikasil layer was breached, bores wore rapidly and symptoms of poor starting and heavy oil usage began to appear. This problem particularly affected Jaguar and BMW, companies which had been quick to adopt the Nikasil technique for car engines. The change to low sulphur petrol in 1999/2000 eliminated the problem at a stroke. Hence, most Nikasil engines surviving today are perfectly OK. Mike.

[ianoliver57]

Many thanks for that Mike. If I was looking at a 4L V8 XK of 2000 vintage, should I be ok from the nikasil perspective, or could that still be an issue?

Regards,

Ian.

[mike020150]

Realistically, It's not an issue worth worrying about today if all the usual health checks are made when buying any second hand vehicle. By now, many cars have had their original engines replaced and Jaguar continued to use refurbished nikasil engines for a while so any age of 4 litre could appear for sale with a nikasil engine. Remember, once low sulphur fuel was available, the problem largely disappeared. However, if you were to come across an engine which is 'breathing' heavily with obvious signs of oil usage, steer clear of it whether it's a nikasil engine or not! Mike.

[ianoliver57]

It's now time to close down this thread. Firstly, many many thanks to all who responded to my original query. I'm now much better informed.
Yesterday, my XF R-Sport was in the main dealers for it's first service. Since I live so far away, I was just waiting for the work to be done. While waiting, in a Jag showroom, I had a look around, as you do. Cut a long story short, I agreed a deal to trade my XFRSport for a 2010 XKR 5L coupe. Full Jaguar history, 24,500 on the clock and a full years Jaguar dealer warranty. Metalic indigo with biege soft hide interior.
I'm supposed to be picking it up next week after the garage do the plate transfer, but having just read the DVLA rant, I'll not hold my breath.

Still, Happy days!!

Ian.

[mike020150]

Lucky man! Mike.