Has the Water Pump been replaced
Has the Tranny Fluid and Filter been replaced
Has the Diff Fluid been replaced
How old is the Battery
Any Service Records available
Any MOT fails
Also, consider a Pre-Purchase inspection
Some would say have a Body Expert look at all the exterior for existing damage

 

 

Also, depending on how early the car was built, there could be the AC duckbill drain that needs to be addressed at some point. I cannot remember what the vin # cutoff is for the old problematic duckbill drain, but early 2010 MY cars did not have the updated version. So if its an early vin, ask if that has been addressed, if not something you will probably have to do later. Good news is it can be done DIY, but could still be used for negotiating purposes..

Edit: starting with Vin # B34499 should be updated AC drain, if vin earlier drain will most likely need to be addressed if not already done...

 

Mechanical.
Drive it on various road surfaces and at different speeds. Listen for clunks, squeaks and rattles, wind noise and unusual noises from the rear when going around corners, and engine sounds. Pay attention to how it shifts in automatic and when using the paddles, and how it idles and accelerates. Turn everything electric on and make sure it works.

Cosmetic.
Exterior. Check for signs of body and paint repairs (research how to do it). It's aluminum and requires qualified technicians, so get the repair invoices if possible to verify comptence. Wheels may need to be refurbished. Check tires for wear pattern, tread depth and same brand and model.

Interior. Check seats for wear and dashboard for bubbling or pulling. Make sure both seats adjust properly and that the glove box door opens slowly and doesn't flop down. Check the floors and carpet for signs of water damage from a clogged A/C condensate line (the "duckbill"). If it's a convertible, inspect the top fabric and rear glass for separation and make sure it goes up and down properly.

Forget everything I just said and pay an authorized Jaguar dealer to do a Pre Purchase inspection using their checklist, including but not limited to brake pads and rotors, suspension bushings, coolant residue and potential water pump replacement, and oil leaks, together with cost estimates of repairs. You can use those repair costs to negotiate a lower price, which will often pay for the cost of that PPI.

Buyer beware. Never trust the seller, and always do your own due diligence. Buy a well maintained XK. You won't regret it unless you drive an XKR! Woohoo!

 

 

AA follow SS's advice and ask the seller if they are happy to get the vehicle to a main dealer for a 'free health check'

Whether a trade seller or private ask if they will provide a new MOT (appreciating that MOT's became tougher from June 2018) First is free the other is £30, so they shouldn't have any qualms about it, if they are gettign it healthchecked then ask for a full print-off of the spec sheet for the car

As to tyres they really should have a minimum of 6mm as we enter the winter months if they are summer tyres.

Oh, if a private sale check what accessories/spares they have(oil/filters etc) and if they'll throw them in gratis

Check that it comes with it's locking wheel nut and toolkit, if no spacesaver spare that it has a can of tyre goo.

Two keys and all user guides for the car (as these are EXPENSIVE for you to get)