Buying an XK can be a high risk occupation. Like any major purchase, it is wise to know the subject well and make a rational choice, rather than an emotional one.

The aim of this Buying Guide is to help prospective owners avoid the pitfalls that many of us have experienced over the years.

One thing, though, is certain - make the right choice and you will have a car to treasure, achieve satisfaction from and enjoy for many years to come. There is no better classic sports car than an XK!

Whether or not they are stunningly good-looking is a matter of opinion - though most of us think they are! What is not open to question is that good ones are fast, reliable, practical and usable cars with a great heritage and an enthusiastic following - that is fact.

All over the world, people have found the challenges that may need to be overcome to find the right car, or restore one as you want, to be worth it in the end. Some, like me, have had to wait many years (I bought my XKs needing restoration in 1973) to realise the dream.

If you will excuse me mentioning it, many people have found a copy of my book 'Original Jaguar XK' (second much more detailed edition) to be very useful to learn about the cars in great detail. There are over 250 photos showing different areas of the cars and various components. Copies (signed if required) can be obtained from the XK Shop section of this web site.

Like any major purchase, there are many matters to be considered in deciding your course of action. These will inevitably depend on your budget, where you are situated in the world, your own practical experience and abilities, how much time you have, which model you favour (please see The Cars for brief descriptions of the various models) and even your age - a basket-case restoration might suit someone in their 30s, 40s or even 50s, but a long-term project might not be ideal for an enthusiast in their 90s!

Are XKs strictly for men only? The answer is - certainly not. Although XKs might have a masculine character, a number of ladies own XKs and a few race them. Many ladies drive cars belonging to their partners and become very involved in the XK Club. My wife drives our XKs and thoroughly enjoys doing so.

The first, and best, advice I can give is 'Join a club'. As I started and run the XK Club, you might think, 'Well, you would say that, wouldn't you!' But it is genuinely sound advice. There is nothing better than sharing and learning from the experience of others. In the XK Club we have members in 36 countries, spread over most of the larger countries like the USA and Australia, and all over the UK.

• Fellow members can advise on companies you can trust and those that you must avoid (very important - can save you a lot of money, time, frustration and heartache).
• They can give encouragement and practical advice. Similarly, the Club Office is happy to give advice.
• The monthly magazine carries practical articles, gives important advice and carries advertising from companies that I have known (and used) for a long time or have been recommended by members. We do not accept advertising from companies or people that we know to be rogues or crooks - there are plenty around!
• Most of the well-known names around the XK world are members of the XK Club and many write for the magazine.
• Technical questions can be placed in the magazine or requests for information on the history of individual cars
• Many of the top parts specialists and restorers are members and we are a team - we help each other and we are ready to help you.
• The XK Club has volunteer Representatives in most countries and regions and they are experienced XK owners who will be happy to give advice and guidance.

In the next pages, we will examine the subject in more details under the headings -

To read all the pages of the Buying Guide and view the illustrations, please select Buying Guide from the Members Menu..

HOW TO BUY

• DEALERS
• ADVERTS
• AUCTIONS

CONDITION

• BUYING A CAR FOR RESTORATION
• BUYING A RESTORED CAR
• BUYING AN UNRESTORED CAR
• BUYING A SEMI-RESTORED CAR

BODYWORK

• AREAS TO EXAMINE
• NO TURNING BACK
• REPAIR OR REPLACE
• SUPPLEMENTARY WORK

MECHANICAL AREAS
SUMMARY