X350-series XJ... incredible bargain or potential nightmare?
Discussion
Well, it looks like my time with my BMW E39 520i Touring may soon be up, more and more stuff is going wrong with it and it's just not economical to fix it all, though it's still a genuinely lovely thing to drive on the rare occasions when it's all actually working properly - who said German cars were more reliable than British or Italian ones?! Casting around like mad to find something I like to replace it, my eyes settled on the X350. They are stupidly cheap, some rather low mileage, some quite high (there's one on eBay on a classified ad that's done 260k as a chauffeur-driven limo-for-hire). What are the potential caveats? If the ownership reports are positive, I'll probably get one - definitely a petrol. 3.0 V6, 3.5 V8 or 4.2 V8? I'm sure all have perfectly adequate performance, but the V8s seem cheaper than the V6s, presumably because of their thirst. What would be your pick of the range?
To be honest, if you look at Jaguars MPG figures for all the engine sizes, there is not a massive difference between the 3.0 and the 3.5, so I'd say 3.5.
I had a nice long drive in a 3.0 petrol X350 and it felt quick enough, definately wasn't underpowered.
It's amazing that a big XJ can return better MPG than we got out of the 2.5 V6 Omega we had a few years ago!!
I had a nice long drive in a 3.0 petrol X350 and it felt quick enough, definately wasn't underpowered.
It's amazing that a big XJ can return better MPG than we got out of the 2.5 V6 Omega we had a few years ago!!
I've had 2 x350 XJRs.
Check the body work edges for aluminium corrosion. Both mine had some. The first one I left alone and it never got any worse, the second I had fixed under warranty. I never came back.
The only other issues I recall having:
On the 2003 one I had it would sometimes throw up error messages about suspension etc.. but nothing that ever needed attention as they'd clear. That one did have two irritating things though... 1. the gearbox change from 1st to second was hesitant at half throttle (100K mileage) , and 2. the radio would sometimes take a few minutes to work on icy mornings.
Other than that, it never let me down and returned a consistent 23mpg, and I didn't drive like Miss Daisy.
The second one, 2007, was better, must have done 40K in it over 2 years or so. The only issue I had with that one was an engine warning light on almost constantly with an warning about the cats / emissions. New cats didn't fix it , never did really get to the bottom of what was causing it although a deep engine clean did seem to get rid of it shortly before I sold the car.
Again returned 23mpg.
Great cars, just make sure and drive the one you're gonna buy and check it's smooth, no knocks and doesn't throw up any errors.
Check the body work edges for aluminium corrosion. Both mine had some. The first one I left alone and it never got any worse, the second I had fixed under warranty. I never came back.
The only other issues I recall having:
On the 2003 one I had it would sometimes throw up error messages about suspension etc.. but nothing that ever needed attention as they'd clear. That one did have two irritating things though... 1. the gearbox change from 1st to second was hesitant at half throttle (100K mileage) , and 2. the radio would sometimes take a few minutes to work on icy mornings.
Other than that, it never let me down and returned a consistent 23mpg, and I didn't drive like Miss Daisy.
The second one, 2007, was better, must have done 40K in it over 2 years or so. The only issue I had with that one was an engine warning light on almost constantly with an warning about the cats / emissions. New cats didn't fix it , never did really get to the bottom of what was causing it although a deep engine clean did seem to get rid of it shortly before I sold the car.
Again returned 23mpg.
Great cars, just make sure and drive the one you're gonna buy and check it's smooth, no knocks and doesn't throw up any errors.
They're superb cars and great value - have owned a 2003 3.0 V6 Sport and I'm currently running a 2005 XJR. The performance of the XJR is fantastically addictive but the V6 certainly didn't feel like the poor relation.
Both have been pretty reliable - had to replace the water pump and some suspension bushes on the V6 (at approaching 100k miles) and the XJR recently suffered from the dreaded valley pipe water leak (cheap part but expensive labour).
30mpg is achievable on a run and they really do feel special to drive.
Both have been pretty reliable - had to replace the water pump and some suspension bushes on the V6 (at approaching 100k miles) and the XJR recently suffered from the dreaded valley pipe water leak (cheap part but expensive labour).
30mpg is achievable on a run and they really do feel special to drive.
Right. Well, it sounds like a little bit of caveat emptor can find one a really nice car. Now, one of you said that the 3.5 is worth having over the 3.0 because there isn't much difference in economy, another that the 3.0 or 4.2 would be your choice. Now, it sounds like the 3.0 is plenty quick and perhaps a margin more economical than the others, but is the V8 in either form any smoother, does it feel more torquey and effortless, anything else I need to know about the differing character of the three engines? Is the XJR more firmly sprung than the naturally aspirated cars? Insurance costs?
I must admit, I'd like to have some torque for the first time in 22 years. My old Rover had 210ftlb @ 3000rpm and weighed 1270kg - the current BMW has 155ftlb at 3500rpm and weighs 1680kg. Just to be clear though, diesel is right off the agenda, I simply won't have one.
Incidentally, is there much to choose between an X350 and the earlier X308?
I must admit, I'd like to have some torque for the first time in 22 years. My old Rover had 210ftlb @ 3000rpm and weighed 1270kg - the current BMW has 155ftlb at 3500rpm and weighs 1680kg. Just to be clear though, diesel is right off the agenda, I simply won't have one.
Incidentally, is there much to choose between an X350 and the earlier X308?
Edited by RoverP6B on Sunday 10th August 20:57
Stedman said:
I've driven a few X350s on different wheel sizes and suspension setups (R and Sport models come with sport dampers over comfort ones), and have found they ride best on the 19s. My XJR is far from uncomfortable or jiggly.
Interesting, I'd have thought the smaller wheels would equal a better ride...My last XJR (2007) had 20" wheels. Even with those on it never felt jiggerly or unpleasant over rough roads... it's what Jags are famous for after all.
With regards to comparison to earlier X308s. When I changed up from the X308 to the X350 I didn't really appreciate the X350. It was only after 4 weeks of driving the X350, when I went back and moved the old X308 as I had a buyer coming to collect, that I realised how old fashioned the X308 felt compared to the X350.
Having said that my father has just bought himself a 1998 straight six XJR. In his words - "... it's a gem... for an 18 year old car it's lovely inside driving it, no rattles, speaks or knocks..."
So they're all good cars, just take your time and find a good one!
With regards to comparison to earlier X308s. When I changed up from the X308 to the X350 I didn't really appreciate the X350. It was only after 4 weeks of driving the X350, when I went back and moved the old X308 as I had a buyer coming to collect, that I realised how old fashioned the X308 felt compared to the X350.
Having said that my father has just bought himself a 1998 straight six XJR. In his words - "... it's a gem... for an 18 year old car it's lovely inside driving it, no rattles, speaks or knocks..."
So they're all good cars, just take your time and find a good one!
SV8Predator said:
And what do you get, day to day, all types of driving, tankful to tankful?
30mpg?
No.
The OP needs this sort of info.
Sorry Captain sass pants, seriously my sincerest of apologies. It is something that can be googled easily.30mpg?
No.
The OP needs this sort of info.
OP: would you like to know my average around town etc?
Stedman said:
OP: would you like to know my average around town etc?
Would be interesting to hear it from the horse's mouth, yes, although I'm thinking of getting something like a Suzuki Swift for that and keeping the Jag for longer runs, considering that my BMW absolutely bloody hates stop-start driving (for some reason, just one stop-start suburban drive is enough to completely bugger the spark plug on No2 cylinder... lovely engine the M54 - when it works...). If you could give some indication of a more general average and perhaps something of the mix of journeys you undertake, that might be a tad more helpful. Thank you very much to all who have been so informative. I'm warming to the Jag.I agree with Stedman WRT engine choices: the 3.0 or 4.2 S/C are definitely the pick of the bunch. The 3.0 is a Ford unit and is the most reliable one you can get in the X350. I'd say it's quick enough for the majority of people: the midrange power isn't fantastic, but it gets off the line quickly and accelerates nicely above 70, which is useful on the motorway. If you're being careful, you can see 35-38MPG on a run, I average 22 but I've got a heavy right foot and do a lot of town driving.
The 4.2 S/C is fantastic: I've been in an S Type R and XJR with that engine fitted and it exceeded my (very high) expectations. Most owners seem to get 30MPG on a run, and if it wasn't for the fact my insurance company won't quote me on one, I'd have one instead of my 6.
I don't see the point of the 3.5 V8 as it offers barely more performance than the 3.0 and isn't as reliable or common.
The 4.2 S/C is fantastic: I've been in an S Type R and XJR with that engine fitted and it exceeded my (very high) expectations. Most owners seem to get 30MPG on a run, and if it wasn't for the fact my insurance company won't quote me on one, I'd have one instead of my 6.
I don't see the point of the 3.5 V8 as it offers barely more performance than the 3.0 and isn't as reliable or common.
I run a 4.2 X350 , not the R version, so normally aspirated. I get 34mpg on a long run, and my around town/around the dales/work commute average is a little over 26mpg.
The engines are bullet proof imho. Get the gearbox oil changed at 70k ( if it has not been done already) and find a good indy to look after it for you and you can't go wrong!
Mine runs on 19 inch wheels and I fit the correct spec Pirelli tyres -- I say correct spec because in my experience the X350 is quite sensitive in this regard. The manual says to use 96y rated sidewalls, but most tyre fitting places just blythely fit 100y ( I assume these are easier to get? ). Anyway, I found that on 100y tyres the ride was noticeably poorer and there was occasionally some driveline vibration. ( actually sounded like a bad wheel bearing). On the correct tyres the car is serene and silent!
The engines are bullet proof imho. Get the gearbox oil changed at 70k ( if it has not been done already) and find a good indy to look after it for you and you can't go wrong!
Mine runs on 19 inch wheels and I fit the correct spec Pirelli tyres -- I say correct spec because in my experience the X350 is quite sensitive in this regard. The manual says to use 96y rated sidewalls, but most tyre fitting places just blythely fit 100y ( I assume these are easier to get? ). Anyway, I found that on 100y tyres the ride was noticeably poorer and there was occasionally some driveline vibration. ( actually sounded like a bad wheel bearing). On the correct tyres the car is serene and silent!
Whilst not an XJ my 4.2s/c XK (same engine and I assume same box) gives around 30 on a long run if taking it steady, yesterday when pressing on (90-95 leptons when traffic allowed) I was seeing 23-25mpg. Around town between 15-18 depending on how much time I spend not moving. Official figures show the no s/c isn't much more efficient. The XJ (x350) is slightly lighter due to Al body so maybe a little more efficient.
I previously had a 4.2 SE then upgraded to an XJR. I like my cars to have a bit of get up and go and I felt that the NA 4.2 was a bit slow off the mark. Sold it after less than 6 months to buy the XJR.
XJR has great accelleration and reasonable comfort. For such a big car it handles pretty well and you can chuck it around and have some fun.
I get ~24 MPG with normal mixed urban driving and I do use the loud pedal a fair bit. Get it on the motorway at legal speed, set the cruise control and you'll get 30+ MPG all day long (best I have had is 35MPG on a long run).
Beware running costs - they tend to eat bushes which can be a few hundred ££ to replace and brake pads/disks are silly prices for the genuine article, something like £300 for a full set of front pads fitted (dealer price, you may get a few ££ less at an indy but not much).
You will get really good advice and info here http://www.jaguarforum.co.uk/f32/
XJR has great accelleration and reasonable comfort. For such a big car it handles pretty well and you can chuck it around and have some fun.
I get ~24 MPG with normal mixed urban driving and I do use the loud pedal a fair bit. Get it on the motorway at legal speed, set the cruise control and you'll get 30+ MPG all day long (best I have had is 35MPG on a long run).
Beware running costs - they tend to eat bushes which can be a few hundred ££ to replace and brake pads/disks are silly prices for the genuine article, something like £300 for a full set of front pads fitted (dealer price, you may get a few ££ less at an indy but not much).
You will get really good advice and info here http://www.jaguarforum.co.uk/f32/
My brother has been running a 3.5 V8 Sport Premium for the past year, after several years with a Vauxhall Omega V6 (he'd have had another Omega had they made them for longer).
Contrary to comments from previous posters, the 3.5 certainly does have a purpose; the thing goes like the clappers (though it does get a diet of Super Unleaded - perhaps others don't bother). It steps off the mark more impressively than any automatic I've driven, and the brakes are fantastic.
He also owns a Monaro, as I have done previously, so we are used to performance and the 3.5 XJ does not disappoint. My father has a 3.0 V6 X-Type, and we do not feel that the characteristics of the V6 would suit the XJ; the V8 is much more torquey. The nearby Jaguar specialist stated that there is a noticeable difference between the 3.0 and 3.5, less so between the 3.5 and 4.2 NA.
On his typical fast A-road commute the fuel consumption is about 23-25mpg, while on longer runs it can return over 30mpg.
Where the car has been slightly disappointing is in terms of ride quality and space; it does not compare with the old Omega! The car has 19" wheels, and is more sensitive than expected to transverse ridges in the surface or potholes that the Omega took in its' stride.
He is also of larger build than I and finds the "R" seats a little tight in places.
There is something special about the XJ, however; the way the car feels and makes the driver feel belie the bargain prices the cars can be bought for with some careful shopping.
Would he have another? Yes, though something with smaller wheels to improve the ride comfort.
OP - like opinions, there are plenty of X350s around; try a few and see which model YOU prefer. Happy hunting.
Contrary to comments from previous posters, the 3.5 certainly does have a purpose; the thing goes like the clappers (though it does get a diet of Super Unleaded - perhaps others don't bother). It steps off the mark more impressively than any automatic I've driven, and the brakes are fantastic.
He also owns a Monaro, as I have done previously, so we are used to performance and the 3.5 XJ does not disappoint. My father has a 3.0 V6 X-Type, and we do not feel that the characteristics of the V6 would suit the XJ; the V8 is much more torquey. The nearby Jaguar specialist stated that there is a noticeable difference between the 3.0 and 3.5, less so between the 3.5 and 4.2 NA.
On his typical fast A-road commute the fuel consumption is about 23-25mpg, while on longer runs it can return over 30mpg.
Where the car has been slightly disappointing is in terms of ride quality and space; it does not compare with the old Omega! The car has 19" wheels, and is more sensitive than expected to transverse ridges in the surface or potholes that the Omega took in its' stride.
He is also of larger build than I and finds the "R" seats a little tight in places.
There is something special about the XJ, however; the way the car feels and makes the driver feel belie the bargain prices the cars can be bought for with some careful shopping.
Would he have another? Yes, though something with smaller wheels to improve the ride comfort.
OP - like opinions, there are plenty of X350s around; try a few and see which model YOU prefer. Happy hunting.
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