My own personal brave pill...2015 Jaguar XE (2.0 petrol)
Discussion
Hey folks
After moving to Dubai about 7 months ago I've realised I kind of hate the job and never gelled with the city either so I'm coming home...Without a job (!)
So I wanted something a little cheaper than my last few cars to tide me over until I get back into work. I had been lusting after a Jaguar F-Type R recently so the brand was top of mind so after a fun few weeks of figuring out what I could get for under 121k, I have ultimately decided to get a 2015 Jaguar XE.
This one (a Portfolio) has been looked after by Swallows Jaguar for the last 5 years, only 2 owners from new and nice low mileage (c39,500). I popped a deposit on it this morning and over the next couple of weeks before I actually get home, Swallows are going to refurb the wheels and replace the rear disks which were a bit pitted apparently before I (hopefully) collect it around Mid-October.
We agreed a refundable deposit as obviously I've not seen the car but Swallows have some decent reviews and seem to be a specialist so I'm hopeful it's as solid as described. They have also given it a mild tune (panel filter, and slightly better flowing cat / exhaust) which should give it a little more pick up and play.
I've never driven a Jag in my life so this is very much going to be an interesting little experiment! The car seems smartly kitted out for its age, and apparently all electrics are working. Really clean Vcheck history. Looks like one of the wheels was replaced a while back (I assume a curb strike) but apparently it's all tracking true after the repair and there's a receipt for camber arm replacement and 4 wheel alignment.
It looks like I can get an Android Auto infotainment replacement for c£500 which they've offered to install for me over the coming weeks which I think I'll probably do once I've explored whether it causes any issues for the reverse camera.
Anyway, I'm quite excited. Looking forward to getting down to see it (which will be a bit of a PITA as it's about 5 hours from home via our lovely rail system) and hopefully concluding the deal.
Here's a couple of pics. The red does seem light (or camera)! dependant as the difference between the phone pics and the pics they used for the advert is pretty striking
After moving to Dubai about 7 months ago I've realised I kind of hate the job and never gelled with the city either so I'm coming home...Without a job (!)
So I wanted something a little cheaper than my last few cars to tide me over until I get back into work. I had been lusting after a Jaguar F-Type R recently so the brand was top of mind so after a fun few weeks of figuring out what I could get for under 121k, I have ultimately decided to get a 2015 Jaguar XE.
This one (a Portfolio) has been looked after by Swallows Jaguar for the last 5 years, only 2 owners from new and nice low mileage (c39,500). I popped a deposit on it this morning and over the next couple of weeks before I actually get home, Swallows are going to refurb the wheels and replace the rear disks which were a bit pitted apparently before I (hopefully) collect it around Mid-October.
We agreed a refundable deposit as obviously I've not seen the car but Swallows have some decent reviews and seem to be a specialist so I'm hopeful it's as solid as described. They have also given it a mild tune (panel filter, and slightly better flowing cat / exhaust) which should give it a little more pick up and play.
I've never driven a Jag in my life so this is very much going to be an interesting little experiment! The car seems smartly kitted out for its age, and apparently all electrics are working. Really clean Vcheck history. Looks like one of the wheels was replaced a while back (I assume a curb strike) but apparently it's all tracking true after the repair and there's a receipt for camber arm replacement and 4 wheel alignment.
It looks like I can get an Android Auto infotainment replacement for c£500 which they've offered to install for me over the coming weeks which I think I'll probably do once I've explored whether it causes any issues for the reverse camera.
Anyway, I'm quite excited. Looking forward to getting down to see it (which will be a bit of a PITA as it's about 5 hours from home via our lovely rail system) and hopefully concluding the deal.
Here's a couple of pics. The red does seem light (or camera)! dependant as the difference between the phone pics and the pics they used for the advert is pretty striking
Edited by Mannginger on Thursday 25th September 11:26
Years ago I was smashing through some lanes in Warwickshire in my brand new ND2 MX5 and came up behind an Audi A5 who decided to show me who was boss and started driving it hard. The thing looked like an elephant trying to dance, with visibly poor damping, poor body control, and very ragged. Any passenger would have felt quite unwell.
He turned off and I caught up with an XE that was being driven hard, and the contrast was very stark indeed; the thing just flowed down the same roads smoothly, body movements in check, it looked fast but comfortable.
I've driven an XE since and they are absolutely brilliant to drive quickly on British roads, as Jaguars almost always are. You'll love it.
He turned off and I caught up with an XE that was being driven hard, and the contrast was very stark indeed; the thing just flowed down the same roads smoothly, body movements in check, it looked fast but comfortable.
I've driven an XE since and they are absolutely brilliant to drive quickly on British roads, as Jaguars almost always are. You'll love it.
Can’t comment about that car but do quite like the XE as an understated sleeper, especially in S guise.
However have had some dealings with Swallows when looking for an XKR and they were very helpful even allowing a test drive on a car even though I’d said it was the wrong spec. My friend also bought a XJS from them.
So highly recommended as a well respected independent.
However have had some dealings with Swallows when looking for an XKR and they were very helpful even allowing a test drive on a car even though I’d said it was the wrong spec. My friend also bought a XJS from them.
So highly recommended as a well respected independent.
Rob 131 Sport said:
In 2022, when looking for a car for my son, I test drove an XE and was very impressed by the drive. I don t think you ll be disappointed.
What did you drive in Dubai.
Sounds promising! I actually didn't. I basically livd a 10 minute tram journey from the office so just made do with that and the very many taxis around. Good job as well as I didn't ultimately like it here so only stayed for 6 months. Heading home this week and very much looking forward to getting back.What did you drive in Dubai.
I should be collecting the car in a couple of weeks so I'm looking forward to that as well
Re: Carplay, odds are you'll need to run a wire from a taillight to get continuous reverse signal.
There are no MMI boxes that run on 2015 - early 2016 cars out of the box.
A good test to be sure is looking at the cluster screen: does it have straight bars for fuel & temp, or half-moons? If the former, a reverse signal wire is required.
Also, try to tap the wire inside the trunk, as t-taps are not watertight and I wouldn't want one sitting inside the rear bumper.
There are no MMI boxes that run on 2015 - early 2016 cars out of the box.
A good test to be sure is looking at the cluster screen: does it have straight bars for fuel & temp, or half-moons? If the former, a reverse signal wire is required.
Also, try to tap the wire inside the trunk, as t-taps are not watertight and I wouldn't want one sitting inside the rear bumper.
Well I've had the car a week now and generally very happy with it. It was very much as described, that is to say, in excellent condition and I found the dealer very helpful. Super easy buying process, had a test drive with the dealer pointing out various controls etc then handed over the money and drove off.
Nice long drive back to SW London to get used to it, again, initial impressions were positive. It's got enough poke when it needs it and the rice is nice and comfy, very well damped.
The 8 speed is fine but what of it could do with a bit of recalibration as it occasionally hesitates more than I'd expect, although in fairness I'm comparing it to a brand new ZF 8 speed in my old Alpina so it could just be 10 years of development that I'm noticing!
The rear tyres were no name items, apparently from a comment that specialise in truck tyres! It definitely had a habit of spinning up the rears in the recent greasy conditions so I decided to replace all 4 with some nice new Michelin PS5s which is having poor on as I type this.
The android unit is doing a fine job and I'm not going to faff with the reverse camera issue as it really is just a button push away to solve so no drama.
I've not had the chance to find a good road for it yet but may go hunting when I'm up in the lake District this weekend which will also be another nice long return trip to really get used to it.
I was also chatting to a chap on the others club who knows the previous owner so was getting a bit of background. He reckons the chip and exhaust etc made it 345bhp. That sounds high to me and the car doesn't feel that fast, probably about as fast as my old WRX wagons which were around 260 or so. Maybe it's around 270? Short of getting it onto a rolling road there's no way of knowing and I'm not sure I care that much.
Otherwise he was able to confirm the history and general lack of drama on the car so overall I'm very satisfied and enjoying my first Jag!
Nice long drive back to SW London to get used to it, again, initial impressions were positive. It's got enough poke when it needs it and the rice is nice and comfy, very well damped.
The 8 speed is fine but what of it could do with a bit of recalibration as it occasionally hesitates more than I'd expect, although in fairness I'm comparing it to a brand new ZF 8 speed in my old Alpina so it could just be 10 years of development that I'm noticing!
The rear tyres were no name items, apparently from a comment that specialise in truck tyres! It definitely had a habit of spinning up the rears in the recent greasy conditions so I decided to replace all 4 with some nice new Michelin PS5s which is having poor on as I type this.
The android unit is doing a fine job and I'm not going to faff with the reverse camera issue as it really is just a button push away to solve so no drama.
I've not had the chance to find a good road for it yet but may go hunting when I'm up in the lake District this weekend which will also be another nice long return trip to really get used to it.
I was also chatting to a chap on the others club who knows the previous owner so was getting a bit of background. He reckons the chip and exhaust etc made it 345bhp. That sounds high to me and the car doesn't feel that fast, probably about as fast as my old WRX wagons which were around 260 or so. Maybe it's around 270? Short of getting it onto a rolling road there's no way of knowing and I'm not sure I care that much.
Otherwise he was able to confirm the history and general lack of drama on the car so overall I'm very satisfied and enjoying my first Jag!
Edited by Mannginger on Sunday 26th October 05:46
345 bhp from a 10 year old 2.0 Ford Ecoboost with standard components? That won't last long! Did Ford use it in the Focus RS of the time that produced 345 bhp? No they didn't.
The gearbox hesitancy was down to the software on early cars. It needs a software update which should have been done by now. Most owners were amazed at the difference. A JLR dealer or an independent specialist with access to the JLR system should be able to do the update for you.
The gearbox hesitancy was down to the software on early cars. It needs a software update which should have been done by now. Most owners were amazed at the difference. A JLR dealer or an independent specialist with access to the JLR system should be able to do the update for you.
Edited by Dudley99 on Friday 24th October 20:17
t + previous owner bullsI got the AC re-gassed this weekend as it was useless. According to the local garage at my folks the system was holding outside and not showing any leaks but I'm going to keep an eye on it anyway.
I also took it for a 4 wheel alignment as the long journey up north uncovered some real vagueness in the steering and cross wind susceptibility.
Apparently it was a bit off at the front but "well off" at the rear. Much improved now! I also found a free good roads and an really happy with how it drives, a nice positive fringe and and (now) really good grip during and pulling out of corners. I can lean on the car with confidence now and it's a good fun steer!
I also took it to a mates with a 4 post lift and we had a good look underneath. Looks really good all round. We tightened a couple of bolts holding floor pan/exhaust which improves the odd little rattle but otherwise I'm really pleased by the condition under the car.
Engine bay is spotless by the way, really clean!
I continue to be happy!
I also took it for a 4 wheel alignment as the long journey up north uncovered some real vagueness in the steering and cross wind susceptibility.
Apparently it was a bit off at the front but "well off" at the rear. Much improved now! I also found a free good roads and an really happy with how it drives, a nice positive fringe and and (now) really good grip during and pulling out of corners. I can lean on the car with confidence now and it's a good fun steer!
I also took it to a mates with a 4 post lift and we had a good look underneath. Looks really good all round. We tightened a couple of bolts holding floor pan/exhaust which improves the odd little rattle but otherwise I'm really pleased by the condition under the car.
Engine bay is spotless by the way, really clean!
I continue to be happy!
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