X351 XJ - What's the PH View on These?

[Seeker UK]

Early 3.0l Luxury X351 XJs are just about becoming affordable - I had been looking at 3.0D XFs but the shape of the XJ really appeals. I've done a search of PH on this model but there seems very little posted on it so I'm after some advice:

1 - Is 40mpg realistic?
2 - How does the drive compare to the XF or it's rivals: 7 series, S Class, A8?
3 - Is the luxury spec OK?
4 - They're big but do they feel it behind the wheel? Are they easy to park?
5 - What sort of running costs might they incur?

Thanks in advance.

[GilesGuthrie]

Seeker UK said:

Early 3.0l Luxury X351 XJs are just about becoming affordable - I had been looking at 3.0D XFs but the shape of the XJ really appeals. I've done a search of PH on this model but there seems very little posted on it so I'm after some advice:

1 - Is 40mpg realistic?
2 - How does the drive compare to the XF or it's rivals: 7 series, S Class, A8?
3 - Is the luxury spec OK?
4 - They're big but do they feel it behind the wheel? Are they easy to park?
5 - What sort of running costs might they incur?

Thanks in advance.

Hi there. I can't answer all your questions as I have a SuperSport, but...

1. Possibly. It depends on your driving habits. I'm getting 16MPG from mine! Mid-30s should be relatively accessible.
2. It drives very well. Aluminium chassis makes it feel more nimble than you'd expect. XF feels a bit leaden by comparison. Ride quality is very good.
3. It's good, but see if you can get one with the Bowers & Wilkins stereo.
4. Yes, it's big, but as I say, it's quite nimble. Parking is fine, but it's a long car, so spaces can be difficult to find. The LWB is too long for a standard parking bay. Mine has sensors F & R as well as a reversing camera, so it's not too much of a problem to place, once you've found a big enough space.
5. Sorry, can't help. Mine's a year old and is on the service plan. If yours is a pre-2012, make sure it's had the recall done on the roof, otherwise any flex in the chassis is accompanied by a noise akin to banging a ring finger on a desk.

I love mine. There are not many about, and they're a different experience to the Germans.

[Seeker UK]

GilesGuthrie said:

Hi there. I can't answer all your questions as I have a SuperSport, but...

1. Possibly. It depends on your driving habits. I'm getting 16MPG from mine! Mid-30s should be relatively accessible.
2. It drives very well. Aluminium chassis makes it feel more nimble than you'd expect. XF feels a bit leaden by comparison. Ride quality is very good.
3. It's good, but see if you can get one with the Bowers & Wilkins stereo.
4. Yes, it's big, but as I say, it's quite nimble. Parking is fine, but it's a long car, so spaces can be difficult to find. The LWB is too long for a standard parking bay. Mine has sensors F & R as well as a reversing camera, so it's not too much of a problem to place, once you've found a big enough space.
5. Sorry, can't help. Mine's a year old and is on the service plan. If yours is a pre-2012, make sure it's had the recall done on the roof, otherwise any flex in the chassis is accompanied by a noise akin to banging a ring finger on a desk.

I love mine. There are not many about, and they're a different experience to the Germans.

Thanks for the reply, Giles.

Going back to the issue of the ICE - the car I am looking at has the 600W "Premium" audio - I assume this is not the B&W?

[Rocky2010]

Seeker UK said:

Early 3.0l Luxury X351 XJs are just about becoming affordable - I had been looking at 3.0D XFs but the shape of the XJ really appeals. I've done a search of PH on this model but there seems very little posted on it so I'm after some advice:

1 - Is 40mpg realistic?
2 - How does the drive compare to the XF or it's rivals: 7 series, S Class, A8?
3 - Is the luxury spec OK?
4 - They're big but do they feel it behind the wheel? Are they easy to park?
5 - What sort of running costs might they incur?

Thanks in advance.

1. I have recently driven a new 8 speed 3.0D at just over 45mpg - this was predominately motorway miles but over a few hundred miles it averaged just over 40mpg. Having driven the previous 6 speed at similar miles, mid 30's with a mix of driving should be achievable
2. Drive is impressive, everytime I get the opportunity to I jump behind the steering wheel. More dynamic than S-Class.
3. Luxury is a nice spec, push for as high as you can though...Portfolio is fully loaded
4. I think they drive like a smaller car, parking is all good especially with the sensors & camera

600W sound system is impressive, the 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system will blow your socks off!

[CambsBill]

Seeker UK said:

Early 3.0l Luxury X351 XJs are just about becoming affordable - I had been looking at 3.0D XFs but the shape of the XJ really appeals. I've done a search of PH on this model but there seems very little posted on it so I'm after some advice:

1 - Is 40mpg realistic?
2 - How does the drive compare to the XF or it's rivals: 7 series, S Class, A8?
3 - Is the luxury spec OK?
4 - They're big but do they feel it behind the wheel? Are they easy to park?
5 - What sort of running costs might they incur?

Thanks in advance.

1 - Yes, but needs a very gentle right foot if mixed driving, easier on long runs
2 - imo the XF has marginally sharper handling but that shouldn't detract from the XJ which is very good and can waft along or make progress equally well. Can't comment on the 7, S or A8
3 - Yes but how different is the Portfolio for a car of the same age.
4 - No it really doesn't. The parking camera is definitely worth having though and yes, there are parking spots that you'll drive past which you'd get a smaller car into
5 - From new in 2010 mine has cost me nothing other than routine servicing and tyres. It's a big, complex car though so I'd go for some kind of warranty if it's available.

[GilesGuthrie]

Seeker UK said:

Thanks for the reply, Giles.

Going back to the issue of the ICE - the car I am looking at has the 600W "Premium" audio - I assume this is not the B&W?

Correct, the B&W system was available as an option over the Premium system.

[ahmedalalousi]

The very idea of a Diesel powered luxury car is offensive, and a Diesel powered Jag owned by Tata is an outright stain and shame on not only the marque, but also over a century's worth of British engineering heritage.

In contrast, others like BMW develop and maintain their unmistakable brands, whilst still guilty of the butchering crime of placing tractor powerhouses in their luxury brands.

Try obtaining a spare part for a 1925 Benz and Cie, and you can have it made for you by Mercedes. Try getting a bottom right-hand wishbone for a 2003 Jaguar XJ8 X308, for example, and Tata will tell you it is discontinued.

So why would one even bother?

[jimattfield]

ahmedalalousi said:

The very idea of a Diesel powered luxury car is offensive, and a Diesel powered Jag owned by Tata is an outright stain and shame on not only the marque, but also over a century's worth of British engineering heritage.

In contrast, others like BMW develop and maintain their unmistakable brands, whilst still guilty of the butchering crime of placing tractor powerhouses in their luxury brands.

Try obtaining a spare part for a 1925 Benz and Cie, and you can have it made for you by Mercedes. Try getting a bottom right-hand wishbone for a 2003 Jaguar XJ8 X308, for example, and Tata will tell you it is discontinued.

So why would one even bother?

I have to say, I don't know why you bothered to post this. I'm not sure if you are complaining about diesels or the fact that Jaguar is now owned by Tata, or both. On the first count, I'm not personally a fan of oil-burners however in these times it is for many a viable and desired fuel for the purposes of economy (I'm not even getting into the emissions argument) and Jaguar's entry into the market only serves to increase brand penetration which is good for all us Jaguar owners in the longer term (as is electric).

Turning to the topic of Tata ownership, it seems to me that under their watch Jaguar has gone from strength to strength and continues to grow and diversify. I can't be critical of Ford, were it not for them I am quite sure Jaguar would have foundered and be nothing more than an historical footnote by now so good for them.

If I had only one critical point to make, it would be the demise of their great GT, the XK/XK Supercharged out of the XK8/XKR out of the XJS out of the E-Type. I don't fit too well into an F-Type, sad to say.

I can only assume your post is intended to be deliberately provocative but my experience is contrary to yours, I am currently in ownership of my fifth Jaguar (two of which were X308) and have never failed to find spares for any. A cursory search for Jags spares reveals an abundance for models both classic and contemporary, perhaps you should look harder?

Good luck with your 1925 Benz, I had a Merc once and found it quite adequate but not very inspiring.

P.S. You know you are replying to a 5-year old post, don't you?

[jonobigblind]

I’m looking at changing out of my recently acquired X Type 2.5 AWD as I’m going to be doing more miles due to a change of job.

It’s my first Jag and I’m keen to remain in the fold so I was thinking a 3 litre XF but a conversation at Mike Allen yesterday brought the XJ to my attention and I’m now torn.

This thread has been helpful and I think if I decide to go for the XF I need to ensure I don’t as much as sit in an XJ or I’ll be in a world of regret...