Discussion
Seasonal greetings folks 😊
I’m continuing my V8 voyage whilst I can and so picked up this 2006 XJR on Monday, which will replace my trusty 98 LS400, which replaced a S8 D2 whilst owning a 560SEC in parallel somewhere in between.
103k, 2 owners, first Jag, then privately from mid 2007 until Nov this year.
First impressions are the build quality - the interior for example is a step up from the Lexus, which surprised me. The way the doors close (behind the SEC in door closing aural pleasure), the way the handles operate and the nice touch with the way the boot closes itself - classy. Switchgear too, although largely Ford I believe, still feel like quality items. Impressive.
Alpine speakers (an upgrade?) sound great. A really nice depth and clarity to the sound.
Secondly, the handling and steering is superb, and belies the 1650kg weight. Coming from the Lex, where you cling onto the steering wheel when cornering enthusiastically, the jag just keeps it level, very little roll and very little drama. The much smaller steering wheel feels comically small at first, but when pressing on, the responses really make you feel like you’re driving something much smaller; a very pleasant surprise, especially as I was considering a bmw 330/335 for a more driver focussed experience - early days but I may get the best of both worlds.
It’s got Landsail LS588 tyres (?!) - I consider them budget, but they seem to get very good reviews, and they are quiet. I will see what they are like in standing rain before deciding on whether I change them.
Performance - quite ridiculous really. The supercharger just brings all that torque down to a much lower level than the previous V8s I’ve owned - maybe the old skool SEC was closest. In gear thrust is ssuperb and much more usable than the 32v and 40v engines. The SC whine is more muted than what I recall from a few test drives in a x308, but still enough to stick a smile on my face! Not much of exhaust note, which is fine as I prefer the dual nature it currently has.
28mpg from Woking to Bournemouth was very welcome
In terms of next steps, it has a stamped service book up to 2017 but no invoices, so i plan to baseline the car.
When I collected it the coolant level was low. Having read about the various leaks and problem areas, I will book in with a specialist to get it inspected and change whatever is needed, including the well documented valley pipe.
Oil and filters, naturally. Diff oil too?
Tempted by a gearbox flush and refill; if not a flush then a drain and refill at the minimum.
Wheel alignment - the s/w is offcentred so will sort that and check for any other bushes that need changing.
Bodywork - the nsf Wing has a nasty vertical 12” crease in it, so whilst not urgent I will get a few opinions on best way to remediate. It’s on the passenger side so maybe if I don’t see it, it won’t bother me as much. I’ll get a full detail once/if sorted and a couple of minor dings removed (if accessible)
Hopefully I’ve not bought a dud - the service history suggests not but I won’t know until I’ve had it inspected.
If anyone has any top tips on what else to address, pls post here.
A few pics:
I’m continuing my V8 voyage whilst I can and so picked up this 2006 XJR on Monday, which will replace my trusty 98 LS400, which replaced a S8 D2 whilst owning a 560SEC in parallel somewhere in between.
103k, 2 owners, first Jag, then privately from mid 2007 until Nov this year.
First impressions are the build quality - the interior for example is a step up from the Lexus, which surprised me. The way the doors close (behind the SEC in door closing aural pleasure), the way the handles operate and the nice touch with the way the boot closes itself - classy. Switchgear too, although largely Ford I believe, still feel like quality items. Impressive.
Alpine speakers (an upgrade?) sound great. A really nice depth and clarity to the sound.
Secondly, the handling and steering is superb, and belies the 1650kg weight. Coming from the Lex, where you cling onto the steering wheel when cornering enthusiastically, the jag just keeps it level, very little roll and very little drama. The much smaller steering wheel feels comically small at first, but when pressing on, the responses really make you feel like you’re driving something much smaller; a very pleasant surprise, especially as I was considering a bmw 330/335 for a more driver focussed experience - early days but I may get the best of both worlds.
It’s got Landsail LS588 tyres (?!) - I consider them budget, but they seem to get very good reviews, and they are quiet. I will see what they are like in standing rain before deciding on whether I change them.
Performance - quite ridiculous really. The supercharger just brings all that torque down to a much lower level than the previous V8s I’ve owned - maybe the old skool SEC was closest. In gear thrust is ssuperb and much more usable than the 32v and 40v engines. The SC whine is more muted than what I recall from a few test drives in a x308, but still enough to stick a smile on my face! Not much of exhaust note, which is fine as I prefer the dual nature it currently has.
28mpg from Woking to Bournemouth was very welcome
In terms of next steps, it has a stamped service book up to 2017 but no invoices, so i plan to baseline the car.
When I collected it the coolant level was low. Having read about the various leaks and problem areas, I will book in with a specialist to get it inspected and change whatever is needed, including the well documented valley pipe.
Oil and filters, naturally. Diff oil too?
Tempted by a gearbox flush and refill; if not a flush then a drain and refill at the minimum.
Wheel alignment - the s/w is offcentred so will sort that and check for any other bushes that need changing.
Bodywork - the nsf Wing has a nasty vertical 12” crease in it, so whilst not urgent I will get a few opinions on best way to remediate. It’s on the passenger side so maybe if I don’t see it, it won’t bother me as much. I’ll get a full detail once/if sorted and a couple of minor dings removed (if accessible)
Hopefully I’ve not bought a dud - the service history suggests not but I won’t know until I’ve had it inspected.
If anyone has any top tips on what else to address, pls post here.
A few pics:
Thanks s6boy - yes I’ve not seen the full ‘cranberry’ leather option before, only the half leather option - it’s what sold the car if I’m honest, together with the service history, as it’s only been serviced by Jag and one garage in its lifetime.
Any ill effects from the gearbox flush? I was thinking of getting it done by these guys, as ZF trained specialists.
http://www.gearbox-flushing.co.uk/services_whyflus...
Any ill effects from the gearbox flush? I was thinking of getting it done by these guys, as ZF trained specialists.
http://www.gearbox-flushing.co.uk/services_whyflus...
johnxjsc1985 said:
cornershop said:
Yup, the one I bought - on Autotrader too
you do realise you will now get the "you've paid too much" brigade on now, apparently you can buy and S Type R for £1500-£2000.My favourite combo is Black with Red interior keep us up to date with any work you have done please
I can’t stand the looks of the STR, no apologies made. If that was my only choice, I would stay put with the Lex.
Looking at AT, mine was the only 2006 model, one recently sold st £14k with 70k miles. Some 2003/4 models are 10-11k, some as low as 5k. Cazana suggested 7.5k for mine, Autotrader stated 9k.
There is a 1 owner, 200k+ mile example on C&C for 4.8k iirc - I was going to view but the interior on mine swayed me.
Looking forward to update as I progress.
mickrick said:
WOW! 
Thanks, but being glass half empty, I still worry about buying a lemon!Tom Lenthall (Jag indie, Finchampstead) has quoted £400 & vat labour for the valley hoses - I think half again for the 3 hoses and new coolant. I would consider a new radiator too as, similar to the Lex 430 (and 400?), the transmission is cooled via the radiator and I’ve read some instances of coolant and trans fluid mixing due to a corroded radiator and killing the ‘box - circa 200 for an OEM item (400 jaguar) would be cheap insurance.
Let’s see what the inspection brings up first.
sjc said:
Congrats, cracking looking car. The interior looks so much better than the two tone type.
I’ve had my 2007 4.2 Lwb Sov for 3 months, absolutely love the thing.
I
Thank you and yes, I agree on the two-tone interior - not very Jag imho.I’ve had my 2007 4.2 Lwb Sov for 3 months, absolutely love the thing.
I
I put some more miles on it today, and I’m liking it more and more.
The noise it makes at part throttle and WOT is very addictive - you can hear the V8 thrum beneath the SC whine, which is quite reminiscent of my old S8, until you explore the upper range of the throttle pedal, after which it’s all SC whine.....lovely....plus the annoying fartmobiles in and around Bournemouth become little specs in your mirror.. Very useful.
Had a good chat with an RS4 owner at the pump today - ex-Jag tech - lots of positives to say aside from the cooling system, so I will book that work in ASAP.
sjc said:
Funny enough the very reason I went for a non S/C was I can’t stand the a supercharger whine in any car !!
I hear you ( ) but to me a SC whine just seems right on a performance British car, in a cliched Spitfire analogy kind of way.Just found your PH thread via JEC - some highs and lows to say the least. Great looking car however, especially on the Sepangs which help even out the visuals of the LWB, imo.
Which brand of tyres are you running? The Landsails seem fine so far - quiet at speed, and responsive at low speed. Not much rim protection though, based on my scuffed wheels all round.
Valley hose is 5-700 depending on how far you go, ie how many other potential failure points are remediated ‘whilst you are in there’ (or under the Supercharger, more accurately).
Not much difference in performance between the two though as the SC carries more weight; only a few mpg difference too.
This morning (Fri), I found a coolant leak, just below the t-stat housing, (at least that’s what I think it is). Some residue on the expansion tank overflow hose too.
I spoke to specialist, Tom Lenthall, and will visit him Sat am for a glance over. Temps from Bournemouth to Woking did not go above half way on the way back, nor has much coolant been lost since topping up with 0.75 litres before my outbound journey. Still smells of hot coolant so needs sorting.
An inop front cigar lighter was an ‘Edd China fix’ - aka a blown fuse - nice.
Also had the front wheel alignment reset as the steering wheel was off centre - £40 at F1 Autocentre, job done.
Not much difference in performance between the two though as the SC carries more weight; only a few mpg difference too.
This morning (Fri), I found a coolant leak, just below the t-stat housing, (at least that’s what I think it is). Some residue on the expansion tank overflow hose too.
I spoke to specialist, Tom Lenthall, and will visit him Sat am for a glance over. Temps from Bournemouth to Woking did not go above half way on the way back, nor has much coolant been lost since topping up with 0.75 litres before my outbound journey. Still smells of hot coolant so needs sorting.
An inop front cigar lighter was an ‘Edd China fix’ - aka a blown fuse - nice.
Also had the front wheel alignment reset as the steering wheel was off centre - £40 at F1 Autocentre, job done.
I drove up to Toms this morning, a nice collection of cars sprinkled about, both in and outside of the main workshop. He’ll investigate the coolant issue (I can see coolant staining on the t-stat housing and surrounding hoses).
I’ve ID’d a number of other items that are in the vicinity, which Tom is already aware of. Let’s see what he uncovers
I’ve ID’d a number of other items that are in the vicinity, which Tom is already aware of. Let’s see what he uncovers
Initial assessment returned by TL:
1) coolant leak from one of the hoses to/from heater - £200 - dealer wrote on sales invoice they’d pay for coolant loss related issues at time of purchase
2) engine mounts leaking fluid - £500
3) lower front control arms (I think) - causing judder mainly when braking 50mph plus - £500
4) gearbox cooler hoses leaking from crimped ends
I’m going to focus on the coolant system first as mentioned previously and get valley hose (on back order apparently) and 1 and 4 from the above - plus any other tricky items whilst SC is off (knock sensors)
Upgraded SC intercooler pump potentially too.
1) coolant leak from one of the hoses to/from heater - £200 - dealer wrote on sales invoice they’d pay for coolant loss related issues at time of purchase
2) engine mounts leaking fluid - £500
3) lower front control arms (I think) - causing judder mainly when braking 50mph plus - £500
4) gearbox cooler hoses leaking from crimped ends
I’m going to focus on the coolant system first as mentioned previously and get valley hose (on back order apparently) and 1 and 4 from the above - plus any other tricky items whilst SC is off (knock sensors)
Upgraded SC intercooler pump potentially too.
Summary of the planned works - minus engine mounts 500£ and front control arms £500 - will leave for another time. Plus the gearbox oil flush £400 which I will also leave for now.
“To remove & replace supercharger and replace valley pipes (I have checked the valley pipe is available and you do have the correct part number): £572.91
The rest of the prices quoted below are based on the supercharger being removed, i.e. if you don't want the valley pipes done, the quotation would increase for some of these jobs.
To remove & replace radiator hoses and expansion tank: £190.86
To remove & replace thermostat: £62.40
To flush heater matrix: £96.00
To remove & replace transmission cooler pipes: £437.58
To carry out engine oil & filter change: £156.12
To remove & replace fuel filter: £95.50
To remove & replace knock sensors: £216.00
To remove & replace supercharger oil: £72.00
To remove & replace supercharger intercooler pump (updated Bosch item): £360.00
All prices above include parts, labour & VAT.”
Hopefully collecting next Weds.
“To remove & replace supercharger and replace valley pipes (I have checked the valley pipe is available and you do have the correct part number): £572.91
The rest of the prices quoted below are based on the supercharger being removed, i.e. if you don't want the valley pipes done, the quotation would increase for some of these jobs.
To remove & replace radiator hoses and expansion tank: £190.86
To remove & replace thermostat: £62.40
To flush heater matrix: £96.00
To remove & replace transmission cooler pipes: £437.58
To carry out engine oil & filter change: £156.12
To remove & replace fuel filter: £95.50
To remove & replace knock sensors: £216.00
To remove & replace supercharger oil: £72.00
To remove & replace supercharger intercooler pump (updated Bosch item): £360.00
All prices above include parts, labour & VAT.”
Hopefully collecting next Weds.
I agree it’s possibly not the cheapest option, but I’m paying for convenience too. Plus, I just don’t have the will or time at present to do my own oil change, for eg.
I take the point about the bushes/arms, I’ll clarify what the part numbers and see what’s possible.
The transmission fluid drain and refill is not much cheaper than what I’ve seen locally. The price is bumped up when you consider a proper flush and filter change too, which is what I’ll get done when the wallet recovers.
I take the point about the bushes/arms, I’ll clarify what the part numbers and see what’s possible.
The transmission fluid drain and refill is not much cheaper than what I’ve seen locally. The price is bumped up when you consider a proper flush and filter change too, which is what I’ll get done when the wallet recovers.
Fair play
The only problem I see is if there’s a problem with it when you get home - having to take it back would be painful.
Anyway, let’s see how mine goes afterwards. Tom has been great getting the quotes back, and prompt in responding to email and phone queries. Hopefully bodes well.
The only problem I see is if there’s a problem with it when you get home - having to take it back would be painful.
Anyway, let’s see how mine goes afterwards. Tom has been great getting the quotes back, and prompt in responding to email and phone queries. Hopefully bodes well.
tobinen said:
MB 'box in these IIRC
£400 for a gearbox oil change is crazy when you think an MB indy charges £200, but perhaps the installation is more difficult for access.
Nice car though.
Nope, ZF 6HP26 or whatever it’s called.£400 for a gearbox oil change is crazy when you think an MB indy charges £200, but perhaps the installation is more difficult for access.
Nice car though.
I was told to estimate 1hr labour, filter and gasket (£90 ish), however the variable is whether genuine ZF Lifeguard fluid is used, or something ‘compatible’
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