All,
Looking for wisdom on what to look for when purchasing a used XE. My X-Type is getting long in the tooth, and I think the XE might be the next Jag for me.

Example: when buying an XK8 you have to be careful about timing tensioners, certain engine years, which transmission, hydraulic hoses, etc etc. Looking for that kind of info - what should I know when buying so I don't get the "bad" flavor of whatever.

What do you wish you knew then, that you know now?
Which features to avoid? Where are the trouble spots? Are certain production runs of items bad? Are there certain service bulletins you want to ensure have been done? Et al.

I searched several times but didn't find any threads on buying advice, so I thought this could be a collection point useful for others in the future too.

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

I would buy an XE still under warranty so you don't have to worry on all that. Once the warranty expires, change all fluids on the car. I would go for 3.0 V6 R Sport, or S with all the options. All the technology stuff works well and useful. Move away from the Pirelli Cintuarato tires; they're quite fragile. Look into a data SIM car to make your car a wireless hub. Your cell phone going wireless through the car will get better reception due the more powerful antenna in the car. Verify you car is up to date on software at the dealer as it can take days for them to update the car.

The base models are quite "base" looking.

 

Actually this car is not bad to drive around without the technology pack. It's compact and easy to park with minimum blind spots driving straight of course. At least, I'm doing not worse w/o blind spot monitoring, HUD and back up sensors which I had since 2010 in other cars. The premium one I have with the crappiest non adaptive headlights which is the only thing I would avoid at all cost.
Regarding the complementary maintenance I just went to get my service and never knew that the oil change for diesel is basically skipping a year or it goes like: 1,3,5. However, topping up the fluids and multi point inspection is on an annual basis.

 

The XE has only been around since 2015, so it is really a good option to buy one with at least some warranty remaining, OR a warranted used car. As far as I know there are no major issues but like all newly introduced cars, it is probably best to avoid cars in the first year on sale. My own XE is a 2017, so has a few updates, and does have a cover over the cup holders. Yes, the interior was not one of Jaguar's best efforts, but the 2020s have put that right, albeit I now have to wait a year or so before they become affordable. Mine has been superb since purchase in January 2019. Try to get one with the "Comfort" suspension, it rides a lot better, unless you go to a lot of track days, of course !
You might be interested to know that the XE is only the 3rd small Jaguar since 1935, your X-type being the 2nd. The first was the Jaguar 1.5 litre made from 1935 to 1948, except for WW2.

 

Yeah it depends on the engine you want. The 3 litre 6 is good in both 340hp and 380hp guise. We had the 25T which is a good engine but a bit surgey in acceleration delivery - not laggy but like a slingshot. I thought the 20T was slower but better suited to the transmission. We now have the p300 (twin turbo 2 litre 4 potter) which I love with a passion, it drives quite similarly to the 4.2 V8 that I had in my first XF, though it is a bit quicker. Personally I would take the p300 over the 340hp 6, the car is lighter at the front end and the engine just works exactly as it should. But the 340hp 6 is also a great engine.

The suspension in the R sport is my preference, it sits very flat in corners and you feel as though you can push the car very hard. It is very comfortable on sub par roads with 19's. Adaptive suspension gives it a softer ride in normal mode, personally I prefer the standard suspension although I should disclose that my daily rides on 21's so I have the **** of a rhino.