Hi all,
I am considering buying used XJ L and am looking at either a 2012 with the 5.0 L V8(probably NA) or a 2015 with the 3.0L supercharged engine with AWD. Obviously the 2015 is more expensive, however, I am interested in finding out what issues people have had with both model years to help me choose if the 2012 is still a good choice. I have been reading many of the threads here and also other reviews of both years and am not sure which would be best, the idea of more HP and rear wheel drive appeals although I live in Ontario Canada so the AWD system would be useful in winter. Any input or comments would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Cheers Paul

 

Paul, I have a 2012 XJ with the 5.0L NA motor. In the 4 years that I have owned the car (60K miles driven), I have only had to replace tires, front and rear brake pads, and a new water pump. If there is a weakness in the 2012, it will be the water pump. You may also find that the 2012 will have a bit more sunroof noises (popping sound). It has supposedly been fixed by the 2015 model.

Both cars are going to be fun to drive. I think the questions you need to ask yourself are as follows:
-Is one in the color that I want (interior and exterior)?
-Does the AWD for adverse weather override a lot of other wants/needs?
-When driving the car, do you like to go fast in a straight line or do you like to push the car through the corners?

The color question is pretty obvious. As for the AWD, this one is pretty obvious. As for whether you like to go in a straight line or through corners, this is where the RWD and AWD are going to differ. The 2012 RWD car is going to get up and go better. Where the 2015 AWD is going to grip in the corners better and allow you to really toss the car around. The 2012 RWD is not going to be a slouch, but you will be able to go a little deeper and harder into a corner with the 2015 AWD.

 

I have a 2015 XJL 3.0 AWD and have had zero problems with it. I bought in July 2017 with 7995 miles and it now has a little over 25,000 miles on it. It is my only vehicle and sees both in town and trips. You can always pay for more power but here in North Carolina I don't know what you would do with it around these cell phone using, left lane sitters that we have. I routinely ride 750 and larger motorcycle on the track so I appreciate having power to spare but on American highways it is becoming harder and more dangerous to use it, not to mention the revenue collecting law enforcement. I would go with the 2015 provided it meets your budget and is the right color and equipment for you. I don't think you will be disappointed with the 3.0 and yes I have driven the 5.0 SC(470HP) and it is faster but what are you going to do with it other than get tickets and spend more on gas.

 

I'm in Georgia and love the 5.0LSC engine in my 2013 XJ. But if I lived in Ontario, like the OP, winter driving conditions would make AWD essential. Since AWD is not available with the 5.0L engine, I have no choice but to get the 3.0LSC engine if I want an XJ.

 

 

So that's what wives are for!

 

Thanks for all of the input. I decided to go with newer and the 3.0SC. Picked up my 2016 XJL yesterday. Will post some pics shortly. Really looking forward to this weekend when I will have time to let the big cat run. Cheers!