Im a sucker for these cars....and Im shopping for one again. Originally sold mine because 1) market was hot...2) needed a super sized SUV.........but now im in the market for a second car and i came across a black on black 2016 XJR with 70k miles. Its priced right (for me), i know its higher miles but im trying to stay in a lower budget on purpose...its going to be a weekend grocery getter car and occasional child carrier

What should I be looking out for? i think for 2016 they've fixed timing chain/guide issues that the pre-2015 models suffered from, but what about coolant pipes?

 

carzaddict, GET IT!!!!! The big thing that I would be asking is when the last time the water pump was replaced. In addition to that, did they install any of the upgraded aluminum parts? If the seller cannot answer that, then I would be looking at doing that service some time shortly after getting the car. This will take care of a lot of the common water pump related issues and get rid of a lot of the worries that people have. Yes, iti s going ot cost you a little, but that piece of mind I think is going to be money well spent.

 

The upgraded OEM coolant pipes - still plastic but smooth without the problematic seams - were factory fitted from some time in 2017/18 so a 2016 model will still have the old crappy seamed pipes, unless already changed out for the smooth pipes or better still the alu ones.
Ask the seller for a photo of the top-front of the engine with the engine cover removed and whatever flavour of upper coolant cross-over pipe will be plainly visible.

 

thanks for the heads up guys. its at a used car dealership, so im going to have to look for myself.

alternatively, im looking at a 90k mile 2013 M5 which just had a decent PPI...but im extremely hesitant because of its high repair costs

the other reason i havent pulled the trigger on the XJ yet is because i originally wanted a smaller car that i can throw around when i just want some fun on the weekend/ i have some tight twisty back roads that i remember i would always feel unsatisfied when i drove my last XJ

 

CARZ, you want something to toss around in the curves, then pass on this XJ and go looking for an XES wtih the V6 AWD. That will give you what you are after. I got to test drive one and it was a blast. The power of the NA XJ, but in the compact car. It was fun doing 4 wheel drifts on hard accelerations.

 

Is this the one in Alpharetta? I saw it too and was intrigued but don't have the time or mechanical know-how to own one of these at that mileage (and out of warranty). Please let us know if you get it. Did you have an XJR previously? From what I understand the driving dynamics are notably more sporty than the other x351 models (albeit still a massive sedan).

 

no, the car im looking at is not in alpharetta. I've owned every XJ model they've made since the X308.....and ive had an XFR...so i know what im expecting. the car is long, and creates a weird balance when taking sharp turns hard

you're probably right @Thermo , its too big for what i want, but will be PERFECT as a practical back-up family car when I need to haul 3 car seats in the event the main family car is broken....and is also 500+ hp....and also a jag....and also sounds amazing......and not as expensive as an M5 to maintain.

 

70k is low miles albeit not ultra low. I find often folks think these cars are special, and they really are to me and other owners. Mechanically, not that special. Not a lot of people have owned independent rear suspension vehicles with air in the rear, that's probably unusual to typical car buyers.

Water pump and cooling system were mentioned by others and apply to everything on this chassis platform. PT Program management for the x351 should be ashamed of their design, though probably cost targets were met.
At 70k, you're in for a trans fluid change/filter change, general wear and tear items like bushings/suspension parts, potentially a supercharger snout repair/R&R, and hopefully nothing with engine if regular services/and oil changes done way less than the recommended 10k/change.

Good luck on your decision! I'm neck deep in my modified 2012 XJ, otherwise I'd just buy the one you're looking at

 

Ahhh I realize now you must be talking about the one in Brooklyn. Yes, very cheap but cosmetically it is kind of a mess (photos don't do it justice). I took for test drive around the neighborhood a few months ago (couldn't really open it up) and it felt like a classic New York City car that's been beat on pretty hard. I'd proceed with caution.

 

explains why its priced so cheap. i wasnt expecting perfection. I know exactly what you mean about the paint quality....you can kind of see the horrible paint scratches ALL over. the C-pillar looks absolutely destroyed and faded. I too was wondering how lame of a test drive it would be since its in the middle of brooklyn. I once purchased a car, not being able to have realized that it shakes over 70mph because i couldnt reach 70mph

im struggling to find a fast, cheap, reliable, super fun car...because i know those dont exist haha

 

Yeah I think it's even worse than that, there is a whole chunk of paint missing (golf ball sized at least) from the driver side rear bumper (you can see in the photos if you look closely). It's a 70k mile car and stuff happens, but the fact they did so little to make this one presentable speaks to the type of dealership this is.

 

VIN: SAJXA2EK8GMV95685

If so, single owner with 70,000 and no accidents seems pretty good to me. Most of these have had a few owners. If you’re able to drive it, and actually open it up on some freeway, that’s definitely best. Regardless, I can assure you that while you may have felt unsatisfied driving a previous XJ, the R is indescribably exhilarating. It’s the complete opposite of unsatisfied. =) If you end up driving it and / or purchasing it, please let us know.

 

yes thats the car. i know how fun the car is, I've previously had an XFR that I loved to bits. there's no doubt this one is just as good. I loved my XJ...i've actually had 5 of them in my life, im no stranger to the platform. but my wife keeps reminding me that i've mentioned i didnt want a large car

im trying to find time to go see it, but it is a bit away from the highway, not sure if they'd let me take it that far. ideally i wont purchase a car without driven it up to 70mph. ive made that mistake before, purchased the car and then discovered it had the shakes

 

well, the cars been sold. that was fast