I am in the process of finding and purchasing an XJ and want to poll opinions.

I live in Canada, with 6 months of winter. I drove RWD in the past and it is not a problem, but...
I test drove 2012 5.0 Supercharged - it was awesome ))
Few days after I test drove 2013 v6 3.0 AWD - sad face. It was ok but nothing to compare to Super.

I'm willing to forgo AWD, and will stick to RWD with dedicated winter tires, but I am thinking of picking "middle" ground and go with base 5.0 385 hp..
Unfortunately, there is no base 5.0 in my area so I can't test drive it and will/might have to buy it "blind".

Hence my plea to this forum. Whoever test drove base 5.0 and 5.0 Super, what was the difference for pick up between them? I mean, going from stand still. In one of the reviews I read that, "The Jaguar XJ Supercharged model adds 85 horsepower and 40 foot-pounds of torque, cutting one second off the 0-60 mph time, to less than 5 seconds. You have to boot the gas pedal to feel the difference".

My concern about Super is it will spin wheels too easy in winter (?) and I will have "fun" time at traffic light. Should I stick with base 5.0 ?. But if the above quote is correct, it might be that Super is not much different from base 5.0 during start, and shows more power only when you get your revs up?

Once we discuss differences between base 5.0 and Supercharged 5.0, what is real world difference in fuel economy? specs quote 19 average for base vs 18 average for Super; I have a feeling that those extra 80 ponies might be a bit more thirsty??

What do you think?
Thanks.

 

You are looking at the wrong car, by your observation stick with the 3.0l AWD, you will get far more utility in the winter months. The torque produced in the V6 is similar to the V8 so although the V8 has higher peak power the torque is what you will feel driving around.

 

Driving XJ SuperSport (5.0), heavy modded (7.62sec 100kmh to 200kmh) during Russian winter without any problems on a winter non-studded tyres. 3.0SC is waaaay to slow as for me.

 

that’s great

what is your fuel economy on the Super?

 

Depending on a traffic and a right foot mood - 13l/100km to 15/100

 

Drake, keep in mind that the XJ is going to come with a "winter mode". This is going to cause the car to act a bit differently when it is slick out. The short of things is that it forces the car to start in second gear (vice first) to minimize the torque at the rear wheels. This will help you maintain traction. The other thing is that it will not let you step on the gas too fast. It will ramp up the power slower. You will also find that it will allow only a minimal amount of slip from the rear wheels vice just letting them spin wildly. So, the engine that you go with is not going to be not that much of a factor if you use the winter mode. So, then it comes back to then how you plan on driving in the summer.

I have the NA 5.0L engine and I find that to be more than plenty of power for what you can really use on the road. Would I love to have the supercharged car. Of Course!!!!!! But, I don't find myself matting the gas with my current setup to really deem the need for the supercharged version. As for mileage, I am averaging normally around 22-24 mpg (US) with what I would call 80% highway, 20% city. I have gotten as high as 28 MPG. You drive spiritedly, you can see things into the teens easily. As for highway mileage, it is going to be fairly equal between the two 5.0L engines as they both will make about the same power to keep the car moving at 70ish MPH. Yes, you put your foot into it and the supercharged engine is going to suck down the gas tank faster. But, how long and often are you going to be floored in the car? I don't find many cars trying to keep up with me even at part throttle. Those that have tried, I have just given it a bit more pedal and kept them behind me. The NA 5.0L has plenty of power for normal driving. But, if you think you need the extra power, then it is there, just requires a little more looking. The NA 5.0L and 3.0L supercharged are going to respond similarly with the 3.0L being just a little slower due to the 40ish hp less (but you do have about 150 pounds less of engine). When things getting really nasty, having the AWD is going to be nice. I came from an AWD X-Type and having that car in the winter was really nice. But, I also find that the XJ will do the snow pretty well, just takes a bit more thinking and use of the gas pedal to make it go where you want.

 

I'd like to suggest that the XJ model year is a more important factor than those you're debating. You say that you're looking at a 2012, along with some others. You should be aware by now that the 11-13 V-8s have two significant issues. Had I known about these, I probably would have given more consideration to 2014+ models. I got my car at the right price, but the new water pump and related plumbing ate back a good portion of the haggle. And like most other owners of this vintage, I'm sitting on a
timing chain time bomb, with a $5k bill at some point down the road.
Winter tires and software controls are great aids to winter driving, but the XJ is a very low car with not more than 5" of ground clearance. Even with mild Maryland winters, I wouldn't have considered purchasing one without having a beater for those occasions.

 

Therno, Thank you very much for summary. Really shows things in perspective.

Baltobernie, I do know about timing and water pumps. It is a concern. Unfortunately, I found no way around such issues. I looked at BMW, Merces, Audis, Volvos etc. All of "performance" cars suffer from being unreliable and require expensive repairs. I really liked the look and uniqueness of XJ.

I'm looking at two cars right now, both are 2012 NA5.0 XJ. One has 65k (km) and the other is 77k (km). So - decently low mileage. I know that 77k one had water pump replaced just over a year ago, so I hope it will last me for some time.

I still have to read a lot about Jag's issues but wonder if someone could give me rough run down on most expensive and inevitable repairs I might face? Which ones are tied to mileage and which ones are tied to age?

 

Yes the winter mode really calms things down but with that much winter I would also look to the AWD version. And I have an XJR so am aware how addicting power is!

Too bad they never released the AWD package for the 550HP XJR like they did with the F-type.
That would be amazing!
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clubairth1, when I was in London for the Feel XE event, I talked with some of the Jaguar Execs and they were contemplating it, but it would have only come with the 470 hp version and even that was going to be de-rated down to 458 hp. I don't think the transfer case can handle all the stresses that the XJ would put on it. I don't think they want another X-Type fiasco.

 

In canada and you want a xj buy a large ford 4 wheel drive car like the rest

 

And George06 You don't need more than a diesel or V6 in London. Here in the country my 510hp is able to stretch its legs and cruise at 85mph and passing bursts of well, I can't tell you that.

 

What was the purpose of your post???

 

You hit the major repair item and that's the cooling system and the water pump. So with that changed you are good to go.
But can you DIY any repairs?
That's what really makes owning a used Jaguar work. You can read about the massive repair bills for people who must rely on the dealer.
So if that's the case I recommend only buying cars with factory warranty.

My 2014 XJR has the been the best and most reliable car I have ever owned.
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