Hello Jag XJ friends,

I am considering adding an XJ to the garage. I have always loved this model Jag and currently have a Masi GT, Hummer pick up truck and X3, and want something luxuriously sporty sexy with more room for cross country cruising and more comfortable city driving when the roads aren’t so smooth. I’m looking at a few but this one’s not only a jaw dropper but seems like a good deal too and has 13 mos of 33k miles left on the warranty.

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/22b7ff4c

Does anyone know this car by chance?
The other cars I’m looking at are Benz’s, A, C and AMG series (in the same price range I could get into a ‘20 or ‘21), Jag F Pace, Macan, Rover, Levante.

Also this one has 20” wheels, they look stunning obviously but I reside between Charleston, SC and Richmond, VA and the roads in both have some very spotty areas and I don’t want to feel every blemish the road. Any experience in that area on not so wonderful roads is appreciated. I had a Ghibli with factory 20’s on it and spotty roads = spotty rides.

Thank you,


Scott

 

Scott,

In light of the other cars you're considering, you may be underwhelmed by the 3.0L SC V6. Sure, it's a fine ride an not underpowered at 340HP, but it's no 5.0LSC. That engine starts at 470HP and maxes out at 575HP from the factory (and well over 600HP from tuners). You need to drive both 3.0LSC and 5.0LSC.

If the 3.0LSC V6 is acceptable, then that XJ is worthy of your consideration.

Stuart

 

Thanks very much Stuart for your reply. I get my need for speed, (though I’m not a speed demon these days), from the GT so I think I’m all good there and really it’s the reliability of the ‘17 model and comfort smooth ride factor I am more interested in with this purchase. That said it would probably be worth my while to drive both versions.

Very helpful, certainly appreciate your response.

Scott

 

I put the VAP ECU tune on my V6 and it makes a weak 416HP. It cost me $995.00.

 

If you are getting the car for highway cruising, the V8 SC will be the way to go. With the 8sp it basically idles at highway speeds, getting fantastic FE (I saw 7.5L/100km while not trying at all) and the V6 would get about the same FE netting no gain at all. The V6 is no more reliable than the V8, as they are the same engine (V6 even has the added complexity of balance shafts). I say get a V8 SC and enjoy it.

 

According to Carfax that Jag you are buying was used as a Company car and has no accident & damaged report. At $41K+ price tag, a 27K+ miles it is still under warranty, why not? That 3.0 litre engine will do you well. I have a XF 2.0 litre Turbo 4 cyclinder & it performs really well in the highways of Houston. No complaints about it. I'd say, go easy on that car & will go easy on your wallet.

 

I have a Maserati GT and a Jaguar XJ with the 5.0 SC and the XJ would put the Maserati in the rear view mirror. The supercharged engine with the lightness of the aluminum sedan is a monster.

 

Nothing else looks, sounds, or drives like the 5.0LSC that's surrounded by leather and exquisite wood. Beauty and the Beast all-in-one.

You have to drive it to appreciate the low-end torque and handling in Dynamic Mode. It's super comfortable and as much fun to drive as my XKR. How many other 4-door sedans under $100K new can you say that about?

I'm and prefer the traditional leather and wood that only Bentley does better.

 

Hi Scott:

I own a ‘13 XJ (X351) SWB with the 5.0 SC engine. I bought it used from our local Mercedes dealer in 2016. So we’ve had it about 5 years and it now has 40,000 miles on it.

I’ve owned previous Jaguars, Mercedes, BMW and had some other more unique cars including an 80’s Rolls-Royce.

I came back to a Jaguar because it just “fit”. It’s like a favorite suit of clothing. I also like the unique styling (both interior and exterior).

My key to an enjoyable ownership has been finding a very good independent service garage near me. They previously service my Rolls-Royce so this makes that aspect much more comfortable.

That said our XJ has been a very reliable car. Typically we have taken it in for an annual service once a year and that’s it.

Things to check:

- Has the water pump been replaced?
- After driving do you smell coolant?
- Does the sunroof rattle?
- Any slip in the supercharger pulpy?
- Are the buttons inside sticky?
- Is the service history complete?

if you find a good one (I did) they are timeless beauties and great cars for taking your neighbors up to dinner at the club or a quick blast down to Hilton Head for a nice weekend!

 

ive had more XJ's in the past 10 years than I can count on 1 hand.

Ceckman nails it on the head with what you need to look out for when doing your search. but other than that they're pretty solid/reliable cars, and reasonably affordable