Been researching 2013-2015 XJ's and did some price plots from KBB data.

I'd really like an XJL. From researching the KBB used prices, the increase for the L over the KJ seems minimal - 2k or so for most years 2013-2015

The real difference comes in with the SC vs. non-SC XJ's. SC adds $7-10k to the non-SC price.

I haven't driven either yet. But will try out a 2014 XJSC later this week.

My question to the forum - is the extra cost of the SC worth it in your opinion?

Thanks for hte help. Great place to learn from.

 

To me, yes. To you, I don't know. Just ask yourself, do I want to be the guy looking at taillights thinking I should have gotten a supercharger.

 

It all depends on how you drive. Mine is supercharged but it wouldn't have been a deal breaker to me if it wasn't. I have never come close to tapping its full potential and the cars with other engines that I test drove before I bought it seemed perfectly adequate to me. I definitely needed the long wheelbase and I while I wasn't especially particular about color, it was important to me that it be aesthetically pleasing (at least to MY eye). Burl walnut rear picnic tables were important to me because this car was purchased to replace a Rolls-Royce that had them and the front seatbacks look naked to me without them. Incidentally, my car is identical to rhomanski's except it's a year older. Same paint, same interior, etc.

Dwayne

 

No one needs an XJ; you want it! Just like ice cream, the XJ comes in many flavors because people have different tastes. No one needs a 5.0L V8 - the SCV6 is no slouch. But the SCV8 is in a different ballpark. You won't know for sure until you drive them both. With so many engine choices, you're bound to find the one that you want.

 

John, I have the NA 5.0L engine in my car and I find it more than adequate to drive around with. While I will admit that having 470-510 hp (depending on the version you get) at your foot if you get the supercharged 5.0L engine is a lot of fun, how often would you really use it/have the ability to use it? I find that the 385 hp NA 5.0L is sufficient for me. The supercharged V6 (3.0L) is rated at 340 HP. Still more than capable of making the car get up and move, but would be a noticeable difference when compared to the supercharged 5.0L. I find the NA 5.0L engine does not need to downshift when you go to pass someone. You just ease into the gas and around your go.

Like others have said, take each out for a drive, see how they feel and keep in mind how often you can use that kind of power. Since you are down in Texas, you may have a "need" for the extra power if you can get outside of town and be able to open things up a little bit.

 

Of course you don't need it. Another vote to drive them both and see what you think?

Now I am biased as I have an XJR but these are expensive luxury items so can't really say right or wrong?
Make yourself happy.
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In my opinion every engine should either be supercharged or turbo charged. They add such efficient power - to me it's a no brainer.. The only downside is the up charge in purchase price.

You only live once - and "if" you don't go for the SC - someday, someplace - you will pull up next to someone who did and regret it.

And on that point.....

It is really nice to know that you can "smoke just about anything" that pulls alongside.

No regrets here....

 

Funny story, my Dad bought a 1977 Dodge Royal Monaco Brougham brand new. In the late nineties he was disabled and the car was falling apart. They loved the Dodge though. I searched and searched and found a 1977 Chrysler New Yorker in the same colors with only 36,000 miles. I drove it out and gave it to them. It had a 440 under the hood and ran like a whipped dog. My Mom shocked me by telling me about a local Doctor's wife driving a brand new Cadillac looking over at her and sniffing when they were side by side going up the big hill outside of town. Mom said she just tromped on that 440 and left that woman in the dust. Mom was only 5'3" tall and weighed 100 pounds I never expected that out of her. Number one Mom was never aggressive like that before, number two, I didn't expect her to enjoy it so much. Oh I chuckled for several days over that.

Sometimes a strong motor is a necessity.

 

In need of a second car, I bought a '77 New Yorker in 1982 and you're right, it ran like a whipped dog! Of course, at the time, my other car was a 1981 Cadillac Deville with the
V-8-6-4 engine!

Dwayne

 

I drove both before making the decision. The difference being, the NA 5.0L is a very nice automobile. The SC 5.0L is pure super car. And worth every additional $ that I spent over the NA IMO.