Hey all, I am pondering the purchase of a 2011 XJL (possibly a 2012 if the price is right) and getting rid of my X-Type. I am also considering a 2012 XF (possibly an XFR if I can find one that I like). My question is what the major issues are with the car? I am only considering the 5.0L motor, so, the other motors can be ruled out (gotta love power). Seeing what I might be in for. Not that it will probably change my mind about which vehicle I get. THe XJ is a bit more than I am wanting to spend. But, at the same time, when you are comparing it to the XF, there is more car there to enjoy. I won't even begin to try and compare my X-Type to these two cars.

Found some nice XJL's in my area that they are asking around $45K for. If I could find one in the Ultimate Metallic Black, I would probably buy it on the spot, even if it is over what I am wanting to spend.

 

Just picked up 2012 with 24k miles.. After 3 weeks, coolant leak. so far... they claimed this is rear. I have the 5.0L XJ

 

rear = rare, I guess

Thermo - drive them, especially on non-straight roads, and see which one's handling you prefer.

 

I bought my 2011 Metallic Caviar (burgundy) XJL 6 months ago and couldn't be happier overall. Yes, the (updated) GPS is still terrible and therefore I use a 7" Garmin atop the dash. And yes the brake dust build-up on the wheels is totally obnoxious, and I plan to switch to ceramic brake pads plus instal caliper brake covers in the very near future to reduce this. And yes, the car needs the optional Jaguar splash guards front and rear because the tires stick out beyond the wheel wells. And yes, I did switch to Continental ExtremeContact DWS ultra-performance all season tires to achieve superior hydroplaning resistance, ride comfort, speed capability; snow, ice and wet traction; noise comfort, longer life (50M miles) and lifetime road hazard replacement. And yes, the battery is undersized for all the demands placed on it by multiple screen displays and luxury levels of interior/exterior lighting. But, in my opinion, this car provides a combination of superior styling, luxury appointments, quietness; responsive acceleration, braking, and handling; safety features, engineering excellence and value unsurpassed by any other car, period. Black is of course a maintenance headache, but I keep going back to black, and then regretting it. It is an affliction. Check out Metallic Caviar.

 

I started out looking for an XF and was quite content... Then I drove an XJ. That caused a serious reappraisal of finances (strange how you can suddenly afford to spend a bit more isn't it?). Anyway I tested a few and then came across an XJL in ultimate black and was hooked. So I now have to try and keep two black cars clean; never going to happen, but it's fun trying.

 

I would love to hear what caused the coolant leak. Such leaks are usually caused by the water pump mechanical face seal leaking excessively, hardly a rare problem on engines worldwide.