I'm contemplating on buying an XJ or XJL.
1) Are there any common issues with reliability or problems?
2) What are the differences between the 2011, 2012, 2013 if you're either buying the 5.0L or 5.0 Supercharged version.
3) Are there different models Portfolio, Base, SuperSport (if there is a thing)?
4) Do the back seats not fold down if you want to carry skis or something long in the trunk?
Any opinions on the XJ vs XJL
Thanks for your advice!

 

Back seats do not fold.

 

Apart from any issues that transferred forward from the previous model (that I own), the main problem that came up on early cars was "popping" noises from the roof. This was due to a design error, and a big factory program was put into action that should have fixed things. A 2011 may be susceptible, but not, I would think subsequent years, but wait for others to comment. Cars were on sale from 2010 in the US, I think, it was 2009 for us Brits.

AFAIK these cars are very reliable, but expensive to maintain like most top-of-the-range cars. When I test drove one, I felt the waistline was rather high, (i'm a short-*** at 5' 6") and I felt I was peering over a ledge, My own X350, the previous model is similar to my old Series 3 I once had, although 100 times better in quality. The vision rearwards is much more restricted than my X350, but all cars have a reverse camera, I believe. As a used buy they are a bargain.

 

I bought a used 2011 XJL 5.0L non-supercharged version almost a year ago and am thrilled with it. The "L" version has the more rear passenger room, privacy curtains, fold-down seat back tables, has better weight distribution, a smoother ride and less twitchy handling, and being an all aluminum body doesn't weigh much more than the shorter XJ, so it still accelerates like crazy (no supercharger needed). It is a long car however, so check out your garage space, and don't expect to make "U" turns or to park it as easily as a shorter car. I have not experienced any roof "popping" problems. The 2011 has Platinum Coverage for 5 years/50,000 miles which includes complimentary scheduled maintenance, no-cost replacement of wear and tear items and 24/7 roadside assistance. Premium grade gasoline is recommended.

 

Maintenance coverage seem to change each year. As noted, in 2011 it covered replacement of wear and tear items. In 2012, the Platinum coverage was 4yrs/50k miles, covered all routine recommended service, but now excluded wear & tear items. (In fact, I was just getting ready to get new brakes on my 2012 XJL when I decided to trade it in last week.) The 4yr/50k warranty now only covers the first year's recommended service. I believe that started in 2013, but I know it's true for 2014.)

I'm 6'4" and 250 pounds and sit with my seat reclined and pushed back all the way, so there are very few cars where someone can sit comfortably in the back seat behind me while I'm driving. I purchased the XJL specifically because of the extra room there. Even though it was out of necessity, I believe that I would have purchased an XJL over an XJ anyway because I do, in fact, like the lines better. I think it's a beautiful automobile.

 

Dumbest thing I've ever seen in a big luxury saloon.

 

Definitely buy the XJL over the XJ. The difference in ride and acceleration is negligible but the difference in the luxury of the rear seating area is night and day.


Also, as MadMan previously mentioned, the lines of the XJL are way more appealing than those of the XJ. This is because the L has longer rear doors that appear to be the same size as those of the front doors (the rears are actually longer but their design makes them appear the same as the fronts). On an XJ, the rear doors are smaller than the front doors and the car looks out of proportion.

 

The X-351 was initially designed as the long-wheelbase XJL and then "shortened: to create the XJ, unlike most cars which are designed for the "standard" (i.e. short wheelbase) model which is then "stretched" for limited production longer wheelbase models. This is why the XJL is intrinsically the better looking model. The XJ is attractive, the XJL takes your breath away. The longer wheelbase provides less pitch going over bumps and also provides ideal front/rear 50/50 weight distribution for superior handling, traction, etc.

 

Maybe. I don't know why I would want to fold the seats down in my limousine!

 

Like the OP suggested, to carry skis inside the car (where they can't be stolen).

 

I'm 6'7" and 230lbs and fit into the xjl fine. It's one of the only luxury sedans that offer that kind of room and its a performance sedan ( I have the supercharged car with an ecu upgrade) that will outrun 90% of other cars on the road. I owned 2, s65 amg's over the course of 7 yrs prior to the jag. I couldn't be happier. It's a great change. I've put 12k miles on mine without a glitch.