Pensacola, FL to Bulverde, Texas, back to Pensacola, to Tallahassee, FL, continuing to Kissimmee, FL and back to Pensacola. Just under 2500 miles with no major hiccups and the only minor hiccup being the transmission hesitating shifts in downtown Tallahassee due to the hills. Some lessons learned...
1. Yes, the seats take some getting used to if you have a less than svelte backside. If I could switch over the buckets from my old C70 I would be perfectly happy. Beautiful ride though.
2. The trunk size was actually no problem for three people used to travelling across country in the aforementioned C70, which is a convertible and thus has one of the smallest useable trunks known to man. But you do need to distribute the load. Was able to bring back 15 boxes (12 packs) of Mountain Dew Throwback from the Texas trip (unobtainable in Pensacola) with 9 in the trunk and 6 on the driver's side rear floor. No more worries about the air suspension after that leg of the trip, let me tell you!
3. As good and most times better gas mileage than the Volvo averaging 26.8 mpg for the Texas trip and 24.4 for the Kissimmee trip (more town driving), so, very happy about that.
4. Not many other XJ's on the highway. Saw plenty of S and X types, even quite a few XF's but only two XJ's and one of those was brand new.
5. Time spent in preparation of car does give peace of mind during the trip. Thanks to the Forum, I had replaced the expansion tank and upper coolant crossover as well as flushed the cooling system before leaving. Addressed a few other niggles as well, but it may be getting time to check the suspension bushings.
All in all, I'd have to say the time honored slogan of "Grace, Space and Pace" still apply in spades! We had a great time travelling and are looking forward to going out to California next year...
Yeah, definitely gonna check those bushings a bit closer.
1. Yes, the seats take some getting used to if you have a less than svelte backside. If I could switch over the buckets from my old C70 I would be perfectly happy. Beautiful ride though.
2. The trunk size was actually no problem for three people used to travelling across country in the aforementioned C70, which is a convertible and thus has one of the smallest useable trunks known to man. But you do need to distribute the load. Was able to bring back 15 boxes (12 packs) of Mountain Dew Throwback from the Texas trip (unobtainable in Pensacola) with 9 in the trunk and 6 on the driver's side rear floor. No more worries about the air suspension after that leg of the trip, let me tell you!
3. As good and most times better gas mileage than the Volvo averaging 26.8 mpg for the Texas trip and 24.4 for the Kissimmee trip (more town driving), so, very happy about that.
4. Not many other XJ's on the highway. Saw plenty of S and X types, even quite a few XF's but only two XJ's and one of those was brand new.
5. Time spent in preparation of car does give peace of mind during the trip. Thanks to the Forum, I had replaced the expansion tank and upper coolant crossover as well as flushed the cooling system before leaving. Addressed a few other niggles as well, but it may be getting time to check the suspension bushings.
All in all, I'd have to say the time honored slogan of "Grace, Space and Pace" still apply in spades! We had a great time travelling and are looking forward to going out to California next year...
Yeah, definitely gonna check those bushings a bit closer.
mhamilton
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- Join DateFeb 2011
- LocationRaleigh, North Carolina
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I have the same complaint... I just can't seem to get comfortable in the seat in my XJ. Fine for trips < 1 hr, but more than that and I'm just fighting to find a position that isn't painful. Wish this car had my Cadillac seats.
But in the 2 trips I took this past month, was more than impressed with the fuel economy. Overall 32 mpg (US) while cruising at 70-75 mph. I went 500 miles on 3/4 a tank of fuel to the mountains and back! Got 33 mpg on one leg of my trip.
But in the 2 trips I took this past month, was more than impressed with the fuel economy. Overall 32 mpg (US) while cruising at 70-75 mph. I went 500 miles on 3/4 a tank of fuel to the mountains and back! Got 33 mpg on one leg of my trip.
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Had a similar, pleasurable drive on a long trip from IL to GA and back. Have not had the same issue with my seats though. They are extremely comfortable on long trips, at least for me. Not sure if it's due to the model difference (Vanden Plas vs XJL)...agree on the mileage. As I've said before in other posts, nothing like being able to go over 500 miles between fillups!
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Just drove my, new to me, Super V8 Portfolio from Gilroy (San Jose, CA area) to Phoenix, CA and back. I drove the 760 mile legs in one day and was hardly fatigued at all. What awesome automobiles these are, I thought the XKR was great on long trips but wow! And 24 MPG average for the whole trip to boot, very pleased indeed.
The trip was mostly without incident except for the cracked windshield due to the 114 degree heat. Believe it or not the recommended repair company had a factory windshield in stock and it was replaced within 18 hours.
The main reason for my trip was to have the indie I trust the most thoroughly check it out and service it. I ended up with the usual suspects and some elective procedures but it is all square with new rear brakes, brake pads only up front, lower control arm bushings, IDS lowering, alignment, ECM flash, and trans service. Oh and I have some family there too. : )
Enjoyed the car way too much to stop and take pics but I will be going back in September for my nephew's wedding, so I'll be sure to get some then.
The trip was mostly without incident except for the cracked windshield due to the 114 degree heat. Believe it or not the recommended repair company had a factory windshield in stock and it was replaced within 18 hours.
The main reason for my trip was to have the indie I trust the most thoroughly check it out and service it. I ended up with the usual suspects and some elective procedures but it is all square with new rear brakes, brake pads only up front, lower control arm bushings, IDS lowering, alignment, ECM flash, and trans service. Oh and I have some family there too. : )
Enjoyed the car way too much to stop and take pics but I will be going back in September for my nephew's wedding, so I'll be sure to get some then.
mhamilton and greg, Once I found a better position, I was able to last longer in the seat at a stretch, also wallet removal is a MUST!
H2OBoy, I didn't get many shots of the car this trip, but once I figure out how to get them onto the forum (URL?), I definitely will add some.
MarcB, Sounds like you had a great time also. Love driving around Phoenix / Scottsdale area ( used to have family living in Gilbert and Kingman areas) Beautiful views.
H2OBoy, I didn't get many shots of the car this trip, but once I figure out how to get them onto the forum (URL?), I definitely will add some.
MarcB, Sounds like you had a great time also. Love driving around Phoenix / Scottsdale area ( used to have family living in Gilbert and Kingman areas) Beautiful views.