I've read the sticky post on what to look for on the xj 350 but does all those problems matter for what year? I have several questions too.

Is it worth getting the touch screen navigation or should I get the standard radio and swap with aftermarket touch screen?

What would be the best year to buy?

If the Carfax hasnt shown the suspension has been worked on yet should I walk away from it?

And lastly has anyone owned or known someone who owned a cl500 02-05 if so can someone elaborate on ride quality.

I currently own a 96 VDP and only problem I've had is wheel bearing and a coolant hose bursted. The car been a blast but paint fading and I always enjoyed the x350 but really like the 08 style.

Thank you for your time guys.

 

Jaguar gradually made improvements to individual components of the car without any announcements, but the basic issues remained throughout the production of the car as far as I know, In other words there was no redesign of anything. The restyle is just that, a restyle.

However, don't be put off buying one as they are a real bargain secondhand. If the miles are over about 70k then suspension repairs will have been done, such as the lower air spring bushes. There are four of these and the four together take the full weight of the car, so don't last long. They are cheap to buy but labour to swap out can mount up.

As the years went by, more stuff became available at cheaper process on the internet, most of this being OEM but direct via the internet trader, rather than via Jaguar.

 

Thanks for the reply, I feel like these are underrated cars and the quality, interior, performance seem like such a bargain for the prices now. Can you update the built in navigation?

 

Not really since the audio, as well as climate controls and other items are integrated into the touch screen. What is possible but not inexpensive (and I did it on my car) if you have the factory DVD Multimedia Entertainment System it is possible to tie into that using a product from NavTV.

I used it to add both a backup camera as well as Aux In/iPhone Input using the Aux1 input from the rear controller module. My car stereo guy soldered into a number of the switches to allow input control from the drivers seat. I have a pretty extensive thread on the modifications I did.

I find myself using Google Maps on my iPhone 6 mostly now. When I am streaming Pandora or listening to any other music, it will automatically mute the music and give me audio navigation instructions as well as I usually just prop my phone up against the ashtray lid and I can see the map as well. Also, I still keep an old iPhone 4s in the car and can use that to stream Netflix or other video through all 3 monitors (the two headrest monitors as well as the front Nav screen).

The factory nav system is locked out for input while the car is in motion making it a PIA to use compared to just using the smart phone. Bonus using phone for Nav is using Siri to enter destinations while I am driving. Plus Google Maps is traffic aware of course and you get free updates rather than paying Jaguar for updates - though I did update to the 2011 Nav Disk recently which I think is the last one for these cars.

 

Apropos the satnav, you can get discs for later years, but I don't think they go beyond 2012. Why, I don't know. So here in the UK when I drive along the Alderley Edge bypass, it looks on the satnav as if I'm in a helicopter flying over open country !

BTW, I think it needs to be said that these cars will take the miles. Many owners have cars over 150k and quite a few over 200k miles, and no, they aren't taxi drivers !

 

SRL1990,
I have a 2008 XJ8L that a purchased over two years ago and I went looking for one that did not have the factory nav unit knowing I wanted to install an aftermarket setup. I am very pleased with the final product but this is what I encountered along the way. I was able to install a double din unit (pioneer) by removing the factory radio. My installer soon realized that the fiber optic wiring to the factory speakers (in the 2008 and 2009 cars) was not compatable with the pioneer unit, so I ended up with all new wiring, amps, speakers and head unit. I also included a backup camera. I now have current nav capability, sirius radio, dvd player, bluetooth, cd player. In all, I spent about $4,000 for everything, but again, I am pleased with the outcome and they are great cars. Good luck with your project.

 

If the Carfax hasnt shown the suspension has been worked on yet should I walk away from it?

And lastly has anyone owned or known someone who owned a cl500 02-05 if so can someone elaborate on ride quality.



Thank you for your time guys.[/QUOTE]

I drove the 03 CL as compared to the S430 and ended up owning the s430. Softer ride by a long shot. The CL was "firmer".

Now I own the 05 Super V8. The ride is both quieter and smoother that the s430.

Don't let the suspension stuff spook you. Mercedes has the same concept (air suspension), as does some Lincoln's and the problems are universal.

If you're choosing between Mercedes or Jaguar, don't let the air suspension be a deciding factor. From my experience, the Jaguar is a superior ride.

My wife has the 2010 E350 and the ride is too stiff, though cornering is superior.

 

Perfect replies thanks again guys
I'm most likely going to go with the jag I just need to find the right deal. Not a lot of them come up on autotrader compared to others. Seems like too many people love them and won't sell or they're weren't sold well here in California.

Quick question, can I throw on the side chrome vents from the 08 model on pervious 04-07 models?

 

Looks like it can be done
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...gs-04-a-54630/