-Are the side vents fake? (I can't tell)
-Why would they put 19" rims on a luxury car where ride is uppermost?
-Are the headlight washers fake? Or an unimplemented option in my case (3.0 Executive).
(where would the headlight washer switch be?)
-Is the dashboard wood real or fake? (Should I drill a hole in it to find out? :-) )

Just minor queries. I'm loving my new Jag. Well, the parking sensors keep alarming for no reason in both D&R, but I did find some answers in a search.

Oh, not to anger the gods, but the rear fender(quarter?) is continuous through the roof and down the A pillar. How do they repair these things? (which on most cars is panel replacement). The old Mk 10 looked similar, in that case I believe the joints were lead-filled.

Continuing:
-Why is the speedo so small?
-Didn't they know that Black-on-Green LCD is poor contrast?
You'd think a car like this would be targeting old beggars like me...at least there's a spec holder in the upper console!

 

-Are the side vents fake? (I can't tell)

Not certain--x358 expert will need to chime in on this one.

-Why would they put 19" rims on a luxury car where ride is uppermost?

17, 18, and 19 inch rims were options, depending on year. I think even 20" on R spec.

-Are the headlight washers fake? Or an unimplemented option in my case (3.0 Executive).
(where would the headlight washer switch be?)

Do you have jets in front of each light in the top of the bumper? They were optional. The HL washers work when you press the windshield washer and the headlights are on. I think every 5th press repeat the headlight wash.

-Is the dashboard wood real or fake? (Should I drill a hole in it to find out? :-) )

Yes it is real wood veneer.

 

Yes, the side vents are fake.

The current "Sport, Sport, Sport, Sport, Sport" mania is unfortunately still with us and giving us all very poor ride quality with these ridiculous large wheels. Jaguar seem to think we are all going to Silverstone for track days every weekend. For heavens sake, leave it out, guys, and give us a luxury ride in a luxury car !!!

 

Fraser Mitchell, Crewe England sounds close enough. You are hereby authorised to go down (up?) to the factory with some boxing gloves and "explain" the matter to them.

 

geez mate did you test drive it before buying it , most of these questions should have been deployed at purchase time . to ensure you purchased what you wanted .

yes the vents are fake for the same reason the wheels are large and the ride is rough and the speedo is small /black&green .
its well documented for the last two decades, that jaguar cars are targeting younger buyers . and modern suspension has evolved to cope with the ride the youth of today needs to keep up with there mates in there skylines or civics .

the head light washers function simply by swiching on your head lights and using the windscreen washers.

the wood is veneer and glued to a plastic surface .as with most cars with this feature .

you can replace the rear guard . they alloy weald the join and plug Weald various points and literally glue with ''urethane windscreen type glue'' the perimeters . its strong stuff.

 

Uh, my bad. I'll stick some primer on it and join the boy racers then.
After all, it says I'm a junior member :-)

But I can't get rid of this vision of doing a donut in front of my mates and...the side vents Fall Off.

 

ha ha brilliant !

 

On a more serious note, I recently bought an X358 XJ6 as "the last of the classic XJ6", having owned an SII XJ6 when it was the current model. A lifelong interest and plenty of admiration with a mere 38 year break.

I am entitled to criticise my Jag, notwithstanding that I already said I love it. I also criticise my wife...

Ahh, the test drive. I went to indicate and the wipers went on. Yup, clearly a Ford!
Easily got used to the Jag. Now with my Hondas, I go to indicate and the wipers go on...

Memory fades of course, but I am not convinced whether the X358 has better "ride quality" than the Series 2? Of course, there is much other modernisation.