Thank you for your interest PKOKO, Jim, nlt624 and any others.
As a result of all your input I spent 4 months searching for a 2008 or '09 XJ with under 50,000 miles,clean carfax, and in similar pristine condition to my beloved, but unreliable, 2004.
Unfortunately it appears that relatively few Jags of this model were sold in California as I found only 4 worth checking out and all exceeded my mileage limitation and were in mostly poor shape.. The best I located was an '09 XJR in Texas but my local AAA advised that there was a danger that it would not pass California smog tests.
So in August I gave up and purchased a 2012 XF Portfolio, BRG with exquisite London tan interior and 19 inch caravela alloys. The car had 19,500 miles at purchase and is indistinguishable from a new car inside or out. I wanted a 2012 model for the 5 liter engine and the revised front.
The car, so far, has been utterly reliable and is superior in every way to my traded in and much unloved E550.
I do have one criticism however which I would appreciate some advice on which is that the ride, while better than the Mercedes, is inferior to my last XJ and is too choppy and not at all supple. Tire pressures are correct so I wonder if 19 inch tires are to blame or 300 lbs extra weight over the XJ or ??
Dynamic or sport mode have no apparent effect either way.

 

Have you considered a different tire with softer sidewalls?

And I just bought my X358 2 months ago and it was impossible to find a "low" millage one with all service records with "tan" interior. I originally wanted a XJR or super V8 x358. But as you know, those cars are extremely rare. So I had to settle for regular XJ with 86k mi. Only repair (not really one) was a new battery 2 weeks into ownership.

 

Same here. I wanted an 08-09 Super V8, but the only one I could find was 2500 miles away and was $11,000 more than I paid for my 08 XJL. I'm not missing the extra "features" that I thought I wanted like a rear sunshade or tv screens (because no one ever rides in the back seat). And i've found that that 300hp V8 is stronger than I thought it would be!

 

sorry to bring up an old thread... but how is your car doing concours?

 

Thanks for your interest pkoko. The XF has been much more reliable then my last XJ and still looks gorgeous but with one nasty exception. The dashboard top, which is leather, is wrinkling and shrinking back from the windshield exposing white foam and staples and looks terrible. Any repair will entail removing the windshield and the local Jag dealership wants around $4k to fix the problem despite the fact that the car is garaged all night and most of the day AND is still under warranty for around 2 more years. Maybe I should have kept the E550!

 

By the way pkoko how is your 2009 XJ? This is still my all time favorite Jag [If it doesn't break down every 4 weeks that is.]

 

Thanks... Mine is a 2008 and it has been great. Only 1 repair in 1.5 years and 14k mi. It now has 97k mi.

I had to replace the thermostat (@95k) and I replaced the housing as well. Due to my inexperienced mechanic (long story--- I didn't have the car for 20 days -- they ordered wrong parts; broke fuel line regulator); they has to replace the entire air intake gaskets because check engine light wouldn't stop. While doing that job; they broke the fuel line regulator. Luckily, the shop admitted their mistake and gave me a huge discount on the work. I think I only paid for parts and labor was free.

Other than that repair & a new set of tires; my car has been an absolute joy to own and drive. I plan on keeping it for another 50k mi at least.

I sincerely hope that you find a mint x358 and give the XJ line another go.

 

I would take photos and file a complain with Jaguar USA and try another dealer. They normally cover this sort of repair. It can't hurt to try. Sadly, it will only get worse if you don't fix it early. I know first hand from my Lincoln MKZ (my other Daily Driver in bad weather).

 

This is a sad story! Generally speaking, the X350 and later models are much more reliable that the X308 types.