I found a lot of value in this forum, so I thought I'd summarize my experience in buying a used '05 VDP about a year ago with 58k miles.
It was a one-owner, dealer-maintained, garage kept vehicle in really good shape.
In 17k miles I've replaced the sagging headliner ($300), driver's side front air shock ($650), and recently the driver's side heater core PLUS a squeaking HVAC blower motor (see previous post) for a total of $1100.
Indeed that's $2000 in repairs in the first year of ownership, but I knew that this car requires some care & feeding. Is it worth it? So far, yes. I know S-class Mercedes & 7-series BMW's that I considered would have similar expenses. Hopefully these are one-time repairs to last me to 150k miles (my goal). I do expect other air-shock failures (air compressor was replaced before I bought it) and I've done the transmission fluid change. Hopefully we're good to go.
I love most everything about the car & it has gotten more compliments by far than any other vehicle I've owned. Plus, you certainly don't see them everywhere. I'm in a fairly rural area & probably don't see an XJ even once a week. I also love the fuel economy, about 22mpg average (and I don't drive average speeds).
All in all, still glad to have it.

 

Glad youve enjoyed your XJ and they're not seen everyday like 7 series... every one I know own them now. I like them but I'll take our cats.

 

I think you have been a bit unlucky so far.

Does it get very hot and/or cold in your part of the world?

Good luck from now on.

 

Meirion,

Funny you ask that - Ohio can have some of the most bizarre weather. Winters average 10-30 degrees Fahrenheit, and summers usually range in the 80's & 90's. Also summer usually gives us a lot of humidity. As the saying goes: If you don't like the weather in Ohio, just wait a few minutes & it'll change.
Here's hoping for a long, smooth ownership with the VDP.

 

New-ish owner here too (on my 2nd month of driving mine), and i have gotten a ton of compliments...probably just a shade more than when I first got my convertible. The xj is just so comfy to drive...and I am in LOVE with the heated steering wheel. Any chance your seat heaters are operated by a hamster breath also?

 

I think I am right in saying that the problem with the headliner is mainly confined to the US-maybe it is due to a combination of heat and humidity.

Suspension strut failure is also confined mainly to the US due to rubber cracking in cold weather.

 

My local independent shop tells me they have never replaced an air shock yet. It must be our mild and damp climate. Plenty of that this year !!!

I'm puzzled about "driver side heater core, as there is only one heater core in the climate control unit, although the symptom is well described, except in England it is passenger gets cold not the driver !

 

Fraser, I may have explained it incorrectly; the mechanic replaced the heater core which was about 8 inches by 12 inches. To me, that's pretty small to be divided into 2 heat zones, but maybe it is. From all the reading on here, it gets clogged internally, allowing no heat on the "left" side of the car (drivers side over here.) In any event, the heat works fine now.
I have heard several times that there are virtual no problems with headliners across the pond. Although I must say I have no idea what your climate is like, nor do I know anything about Australia's climate. I need to get out more. Would love to visit England to see the countryside, Rolls Royce factory, Land Rover factory, Brooks leather factory (I have a Brooks saddle on my Raleigh bicycle), and of course the Jaguar factory.
Maybe someday.

 

I've never had a sagging headliner in the Lexus, Audi, Infiniti, Benz or BMW I've or family has owned. Just the freaking jags!!! XJ8, XJR & STypeR.... all had liners replaced. Only after a car being 3-5 years old is this necessary? This is inexcusable. ..