Buying an XJ (x350)

[Djr1]

I'm in the market for an x350 XJ - either the 3.0 V6 or the V8. I've always fancied an XJ, and the current commute will suit it nicely.

Budget is about 5k, and I've seen quite a few about for this, mostly with about 70-80k on the clock. I'm aware of the common issues to look for.

Question is, is it worth hanging about for a V8, as they aren't as common, or is it best to buy on condition alone? My current thinking is that the V6 will be perfectly adequate, but any opinions welcome!

Thanks

[craigjm]

Surprised if you find many V8 that are not XJR. I gather majority of production was TDVI

[Nick M]

V6 is OK - maybe best described as adequate - but the extra power and torque from even the small V8 was worth the difference when I bought mine.

[mr_spock]

I have a V6 (which may be for sale). It's much faster than you'd think, more economical on shorter journeys and I think it rides a little better. It's a good car but it's not a loony like an XJR, and it's not meant to be. Love mine - I need more load space though.

[plasticpig]

I have a Super V8 which I bought for a smidgen less than £5k a couple of years ago. As a mile munching cruiser the V6 is fine but a supercharged V8 is far more fun.

[Djr1]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. I've got something else for fun so looks like the V6 will fit the bill nicely. Won't rule out a V8, but not seen any around for anything close to the budget. Will head out next week to see a few.

[mr_spock]

If you're in range of Hertdfordshire come and see mine! Your profile here doesn't accept email but PM me if you like.

[Djr1]

Hertfordshire might not be out of the question - I've updated my profile (hadn't realised emails were disabled). Thanks

[UYV521]

I had an XJ6 for a couple of years and traded it in for an XJR.

Both are brilliant cars...the XJ6 has more than adequate performance...the XJR is stupidly quick....but either version is fun and fast.

Both have been pretty reliable...I ran the XJ6 up to around 120k miles and only had to have the suspension bushes, water pump and header tank replaced outside of normal servicing.

The XJR has been more expensive to maintain...supercharger pulley upgrade, valley pipe, air suspension pump....but it is a great car and I can forgive it pretty much anything. It's currently on 98k and is going strong.

Good luck with the search...whatever X350 you choose I'm sure you'll love it!

[mr_spock]

The OP is coming to see mine at the weekend, so he has first shout. I'm going to see a L322 at the weekend too, I must be mad.

[jinkster]

I've got an XJ 4.2 V8 2004 and its been living in Qatar (Middle East). I bought it second hand with around 70,000 miles on the clock. Few little issues (engine mounts, anti roll bar bush and the air compressor and a leak from the power steering). Its been living in 40 degree heat all its life so all the rubber parts had perished. Fear not however the parts can be found on eBay and other specialists. I haven't replaced the air compressor at the moment as its only showing an intermittent fault on the dashboard and no physical issues with it.

Its a great car, I really like it. The V8 is nice but I haven't driven the others to compare. Fuel economy isn't great and I'm averaging about 18mpg (city driving, lots of traffic lights and the air con running all the time). Maybe on a motorway it would go up considerably. Any more info you need just let me know.

[Piersman2]

mr_spock said:

The OP is coming to see mine at the weekend, so he has first shout. I'm going to see a L322 at the weekend too, I must be mad.

Not at all.

I went from a procession of x308 , x350, x358 (all XJRs) to a TDV8 L322 and now a 5.0s/c L322.

Fantastic cars all of them, but the L322s are just more suited to use on everyday roads, they genuinely are a car that can do everything I want from a car. Maybe I'm just getting older.

Mind you, I did buy an older XKR conv as well as I was missing my s/c Jaaaaags.

[UYV521]

martindesu said:

Which did you prefer?

I loved the XJ6...bought it from a real enthusiast at a great price and really enjoyed owning it. Changing it for the XJR wasn't an easy decision...but the performance difference is staggering. The XJ6 was quick but the XJR is mind-blowing in comparison.

[mr_spock]

The OP bought mine! Lovely chap, it was a wrench to see it go but I'm sure he'll enjoy it. Now put a deposit on a 2003 FFRR...

[Stedman]

UYV521 said:

I had an XJ6 for a couple of years and traded it in for an XJR.

Both are brilliant cars...the XJ6 has more than adequate performance...the XJR is stupidly quick....but either version is fun and fast.

Both have been pretty reliable...I ran the XJ6 up to around 120k miles and only had to have the suspension bushes, water pump and header tank replaced outside of normal servicing.

The XJR has been more expensive to maintain...supercharger pulley upgrade, valley pipe, air suspension pump....but it is a great car and I can forgive it pretty much anything. It's currently on 98k and is going strong.

Good luck with the search...whatever X350 you choose I'm sure you'll love it!

What do you think of the SC pulley upgrade?

[Piersman2]

Stedman said:

What do you think of the SC pulley upgrade?

I did it on my XKR last year. My supercharger was a bit 'rattly' so I started off by changing out the snout first, and of course I decided to try the 10% upgrade version.

It's hard to quantify the difference, there is more response and maybe a little more mid range, but don't expect them to transform the car's performance.

[UYV521]

Stedman said:

What do you think of the SC pulley upgrade?

Ahh.. I was probably not quite correct to call it an upgrade. What I had to have done was the change to the later type of SC pulley as part of the routine service as Jaguar no longer supply the early type SC belt which was due for replacement. My car is a 2005 and (I think) the pulley spec changed in 2006.

[Djr1]

It occurred to me that I'd very rudely forgotten to finish the story.... I did end up buying Mr_Spock's 3.0 sport, and it's fantastic. Absolutely delighted with it and hoping to have it for years to come. Thanks to everyone for replying. Hopefully Mr_Spock found the Range Rover he wanted!

[mr_spock]

I'm glad you like it! I miss it... especially since I bought a Rangie of similar vintage that promptly broke in multiple ways.