Jaguar XJ (X358, X351) thoughts & advice sought
Discussion
Hi All
New on here, looking for a bit of advice & discussion.
I currently own a Mercedes E350d Convertible, very nice black with tan leather (it was the tan than made me want to buy it), had it about 8 months & feel very underwhelmed with it, but I feel I should like it cos its a merc, & so want to change. Budget wise at present I'll have about £10 - £12k
A little while ago I thought about holding on & getting a 911 namely a 996C4S (due to my budget, which I should be able to make £25k or so in 6 - 8 mths, & they seem to be at the bottom of depreciation or rising a little), I had a 993 a few years ago & that was a great experience, hence thinking of a 911 again. Anyway I went to a garage today & the chap advised if I'm thinking 996 to get a turbo as the others have engine issues (so looking at £35k plus now), but i got in it, didn't drive it & was really underwhelmed, also got in a 997 & felt the same.
Before I got the merc I tested a X358 Sport Premium which I really liked (out of budget at the time but I wanted to see what they were like) to me it drove nicely & I felt a bit, well, special in it I guess, just being in it. A couple of mates called me an old man when I told them, which kinda put that worm thought in my head.
So this got me thinking what is it that I want from a car, I appreciate the X358 & 996 are 2 totally different cars so I guess its that the 993 felt like an experience & I felt proud owning it, & that's what I want again. To me the experience isn't necessarily the performance as I don't drive like that / can't on the roads these days. Sitting in the 996 it felt very bland (I know they will go like stink but that's not what its all about for me).
So after some thought I know I don't want a boring, bland German or Japanese mobile (lots of plastic & a bit austere) I think I want English which has led me to the Jag and the only current ish Jags I like are XJ's namely X358's because they are different, they have their own character & kind of iconic shape (a bit like the 911 I guess) & to me anyway, they feel a bit special. I like classic cars that have character & most moderns seem to morph into one another.
I am also quite taken by the X351 mainly the interior as the exterior has not yet fully taken me & again its different. I'm looking not to loose too much on depreciation & assume the X358 must be at the bottom of their curve & the older X351's nearing that point.
So thinking either Sport Premium or XJR I think (both seem a lot of car for the money & I can stick around my original budget, winner!) any advice regarding which / ownership experience / depreciation, issues with mileage etc.
Oh I drive about 25 miles each way to work, mainly motorway, have 2 kids (wife has the family mobile), any thoughts on the cars & my loose rambling thoughts behind it all & of course your opinions will be most welcome.
Cheers
New on here, looking for a bit of advice & discussion.
I currently own a Mercedes E350d Convertible, very nice black with tan leather (it was the tan than made me want to buy it), had it about 8 months & feel very underwhelmed with it, but I feel I should like it cos its a merc, & so want to change. Budget wise at present I'll have about £10 - £12k
A little while ago I thought about holding on & getting a 911 namely a 996C4S (due to my budget, which I should be able to make £25k or so in 6 - 8 mths, & they seem to be at the bottom of depreciation or rising a little), I had a 993 a few years ago & that was a great experience, hence thinking of a 911 again. Anyway I went to a garage today & the chap advised if I'm thinking 996 to get a turbo as the others have engine issues (so looking at £35k plus now), but i got in it, didn't drive it & was really underwhelmed, also got in a 997 & felt the same.
Before I got the merc I tested a X358 Sport Premium which I really liked (out of budget at the time but I wanted to see what they were like) to me it drove nicely & I felt a bit, well, special in it I guess, just being in it. A couple of mates called me an old man when I told them, which kinda put that worm thought in my head.
So this got me thinking what is it that I want from a car, I appreciate the X358 & 996 are 2 totally different cars so I guess its that the 993 felt like an experience & I felt proud owning it, & that's what I want again. To me the experience isn't necessarily the performance as I don't drive like that / can't on the roads these days. Sitting in the 996 it felt very bland (I know they will go like stink but that's not what its all about for me).
So after some thought I know I don't want a boring, bland German or Japanese mobile (lots of plastic & a bit austere) I think I want English which has led me to the Jag and the only current ish Jags I like are XJ's namely X358's because they are different, they have their own character & kind of iconic shape (a bit like the 911 I guess) & to me anyway, they feel a bit special. I like classic cars that have character & most moderns seem to morph into one another.
I am also quite taken by the X351 mainly the interior as the exterior has not yet fully taken me & again its different. I'm looking not to loose too much on depreciation & assume the X358 must be at the bottom of their curve & the older X351's nearing that point.
So thinking either Sport Premium or XJR I think (both seem a lot of car for the money & I can stick around my original budget, winner!) any advice regarding which / ownership experience / depreciation, issues with mileage etc.
Oh I drive about 25 miles each way to work, mainly motorway, have 2 kids (wife has the family mobile), any thoughts on the cars & my loose rambling thoughts behind it all & of course your opinions will be most welcome.
Cheers
Its not the model you mentioned but I bought an X350 XJR to replace a 2005 V8 Ford Mustang. I thought I'd be bored with it within 2 years but I just had to have one. Eight years later I still have it and I love it more than ever and can't wait to jump in and drive it. The comfort and luxury of the interior is fantastic but there's something really special about cruising around in it. With that supercharged V8 and lightweight body its quick too.
For around the 10k you are looking to spend you should find something with full service and not too leggy. Haven't looked on autotrader recently but there weren't as many around as over summer so may have all found a home?
I got my x358 with no service history and quite leggy at 125k but the price was good so I took a punt. Spent about 1.5 on servicing including gearbox oil change, tyres, balancing and alignment. Currently doing 400 mile a week commute and I think it's getting better and better. As you have found it is a real event and makes you feel special. I just love the acceleration in 2nd and 3rd combined with the supple but controlled ride and quiet interior when not pushing on. It actually makes you change your driving style.
I have a weekend toy and an old Peugeot to do the mundane shopping trips etc, but only the TVR has been out in the last couple of weeks. Like you the XJ was a scratch that I wanted to itch but it definitely gets under your skin.
The only downside so far is that my wife still feels uneasy about the size. This will probably mean getting a small automatic for her but I don't think the Jag will be going to make way for it.
Good luck with the search and with your short commute it has to be petrol
I got my x358 with no service history and quite leggy at 125k but the price was good so I took a punt. Spent about 1.5 on servicing including gearbox oil change, tyres, balancing and alignment. Currently doing 400 mile a week commute and I think it's getting better and better. As you have found it is a real event and makes you feel special. I just love the acceleration in 2nd and 3rd combined with the supple but controlled ride and quiet interior when not pushing on. It actually makes you change your driving style.
I have a weekend toy and an old Peugeot to do the mundane shopping trips etc, but only the TVR has been out in the last couple of weeks. Like you the XJ was a scratch that I wanted to itch but it definitely gets under your skin.
The only downside so far is that my wife still feels uneasy about the size. This will probably mean getting a small automatic for her but I don't think the Jag will be going to make way for it.
Good luck with the search and with your short commute it has to be petrol
I’m not a expert on the 358 shape, but I think you’re right with regard to money loss - with the 351 for your budget you’ll be at the ‘entry-level’ end of the spectrum:
I paid £14k for my gypsy spec 351 in 2017, private sale with 48k on the clock. A full history car but with a couple of marks on the body and interior, as well as the basic spec which only you can decide whether it’ll cause a problem down the line (I’m now lusting after a mutt’s nuts version after only 18 months with mine)
Also, for your price you’ll be after an early model, mine’s a 2011 and ones of that age have a few common faults, sunroof creaking/cracking noise, fidgety ride and clunky infotainment. Some are sortable, some are not.
Personally I prefer the look - inside and out - of the new shape, but I think on a limited budget, which I had as well, you’ll get a better example of the previous generation which may well be more liveable long term
Only my £0.02 of course, get searching!
I paid £14k for my gypsy spec 351 in 2017, private sale with 48k on the clock. A full history car but with a couple of marks on the body and interior, as well as the basic spec which only you can decide whether it’ll cause a problem down the line (I’m now lusting after a mutt’s nuts version after only 18 months with mine)
Also, for your price you’ll be after an early model, mine’s a 2011 and ones of that age have a few common faults, sunroof creaking/cracking noise, fidgety ride and clunky infotainment. Some are sortable, some are not.
Personally I prefer the look - inside and out - of the new shape, but I think on a limited budget, which I had as well, you’ll get a better example of the previous generation which may well be more liveable long term
Only my £0.02 of course, get searching!
OGR4M - Thanks for the advice & I think you may be right that a good old shape may be the way to go. Is yours petrol or diesel?
Need to get my butt in gear, sort the merc out (there are a few problems & it needs a service etc) sell it, great time of year for a convertible, & get on the hunt for an XJ.
Need to get my butt in gear, sort the merc out (there are a few problems & it needs a service etc) sell it, great time of year for a convertible, & get on the hunt for an XJ.
DBParkie said:
OGR4M - Thanks for the advice & I think you may be right that a good old shape may be the way to go. Is yours petrol or diesel?
Oil burner I’m afraid, 65 mile-per-day commute (and limited funds) rather twisted my arm. A very punchy engine if you get one with the 8 speed box, which I don’t have, great for a last minute overtake or making a gap at a roundabout.
Mine returns an average of 40mpg with a mix of driving styles and roads - however it’s nearly due a service, and sounds slightly clattery when cold - ruins the experience a bit in my opinion.
If you’re thinking of a diesel, remember the old shape has the 2.7 which isn’t as good as the 3.0 - or just man up as I should have and get the big v8...
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/3n3TdpZk.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/7z9P4dLJ" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/7z9P4dLJ.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/ADyv1j3I" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/ADyv1j3I.jpg)
s6boy said:
Yup mines the standard V8 4.2.
Motorway driving between 75 and 80 shows about 31mpg.
My daily commute a mix of motorway, slow traffic and stop start sees it down to 26mpg so that's getting on for 4 gallons a day
Still glad I went petrol though
The 4.2 is remarkably efficient, given what it is, but like all large autos it does very badly in traffic. I got 28mpg on a spirtied drive from Leeds to Cardiff but I'm getting 18mph commuting in and out of the city in a mix of free flowing and traffic.Motorway driving between 75 and 80 shows about 31mpg.
My daily commute a mix of motorway, slow traffic and stop start sees it down to 26mpg so that's getting on for 4 gallons a day
Still glad I went petrol though
I'd seriously consider the 3.0 V6 over the 2.7d in an X350/X358. No high mileage diesel worries, an extra 40bhp, and it even sounds nice. The 2.7d is developing a reputation for failing expensively, which was certainly my experience in a 2004 S-Type D.
I had two XJR's, a 2004 and a 2008, facelift with 20" wheels. It is a brilliant car, fast, handles well and great feel good factor. The earlier one with 18" wheels was actually the better drive. You need to drive a few and make sure you buy a good one. Very hard to buy a minter these days. Actually the comparison with Porsche is IMHO quite valid. It had a classic line going back to the 60's, subtly developed, it had well made grippy seats, it had nicely weighted steering and it went like a scalded cat. I am so sorry that I parted with mine, but they were immaculate low mileage models which is how I like them. You have to watch out for slack old shagbags with everything worn out.
I simply had to have one of these. Sadly the current XJ has no appeal to me at all. No wonder they are not selling. In retrospect, while the original XF was great, the F Type is a good looking car (but too small and too heavy for its job) and the F Pace is probably the best car they currently make, Ian Callum has probably been a disaster for Jaguar. Every one of Geoff Lawson's models is a sought after classic. With the exception of the X Type it should be said.
I simply had to have one of these. Sadly the current XJ has no appeal to me at all. No wonder they are not selling. In retrospect, while the original XF was great, the F Type is a good looking car (but too small and too heavy for its job) and the F Pace is probably the best car they currently make, Ian Callum has probably been a disaster for Jaguar. Every one of Geoff Lawson's models is a sought after classic. With the exception of the X Type it should be said.
Edited by cardigankid on Sunday 6th January 23:52
dme123 said:
The 2.7d is developing a reputation for failing expensively, which was certainly my experience in a 2004 S-Type D.
Sorry to take this slightly off-topic but I noticed the X350/51 cars with the 2.7 TDVi engine were quite cheap for cars around 100k miles and I wondered why that was. Do you know any details about the 2.7d engines failing and what causes it? SlowStig said:
Sorry to take this slightly off-topic but I noticed the X350/51 cars with the 2.7 TDVi engine were quite cheap for cars around 100k miles and I wondered why that was. Do you know any details about the 2.7d engines failing and what causes it?
The usual terminal problem is spun bottom end bearings. They also have the usual diesel issues with DPF regeneration putting fuel into the oil, EGRs gumming up, and turbo variable vane systems gumming up. Torque converter issues seem far more common on them than the petrols too, which was my experience and backed up by a Jaguar specialist. I also found it to be underpowered and not very efficient. Sounded ace for a diesel though!dme123 said:
The usual terminal problem is spun bottom end bearings. They also have the usual diesel issues with DPF regeneration putting fuel into the oil, EGRs gumming up, and turbo variable vane systems gumming up. Torque converter issues seem far more common on them than the petrols too, which was my experience and backed up by a Jaguar specialist. I also found it to be underpowered and not very efficient. Sounded ace for a diesel though!
That's a bit concerning, they appeared on my radar as quite a good commuter and distance cruiser for not obscene amounts of money! Any idea what causes the bearings to spin? Is there any preventative maintenance which can prevent it or a certain year of car?I am presuming its a cambelt on these as well?
SlowStig said:
That's a bit concerning, they appeared on my radar as quite a good commuter and distance cruiser for not obscene amounts of money! Any idea what causes the bearings to spin? Is there any preventative maintenance which can prevent it or a certain year of car?
I am presuming its a cambelt on these as well?
Yes, cambelt at 105k and a little belt at the back for the fuel pump at 150kI am presuming its a cambelt on these as well?
Lots on the net about bottom end failures
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xf-xfr-x250-44/...
It might, of course, be fine! Internet tales of woe do rather overegg common issues, but I had one painful bill after another to run a 2.7d once it got over 100k
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff