Need advice for buying a second-hand XJ

[behindyoujoey]

Hi folks, first time poster here, I'm in the market for a Jaguar XJ here in Ireland and both these cars have cropped up in the adverts close to home.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/jaguar-xj-se...

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/jaguar-xj-se...

I know a bit about cars, however I am not familiar with Jaguars at all and my question to you is what are the key things I should look out for in the XJ of this generation. I definitely am set on an XJ up to 2009 as I really think the aesthetic of the newer generation is lacklustre. The Sovereign seems to have much higher spec and frankly looks much better than the alternative Executive option. I am also set on a diesel as I do a lot of motorway miles and can claim some tax relief on diesel.

I am aware from my rather sparse research that corrosion and rust can be the XJ's enemy and the paintwork is also something worth closely inspecting. I've driven a 2009 XJ previously and was amazed at the comfort, luxury and most surprisingly, the economy of the 2.7 diesel engine.

Any buyers advice would be most appreciated please feel free to comment on both the cars in the advertisements also.

[sjc]

www.jaguarforum.com will be your friend, tons of info

[Triple7]

Go for the Sovereign due to spec and desirability.

They are good cars. Get the ‘earth’ sorted seems to be the main one with regard to corrosion as they are located near the front bumper and corode leading to car not running.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

behindyoujoey said:

Any buyers advice would be most appreciated please feel free to comment on both the cars in the advertisements also.

There is a brilliant buyers guide that has been re-posted on a number of threads here written by someone called Jaguar Steve. Search for that; it has everything you need to know.

[Jaguar steve]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

behindyoujoey said:

Any buyers advice would be most appreciated please feel free to comment on both the cars in the advertisements also.

There is a brilliant buyers guide that has been re-posted on a number of threads here written by someone called Jaguar Steve. Search for that; it has everything you need to know.

I wrote that for the earlier '97-02 car. 'Fraid there's not much at all carried over from that to the 03 onward version the OP is looking at.

[Dodsy]

Im on my second , its a 2007 XJR so cant comment on the diesel but they dont rust as they are made from aluminium . That jag forum has some excellent buyers advice and lots of helpful people saved me thousands over the years

Just make sure everything works including the rear blind and folding mirrors

Main weak point is the suspension bushes which need replacing about every 60k miles and the earth points but they are easily accessed and cleaned .

Oh and the gearbox needs a full service and software reflash every 80k miles you teally cant skip it , costs about £600-£700 to have done properly