X350 Purchase?
Discussion
Hi all
I've always wanted a Jaguar XJ model 'since I was a little boy' and due to a change in work requirements the electric car has gone and I'm looking at an X350 to scratch that itch.
I've narrowed it down to 4.2 or supercharged and looking at prices probably won't stretch to X358 (or X351, I'd prefer the 'old' shape this time).
I'm looking at spending mid-teens so there is a selection of available cars which is always good.
I don't need the supercharged vehicle (got a TVR in the garage if I want to scare myself) but it would be nice to tick that box too.
So the questions...
I've read a few buyers guides and suspension seems to be the biggest potential worry, but wanted to see if any owners had anything to add here.
I've noticed some Jap Imports, are they looked down on or are they actually sought after (got a Eunos in the garage and I've seen those go from being the poor relation to being sought after).
Please don't suggest an XK or F-Type, it needs to be 4 door which is why the XJ, but any other comments appreciated!
I've always wanted a Jaguar XJ model 'since I was a little boy' and due to a change in work requirements the electric car has gone and I'm looking at an X350 to scratch that itch.
I've narrowed it down to 4.2 or supercharged and looking at prices probably won't stretch to X358 (or X351, I'd prefer the 'old' shape this time).
I'm looking at spending mid-teens so there is a selection of available cars which is always good.
I don't need the supercharged vehicle (got a TVR in the garage if I want to scare myself) but it would be nice to tick that box too.
So the questions...
I've read a few buyers guides and suspension seems to be the biggest potential worry, but wanted to see if any owners had anything to add here.
I've noticed some Jap Imports, are they looked down on or are they actually sought after (got a Eunos in the garage and I've seen those go from being the poor relation to being sought after).
Please don't suggest an XK or F-Type, it needs to be 4 door which is why the XJ, but any other comments appreciated!
Ultimately your choice, but imo the X350 is the ugliest of the XJ series cars. The 358 modernised it, but it looked like halfords’ Frankenstein monster. I personally like the 351 as they modernised it properly, but also split opinions. The X308 is one of the sweet spots in the range, but corrosion will an issue unless you can seek out a restored example or nice original. Some on here will disagree, but I was working at JLR when they launched the 350. And all I remember thinking to myself when we were given a preview was ‘what the f
k?’
k?’ Edited by fatboy b on Wednesday 30th August 20:48
I've had my 2008 XJR for 18 months now, just ticked over 130k miles. I'm sure there will be more mechanically-minded folk along to offer more detailed advice, but I can give you a few pointers.
In my experience having had two X350s, the suspension is not anywhere near as troublesome as some would have you believe, and when it does go wrong most of the work can be done yourself if you're handy with a spanner. In around 15k miles of X350 use, I have had to replace one rear height sensor but otherwise the suspension has worked without fault and my current XJR has never thrown up any issues. The system is fairly simple compared to modern cars and apart from the shock absorbers themselves which are £800 a corner for good replacements, the other parts are reasonably priced such as the air compressor and height sensors. Just check the ride height is level and that the car raises up when the engine starts and drops when it's turned off - you should be able to hear the compressor working under the nearside front wheel.
IME the main weak point of the X350s are bushings - they're usually tired after around 40k miles so it's common to hear clunks and knocks even on lower mileage cars. My XJR has had drop links, a tie bar, rear lower arms and front shock bushes during my ownership, all due to tired bushes and it was the same story with the 2003 4.2 I had before.
Mechanically all the engines are robust and will do big mileages without any problems. Having had a 4.2 NA and now the supercharged engine, it depends what you're looking for as the XJRs are hilariously quick and very effortless to drive with so much torque, but the standard 4.2 is still a lovely engine and gives you a more relaxed, wafty driving experience.
Be aware that March 06 onwards cars suffer from the £695 tax band (such as mine
) so there's a £300 annual saving to be made in VED by going for an earlier car.
In my experience having had two X350s, the suspension is not anywhere near as troublesome as some would have you believe, and when it does go wrong most of the work can be done yourself if you're handy with a spanner. In around 15k miles of X350 use, I have had to replace one rear height sensor but otherwise the suspension has worked without fault and my current XJR has never thrown up any issues. The system is fairly simple compared to modern cars and apart from the shock absorbers themselves which are £800 a corner for good replacements, the other parts are reasonably priced such as the air compressor and height sensors. Just check the ride height is level and that the car raises up when the engine starts and drops when it's turned off - you should be able to hear the compressor working under the nearside front wheel.
IME the main weak point of the X350s are bushings - they're usually tired after around 40k miles so it's common to hear clunks and knocks even on lower mileage cars. My XJR has had drop links, a tie bar, rear lower arms and front shock bushes during my ownership, all due to tired bushes and it was the same story with the 2003 4.2 I had before.
Mechanically all the engines are robust and will do big mileages without any problems. Having had a 4.2 NA and now the supercharged engine, it depends what you're looking for as the XJRs are hilariously quick and very effortless to drive with so much torque, but the standard 4.2 is still a lovely engine and gives you a more relaxed, wafty driving experience.
Be aware that March 06 onwards cars suffer from the £695 tax band (such as mine
) so there's a £300 annual saving to be made in VED by going for an earlier car.I bought a very early '03 (chassis # 658) 4.5 years ago as a cheapie. I've done 50000 miles in it, mostly in the last 2 years and it's now on 173000. I've refurbished the air suspension compressor for £20, the Aircon for £700, rear suspension renewal £1000 (not the air shocks, but the hardware). Re-drilled front earth points (known failure point).
Driven to Nice and back twice, daily driver doing 400 miles per week. Averages 28mpg and 33mpg motorway speeds.
The most comfortable car I've ever owned in 42 years driving.
I'll buy another again and probably go Jap import, since they are much better looked after/low mileage.
Driven to Nice and back twice, daily driver doing 400 miles per week. Averages 28mpg and 33mpg motorway speeds.
The most comfortable car I've ever owned in 42 years driving.
I'll buy another again and probably go Jap import, since they are much better looked after/low mileage.
Ill add to the above, the suspension shouldnt rise or fall when you start/stop, it should remain the same. Well at least mine doesnt.
Had my X350 XJR for a year, other than knackered front shocks (mechanical not electronic) and O2 sensors and a failing battery which is very common, its been great.
Coolant leaks under the supercharger (valley pipe) can cause an issue as well
Had my X350 XJR for a year, other than knackered front shocks (mechanical not electronic) and O2 sensors and a failing battery which is very common, its been great.
Coolant leaks under the supercharger (valley pipe) can cause an issue as well
Sold my 2005 4.2 NA Sovereign in June, having had it for 18 months or so.
Things I read/heard about during my research:
- heating can stop working properly on one/both sides of the car. Make sure the heating (and AC) work well before committing.
- bushings (as mentioned previously)
- fuel tank straps: I read that these sometimes corrode, which could lead to some very dangerous consequences. If memory serves, it’s a fairly cheap and easy fix, but worth having a quick look at on any example you’re considering.
- parking sensors can be very temperamental; again, easy fix.
- gearbox will need servicing by a specialist at 90k or so miles. If there’s no invoice for this for any you’re looking at with around that mileage or higher, budget £400 - 500 to get it serviced. They’re not “sealed for life”, despite what the manufacturer says!
I may have missed some, but those are the ones I remember.
In terms of value for money, they’re very hard to beat, and very reliable if you keep on top of maintenance. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I’ll do my best!
Things I read/heard about during my research:
- heating can stop working properly on one/both sides of the car. Make sure the heating (and AC) work well before committing.
- bushings (as mentioned previously)
- fuel tank straps: I read that these sometimes corrode, which could lead to some very dangerous consequences. If memory serves, it’s a fairly cheap and easy fix, but worth having a quick look at on any example you’re considering.
- parking sensors can be very temperamental; again, easy fix.
- gearbox will need servicing by a specialist at 90k or so miles. If there’s no invoice for this for any you’re looking at with around that mileage or higher, budget £400 - 500 to get it serviced. They’re not “sealed for life”, despite what the manufacturer says!
I may have missed some, but those are the ones I remember.
In terms of value for money, they’re very hard to beat, and very reliable if you keep on top of maintenance. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I’ll do my best!
Thanks all
I'm going to look at a couple on Tuesday so will let you know how I get on.
I know there's no need for SC but.... one's XJR and one's a Super! Of course I may change my mind and go for the 'sensible' 4.2 NA but I don't have a good history of that.
If I'm successful I'll post pictures so fatboy b you might want to avoid the thread then so the huge ugliness on display doesn't upset you
I'm going to look at a couple on Tuesday so will let you know how I get on.
I know there's no need for SC but.... one's XJR and one's a Super! Of course I may change my mind and go for the 'sensible' 4.2 NA but I don't have a good history of that.
If I'm successful I'll post pictures so fatboy b you might want to avoid the thread then so the huge ugliness on display doesn't upset you
fatboy b said:
Ultimately your choice, but imo the X350 is the ugliest of the XJ series cars. The 358 modernised it, but it looked like halfords’ Frankenstein monster. I personally like the 351 as they modernised it properly, but also split opinions. The X308 is one of the sweet spots in the range, but corrosion will an issue unless you can seek out a restored example or nice original. Some on here will disagree, but I was working at JLR when they launched the 350. And all I remember thinking to myself when we were given a preview was ‘what the fk?’
Ugly Squire ?! k?’ Edited by fatboy b on Wednesday 30th August 20:48
Edited by sjc on Friday 1st September 17:11
Oldwolf said:
Thanks all
I'm going to look at a couple on Tuesday so will let you know how I get on.
I know there's no need for SC but.... one's XJR and one's a Super! Of course I may change my mind and go for the 'sensible' 4.2 NA but I don't have a good history of that.
If I'm successful I'll post pictures so fatboy b you might want to avoid the thread then so the huge ugliness on display doesn't upset you
Sadly the Fatboy is a bit like herpes , you simply cant get rid of him no matter how hard you try . Unlike him I have owned several of the X350 Models and as others have said they are fine cars though if I were you I would be avoiding the Diesels . All the V8 models are excellent (even the 3.5) , the Sport Models on account of the Birds Eye Maple trim I studiously avoid , there is only one Sport Model worth having and that's the XJR . Please drop me a PM if I can be of any use to you , I am a genuine enthusiast where the X350 is concerned and in my humble opinion it was a real landmark in Jaguars history . Do your homework as there are some rough neglected examples out there , SE spec is the one to have if you are going N/A rather than S/C and don't discount the V6 , its surprisingly adequate .I'm going to look at a couple on Tuesday so will let you know how I get on.
I know there's no need for SC but.... one's XJR and one's a Super! Of course I may change my mind and go for the 'sensible' 4.2 NA but I don't have a good history of that.
If I'm successful I'll post pictures so fatboy b you might want to avoid the thread then so the huge ugliness on display doesn't upset you
reddiesel said:
Sadly the Fatboy is a bit like herpes , you simply cant get rid of him no matter how hard you try . Unlike him I have owned several of the X350 Models and as others have said they are fine cars though if I were you I would be avoiding the Diesels . All the V8 models are excellent (even the 3.5) , the Sport Models on account of the Birds Eye Maple trim I studiously avoid , there is only one Sport Model worth having and that's the XJR . Please drop me a PM if I can be of any use to you , I am a genuine enthusiast where the X350 is concerned and in my humble opinion it was a real landmark in Jaguars history . Do your homework as there are some rough neglected examples out there , SE spec is the one to have if you are going N/A rather than S/C and don't discount the V6 , its surprisingly adequate .
Hang about - Birds Eye Maple is the best!Well we are all different and if that’s what you like then fair play . Jaguar at that time had a lot of variation in trim options as any X150 Owner will tell you about , Piano Black and such like . Did the X350 ever really suit the Sport pretensions ? No power gain over the Standard Car unless you went for the XJR .
Oldwolf said:
Thanks all
I'm going to look at a couple on Tuesday so will let you know how I get on.
I know there's no need for SC but.... one's XJR and one's a Super! Of course I may change my mind and go for the 'sensible' 4.2 NA but I don't have a good history of that.
If I'm successful I'll post pictures so fatboy b you might want to avoid the thread then so the huge ugliness on display doesn't upset you
As an XJR owner, I think I’d go for the Super V8 I'm going to look at a couple on Tuesday so will let you know how I get on.
I know there's no need for SC but.... one's XJR and one's a Super! Of course I may change my mind and go for the 'sensible' 4.2 NA but I don't have a good history of that.
If I'm successful I'll post pictures so fatboy b you might want to avoid the thread then so the huge ugliness on display doesn't upset you
Oldwolf said:
Thanks all
I'm going to look at a couple on Tuesday so will let you know how I get on.
I know there's no need for SC but.... one's XJR and one's a Super! Of course I may change my mind and go for the 'sensible' 4.2 NA but I don't have a good history of that.
If I'm successful I'll post pictures so fatboy b you might want to avoid the thread then so the huge ugliness on display doesn't upset you
I went for the non s/c 4.2,the supercharger whine seemed completely out of place in a XJ saloon. It would drive me potty!I'm going to look at a couple on Tuesday so will let you know how I get on.
I know there's no need for SC but.... one's XJR and one's a Super! Of course I may change my mind and go for the 'sensible' 4.2 NA but I don't have a good history of that.
If I'm successful I'll post pictures so fatboy b you might want to avoid the thread then so the huge ugliness on display doesn't upset you
I have a super v8 x350.
I don't find the supercharger whine intrusive at all, in fact I only hear it when going to warp in it, and frankly, those sorts of speed are unbecoming in a Jag anyway so adding the whine of a supercharger detracts nothing.
XJR versus Super v8 - have had both. The XJR is sportier in general with less toys, although it is possible to find the occasional XJR that has been specced up.
Super v8 will be more luxurious (Sovereign interior and softer ride etc).
Mine has all the toys including the adaptive cruise, tray tables, rear TVs, rear and side blinds, quad zone climate control etc. So if into luxury either a Super V8 or Sovereign
Personally I like the look of the x358 more. I did buy an x358 with a blown engine in the same paint code as mine to give it a face-lift, but am now considering just sticking a second hand engine in the 358 (diesel). Jury is still out on that one!
The X351 is ugly but growing on me!
On the 350/358 as said above, suspension should not sink when the car is off, and should not rise when engine started. If it does, there is a leak somewhere.
Front suspension bushes are a consumable item.
The earth points behind the lights corrode away, symptom is flickering headlights. Easy enough fix, bit possibly a negotiation point.
Mid teens money should buy you a decent example of pretty much any model of 350/358, and probably the best examples of anything non supercharged.
If you go all the way back to a 308 - rear subframe corrosion.......
I don't find the supercharger whine intrusive at all, in fact I only hear it when going to warp in it, and frankly, those sorts of speed are unbecoming in a Jag anyway so adding the whine of a supercharger detracts nothing.
XJR versus Super v8 - have had both. The XJR is sportier in general with less toys, although it is possible to find the occasional XJR that has been specced up.
Super v8 will be more luxurious (Sovereign interior and softer ride etc).
Mine has all the toys including the adaptive cruise, tray tables, rear TVs, rear and side blinds, quad zone climate control etc. So if into luxury either a Super V8 or Sovereign
Personally I like the look of the x358 more. I did buy an x358 with a blown engine in the same paint code as mine to give it a face-lift, but am now considering just sticking a second hand engine in the 358 (diesel). Jury is still out on that one!
The X351 is ugly but growing on me!
On the 350/358 as said above, suspension should not sink when the car is off, and should not rise when engine started. If it does, there is a leak somewhere.
Front suspension bushes are a consumable item.
The earth points behind the lights corrode away, symptom is flickering headlights. Easy enough fix, bit possibly a negotiation point.
Mid teens money should buy you a decent example of pretty much any model of 350/358, and probably the best examples of anything non supercharged.
If you go all the way back to a 308 - rear subframe corrosion.......
TriumphStag3.0V8 said:
I have a super v8 x350.
I don't find the supercharger whine intrusive at all, in fact I only hear it when going to warp in it, and frankly, those sorts of speed are unbecoming in a Jag anyway so adding the whine of a supercharger detracts nothing.
XJR versus Super v8 - have had both. The XJR is sportier in general with less toys, although it is possible to find the occasional XJR that has been specced up.
Super v8 will be more luxurious (Sovereign interior and softer ride etc).
Mine has all the toys including the adaptive cruise, tray tables, rear TVs, rear and side blinds, quad zone climate control etc. So if into luxury either a Super V8 or Sovereign
Personally I like the look of the x358 more. I did buy an x358 with a blown engine in the same paint code as mine to give it a face-lift, but am now considering just sticking a second hand engine in the 358 (diesel). Jury is still out on that one!
The X351 is ugly but growing on me!
On the 350/358 as said above, suspension should not sink when the car is off, and should not rise when engine started. If it does, there is a leak somewhere.
Front suspension bushes are a consumable item.
The earth points behind the lights corrode away, symptom is flickering headlights. Easy enough fix, bit possibly a negotiation point.
Mid teens money should buy you a decent example of pretty much any model of 350/358, and probably the best examples of anything non supercharged.
If you go all the way back to a 308 - rear subframe corrosion.......
Echo these comments, especially the whine.I don't find the supercharger whine intrusive at all, in fact I only hear it when going to warp in it, and frankly, those sorts of speed are unbecoming in a Jag anyway so adding the whine of a supercharger detracts nothing.
XJR versus Super v8 - have had both. The XJR is sportier in general with less toys, although it is possible to find the occasional XJR that has been specced up.
Super v8 will be more luxurious (Sovereign interior and softer ride etc).
Mine has all the toys including the adaptive cruise, tray tables, rear TVs, rear and side blinds, quad zone climate control etc. So if into luxury either a Super V8 or Sovereign
Personally I like the look of the x358 more. I did buy an x358 with a blown engine in the same paint code as mine to give it a face-lift, but am now considering just sticking a second hand engine in the 358 (diesel). Jury is still out on that one!
The X351 is ugly but growing on me!
On the 350/358 as said above, suspension should not sink when the car is off, and should not rise when engine started. If it does, there is a leak somewhere.
Front suspension bushes are a consumable item.
The earth points behind the lights corrode away, symptom is flickering headlights. Easy enough fix, bit possibly a negotiation point.
Mid teens money should buy you a decent example of pretty much any model of 350/358, and probably the best examples of anything non supercharged.
If you go all the way back to a 308 - rear subframe corrosion.......
Also, it appears we are very close to each other!
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