i love the lwb xjl's and currently looking for one.i've been doing alot of research on these and browsing this fine forum.so my summed up list of what to look for is as follows.if i am incorrect about anything please let me know and thanks in advance for any help.
-look for one 2013 and newer because of the rusty sunroof issues
-around 100k be looking to change the water pump,plastic cooling hoses,and timing chain guides
-oil change intervals at 3k
-also i'd love to disable the auto start/stop feature;i've seen here on the forums how it's done on the type f but unsure if it's the same procedure for the xj's.
thanks again for any input.

 

Two important items:

1. Look for an X351 that has a service history
2. Make sure the engine has not been overheated by checking for exhaust gasses in the coolant.

 

thanks for the fast reply.i will look for those things as well.

 

Buy tool kits and be prepared to become a part time mechanic unless you have lots of money to take it to the dealership often or a trusted mechanic

 

i have a big rolling snap on tool box and have been wrenching on cars for 30+ years but your input is duly noted.i've read all about the "reliability" issues with these cars.i think in alot of instances they are unjust and if routine maintenance is performed you're ahead of the game.thank you everyone so far.

 

Don't be afraid of (most) oil leaks on these. The common oil leak sources are the valve cover gaskets & vacuum pump seals, vacuum pump being located below & to the passenger side (US) of the harmonic balancer.
With the mechanical experience you describe, you should be able to take care of those easily.
Then on the front shock towers, the top shock mounts have a foam polymer filling that would be worn out on the older of the X351s. That results in the top stud of the shock dancing around in the mount as the suspension bounces - and that creates a chirping sound that sounds like it comes from inside the cabin under the dash.
And you may find the AC slow to begin cooling upon starting up from an overnight rest. That's due to the DPS valve in the variable displacement compressor sticking. You can find some discussions about it in some recent (and many older) posts. Surest fix is just to replace the whole compressor, although you may want to try replacing just the DPS valve within the old compressor instead.

 

I don't think anyone on here has entertained 3K oil change intervals

 

I change mine every 3k. FCP Euro simply makes it impossible not to

 

3K is like brushing your teeth after every meal, not ridiculous but still excessive

 

When it comes to excessive oil changes, my 2011 XJL just grins and says "hold my beer..."

From the records I have it appears that it has had 16 oil changes with just under 37K on it now.

 

You'll need a dedicated OBD scanner, unless you have a shop-grade, expensive one. I have an Autel HT200, which comes with a lifetime subscription for one vehicle model. Because this is a legacy model, it won't work with Android 10 or higher. The app is free; some guys have a dedicated ancient phone or tablet exclusively for this application. Despite selling for <$100, it can do most things the backyard X351 mechanic needs. Things like resetting the service reminder, electronic parking brake etc. The alternative is purchasing Jaguar software, also on a dedicated laptop, which will do everything. It all depends on your comfort level.

A big decision is V-6 vs. V-8. The two engines have nearly the same horsepower, but you should not fall in love with one engine during a test drive and blindly purchase a car with the other. I don't know the actual production numbers, but a causal scan of the marketplace seems to have the V-6 models 4:1 over the V-8s. You'll also see the vast majority of X351s in white, black or silver. Establish your priorities and preferences, don't buy without due diligence, but be prepared to act, as desirable versions sell quickly.

Lastly, I have worn out the keys on my computer typing "make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection by somebody who knows these cars". You will need to know a good independent Jaguar shop anyway, so think of the PPI as a qualifier.

 

2014 or newer to make sure you get the update timing chains.

Don't wait to change out the plastic cooling parts. Do it as soon as you get the car regardless of the miles. They can go at any time. I have seen 20K miles before.

 

thank you everyone for all the insight.it is much appreciated.

 

I agree with most of your post but had to laugh at this phrase here. The supercharged V8 can be tuned to 600whp and purchased for only a couple of thousand $ more than the V6. Additionally, most of the V8 models on the market have higher specification. This is a luxury car- don't settle for the V6 to save a few grand. The maintenance for both is about the same and every time you floor it, you'll be saying..."I could've had a V8"...

 

There are people that just don't care about what drivetrain is in the car. They are concerned with things like colors and features. Nothing wrong with that, and that's why they are able to sell so many horrible 4 bangers these days, even in big heavy vehicles. So, if you're one of those people, get the V6. If addition to saving some cheese, you'll have a better selection to choose from since they made so many more of them.