Current BMW driver (330d touring e91) but have fallen in love with the XJ. Over here in Switzerland there isn’t a lot on the second-hand market but what is there is well specced, although we don’t enjoy the nice prices you guys do in UK. Anyway, saw this one for sale and love the look and the spec. Still looks almost too good to be true for the cash.

Opinions on whether it’d be better to spend a bit more on a lower mileage example? Anything to look out for in addition to sunroof rails and timing chain? Suspension? 6-speed box ok? Cheers.

https://www.autoscout24.ch/fr/d/jaguar-xj-limousine-2011-occasion?utm_campaign=as24_share_iphone&utm_medium =social_sharing&utm_source=app_share&vehid=1007947 0&r=7

 

Hey AllanHuxley!

Things to look out for with higher mileage XJ's from my experience as a service writer for Jaguars.
-Cooling system: Various cooling system components will begin turning brown, brittle and crack. We replace the thermostat housing assembly, water pump, all coolant outlet pipes, coolant hoses, and heater manifold gaskets at the same time. We have also had a run on the coolant reservoir beginning to crack on the bottom side. Replacing the water pump when replacing the heater manifold gaskets and coolant outlet pipes will save you cost of labor in the long run. So even if it's not leaking right now, we give our customers the option because typically within 4-10 months the water pump will begin to leak and the labor cost is practically free to replace it when replacing the other cooling system components.
-Valve cover gaskets: We have just recently seen higher mileage Jaguars 120K + valve cover gaskets leaking. This can be an expensive repair so I would definitely check for wet spots under the car with the engine cover removed- a lot of oil can get trapped there and until it's a massive leak you may not notice any oil drops on the ground.
-Suspension: The front lower control arm bushings are beginning to crack causing the front tires to wear unevenly. Roughly around 140K miles.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks a lot for the kind reply! That's a big help. In any case, this one I had my eye on sold. But in any event it's no tragedy, will be another along before too long and your tips will be very helpful in the event. Cheers and Happy Xmas

 

Hi Allan,

Since in EU side the diesel models are far more common than petrol models, note following if you are looking an diesel version:
Cooling system: No problems known. (exept plastic top front hose manifold, but failures seems to be rare) I still have original waterpump, with near 300t km in odometer.
Oil leaks: No known issues. Intake manifolds are plastic and can crack. (my suspection are that use of non-recommended oils harms the plastic) I still have originals. (only recommended oils used and changed max 15t km intervals)
Suspension are same as petrol and by my experiense the front "banana arms", lower front control arm inner bushes start to be soft already in 90t km. Lemförder are propably improved the quality in time, since the last pair i changed have been lasted much longer. (i am now in my 3rd pair) When bushes start to let go, you feel vibration thru steering wheel. One front wheel bearing start to make noise and changed few years ago, what are normal on this mileage. Othervise no issues.
Rust on roof "rails" where the roof sits when closed do have weak rust protection. I add an layer of water resistant vaseline on that area to keep water/oxygen out of the metal. No rust and cured occosial creak noise when driving over bumbs. I check / add once a year.
x351 XJ do have early vehicle computing eletronics (including automotive grade HDD), and systems are quite power hungry. The battery need to be in good condition to avoid mystery errors. Allways lock your car, even if leaved in personal garage. The systems go to sleep only after locking.
Use only recommended engine oil and change max 15t km intervals. Very easy DIY since there are suction tube for engine oil. There are risk of oil dillution if factory change interval (25t km) are followed.
Timing belt have change interval of 180t km or 10 years. Quite easy DIY as well. (need timing pins, check eBay)

 

Thanks a lot Vasara for out kind reply too. After a lot more research we're cooling on the XJ decision. Not to sound too utilitarian, but the fact that the seats don't split is a bit of a deal breaker! Also the sheer size of the car means that my other half (quite a novice driver) could easily wrap it round a lamppost! Well, as could I for that matter. Here in CH we do quite a lot of skiing (no snow this year, but still), so that makes it far less practical than the old BMW e91. Also the sheer size of the car means that my other half (quite a novice driver) could easily wrap it round a lamppost! That said, we took a look at a lovely 3.0D XF 2016. Beautiful car but admit I wasn't convinced by the cabin quality - in fact, in an otherwise flawless looking car the front seat leather was very worn which struck as bad for a Portfolio version. Current plan is to sit tight for a few months and then re-examine in the spring - maybe a late run Mk1 - to my eyes the cabin looks a lot more premium than the Mk2 - XF V6 petrol might be fun. I really have a soft spot for Jaguar, such lovely cars and more individual - especially over here they are a rarity! Thanks again for the considered answers and wishing you a Happy New Year.

 

Hi AllanHuxley,
Take your time and choose wisely. In fact i was looking an XF in beginning, but then i sit inside of XJ and i was sold immediatly. Very rare car have as styling and nice place to be than x351 XJ.
This version of XJ:s are extremely rare here in Finland so i bought my one from Germany. Maybe it is option for you too? (not sure about CH private import laws) We do also lot of skiing, but mainly crosscountry directly from our yard. Open sea on front city of Helsinki brings lot of snow. In fact we have more snow here than in lapland at the moment.