Buying a used Jaguar XJ (X351) - 2010-, Buying advice with Common Issues

Buying a used Jaguar XJ X351 - 2010-

How reliable are the engines, what are the common problems with these cars? What is the price for fixing the various issues and the price for the spare parts? Watch the video and you will get answers to all these questions and more!

What to look for when buying a used Jaguar XJ advice / guide

used Jaguar XJ sedan / saloon

used Jaguar XJ X351 review

Jaguar XJ 2.0 Ti, 3.0 V6 supercharged, 5.0 V8, 5.0 V8 supercharged, XJR, XJR 575, 3.0 D

==================================

different car review

[johntechwriter]

Fellow YouTubers, if you are considering buying a Jaguar sedan, you might want to print out this long post. I’ve owned three XJs and have some tips to pass along.

Thank you to this channel’s presenter for that excellent summary about buying a used current-generation Jaguar XJ. Over the years I have owned three X308-generation XJs — the last of the low-slung steel-bodied cars, considered by some to be the most beautiful post-war sedans built anywhere. Living in the Bay Area, I had the invaluable services of an honest, independent (non-dealer) Jaguar service specialist, a one-man operation who’d worked on Jaguars exclusively since 1973. The operating cost of my three used XJs was VERY reasonable, in part because they were such well-built cars, and also because I took the precautions mentioned below.

A Jag dealer can service your pre-owned XJ but be aware, their overhead is brutal, and they tend to employ junior technicians who do mostly warranty work. Their way to fix a problem is to replace an entire module with a new one, provided by the factory under warranty. They have neither the time nor the skills to go in and actually REPAIR something that is out of warranty. And when your Jag is out of warranty, new parts are very expensive. But at the same time, these cars are built to last! The opportunity to pick up a recent one for pennies on the dollar is too good an opportunity for any self-respecting motorhead to pass up!

Don’t have your Jaguar serviced by Ed’s European Specialists down the street. Ideally your service shop will be Jag only, or at least specialize in British cars. If I could not be assured of getting honest and expert service by someone with a track record servicing Jaguars, I would not own an out-of-warranty Jaguar. It’s not that the cars are unreliable. It is that Jaguars are so different from any other brand. An XJ is a complex, exotic piece of engineering that cannot be learned by trial and error. If properly cared for, a current XJ could be a 20-year keeper. But in the wrong hands, all bets are off. And as you might know, the unqualified technician will blame the car if he can’t repair something correctly. What can you say in return?

Nor would I purchase a third-party warranty. My Jag mechanic told me of being made take-it-or-leave-offers by these providers when estimating a major repair job. They promise the moon when selling you a policy but can get cold feet if a big problem surfaces. And your recourse is very limited.

Better to have a few thousand set aside, keep current on the X351 section in the Jag forum, and ideally, be an active member in your region’s Jaguar club, if socializing appeals to you. (A lot of Jag club members are senior in age and welcome younger members.) If you join a regional Jaguar club, you’ll find out pretty fast where to get your car serviced locally, and a hundred other things. Join a Jag club BEFORE buying and you’ll come across available cars that have not yet gone on the market!

I loved every drive I took in my Jaguar sedans — these cars have a mystique that sets them apart from their stodgy German and Japanese competitors, and the driving experience will live up to your highest expectations. Get used to outpourings of amazement from your passengers, too.

The X308 series (1998-2013) I owned three of over the years had its own problems, but they were few and fixable. My last one, a 2001 XJR with supercharged 32-valve V8, was running like a train when I sold it with 150 thousand miles on the clock. My favorite of all three was a very rare (only 270 built for the world market) long-wheelbase Vanden Plas Supercharged in factory-order Platinum paint. It was absolutely stunning. I’d pull up to San Francisco’s Mark Hopkins hotel to drop off a visitor from out of town and all eyes would turn to see who was in the back. A female friend once confided that women like Jaguars because whenever they arrive somewhere and alight from an XJ, they’d have a Princess Di moment.

I’m retired now, but were I in my 30s or 40s with a good job, I’d snap up a post-2012 XJ in a heartbeat. First off, when the new-generation X351 was introduced, the most authoritative automotive critics (in print, not the YouTube gang because with very few exceptions, YouTube “journalists” know nothing) tested the new XJ thoroughly and pronounced it at the top of the executive sedan field, equal if not superior to the current S Class. Automobile magazine pronounced it the most beautiful car of that year. Thanks to billions invested by Tata’s hands-off owners, in 2010 Jaguar was back, the epitome of grace, pace, and space.

Sadly, Jaguar have never been able to shake their reliability reputation, even though those problems were experienced over just a few years of ownership in the 70s by the disastrous British Leyland corporation. Up to and after that unfortunate interval, Jaguar’s reputation for reliability was very good. If a qualified non-dealer mechanic was available to look after my X351, I would not hesitate to buy one from its original owner who had a thorough service history. (I’ve owned high-end German sedans too, and would not go near one more than three years old.)

If you’re contemplating an X351, don’t be a schmuck and wander the used-car lots, easy pickings for a fast talking salesman who knows absolutely nothing about the history of the car he wants to sell you. Usually the used car dealers buy these cars “as is” at auctions where, typically, none of the car’s previous owner records are included with the car at sale.

Instead, make a hobby out of your Jaguar. Researching, then purchasing, then owning one of these cars can actually be an enjoyable process if (a) you are a motorhead, and (b) you are dealing with fellow motorheads. This is why I recommend you buy privately, ideally from the original owner, and avoid the whole grimy used-car business.


Start by joining one of the big Jaguar forums you’ll find on the web. Inhabit the X351 section, listen, and learn. All members are Jag lovers and want to help aspiring owners, but do your own research first and learn as much about the car as you can. Try to narrow your selection to a specific range of model years and configurations. (Tip: The high-horsepower V8 models suck gas and make more power than you can use on the street, and are more likely to be driven hard. I’d be looking at a naturally aspirated V8 or even the V6, which is smooth, super economical to run, and provides more than adequate power.)

I’d also lean toward a long wheelbase version because the standard length is a bit snug in the back for adults.

Be ready to spend a few weeks or even months finding just the right car. You are in the right place at the right time, so why rush? The informed X351 shopper has been gifted with an array of superb executive sedans at giveaway prices. Buy privately if you can, from an owner who loves his car and wants it to go to a good home. With prices so low, you should be able to convince the seller without haggling over price, instead making the case that you are the guy or girl to take over his or her car and give it the same TLC it received in the past. This approach might sound unreal to most car shoppers, but like their cars, British car owners are a different breed and feel very personal about their cars. I’ve used Craigslist to buy and sell cars from and to fellow enthusiasts since moving to the Bay Area in 1996, and I’ve never been steered wrong.

If you’re on the fence, my advice would be to take an X351 for a serious drive and find out if you begin to feel you absolutely MUST have one of these cars. If a Jaguar is not for you, you’ll have saved yourself a lot of time. But let me warn you, you are far more likely to fall under its spell and feel compelled to buy one immediately. It’s a big commitment so do not be impulsive. Thousands of these cars are for sale in the USA and it’s totally a buyer’s market. Know-nothing German luxury shoppers would not even consider a Jaguar — they just want to keep up status-wise with their neighbor’s BMW.

And unfortunately the XJ marketplace is about to get worse. The plan for 2023 was to announce an all-new, all-electric XJ sedan. But the trend away from sedans in favor of SUVs has caused Jaguar management to instead retire the X351 XJ sedan and replace it with a super-luxury electric SUV. It might carry the XJ model name or it might not. Regardless, once word gets out, the X351 XJ will be perceived as an orphan with no assurance of factory support in future years. I am certain this will NOT be the case because Jaguar’s owner, Tata, is a wealthy, diverse multinational corporation that can afford to provide parts and carry out safety recalls for the indefinite future. Still, it is important that you be aware of the situation so you can make an informed decision. I’m biased, but if seeking an executive sedan you can choose between a cookie-cutter black German variant, cold and austere, OR . . . the last high-performance luxury four-door with genuine sex appeal, its like never to be seen again after this generation.

[peterorigenes]

I have a 2011 XJL 5.0 SC (USA). 83, 000 miles now, vehicle bought used in 2015 with 30, 000 with CPO and a suprisingly inexpensive jaguar extended warranty to 100K miles or year 2021. This is a tremendous vehicle, feels and drives much smaller that its size would suggest and with far more sporty feel that big MB/Audi/BMW/Lexus alternatives. Really it is a different kind of car for a driver who likes a more sporting feel. I prefer the 6 speed gearbox to the later 8 speed version. 470hp version is RWD, hugely powerful for 4300 lbs, requires a deft hand to drive in the snow even with snow tires (pirelli sottozero II). Brakes are touchy and steering is quick at slow speeds but wonderful at higher speeds, brakes especially take some getting used to on the early cars. Transiently idles a bit rough during warm up but always runs smooth. Rides well and is quiet inside. I have driven the 3.0 SC AWD 8-speed version, don't like the tranny calibration as much and it seems they softened the brakes up a bit (although smaller brakes are specified on the 3.0 versions) as well as suspension calibration for an even smoother ride versus earlier 5.0 SC cars? Main design flaws...marginal low beams for the Xenon headlights (later cars with LED are slightly better but the beam pattern is still too low and not adjustable) and a sunroof that creaks (more on that below). BTW, early Bowers & Wilkens 1200w stereo is tremendous, I like it better than the later Meridien sound system. 2011 Amirante wheel version is unique and especially good looking on grey car, I receive A LOT of compliments on them.

Brakes are hugely powerful in the SC version, although they seem to last only 30-40K miles and are hugely expensive to replace at the main dealer; mine are done at an independent shop using high quality parts (rotors, pads)...$1200. Sunroof creaking as described in the main design flaw, it gets adjusted every year and is good for awhile, under warranty. Non-scheduled maintenance includes: replaced steering rack at 50, 000 miles ($4, 000 but under warranty); water pump at 60, 000 miles ($700 under warranty, pretty inexpensive compared to a similar job on other cars as the water pump is easily accessible); 80, 000 miles AC compressor failure ($2, 000 but replaced under warranty), hood sensor for security system (under warranty), front upper/lower/sway bar bushings and ball joints (a very expensive job at main dealer but under warranty). All other maintenance routine (oil changes, tranny flush, battery, top end decarbonization for DI engine) and all other systems work well. Eats expensive tires, staggered tire F/R prevents back to front rotation. Several 20" wheels bent or broken due to bad USA roads despite careful driving, also contributes to front end bushing/ball joint wear. Amirante wheels look great on grey car but are getting difficult to find for the broken ones from hitting massive pothole.

Overall, while not a Lexus for reliability, not unlike experiences with other premium brands. Get a long term warranty if possible or buy a used car that is up to date with documented service. I would not buy a higher mileage car like mine without new front bushes and brakes already being services. Better reliability experience than big MB or BMW, and way better than a 2013 Audi A6 TDI I had in the UK.

With the huge depreciation, a good buy in a premium sedan that you won't see everybody driving (at least in the USA), still looks modern and nearly identical to the new cars being sold for a little bit longer. I will pick up a XJL 575 used in a few years, they seem to accumulate low mileage and that one will be hugely depreciated as well.

[peterorigenes]

Just returned from a 500 mile trip in the 2011 XJL 5.0 SC rwd referenced below. Affirmed my enjoyment in owning this car especially for long trips. The power is effortless in the 5.0 version, allowing placement of the car so smoothly with acceleration into heavy but fast moving traffic. Averaged 25mpg with fast pace between 70-85 mph motorway (freeway) driving. Lumbar massage is good! Too bad it does not have massage in seat bottom. Seat cooling works well. By the way, transmission programming in sport mode engaged in driver gear selector and dynamic mode engaged is very agressive (nice!). In sport+dynamic mode, the car remains in the manual gear selected and does not revert back to automatic until right shift paddle is pulled and held. I have become used to driving this in both manual mode and automatic mode, and like/use both.

Minor vibration from an unbalanced tire, all of these cars with big wheels are super sensitive to wheel balance, the Jaguar included. I recently drove a 2018 3.0 SC awd (granted, it was a brand new dealer service loaner/demo car), it rode more smoothly which I attribute to the 19" versus 20" wheels although brand new with less than 800 miles so tires are new and all suspension components (versus my car, which is very nice with new front end bushes and ball joints, super tight, but tires Continental DWS tires now have 10, 000 miles). While not nearly as powerful as the 5.0, nor as good a sound, it never felt underpowered and uses the 8 speed gearbox to advantage versus the 6 speed box in my 2011.

I have to say that while I do not drive like a hooligan, I dusted off a big AMG GL63 on 270 -degree off ramp who was up under my rear bumper. I think he was upset because he blasted by me a mile later and then parked himself in front of my bumper going down the road. Maybe he just scared himself in the top-heavy beast. These big Jags are sneaky-sporty.
Grace and Pace. LOL

[HerseyFam]

Excellent review! I owned a 2011 XJL and it was by far the most reliable vehicle I'd ever purchased. I was rear ended and insurance deemed it a total loss due to it being a used vehicle and is is very expensive to repair an aluminum chaise. It is definitely a drivers car and I do plan to buy another one in the near future. As was stated in the video do your homework prior to purchasing a used car especially foreign luxury. It can definitely get expensive as the mileage increases.

[alexp]

Wow! This is suck a useful channel!!! I mean, this is what I need when buying a car, not browsing tens of forums for simple answers! Subscribed!

[a.a.alexander]

This is an excellent video review. The level of insight is commendable and the text insets are a welcome surprise and very helpful. This was edited by sb whose first language is not English, but the guy verbalises very well. Are you in car sales, servicing or a mechanic? Answer aside, thanks to you, any potential buyer will know where they stand with this car thanks to you.

[scotty-]

All cars have problems from time to time. It's nice to find an honest review so you know what to look for when buying a new car.🙂

[martinpopov]

I own 2 Jaguars both the X300s both Vanden Plas, a 1995 and a 1996 from the Ford Era. One is at 160, 000.00 miles the other is passing 350, 000.00 miles . Both cars are still 90% original components and daily drivers. I drive 1990s Jaguars as a personal choice. The mileage on both cars speaks the most. I maintain them myself. I am leaving up to all of you to decide if XJ models are not reliable. Remember in the right hands the AJ16 engine the AJ V8, the S type, X type engines can go up to 500, 000.00 miles and more. The Jaguar XJ from 2011 featured in this video with proper care by the owner can top 1, 000, 000.00 miles easily so as the transmission. It is up to all of you, how you drive them and who cares for them. These exotic British cars are most dependable when the owner spends enough time and patience to work on the car by himself and only visit a mechanic as a last resort. Happy motoring with the big cats.

[jensz]

Had the 2015 XJL Portfolio AWD. I can tell you without hesitation that its likely THE most comfortable car I have ever driven. The seats are excellent on long trips and the interior lighting is something cool to look at. The car really picks up like a champ too, seems effortless to get up to 80MPH.


Now that is where my love for the car stopped. After about 9 months of having it it started to get little electronic glitches here and there, was in dealership service bay 6 times, they never figured out issue. After pumping gas one day I went to start the car and it didnt start...nothing....DEAD! Finally after about 30 min of messing around, then waiting for a couple minutes and trying again and again it started. I went down the street and it started bucking like a damn bronco. I pulled in somewhere thinking I had just blown the damn engine, had it towed and was in a loaner for a week and a half, they claimed they fixed it, happened again about a month later.


Since I had heard stories prior to purchasing the vehicle about how crappy Jags were I already knew that the issues were an omen of things to come. Looking back I should have listened, but since Tata Motors acquired Jag I thought it means more quality and a change of direction...I was wrong. I cut my losses on it, sold it and got into a more reliable large lux sedan. Bottom line even under warranty the car is NOT worth the hassle of playing games with dealership and running around in a loaner. Best to stick with a reliable manufacturer, which are becoming harder to come by.





I think what the issue is with all the large luxury sedans is that they stuff so many damn useless electronics in the cars that they forego reliability of main components and you end up witha nice luxury car sitting your ass on side of the road or parking lot waiting for a tow meanwhile you look over and seea 20 year old Toyota pumping gas and taking off. Says a lot about the way reliability is going down and cost of ownership and repairs are going UP. So no doubt, when the car is operational oits a pleasure, but just dont expect it to be that way for long.

[vicdamondjr]

The maintenance hasn't deprecated make sure you have an warranty I haven't had any problems with mines but my friend has no warranty and his stay in the shop

[DoctorUM_]

Just bought a US 2012 V8.

Just realize, the quality for a car of this price is better than any car i've ever owned. You get so much car for under $20k. Yes it's a jag so don't expect care free, but it is worth it if you have the money to keep it up.

By the way, the trick to fix the sticky buttons is to rub them with lotion and paper towel. Mine are perfectly smooth now and it was not a hard fix.

[MrJrlemons]

Thinking about buying a Jaguar XJ. This vid was extremely helpful. Thanks!

[Lanpenn]

Very good video.

Something that surprises me is the low prices of parts there in Europe for a car such as this Jaguar. Here in Brazil the prices should be 5x to 10x costlier.

[Dave-in-France]

I didn't realise that Checkov has gotten into used car sales.

[Mrvfr]

I get a 2010 V6 diesel XJ portfolio, it looks like new, is incredibly comfortable, is really reliable, cost very cheap compare to German used cars...if I have to change, it would be for the same but a 2015/2016, because the multimedia is terribly slow...

[velvetthundr]

Hi, thank you so so much for this video. I was waiting patiently for your advice before buying an XJL

[Mabeylater]

Seems a heck of a lot more reliable than a bmw 7 series.

[mithileshuppoor]

the end summary was extremely helpful 👍🏻

[vermin]

Been looking at one of these. I work on all my own cars, so I'm not too scared off by some maintenance, good to know what to look for, thanks for posting.

[kaspar_]

i feel as if i just had a jaguar review by count Dracula. as i am a fan of the count and jaguar its very good. very good advice at the end.