[x300] Buying an X350 (that question)

X300
1

In what I’ve managed to read so far and following a test
drive a few months ago (where air springs thoroughly
impressed me), I’m slowly gearing up for a step up
(sideways?) to an X350 (from a 1996 X300). By now, and in
comparison with X351, it even seems ‘retro’ enough to
resemble a classic style Jaguar. (well, not as square as I’d
like it to be and a bit too bulky, but comfort and pace of
technology moving forward amount to something in my books).

Anyhow, the question is more logistical for (UK) list
members - would anyone know a good reliable way of going
about a purchase (aka how to avoid a lemon)? Private or
trade sales - or even better, is there an advert board where
forum members post when parting with loved & cherished X350’s?

Would be interested in a 3.0 petrol (to convert to LPG) or
2.7TDVI (so I don’t have to convert it to LPG :-), possibly
a 3.5 petrol as well, but not bigger engines, and a good
reliable one to drive around in and enjoy rather than be
fixing all the time.

Thanks,
Petar–
1996 X300 (XJ6 Sovereign 3.2l, auto, LHD)
Teddington, London, United Kingdom
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2

In reply to a message from Petar sent Fri 9 Mar 2012:

Peter. I have always been the type of person who trusts his own
instincts more than I do others when buying a car. I have seen too
many times when you listen to somebody else give advice even when
given with the best intentions, just to find out afterwards when it
is too late that they have missed something really important.

So thoroughly do your homework first and then go kick some tyres.
By all means take somebody with you but trust yourself, you are the
one spending the money.

So I go drive the cars and kick the tyres myself and inspect
everything I can, purposely looking for something to make me ‘‘not
want to buy the car’’. It makes you far more critical with your
observations when it is your money on the line.

Again the way to get the best price possible is to always be
prepared to walk away from the car if the price you have in mind is
not accepted. There are lots out there to choose from so at no time
is it necessary to over pay for one.

If you do decide on any of the X350 models you are going to love it.–
The original message included these comments:

impressed me), I’m slowly gearing up for a step up
(sideways?) to an X350 (from a 1996 X300). By now, and in
comparison with X351, it even seems ‘retro’ enough to

–
Peddlarbob
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3

In reply to a message from Petar sent Fri 9 Mar 2012:

Petar,

You wont be dissapointed by moving up to an X350. However dont buy
any older than an 05 model. Earlier models had a few quirks,
nothing really serious but could be annoying and costly to put
right.
Also the L model with the longer wheelbase gives the car a more
balanced look, and some decent legroom in the back.
We moved up from a 96 XJ6 to an 05 XJ8L 6 years ago, a huge
improvement over previous models.I passed on the X308 due to timing
tensioners and water pump problems.Our 05 XJ8L is no 5 XJ for us
and definatley the best.
At 100 000 miles our 05 X350 runs and drives like when it was new!!!
Would like a new model , however am turned off by the restyle of
the new XJ so will be driving our present car another 50 000
miles. Have no knowledge of smaller engines, as they are not sold
here.

Kim R.–
sportscarguy
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4

In reply to a message from Petar sent Fri 9 Mar 2012:

Petar,

The X350 is a brilliant car and it certainly looks more like a
Jaguar with current offerings as a backdrop. Any model year is good
although I don’t differ with the advice given. The 2003 - 2005 cars
are amazing value for money even if they have the odd quirk. People
still buy E Types after all!

What you might try to avoid is buying a V6 to get it converted to
LPG. The valves are not up to it. Get the V8 and have no worries.

Regards

Steve–
Jags on gas
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5

In reply to a message from Jags on gas sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

2003 and 2004 X350 cars may be amazing value , however why put up
with fluttering Tachs and some tranny issues when you dont have too.
Of course the X350 did not hit our shores till 2004. Actually one
of the X350 strong points is an 8 cylinder car with great gas
mileage.
Did not fully understand the reference to E Types !!

Kim R.–
sportscarguy
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6

In reply to a message from sportscarguy sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

The only quirk I am aware of with the 2005 X350 onwards is with the
air ride suspension when used in cold climates. However if you
allow between $1,000 to $1,500 with the price you offer for the
car. This can be taken care of with a redesigned system that
carries a lifetime warranty with it. I did the complete fronts on
mine just to be safe, for a little over $700.00.–
The original message included these comments:

2003 and 2004 X350 cars may be amazing value , however why put up
with fluttering Tachs and some tranny issues when you dont have too.
Of course the X350 did not hit our shores till 2004. Actually one

–
Peddlarbob
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7

Where did you obtain your redesigned system??

Roger
Zircon 05 XJ8L
FL USA

At 10:22 AM 3/10/2012, you wrote:>This can be taken care of with a redesigned system that

carries a lifetime warranty with it. I did the complete fronts on
mine just to be safe, for a little over $700.00.

8

In reply to a message from Roger Coole sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

Arnott Inc in Florida.–
The original message included these comments:

Where did you obtain your redesigned system??

–
Peddlarbob
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9

Thanks for that. Will be good to know if/when I have to do mine.

At 12:50 PM 3/10/2012, you wrote:>Arnott Inc in Florida.

–
The original message included these comments:

Where did you obtain your redesigned system??

10

In reply to a message from Roger Coole sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

This is some very good info guys, many thanks!

Peddlarbob, I like your approach to buying the car - I was
26 when I bought this X300, did not do 10% of checking that
I should have, but had enough luck to get me through (and
then a few bits to fix, as you do when acting like that :slight_smile:

Re: that redisigned suspension system, is that OEM/Jaguar
supplied, or someone who makes an aftermarket system which
is better - and is it the air shocks and the compressor (or
other bits (too))?

I’d be looking at 2007 or even 2008, figured it’s probably
best to invest some in a newer car rather than set aside for
repairs from day 1.

Steve - did you mean get a V8 AND convert to LPG, or just go
for a V8? The 3.2 X300 I drive now is LPG converted and
quite happy (though I still find it too expensive with LPG @
.80 Eur and @ about 15-25 liters per 100 KM I get around
town), hence my looking at LPG if going for a petrol car -
and coming from a 6 cyl engine I thought V6 would be just
fine with tech improvements over the 10 years… In any
case, if anyone with an LPG converted X350 reads, please
chime in, I’d be very interested in LPG MPG figures (and
thoughts in general).

Am so far more inclined to go for SWB as even that is too
big for some places in Europe where this car would spend
most of its time - might change if the right car is actually
a LWB though.

One last question (for now) - does anyone know why current
listings (pistonheads, jaguar approved used, ebay,
autotrader) have diesel cars as majority - did petrol
versions already go through their change of hands period
with diesels now being en vogue, or was 2007-08 more of a
diesel yer (or do petrol cars simply sell faster)?

Thanks again,
Petar–
1996 X300 (XJ6 Sovereign 3.2l, auto, LHD)
Teddington, London, United Kingdom
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11

In reply to a message from Petar sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

A quick additional one - why would a 2008 Sovereign WITH
walnut trim NOT have a wooden steering wheel - what’s that
all about:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJ-Series-2-7TDVi-auto-XJ-Sovereign-/120830716898?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c22126be2

Did they remove wood in facelift models - or is that the
only way to get steering wheel heating (how much can one
spoil themselves?)–
1996 X300 (XJ6 Sovereign 3.2l, auto, LHD)
Teddington, London, United Kingdom
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12

In reply to a message from Peddlarbob sent Fri 9 Mar 2012:

Don’t write off the 4.2’s. On the combined cycle there is
only 0.5mpg difference between that and the 3.5L and 1mpg
difference between that and the 3.0L but it is between 1 and
1.5 secs quicker to 60mph than the other two.

I regularly see 30mpg on long runs in mine and it is amazing
how much more economical it is than my old X308 XJR.–
Richard '04 XJ8 4.2 SE
Christchurch, New Zealand
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13

In reply to a message from Petar sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

Peter the ones I purchased were modified OEM air shocks. They are
not standard Jaguar; however to my understanding they are Jaguar
ones that have been modified to be better then Jaguar and not be so
sensitive to cold weather.

From my research on the X350’s I learned that the air shocks have a
weakness that allows them to lose air when used in cold weather.
This then makes the compressor overwork causing premature failure
of that unit.

I am a very strong believer in the value of preventative
maintenance and mine had started to lose air. So I decided to
change them before the trouble got any worse and I lost the
compressor. I changed them for a little more than the price of a
compressor. Cheap piece of mind.–
The original message included these comments:

Re: that redisigned suspension system, is that OEM/Jaguar
supplied, or someone who makes an aftermarket system which
is better - and is it the air shocks and the compressor (or
other bits (too))?

–
Peddlarbob
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14

In reply to a message from Petar sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

Hey not only is it not wood but it is on the wrong side of the
car. :)–
The original message included these comments:

A quick additional one - why would a 2008 Sovereign WITH
walnut trim NOT have a wooden steering wheel - what’s that
all about:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJ-Series-2-7TDVi-auto-XJ-Sovereign-/120830716898?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c22126be2

–
Peddlarbob
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15

In reply to a message from Peddlarbob sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

:-))

Coming from LHD cars, I know what you mean - but can’t say
there isn’t a certain charm to having the steering wheel on
the other side somehow - it is a British car after all, so
something of a native setup. She’s also likely to end up in
Australia in a year or two, so a bit of forward thinking there.

We’ll see what the missus thinks about driving in what she’s
so far known as the driver’s seat ;-)–
1996 X300 (XJ6 Sovereign 3.2l, auto, LHD)
Teddington, London, United Kingdom
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16

In reply to a message from Petar sent Sun 11 Mar 2012:

This page will explain all;

http://www.go-lpg.co.uk/VSR.html

The Ford V6 fitted to Jaguar cars has no similarity with the Jaguar
straight 6 (AJ16 etc.) save that it is made of metal, and the
number of apark plugs it uses.

Regards

Steve–
Jags on gas
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17

In reply to a message from Petar sent Sat 10 Mar 2012:

A quick additional one - why would a 2008 Sovereign WITH
walnut trim NOT have a wooden steering wheel - what’s that
all about:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJ-Series-2-7TDVi-auto-XJ-Sovereign-/120830716898?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c22126be2

Did they remove wood in facelift models - or is that the
only way to get steering wheel heating (how much can one
spoil themselves?)

Maybe the guy who originally bought it thinks the same as me - that
those wooden wheels are hideous.On 10.03.2012 22:41, Petar wrote:

Roy G. Ovrebo '98 Jaguar XJ8 3.2
Karmoy '82 BMW 732i
Norway

18

In reply to a message from Roy G. Ovrebo sent Sun 11 Mar 2012:

The steering wheel on our 05 XJ8L is both burled wood and
heated .Of course we are all different in our thinking, I however
think it looks great and find the plain wheel totally out of
character with all the wood on the dash and console.
Cheers to the fact we are all indivual.

Kim R.–
sportscarguy
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19

In reply to a message from sportscarguy sent Sun 11 Mar 2012:

I am with you on that Kim. I like the partial wooden wheel I have
for the same reasons. I did however dislike the lighter coloured
gear selected knob. So I have tinted mine darker to match the rest
of the wood. Finishes off the interior nicely.–
The original message included these comments:

The steering wheel on our 05 XJ8L is both burled wood and
heated .Of course we are all different in our thinking, I however
think it looks great and find the plain wheel totally out of
character with all the wood on the dash and console.

–
Peddlarbob
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20

In reply to a message from Peddlarbob sent Sun 11 Mar 2012:

No offence to invididual tastes meant or intended - am just
wondering why most cars from X300 or X308 days would have
part wooden steering wheeels (the ones I’ve looked at all
did), with most X350’s from 2007 and 08 seeming not to have
them, seeming to make that a sort of trend …–
1996 X300 (XJ6 Sovereign 3.2l, auto, LHD)
Teddington, London, United Kingdom
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