2010 Jaguar XJ
The all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ has sleek, almost futuristic, lines. Externally, the ‘Jaguar grille’ was the only major carryover from the past.
Though the body has ultra-modern styling, the interior has could be optioned with traditional leather-and-wood options – the best of both worlds that please the traditionalists who loved the original XJ models. There’s a nice wrap-around effect that carries the dash area neatly into the doors.
So good is the shape of the 2010 Jaguar XJ that it’s largely unchanged nine years later. There were minor facelifts in 2014 and 2015, but show a non-car person a 2010 Jaguar saloon and tell them it’s a 2018 and they won’t doubt you.
However, the end is nigh and the factory stopped producing the XJ midway through 2019. What’s next? We wait with bated breath for the reveal of the 2020 edition. (Keep on eye on our News pages.)
2013 Jaguar XJR
As of mid-2008 Jaguar has been controlled by Indian company, Tata. The Indians have an excellent understanding of English traditions – indeed, they can be more English than the English. So the British marque looks is in good hands, with the engineers and stylists being pretty well left alone other than, presumably, working within budgets.
A drawback in the older Jaguars, is the tight interior space. These are a low-slung sports saloons, not sedans. The post 2010 XJs are better than the old ones, but check out the back seat if you are planning to carry tall adults on a routine basis. The LWB (long wheelbase) models are popular in Australia, you may be asked to pay a fair bit more, but we reckon it’s worth it if the back seat is to be used by anything other than junior travellers.
Petrol engines are 3.0-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8. The latter is offered in supercharged format in the high-performance Jaguar XJR.
2018 Jaguar XJ
Transmission is through a six-speed automatic until 2013 when an eight-speed unit was introduced. The latter is a better buy and worth paying extra for. The six-speed has an interesting shifter that offers the driver manual selection of a type we have never seen before – or since.
A 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in V6 format was an interesting option, we’ve noticed quite a lot for sale in Australia at the moment. Perhaps because owners are having troubles, but more likely because there’s a solid swing away from diesel cars in the UK and Europe.
There’s the seemingly inevitable diesel engine noise at idle, particularly when the engine’s cold, but from inside it’s virtually as smooth and quiet as a petrol unit. And has bags of torque to really make for effortless driving.
Servicing and spare parts are on the high side so don’t fall for the trap of putting all your money into buying the car and then finding yourself unable to keep it in the manner in which it is accustomed.
Insurance costs are about average for a prestige car that sold in relatively small numbers. There’s not a great deal of difference in costs but it’s still worth shopping around for a good deal. As usual we suggest it’s smart to build up a history with one insurance company rather than flitting from place to place.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
By this time Jaguars were significantly more reliable than in the past, but it’s still smart to be wary. Do your own initial inspection by all means, but alway invest in a professional. Ideally one with formal Jaguar training.
Make sure the engine starts easily and idles smoothly and quietly. On your road test be sure it doesn’t hesitate and there are no smoke fumes from the exhaust.
Check that the brake fluid has been changed on schedule. Not doing so can lead to expensive troubles.
Watch out for an automatic transmission that’s slow to go into gear and/or which hunts from gear to gear unnecessarily. Hill climbing for an extended distance usually brings out this fault.
Damaged aluminium panels may have to be repaired by a specialist so be sure to get a quote from an expert, even for the smallest scratches and dents.
Drive on a rough road and listen for squeaks and rattles. We tested some with a sunroof that moved in its housing during these conditions.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $27,000 to $36,000 for a 2010 Jaguar XJ 3.0D Premium Luxury; $40,000 to $55,000 for a 2012 5.0 Premium Luxury; $64,000 to $86,000 for a 2015 3.0D Premium Luxury; $75,000 to $100,000 for a 2012 5.0 SC V8 Supersport; $93,000 to $123,000 for a 2016 3.0 V6 Premium Luxury; $120,000 to $161,000 for a 2015 5.0 SC V8 Supersport; $136,000 to $185,000 for a 2016 5.0 SC V8 Autobiography; and $156,000 to $210,000 for a 2017 5.0 SC V8 Autobiography.
CAR BUYING TIP
Buying a premium car? Make sure you have a premium bank account to back it up in servicing and repairs.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
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