So good was the shape of the 2010 Jaguar XJ that it remained largely unchanged for years.
Though the body has ultra-modern styling, the interior has could be optioned with traditional leather-and-wood options.
It was the best of both worlds that pleased the traditionalists who loved the original XJ models.
There’s a nice wrap-around effect that carries the dash area neatly into the doors.
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 2020.
Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Bollore said “the planned Jaguar XJ replacement will not form part of the line-up”.
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 to be in good hands, with the engineers and stylists being pretty well left alone other than, presumably, working within budgets.
A drawback in older Jaguars, is the tight interior space.
These are 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 range from a 3.0-litre V6 to a 5.0-litre V8.
The latter is offered in supercharged format in the high-performance Jaguar XJR.
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 had never seen before.
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 some 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.
The diesel has plenty of torque that makes for effortless driving.
Servicing and spare parts are on the high side so do not fall into 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 always 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 cars with a sunroof that moved in its housing during these conditions.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $24,000 to $33,000 for a 2010 Jaguar XJ Premium Luxury; $33,000 to $45,000 for a 2011 V8 Portfolio; $43,000 to $57,000 for a 2015 Premium Luxury; $52,000 to $69,000 for a 2016 Portfolio; $64,000 to $85,000 for a 2013 V8 Supersport; $76,000 to
$102,000 for a 2016 V8 Autobiography; $84,000 to $113,000 for a 2017 Portfolio; $103,000 to $139,000 for an XJR Supercharged V8; and $114,000 to $152,000 for a 2020 Premium Luxury.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/