Used Jaguar XJ

What to know before buying: Jaguar XJ

From 2 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The X351 is a 2009–2019 luxury saloon offered with petrol and diesel engines; its exact engine, transmission and specification should be identified by VIN.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351
• An owner of a 2008 X358 Daimler Super Eight praised its luxurious trim, considered it fairly reliable and regretted selling it, but described daily upkeep as expensive.[2]one source
• The XJ suspension is designed for ride comfort and good handling, although bushes, dampers and air-suspension components are subject to wear.[4]one source
• The XJ's aluminium body is more corrosion-resistant than a steel one, but corrosion can still develop where the paintwork is damaged.[4]one source

Typical faults

• X351 2.7/3.0-litre Lion V6 diesels are reported to suffer spun bearings or crankshaft failure, plus turbo and EGR trouble, especially a poorly serviced 2.7 TDV6.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351

  120 000+ km · 2.7 V6 Lion diesel, 3.0 V6 Lion diesel

• The X351's supercharged 5.0 V8 and 3.0 V6 can develop leaks from the water pump and plastic cooling pipes.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351

  80 000+ km · 3.0 V6 supercharged petrol, 5.0 V8 supercharged petrol

• Early X351 models with the 5.0 V8 are reported to have timing-chain tensioner and guide problems.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351

  2010–2012 · 5.0 V8 petrol

• An owner of a 2008 X358 reported that its air suspension and control arms commonly approach replacement at about 100,000–120,000 km, with costly repairs.[2]one source

  100 000–120 000 km · 2008–2008 · 4.2 petrol

• In inspection data for 1969–1987 XJs, excessive fluid leakage repeatedly appeared as the leading serious defect; the statistics cover only cars that failed inspection.[3]one sourceJaguar XJ (1968–1992)

  1969–1987

• One 2016 X351 with a 3.0-litre petrol engine developed vibration, misfiring, hard starting and stalling when warm at 118,000 km; the account did not establish the cause.[1]one sourceJaguar XJ X351

  118 000–118 000 km · 2016–2016 · 3.0 petrol

Which engine and version to take

• Among the compared X351 engines, the 3.0 V6 petrol is the more cautious choice: it carries a medium cooling-system risk, while the Lion diesels carry high crankshaft and turbo risk.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351

What to avoid

• Avoid an X351 with the 2.7/3.0-litre Lion V6 diesel unless its service history is convincing: the source flags high bearing, crankshaft and turbo risk from about 120,000 km.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351

What to check at the inspection

• For an X351, identify the exact engine, transmission and specification from the VIN, not solely from the seller's description.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351
• On a Lion V6 diesel, check oil pressure, listen for lower-engine knocking and request records of service intervals and timing-belt replacement.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351
• On supercharged X351 3.0 V6 and 5.0 V8 engines, check coolant level and leaks; listen for chain noise during a cold start.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351
• During inspection, check the suspension bushes, dampers, air springs and air-suspension compressor.[4]one source
• Inspect the aluminium body's paint, chips and scratches, plus the door and window seals; corrosion can form where the finish is damaged.[4]one source
• Use the VIN to confirm whether the X351's recall for front-airbag control-module software has been completed.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351
• For a 2018 X351 with the AJ-126 3.0 V6 or AJ-133 5.0 V8, use the VIN to verify completion of the crankshaft-pulley bolt recall.[5]one sourceJaguar XJ X351

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]jaguarclubrussia.com — Проблема с двигателем XJ (x351) бензин 3л 2016год · forum
2. [2]jaguarclubrussia.com — Отзывы о своих автомобилях / Jaguar XJ 350/358 · forum
3. [3]autozine.nl — Betrouwbaarheid Jaguar XJ (1968 - 1992) · press
4. [4]jaguarxf.ru — Jaguar XJ с пробегом: типичные неисправности ... · press
5. [5]autoradars.lv — Jaguar XJ XJ X351 (2009 - 2019): проблемы и риски · press

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