Used Jaguar XJ Overview

The XJ was first launched by Jaguar in 1968 under the purpose of serving as Jagur's flagship model. Throughout the years, the used XJ has continued to hold its place in the Jaguar lineup. The XJ's existence is important as the original model was the last Jaguar saloon to have had the input of Sir William Lyons, the company's founder.

Series 2 (1973-1979)

Commonly referred to as the "Series II" the XJ line was facelifted for the 1974 model year. The cars also got the addition of electronic fuel injection in the place of Zenith-Stromberg carburettors. Initially the Series II was offered with two wheel bases, but at the 1974 London Motor Show Jaguar announced the withdrawal of the 'standard wheel base' version: subsequent saloons/sedans all featured the extra 4 inches (10 cm) of passenger cabin length hitherto featured only by the 'long wheel base' model. Visually, Series II cars are differentiated from their predecessors by raised front bumpers to meet US crash safety regulations, which necessitated a smaller grille, complemented by a discrete additional inlet directly below the bumper. In May 1977 it was announced that automatic transmission version of the 12 cylinder cars would be fitted with a General Motors three speed THM 400 transmission in place of the British built Borg-Warner units used hitherto.

Series 3 (1979 - 1992)

 The Next generation of the used XJ began in late 1979. Using the long-wheelbase version of the car, the XJ6 incorporated a subtle redesign by Pininfarina. The larger 6-cylinder, and V12 models incorporated Bosch fuel injection while the smaller 6-cylinder was carbureted. The short wheelbase saloon and coupe had been dropped during the final years of the Series II XJ. The introduction of the Series III model also saw the option of a sunroof and cruise control for the first time on an XJ model. In 1981 a top spec Vanden Plas model was introduced for the US market, a model designation still used today for the top-level XJ saloon in the US. In 1982 the interior of the XJ underwent a minor update. A trip computer appeared for the first time and was fitted as standard on V12 models. A new and much sought-after alloy wheel featuring numerous distinctive circular holes was also introduced. In 1983 the Sovereign name was transferred from Daimler to a new top spec Jaguar model, the Jaguar Sovereign. Daimler models became the Daimler 4.2 and Double Six and were the most luxurious XJ Series III models, being fully optioned with Vanden Plas spec interiors. The last Series III XJ with a six-cylinder engine was produced in 1987. Production of the Series III XJ continued until 1992 with the V12 engine. In total between 1968 and 1992 there were around 318,000 XJ6 and XJ12 Jaguars produced.

XJ Series X350 (2003-2007)

In early 2003, the all-new third generation XJ (known as X350) arrived in showrooms. While the car's exterior and interior styling were traditional in appearance, the car was completely re-engineered. The new car also saw the return of the fabled XJ6 badge, and with it 6-cylinder power, albeit in a V-configuration. Although traditional in appearance, the car was actually highly technologically advanced: for example, it had an all-aluminium body that made the car very light compared to rivals, bringing improvements in performance, agility and economy.

X358 (2007-2009)

The X358 is a face-lifted version of the X350, and was unveiled at the end of February 2006. Aesthetically, the main changes were a new lower grille system, with a deeper, more aggressive gape, and side air vents added similar to those introduced on Ian Callum's 2005 XK. Although major revisions kept the Mark 2 competitive in some areas against its rivals, the basic design dated back to 1986 which meant the car was very quickly being outclassed and losing ground to its rivals, many of which were now two generations advanced from the original competitors of the Mark 2 XJ.

Buying a Used Jaguar XJ

The used XJ is available throughout s number of years; to get the most modern safety features and technology, a model from the past five years may be best for used car consumers. Overall, the XJ is Jaguar's top of the line model. It is a beautiful car that is best known for pampering occupants with traditional British luxury and a silky smooth ride. The XJ is built on a light and strong all-aluminum structure. In 2009 the XJ is powered by either a 300-hp 4.2-liter V8 or a 400-hp 4.2-liter supercharged V8. An adjustable air suspension is responsible for the modern XJ's impressive road handling abilities and luxurious ride. Safety features include dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, and front side-impact airbags. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard.