Jaguar X350 & X358

Magazine Subscription

Subscribe to Classic Motoring Magazine and save over 20%

Subscribe NOW

Available at all good newsagents including WHSmith

In essence, the X350 is the link between traditional Jags and the swanky new ones. Jaguar’s XK sportster showed that company didn’t live in the past and its high tech replacement for the X300 débuting at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, was proof of this. Like the XK it relied upon aluminium construction to save weight but Jaguar cleverly twinned it with traditional styling that was reminiscent of the S1 XJ6. A much larger and substantial car than the X300, it offers much more interior space and, for a Jaguar, a huge boot. Like all XJs they are spectacular value for money even if body repairs will be expensive.

Driving

Apart from the looks, there’s no mistaking the X350 (and the X358 revision) for anything other than an XJ as you waft along in supreme comfort and silence. There’s a choice of engines, ranging from a 240bhp 3-litre V6 (a derivative of the unit used in the S-Types) right up to a scorching 4.2-litre 400bhp supercharged XJR. At the other end of the scale, there’s a gutsy 2.7-litre TD V6 as found in the Range Rover Sport. Their inherent light weight, which is considerably less than both the X-Type and S-Type, means ample enough pace, while economy on petrol models is in excess of 25mpg with ease.

Values

When new, these were £41K executive saloons (£60,000 in the case of the XJR) but truly massive depreciation has seen values plummet like an anvil and you can easily pick one up for £5000 if you’re feeling brave! Given the design’s complexity, we’d sleep a bit easier by budgeting around £7-£10K and buying from a Jag specialist offering a sleep easy warranty. You can own one of the X358 facelifts from well under five figures at a dealer with warranty but with depreciation still so heavy and with more to come, we’d look to an older car unless something really good crops up, cheaply.

Timeline

2003 Replacement for the X358 with all new body and superstructure and rear air suspension plus uprated engines

2005 Daimler’s Super V8 is replaced by more luxurious Super Eight; 2.7 TDVi added to the range as was new flagship, the Super V8 Portfolio albeit a limited run special aimed at US markets

2007 Replacing the old Daimler badge (in some markets), Jaguar brought back the Sovereign name

2008 X358 introduced; general upgrade all round (front wings on all are of XJR style); the interior gains better seats. Trim levels comprise: Executive, Sport Premium, Sovereign and the usual XJR and Super Eight (Daimler name still used for UK markets but not Vanden Plas)

Best models

Regular

There’s a trio of V8s, one (262bhp) 3.5-litre, the other pair being the 4.2-litre. You’ll find the regular 3.5 and 4.2 versions quite fast enough

XJR

All XJRs are great but the lightweight body makes the most of that supercharged engine. Has the best chance of future classic status

Super V8

A former chauffeur Car Of The Year, the Daimler has XJR pace and poise but wrapped in a more discreet package where luxury reigns

Top five faults

Suspension

This XJ rides on air suspension but this can fail usually just the compressor; failed air bags cost around £200 each

Quality

Despite the X350’s complexity, this generation appears to be one of Browns Lane’s more durable designs if looked after by an expert – this car is hardly made for DIY work

Electronics

Main concern are the electronics; speak to an owners’ club or go to Jaguar-Forums. com. See that everything works properly – especially the touch screen dash, for example, as a fault can make car immovable. Also the electronic handbrake which requires special tools

Running gear

Suspension suffers from worn bushes and wishbones after 50,000 miles or so while mega miles models may need a new propshaft – diffs can become noisy at this stage too. There was also a recall concerning brake fluid leaks and pipe corrosion

Heater

Finally, see the heater works. It’s quite a furnace but if not it could be due to a blocked core and means a dash out job to put right