Models · Jaguar
Jaguar XJ X351 buying guide
The last XJ, built from 2010 to 2019 with an aluminium body, a V6 diesel, 5.0 V8 petrol engines and, from 2013, a supercharged V6 petrol.
The versions
- 3.0 V6 twin-turbo diesel (2010 on)
- 5.0 V8 petrol, naturally aspirated and supercharged (2010 on); XJR, 542bhp, from 2013
- 3.0 supercharged V6 petrol from late 2013
- Automatic only: six-speed until autumn 2013, then eight-speed
What to check on a X351 XJ
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Cambelt on the diesel
What to look for: On diesel cars, look in the history for the cambelt change, due at seven years or 112,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Why it matters: The 3.0 V6 diesel uses a cambelt, so the date matters as much as the mileage. A car past either limit without the change needs it done straight away, and having it done is a sign of a car that's been looked after.
Coolant leaks on the diesel
What to look for: With the engine cold, look around the coolant header tank, especially the narrow hose by the pressure cap, for pink coolant traces. Look in the vee of the engine and at the water pump outlet for leaks.
Why it matters: The header tank's bleed pipe outlet can fracture, the coolant housing in the vee can crack, and the pump outlet can leak. Each is a known repair, and catching it early avoids overheating.
Panoramic roof
What to look for: On the drive, listen over rough roads for creaks, pops and rattles from the glass roof. Look at the roof frame for corrosion around the glass.
Why it matters: The panoramic roof can creak and rattle on poor surfaces, and the frame can corrode. Light corrosion can be repaired, while a badly corroded frame can mean a new roof cassette.
Also in the full guide
- Timing chains on the 5.0 V8
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the X351 XJ
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Jaguar.