I have to say I was only ever considering the X350 when I upgraded from my S type, the newer engines bypass the nikasil/tensioner/water pump issues of the previous variants. I don't quite know what you mean Ford like - the ride quality is superb and a noticeable upgrade to my old S-type.
Buying a car is a very personal thing, I can only suggest you test drive one of each type of car you'd consider buying and just see what you like.
You'd also need to really think about buying diesel. it's not just the DPF that can be an issue, there seem a fair few out there who've had injector problems too. If you're not doing high mileage you should do the maths on paying the extra for a diesel, it really may not be worth it.
Corrosion is an issue, but in standard places, so checking them is straightforward, and balances out against rust issues on the 300/308.

 

I don't quite know what you mean Ford like

I was thinking in terms of things like dodgy waterpumps and chain tensioners, where rather than using metal parts , which any sensible manufacturer would choose, Ford/Jaguar just stuck brittle plastic ones in to save a few pennies. What other parts of the car have been cheapened?

I can only suggest you test drive one of each type of car you'd consider buying and just see what you like.

Ah but I like all of 'em! And that's why the decision is difficult!

You'd also need to really think about buying diesel. it's not just the DPF that can be an issue, there seem a fair few out there who've had injector problems too. If you're not doing high mileage you should do the maths on paying the extra for a diesel, it really may not be worth it.

Diesel was always my "final option" anyway - if I plump for an X350, it's the Super V8 engine I really want! Nevertheless I'm glad that, unlike the X300 and X308, there *is* a diesel option in case Gordon "If it moves, tax it - if it doesn't move, well tax it anyway" Brown decides to put a gallon up to ten quid.

Corrosion is an issue, but in standard places, so checking them is straightforward,

Yes but the problem is that you can find a car that looks OK but you may find that several months after you've bought it, it starts corroding. That's the thing with the X350 - the likelihood of corrosion seems unpredictable.

and balances out against rust issues on the 300/308.

Ah - are there particular/inherent corrosion issues on the X308? (I am aware that some 2000 models have had engine bay issues.)

 

Sorry to give a biased view but I would definately buy another X350 diesel
Very quiet in the car, all the toys and with the imminent remap plenty of power and plenty more torque if the 268Bhp and 535Nm are realised.
You get a 6 year paint warranty so corrosion on a 2006 car would be covered until 2012.
Mine had bubbling under the paint near the top of the A Pillar which was done under warranty last year.Had a new injector at around 106000 miles again under warranty and runs like a dream now.
In our local Jag club we have an 2002 XJ with a paint problems around the rear screen lower "corners" which has bubbled and broken through the paint from under the rear screen seal, meaning the rear window needs to come out to repair it.
The X350 is great value for money and probably even better when the new model hits the showrooms soon.Diesels may cost slightly more but you will get more when you sell it and in the meantime will be getting better MPG so its a win/win.
I havent driven the X300 or X308 but expect the acceleration , braking and handling may not be as good as the X350 due to the heavy body compared to a like for like aluminum X350???
Here are one or two pics of the amount of space in the back of an X350 LWB....for the SWB just imagine 6" less!

 

Sorry to give a biased view but I would definately buy another X350 diesel

No need to apologise - I posed my question in order to hear all opinions! I certainly would't dismiss a diesel out of hand but as I'll probably only be doing around 5,000 miles a year, the additional purchase price may not make it worthwhile.

You get a 6 year paint warranty so corrosion on a 2006 car would be covered until 2012.

Ah, I'm not sure it's as simple as that. The 2007 brochure I have states that the so-called "corrosion" warranty covers against actual perforation - ie holes right through the metal. As far as I'm aware what some unlucky owners have seen so far is, in effect, little more than surface rust. I accept that you had your problems resolved at the expense of the dealer but was that actually down to goodwill rather than a waranty claim against Jaguar??

In fact the six-year thing is another thing that puts me off an X350. If the model didn't have the rust problem we are seeing - and don't forget that "officially" it doesn't exist anyway - why are Jaguar not confident to offer, say, a ten year warranty on an aluminium body, like Audi do?

As for the LWB model - yep, that would be great to have but they seem to be very scarce.

 

I accept that you had your problems resolved at the expense of the dealer but was that actually down to goodwill rather than a waranty claim against Jaguar??

Photos were taken by the dealer and sent to Jaguar who agreed to repair under warranty.
The bubbling had not broken the surface.
The main cause for the corrosion issue is the chemical reaction between the rivets and the aluminum however I cannot remember hearing of or reading about any problems with this for 2006- cars.

 

Photos were taken by the dealer and sent to Jaguar who agreed to repair under warranty.

I wonder if the use of the word "perforation" in the warranty clause was only introduced in 2007 - ie once it was realised the problem was widespread? Or maybe that's me being too cynical!

I cannot remember hearing of or reading about any problems with this for 2006- cars.

A posting to the Corrosion thread suggests that dealers have started to report the problem on cars built after 2004 and the XF model, too.

 

Sorry to give a biased view but I would definately buy another X350 diesel.........

Will you fellas stop doing this to an old man. There is djdex with his XJR, there is you with this very fine machine. I want one and I can't have one, she says so. So please, cut it out with all the pictures and glowing reports. :evil: :wink:

 

Hee Hee, sorry Victor, my XJR is really terrible and it's a chore having to drive it! :lol: :lol:

It's brilliant really, and I enjoy every minute of driving it!

 

Ah!!!!!..........My 308? (although the sticker says 300) has all the 308 refinements like the variable rate steering and CATS adaptive suspension etc. A 4ltr V8 of quality, it has circulated Europe with much acclaim from rightly admiring German motorists for several years now.

Have to say though fella's, like many of you I've never really got used to the "middle age spread" of the 2004 Ally model although it's probably a good car. The Jaguar 308. Long....Low....and wide, and yes;(with a small boot). IMO, If you don't like it, then don't buy it! but it's still the 308 for me!

 

I'm with you Victor, far too much waving of Phallic symbols around in the guise of cars!!!