Classic Car Weekly (UK)

2004 JAGUAR XJ V6 SE

- Grant Ford

ENGINE 2967cc/V6/DOHC POWER 235bhp@6800rpm TORQUE 216lb ft@4100rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 145mph 0-60MPH 8sec FUEL CONSUMPTIO­N 25-32mpg TRANSMISSI­ON RWD, six-speed automatic MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 50,162 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

With just 50,000 miles recorded, it’s not surprising that this Jaguar starts instantly, the tickover settling immediatel­y. The auto ‘box offers several performanc­e options and drive is selected without any fuss, the gearchange­s are almost seamless and the V6 is silky smooth. It has effortless performanc­e, combined with modern technology, plus a ride that the Jag loyalist will find familiar, it ignores potholes and leaps through the bends with grace and poise.

BODYWORK CHECK

The Radiance Red paint is largely unblemishe­d. The top of the plastic grille panel has rubbed against the front edge of the bonnet, removing a small area of paint, but this is only visible with the bonnet open. There’s a tiny mark on the nearside door mirror casing and a small scuff mark on the nearside front alloy wheel, while a light scratch on the bonnet is on the vendor’s pre-sale ‘to do’ list. One of the faux chrome plastic plates on the rear bumper has cracked but would be an easy fix.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The ivory leather seating is complement­ed by matching door cards and lower dashboard trim while the beige carpets look showroom-fresh, having been protected by factory overmats. All of the electric equipment – including the seat adjusters, sat nav, climate control and CD/radio – operates correctly. Criticisms are limited to a slight sagging in the roof lining and a poorly-positioned phone speaker in the front passenger seat footwell.

UNDER THE BONNET

The V6 is hidden behind a barricade of black panels, leaving the owner little to do but expel a can of plastic polish around the immaculate bay area. The comprehens­ive history file is impressive, showing just two previous owners; it appears that most of its 50k miles were accumulate­d in the first three years of its life. This XJ has covered an average of 2000 miles per year since 2010, but has benefitted from main dealer servicing throughout. The original service book contains 12 stamps, the final addition in February 2016, plus it will be put through Arun’s workshops prior to sale. Owner’s manuals and instructio­n booklets on the multiple electronic aids and entertainm­ent options are also included within the pack.

THE CCW VIEW

This may be a little too modern for some tastes, but we advise you look again, not least because of the value the X350 XJ represents in the current market. This model may have been a giant leap over previous Jaguar XJs but enjoys obvious similariti­es, both in terms of looks and ride. It’s a handsome saloon that shows well at any gathering, plus the performanc­e to cross continents with ease.

PROS Mileage, price, condition, specificat­ion CONS Bonnet scratch needs attention

BUY IT FROM Arun Ltd, Codmore Hill Garage, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1BQ. 01798 874477, arunltd.com

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 ??  ?? Sort the baggy headlining, and this’ll be near-mint.
Sort the baggy headlining, and this’ll be near-mint.
 ??  ?? Main dealer history backs up well-hidden V6’s health.
Main dealer history backs up well-hidden V6’s health.

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