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Hi everyone. My name is Paul and I am from Ballymena in Northern Ireland. I recently purchased my first ever Jaguar (after 44 years of driving). Over the years I have owned mostly BMW's, a couple of Audi's and one Mercedes. I was looking to try Jaguar for a change and started searching for an XF Sportbrake 3.0D v6 to replace my BMW 330D Touring, but then discovered I could get an XJ for a similar price! Last October I spotted a 10 year old XJL with low mileage and immaculate condition in Sapphire Blue (I'm told it was a wedding car in a previous life). I fell in love with it as soon as I first drove it - so now it's mine! It has totally changed my driving style. With the Beemer, I would jump in and set off everywhere at a sprint in Sport mode - but now I cruise and glide through life in Comfort mode. It has done wonders for my stress levels and my blood pressure and makes me want to drive off towards the horizon and tour the world in it 🙂 I was widowed a few years ago and remarried last year. My new wife cannot fly for medical reasons - so we are looking to plan some road trips across Europe in years to come (DV). Let me know if you have any recommendations for stunningly scenic routes to try. I'm looking forward to embracing the Jaguar ownership experience and following this forum for general information, advice on servicing and upgrades. oh - and Happy New Year to all of you for 2026. Kind Regards, Paul. Jaguar XJL 3.0D V6 Portfolio (May 2015) [X351 In Sapphire Blue with optional Rear Seat Entertainment]

Hi Paul, welcome to the wonderful world of Jaguar motoring and to the Forum. I can confirm the NC500 is a great outing with lots of Scotland's magnificent scenery on offer. I am also sure that there are great driving roads closer to your home in Antrim where you can cut your teeth and get used to the feelings the Jaguar gives you and your new wife. If you want to get adventurous, then I would suggest planning a trip to Lake Garda in Northern Italy. Don't take the conventional route of getting across to the Continent and heading down through France before hanging a right at Lyon though, go for a North about route, taking in Belgium / Holland, Germany, and Austria before entering Northern Italy through the Brenner Pass. You can take your time with plenty of stopovers in some great locations, try Autobahn, Autostrada and N roads, whichever takes your fancy. Once at Lake Garda, there are many picturesque villages, with great hotels and restaurants to while away the restful time. This is a trip my wife and I have undertaken over 20 times in the last 30 years and we still keep going back, it's a great trip to a great location. And, depending on your time and resources, you can make such a trip as long as you want. Enjoy. N6 JMX