I posed this on my new member intro, but per suggestion, I figured I'd also ask in the appropriate forum. I have been reading the various tech and opinion articles for awhile, and finally decided to join as I have narrowed my choice between an 03 and 04 XJ8. This is where I would like to get some guidance from those who know. Both XJ8s have similar maintenance history, the 03 has 89k miles and is $6k, the 04 has 115k miles and is $6.6k. I will handle all of the mechanical issues myself, (short of engine and trans tear-downs), so my labor is cheap. Aesthetics aside, which of the 2 would be the better bang for the buck, long and short term? Thanks in advance for any help I can get above and beyond what I have already read previously posted.

 

is the '03 an X308 (the older, steel-bodied model, lower and prettier)?

 

At the risk of offending those with the 04 and on models, yes.

 

I like the look of the 305, but it is cramped inside, and being steel, I was anxious about rust. I was surprised it was not made of Zintec (R) like every other car I have owned for the last 20 years or so. So I chose the aluminium one. It is also more difficult, but not impossible, to get a low-milage fully serviced one.

Some of these cars are owned by prosperous old men who keep then in climate controlled garages and shower them with care and money, but such cars get snapped up when the old fellow falls off his perch.

 

I would have to say that you should go find one of each and drive them. The aluminum body car is sooo.... much improved with regard to driving experience.

I have a 2005 LWB XJ (alum) and a 2004 XK8 (steel). The XJ drives like a sports car. Its light weight makes it feel very fast and nimble. Honestly the XK8 feels heavier and accelerates slower than the XJ.

Regardless of which you choose, be prepared to redo all the suspension if you by one with that kind of mileage. Not cheap even for parts only.

 

I was faced with the same decision six months ago and chose an 04 Vanden Plas. Why? I wanted the lighter body with better mileage, more room inside and a higher ride, and the 4.2 engine. I didn't want to inherit the earlier issues with the timing chain tensioners (you can't always find out whether they've been replaced) and potential rust. While initially I preferred the exterior shape of the 03, I felt cramped and slouched inside. But now I actually like the look of the redesigned body of the 04 better. When I test drove both models I also preferred the feel and power of the 04.

But my advice is to drive both cars and see which one feels better to you. Do the research on issues (as you are doing by asking and reading) and see how they compare. If you can do most of your own labor and find the economical places to purchase parts, higher miles aren't something to shy away from in my opinion (I bought mine with 144K and feel certain it was a good purchase). $6.6K is a good price for an 04 at 115K miles.

 

Pretty surprised to hear there are people who prefer the looks of the X308 over the X350. I prefer everything about the latter. Maybe you're thinking of the X358 with the absurdly gigantic front bumper and the me-too side vents?

 

I have owned both, and as far as looks are concerned, I prefer the X308.

I had 3 cars side by side the other day ('84 XJ6 Series III, '02 X308 XJ8, '06 X350 SuperV8) and it is very obvious the XJ has grown taller and longer over the years.

Having given an opinion (it can only be an opinion) on looks, I don't think there would be much argument that the X350 cars are better in every other area (performance, fuel economy, handling, driving experience, interior space, trunk space, technology)

As suggested, go drive the 2 different models and see what you heart says..... you should never buy a Jag using your head :-)

 

Nope.

And, indeed, porkier.

 

My original search for an XJ was for a X308 and preferably an R. Test drove a few and liked the ride in all but could not find a clean enough one. A dealer talked me into driving an 07 X350 and my search was over. Hands down the X350 was better in all ways over the X308 except looks. The X300/308 are the prettiest of all the XJ's in my humble opinion.

 

Solution, then.

Hang photos of X300/308 about the house or office. High-quality models, even.
it is beautiful to the eye from without.

Own and drive an X350. It is beautiful to the senses on the road.
From the inside.

 

Thanks for all of the input folks. I agree with Clamdigger's assessment, and Thermite's solution, so it looks like it's an '04 for me.

 

Bill, it sounds like you have been in my office

 

I think I may be the odd man out as I prefer the looks of the X350 and even more the X358.

Now if we start talking about older classic jags that's another story, love them !

 

I have just gone from a highly modified in all aspects X300 XJR6 and was sceptical of the X350 XJ8

I am convinced now the difference is like chalk and cheese

My old XJR6 is fast and has twice the torque of the V8 4.2 engine but the X350 is a superior car in many ways basic things like sound system

In my old XJR6 I have spent 5 grand on it just to get some bass instead of it sounding like a high powered transistor radio unless I mount a giant sub-woofer in the boot it is still rubbish the X350 has two small subs in the back deck

I was thinking of replacing the whole thing after my experiences with the XJR6 I wont be its fantastic just trying to figure out how to plug in a I pod but I just might fill the stacker instead

Ride wise I know a lot of guys on here complain about the air suspension I love it after 7 years of low profile tyres and hard bilstiens xjr suspension I love it don't care what it cost to maintain or repair hooked my new X350 has 19 inch wheels with 245/40/19 front 275/35/19 rear couldn't even feel the bumps on a recent 3 and half thousand K trip on some really rubbish roads in the XJR6 I went from 45 profile tyres to 50 profile tyres just to get some semblance of a decent ride
Now I know the X300 is older than the X308 but body wise suspension wise its the same car but the difference is unbelievable on the X350

I could write a thousand word on the difference if you can afford a X350 get it don't look at a X308
Just my opinion but the X350 has reignited my jaguar passion

 

Have to guess at it, but know the feeling.... Mind, if I had the space and inclination, there'd be a vintage Alvis or Duesenberg in my own eyeshot.

I settle for a lone photo of a staggerwing Beech I've never even set foot in instead. Plebian AA5B, PA28's were all that my budget ever covered, and those but rented or shared.

D'ruther DRIVE the X350 than any of the others though. Simple comfort and utilitarian pragmatism.... with, of course, a bit of spice...



Sound systems? Fungible goods. Expendables, even. Install wotever you like, upgrade or alter to suit. They don't really share DNA or bodily-fluids with any specific vehicle, only need power and clever installation.

No more to do with the choice of a mount than the colour of a saddle-blanket has to do with the horse under it.