I'm a two-time X300 owner - my first was a 95 VDP with 130k that I had to do quite a few repairs to keep running and my second was a rock solid 97 VDP that I drove from 75k to 110k. Unfortunately someone hit it and it was enough to total it out...

I've since bought an SUV for the family car but I'm shopping for second car for us and can't stop myself from looking at Jags. Now the big question I have it this - should I get a 96 or 97 VDP (I prefer the LWB) that will likely have 80k miles at best or an 01-03 with a non-Nikasil engine?

I'm sure people will be biased in this thread, but hopefully I will get some objective answers. I've done a lot of research but I still can't get a solid feel on the X308's reliability vs. the X300.

 

Hey cstu,
I'm probably not the best person to reply but I'll let you know what I think. I bought my first Jaguar, a 1985 Jaguar V12 Vanden Plas, when I was 17. It's a been a dream to drive and haven't had a single problem with it. I got my second Jag two years later, a 1995 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas, which has been fairly good. I had to do some minor repairs throughout the years including the steering rack, rear wheel hub & camshaft positioning sensor. Nothing too expensive.

I'm now 21 and just purchased my third Jaguar, a 2001 Jaguar XJ8L Vanden Plas. This is my first one with the long wheel base which I love! I need to do some minor work on this one including ANOTHER rear wheel hub (similar to what I had on the X300). If you choose a X308, I would stick to 2001 - 2003 as the 1998 - 1999 had the issues with Nikasil = failing engines. If you can find a well cared for used X308 I'd say go for it! I love both the X300 & X308, both cars have qualities each to their own.

Below is a picture of my X300 & X308!

 

As an ex X300 OWner, I should say this you can't get a better interior ,door panels , wood inlays , gauge panel than any of Jags . Sadly X308 only has 3 big round gauge panels and door panels aren't as appeal as X300s
However, X308s come with more fancy stuffs like auto winshield wipers .
Grill design , X308 is winner and the pic above my message can also prove that lol

 

I own an 95 X300, and three X308s. Two of the x308s are SC., one NA All three models drive differently. The X308 NA is much more refined, has more power than the X300 , delivered to the wheels smoother, and handles better in general. Working on it is generally more difficult as things are more cramped in the X308, and have more engine controls, hoses, sensors and so on.
But I still enjoy just easing around in my X-300. I don'rt know why.

 

Good thread! I look at the X308 as likely successor to my X300.....in 10 yrs or so....I'm only at 92K now and "only" putting about 75 mi/day on it....so...by the time it needs replacement...I fear the X300 pickings will be slim, indeed! I wouldn't fear the 98-00's if the engine is ok now and you can confirm the timing gear has been updated...otherwise, build that into your purchase price negotiation.

Air-suspension and styling are two major drawbacks to extending the horizon into X350 territory....although I grant points for their larger size.

 

Once you get past the Nikasil-timing chain-water pump-thermostat housing stuff I can't see any huge reason to avoid an X308 based on reliability.

As a DIYer I'm a bit put off by lack of service/repair manuals...but that may have changed in the last few years without my knowledge...and might not be of concern to you anyway.

Cheers
DD

 

I have to agree on the interior styling. I think Jaguar got carried away with the "swoops and curves" theme seen on the X308 interior. It just doesn't appeal to me. 'Tis all subjective, off course.

We could start an entirely new thread (and debate![grin]) on the merit, value, and importance of auto wipers and other "fancy stuff"......which I categorize as gizmos and gimmicks.

Cheers
DD

 

FWIW....I miss my auto Headlamps on the 91 mercury in my 95 VdP

Agree the x300 interior superior

 

The exterior is a little nicer, but I still prefer the X300 interior and the gizmos on the X308 do nothing for me.

 

Have both aswell.

Drive a shabby X300 3,2 96 for winter and a glorius X308 SC 01 for the summer.

Must say the 308 beats the 300 in comfort and handling any day. But sure the 300 is perhaps a better car. I had next to no problems with my XJR but they will sure come someday. I think the 308 still is farly OK to work on alot of things are the same as the 300 so sure t depends on what you think.

Bought an UK registred X308 a whila a go aswell as a parts car and i drove it for aprox 3000km before i started picking parts from it to my 300.

And this is what i say. If the steering wheel had been on the right side (not the right side in my country) I would keep it over the 300 anyday

 

Does the X308 grill swap over to the X300 without problems?

The XJR/6 is really appealing with that bulletproof motor. It is down on the horsepower numbers, but the torque numbers are close and the differential has more advantageous gearing. So, in everything but full out driving, it might be pretty close.

The only drawback might be that it was mentioned somewhere that the body structure is stiffer in the x308. And of course, the rear wheel arch rust problem.

The cluster is also much more appealing.