I am a bit torn between the X300, and the X308. I have been reading on the forums the last few days about engine failures and transmission problems in the X308 as well as timing chain failures. I have found alot of VERY clean X300's, but a secretly lust after the V8 in the X308. Due to that fact that I have a family, I really need something at least most of the way reliable. I have read on this forum that the 1997 and up cars are really the ones to have, but those are the X308 cars!


I wanted to talk to the X300 guys to find out how you guys perceive your cars compare to an X308 and I wanted to hear it from the perspective of an enthusiast, not some cheesy sales dork at a dealer.

Thanks for the heads up as I continue to read on at the X308 forum.

Kyle

 

Hi Kyle,

I have a 1997 X300 (Vanden Plas) and I am quite happy with it. I have 115k miles on her and the only significant work was a replaced rear differential. One of the most-respected Jag mechanics in the Seattle area told me that he has customers looking for the 6 cyl, late model X300's. According to him: "those engines are bullet proof" and "they last forever". I was sure glad to hear that, and I've been quite happy with mine all-around!!

If I'm not mistaken, 1998 was the last year of the straight-six in the X300's.

Conversely, my best friend has a 1999 XJR and it really is "night and day" in terms of acceleration. Amazing, really. But he's had more issues in 6 mos of owning his than I've had in the seven years I've had mine. But every car is different and has been treated/taken care of differently.

Surf the forums and you'll get a real good feel for the issues of both models.

But count one big fan here for the straight six engine.

 

I have all but decided that the X300 vs the 308 is the way to go. the X300 XJR is also a true limited production car. I realize that the the 6 might not be the V8, but an upgrade pulley and intake, will get me close to 370hp, and I should till have plenty of low end torque.


I think the people that end up with the XJ8R are new to the jag community, andcan be taken in easily byjust looking at the specs of the car on paper. You get a newer car better performance at the same price, so they end up with a1999 XJ8R with a host of major problems, or at least they runa greaterrisk of having those problems.

A tried and true 1996 XJR with a six, is the way to go!


Kyle

 

Very wise.

 

FWIW I love my X300/XJR (my third Jag) and haven't had any major issues at all with it. Jaguar did a great job with the car: reliable, good power, good suspension, comfortable.

There's no better time to buy one than now. You'll never find more car for the money.

Cheers
DD

 

I have the xj sport -6 97 model, i looked for a good example of these as opposed to v8 as its a very well balanced engine, solid, and reliable! very easily tunable to seek the power output you desire. i speak from owning a jaguar garage and used parts place.

I am only running on low milage on mine at the moment on 120k but my past jags have been heavily modified xj40's again with the strait 6 aj6 lump running 325bhp on 280k miles with out a blip of trouble.

i would do it just for peace of mind really but dont get me wrong, an x308r would be nice to walk out the front door to each morning!

 

Get either an X300 or a late production X308, 2002/2003. I prefer an inline 6 engine but the X308 has an updated interior and gadgets like navi and parktronic. I think a late X308 would be more budget friendly since its a newer car. Even a 97 XJ6 is already a 12 year old car. There are bulletproof but wear and tear things like suspension bushings go out on any older car.

 

hardly a big job to do un suspension work though is it???? besides they only really go on the rear end, ok your gonna get stung for £60 for the parts but if you shop round they will be cheaper.

 

how big is your wallet? what mechanical knowledge do you have?

 

I would love to have such an amazing performance figures for my XJ40 too .I would go for X300s all the way both interiordesign and mechanical durability