I have always been a great fan of the XJR and recently been thinking of jumping in. This will be a 2nd car and usually only see weekend use. Can you all please give me pointers on what to look for, and either talk me in or out of it?

Thanks
Josh (in Seattle)

 

The normal stuff you would look for when purchasing a car. Personally I would take it in to a Jaguar specialist to check over if you are not too familiar with the car. It will give you peace of mind. Check the belts for wear, interior brakes and transmision. Has there been any major service done beyond an oil change? How is the supercharger performing? Things like that is a start! Best wishes in your search!


Mine was a 2nd owner car black on black with very low miles.

 

Biggest thing (as with any) would be any service and maint records. The more that's there, the more peace of mind.

Hotspots would be things like obvious oil leaks from underneath, and the shape of the hoses and overall cooling system. Take it for a drive and listen for any clunks or rattles, because they can be something as simple as a sway bar link, but can be a total bear to track down too, so that might factor into it. A lot will depend on what's been done to it by the owner or priors.

Make sure you test drive in both regular and sport modes to judge the takeoffs. The trans isn't as prone to failure as the regular XJ8s but you still want to make sure it works well.

For the most part, if it's had decent upkeep, you can enjoy it quite well (I've got 60k on mine in the last two years, and loving every minute, minus an annoying clunk I still haven't found in the front!)

 

I do not know what year or budget you have however note that in 2004 there were big changes.

Prior years had steel panels etc. 2004 on had Aluminum panels with significant weight savings, even tho slightly bigger, as well as a more powerful engine.

Also a Navigation head unit.

Have a look here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...d-know-112913/

 

X308 had factory navigation too from 2000 to 2003

 

and compared to even the most basic over the counter Sat-Nav, it's terrible...and possibly over 10 years out of date.

The first thing I changed in mine, replaced with a modern, touch screen, mechless, Alpine unit with DAB, iPod and USB connectivity, Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free calling.

 

with the advent of smart phone, in-car navigation unit are pretty much obsolete

 

X350? Um that has a bonnet that opens all wrong. X308 XJR= classic Jaguar looks, upgradable performance, never look back or regret ownership. A real wolf in sheeps clothing, you'll never get your money back but boy will you enjoy using it up. Great car.

 

I have hands free calling as well as Bluetooth and probably about 440 hp as well. My Nav is at 2012 level so not quite 10 years old .

Plus no rust whatsoever.

Just saying a BIG difference 2003 to 2004.

Also big electrical as well as engine VVT difference from 2005 to 2006 with the possibility of ECU remapping for larger hp gains.

 

Gotta wonder, guys on an X308 board asking XJR advice and your trying to swing him over to an X350 (last time I checked this IS the X308 board) Your buisness I guess, just kind of strange. I personally won't move beyond an X308
, that's where Jaguar stopped being Jaguar to me. PS, no rust whatsoever (it's called Florida) and my X308 XJRs pushing above 430hp.

 

Indeed 2 different beasts for sure.

 

I had more involvement in the X350 than the X308 at Whitley Product development.


The work I did on the X308 - I was still in learning phase and it was mainly checks and validation on the dyno. The work I did on the X350 was more extensive, and went through a few iterations. The X308 taught me a bit but the X350 taught me a lot more. In terms of handling the X350 feels like an altogether different car, but I'll say, despite the air suspension, I still think the X308 rides better.


For the above reasons, initially I was chasing after an X350 XJR, but then I stumbled across an X308. Despite all the drawbacks of being made out of steel and being a softer car, I've been converted and don't regret my decision. The way I see it- the handling doesn't matter so much where I live as the roads are straight, rust isn't an issue- I own a California car that's immaculate underneath. The car hibernates for the salty winters. For handling thrills, I own a Aston Martin Vantage anyway (which I had more of a hand in than either the X350 or X308- so sense of pride satisfied).
I always knew about the chocolate diff pinions and knew that an upgrade to a X300 15HU diff was possible, but didn't know the state of the X350 diff was and how upgradeable it is. It turns out that there is plenty of scope to upgrade the X350 diff. However the W5A580 Benz box in the X308 is bulletproof and stronger than the 6 speed in the X350.

 

Curious as to what mods you have done to push above 430 hp on a 358 hp engine? Stage II intake will not do it alone.

Also my car has lived in MD for 11 years and still has no rust whatsoever.

Btw the original post was by someone considering an XJR with apparently no experience of Jaguar.
I was simply pointing out some, what I consider to be, important considerations.

I am well aware that many members regard the pre 2004 model to be more "pure" than later models.

Since I have owned and worked on several models of Jaguar over 40 years, in England as well as here in the US, I think I am qualified to make some observations.

 

XK unlimited, stage II double pulley, remapped ECU, XK claimed 438 HP, 465 ft lbs. I love when people feel the need to give their resume. I wasn't trying to be a jerk, just didn't understand trying to "push" someone on the x308 board to other pastures. seems as usual, I've struck a nerve. My car has other mods to take advantage of the additional boost as well as trying to keep heat in check. Mine does what I said it does, your approval or belief is not required nor desired on my part. Let's get back to what the OPr was asking. Diverted bickering isn't helping him.

 

Xj6R was around 325hp will X308Rs were 370hp

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_AJ-V8_engine

 

I know that there are some legitimate advantages to the X350 platform, explicitly the aluminum not rotting away like a steel body does up in my neck of the woods (the North, in Michigan). For a winter driven car it does have some advantages. The headroom is much better in the X350 as well. Those are two reasons that I am not giving my dad this car, and if I buy a Range Rover/DB9/newer XKR; whatever I buy, this is the car most likely to go. I like it, but from a functional standpoint, it is somewhat an issue for me.

I think the X308 just looks so much leaner and sportier. For a toy, I'm absolutely fine with it. I daily drive it, including in winter. The headroom is adequate for me, I'm just under 5'10". My dad is 6'2" and he is about as tall as you can be, as he has his head hit the sunroof panel; this would be better without a sunroof for people like him (not a Jaguar specific observation but rather any car). The headroom in my mom's (I bought, own, maintain but she drives it) 04 Pontiac Grand Prix w/ sunroof is WORSE. My Fiero had better headroom. The Lotus Esprits I've driven had better headroom. After I drove it, I seriously went WTF. End rant.

The X308 can have a nikasil engine, it can have the older tensioners. Both of these items can be mitigated if they are on a car (nikasil if good likely will remain good, tensioners can be swapped, but are cost prohibitive if paying out). The X350 obviously doesn't have those issues, but has unique issues of it's own.

I think you can't go wrong with either an X308 or an X350. I personally like the style more of the X308 BUT the X350 is far from an ugly duckling, it's still very nice looking and a great car.

 

There was an X350 for sale right next to my 308 XJR when I bought mine, same color as mine, there was no comparison in looks, charm and grace.

The X350 is tall, big and ungainly............................


........and it looks more like a Toyota Camry than a Jag, IMHO.
Vector

 

As you can see Josh from posts in this thread some Jaguar owners have a lot of "passion" with regards to their particular model choice.

In my humble opinion you should test drive both models,which I have done, and make sure you get service history as well as a Jaguar knowledgeable independent mechanic check on a vehicle's condition especially if you do not do your own wrenching.

I spent a year researching before I located what I wanted. I do all of my own "wrenching" and always have on all of my Jaguars that I have owned.

I was also looking for a single owner vehicle, at most two, and was lucky enough to find one. I looked at a lot of X308s early on as well as X350s .

 

found what seems to be a very nice 98 XJR (x308) locally. curious to know if there are any major service problems I should expect? I turn the wrenches on all my own cars so this one will be no different. Other than the normal things with any car is there anything in particular about this model I should look out for? I've been looking at buying one for a few years. Checked out replacing an alternator on one and it doesn't look fun. Any advice is appreciated.

 

Not sure if the R puts anything else in the way of the alternator, but on the 8, while it looks to be a bear, its actually a piece of cake once you read the secret how to do it on this very forum. Comes out the wheel well in 30 minutes. Now there are a bunch of hoses that are a bear to get to and changing an O2 sensor requires a lot more removal of extra stuff than you'd like, but from one shade tree to another, access actually seems pretty good for most common things. As a weekend car for a DIYer, the XJR would be an outstanding choice. Sadly, I must soon retire the 8 from daily duties as she's getting old, but I may have to put an R in my classic collection. Inexpensive, fun to drive and would be rather unique to take to car shows.