Hi all, new to this group having sold my XK.
Big decision time for me, do i plump for a good late X300 with an AJ16 or gor for an early X308 AJ V8 Both sitting at about the same price but obviuosly very different cars. Just interested to hear you opinions thanks in advance

 

You probably first have to check if the offered x308 is sorted out.
Earlier years had their problems, but can also be easily upgraded.
If that is done (not cheap in parts and labor), it really comes back to preference on the details, both technically and design.

The x308 has a better front suspension, which has less tendency for tram-lining, and has bad front lighting.
Then, I personally like the front from the x300 a bit more (more square grill), but prefer the interior of the x308.
I think I could be perfectly happy with both at the end.

 

I had a 1995 X300 VDP -- it was a great car. I put about 110k on it before selling. I had my 1998 VDP by then .. so I had both for a while.

My 1995 had a light cream full Connolly Leather interior -- Flamenco exterior ..stunning car. I actually liked the interior and the bumpers of the X300 over the X308. IMO the headlights on the X308 are better.

Personally, I would stay away from pre 2000 X308's -- too many issues. I would go with the X300 over a pre 2000 X308

I would love to find a low mile L6 R -- all that said the X308 R are the best.

 

I have owned two X-300s and three X-308s (two Rs). Since I use them as daily drivers, other than my wife's MY 02 which I bought new, I have bought lower priced high mileage cars. Between my wife and I, we have added at least 700,000 miles to them. In all cases, the ones I have "retired" have been because they have gotten ugly inside and or outside, rather than for mechanical reasons.
That said, in general, I agree with yeldogt's analysis. Since Nikasil failures should already have shown their face, the primary problems to worry about on X-308s are timing chains, transmission A-drums, throttle bodies, and some other electrical snigglies. The SC version has a better transmission and has no VVTs , so the timing chain fix is slightly easier. On the other hand, you really have no way of knowing if the clearcoat is about to fail on either car. That, and hail damage, have been what did mine in for the most part. In my experience, the OBD diagnostics on the X-300 are not as accurate as the X-308, but the X-300 is less prone to go into a limp mode or just fail to run so poorly that you cannot drive it. I assume you will be doing most of your mexhanical work yourself? If not, absolutely go with the X-300 due to reliability.

The ride is definitely better on the X-308 of either variant, SC or NA.
I also agree that the MY 02+ cars are significantly better due to improved primary timing chains and improved secondary tensioners from the factory as well as several other
improvements, (and their plastic parts are 7 years newer!).

The opinions of others will vary, as you can imagine.

What specific things are important to you? Going fast, or at least the ability to, is why I like the SC version!

 

I agree with everything said.

A couple small tidbits, likely of little importance...

If you're the type who gets a bit misty you can get the 300 and join others who have a soft-spot for the big straight six engine of the X300.....as "big straight six" and "Jaguar" seem to fit together like a hand in a glove". Nothin' wrong with giving in to nostalgia once in awhile.

The interior styling is better in the X300, IMHO. On the X308 I think the designers got carried away with the "swoops and curves" theme.

Cheers
DD