2000 X308 Jaguar XJR Daily Driver
Discussion
I have been heavily led by PH for my last three cars. I drive 20,0000 miles per year, much of it sitting in traffic heading into West London. Does this make me be sensible? No.
I purchased a rather lovely C124 Mercedes E320 coupe having spent much time on the 'best smoker barges' thread. And what a thing it was. Sadly work dictated that I drive a newer car.
This led me into the perils of car financing. Many people seemed to be harping on about this supposed 'junior supercar' (Hi Vlad) known as an 'M135i'. Drove one, liked it, bought it. Mine was rather nice, with it's oyster seats and wood trim, and pleasingly loud sports exhaust. However, I came to the conclusion, after 2.5yrs and over 40,000 miles, that it wasn't actually a particularly special car. Amusingly quick, yes, fabulous sounding with the optional exhaust, but it really isn't a satisfying steer. They are skittish, the ride is a blend of very good mixed with 'wtf' see sawing due to the poorly resolved damping (mine is on the standard suspension). Oh and the steering? Oh dear BMW, oh dear.
So, I resolved myself to stop giving 'Gerry' several hundred pounds per month and to fulfil a schoolboy dream. I wanted an XJR. The only one I could consider was an X308. I adore them.
Meet Winston. I picked him up on Armistice day, so felt he needed to be named thus. 2000 model, R1 performance pack (split rim wheels and bigger brakes). I paid a full price for the car, knowing it was a superb example. Silver was far from my first choice of colour, but you have to buy on condition.
What a thing. Traction is hopeless at this time of year, it is incredibly unsuited to my needs (I am a West London Estate Agent, I essentially parallel park for a living), it is hilariously thirsty (I am averaging 17mpg). Do I care? Not at all. Totally delighted with my decision and I hope that this is a car I will have for many years to come. I've had some odd comments from friends (I am 31), but that's to be expected.
I will provide updates on my ownership in a few months. I will be able to forgive it a multitude of sins though without doubt. Pics below;
I purchased a rather lovely C124 Mercedes E320 coupe having spent much time on the 'best smoker barges' thread. And what a thing it was. Sadly work dictated that I drive a newer car.
This led me into the perils of car financing. Many people seemed to be harping on about this supposed 'junior supercar' (Hi Vlad) known as an 'M135i'. Drove one, liked it, bought it. Mine was rather nice, with it's oyster seats and wood trim, and pleasingly loud sports exhaust. However, I came to the conclusion, after 2.5yrs and over 40,000 miles, that it wasn't actually a particularly special car. Amusingly quick, yes, fabulous sounding with the optional exhaust, but it really isn't a satisfying steer. They are skittish, the ride is a blend of very good mixed with 'wtf' see sawing due to the poorly resolved damping (mine is on the standard suspension). Oh and the steering? Oh dear BMW, oh dear.
So, I resolved myself to stop giving 'Gerry' several hundred pounds per month and to fulfil a schoolboy dream. I wanted an XJR. The only one I could consider was an X308. I adore them.
Meet Winston. I picked him up on Armistice day, so felt he needed to be named thus. 2000 model, R1 performance pack (split rim wheels and bigger brakes). I paid a full price for the car, knowing it was a superb example. Silver was far from my first choice of colour, but you have to buy on condition.
What a thing. Traction is hopeless at this time of year, it is incredibly unsuited to my needs (I am a West London Estate Agent, I essentially parallel park for a living), it is hilariously thirsty (I am averaging 17mpg). Do I care? Not at all. Totally delighted with my decision and I hope that this is a car I will have for many years to come. I've had some odd comments from friends (I am 31), but that's to be expected.
I will provide updates on my ownership in a few months. I will be able to forgive it a multitude of sins though without doubt. Pics below;
UberMeister said:
Looks fantastic 
Do you take house viewers around in it? Would be a nice change from a Foxtons MINI!
I have a hankering for a manual X300 XJR - definitely a bucket list car.
I do indeed take house viewers in it. Thankfully I am not with a 'high street' agency so I can get away with such frivolities.Do you take house viewers around in it? Would be a nice change from a Foxtons MINI!
I have a hankering for a manual X300 XJR - definitely a bucket list car.
Dr G said:
A great thing. I also remember ogling these as a teenager, muscle car in a tweed jacket.
If only for my sanity though I'd pair it with a Smart Car!
But then I'd have to spend 3 hrs a day sat in a Smart Car, and who wants that. I could also have a golf 1.6tdi for nothing as a company car, but I do not wish to sully my existence in that way.If only for my sanity though I'd pair it with a Smart Car!
alec.e said:
Very nice! I have the X350/8 model which I adore, but do like the proportions of the X308. Done the pulley and exhuast, well worth it imo.
Interesting to hear your observations of the M135i, eventhough the BMW is 'technically' the better car.
I've done the lower pulley. If I have a good year at work next year I will treat myself to an exhaust too. The pulley change gives a nice increase to supercharger whine. We like that.Interesting to hear your observations of the M135i, eventhough the BMW is 'technically' the better car.
urquattroGus said:
How are you getting on with it a year on?
For completeness, I sold the jag after just under a year and 13,000 very happy miles (genuinely one of my life's hardest decisions to date) and now have a brabus roadster and a 2007 Volvo V70, both of which I'm very fond of. Left my job to refurbish houses so needed a load lugger. I also wanted an economical car for long journeys as I've tightened the purse strings significantly whilst living with no income. The jag would have been redundant. Sold it to a very nice chap who appreciates what a fine example it was. Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff