Thinking of getting an X308 XJR - any tips?

[Rod Rammage]

If my meagre resources don't allow me to get an early Porsche 996, an X308 XJR is next on the list.

I've read through some of the threads here, inc Vladmans. As I have no mechanical knowledge I will def get the car checked over - probably by RAC/AA or a friendly Jag main agent, or both.

Any other tips?

Will this car break the bank?

[Jaguar steve]

Rod Rammage said:

If my meagre resources don't allow me to get an early Porsche 996, an X308 XJR is next on the list.

I've read through some of the threads here, inc Vladmans. As I have no mechanical knowledge I will def get the car checked over - probably by RAC/AA or a friendly Jag main agent, or both.

Any other tips?

Will this car break the bank?

Yes it will. It will drink you out of house and home and cause you restless nights dreaming about all the things that can go wrong with X308s as they get older.

That's the price you pay for owning such a drop dead georgeous car that'll blow almost anything else off the road without you even really trying.

I'd get any potential purchase throughly checked for problems at your local indie Jag specalist, find Broardbean747's post on PH, read all you can about the XJ series and join the JEC and contact them about any potential purchase before you buy.

Most of these will have been thrashed - why buy one if not - so carefully check for accident damage as well. Get your own HPI check done too, don't let the seller assure you it's clear.

If you do buy one, and want it to last, IMO you'll need to have more servicing work done than Jaguar state in the schedule too, this will include a gearbox and axle oil change on the supposedly "sealed for life" components.

[Rod Rammage]

Shudder.

Thanks Jaguar steve. You have scared the sh!t out of me.

Maybe I should get an XJ8 Sport instead - not as fast, but presumably less costly to maintain...?

God but then I start thinking about buying a reliable car like a Lexus GS V8. And that train of thought eventually leads to a Prius.

Maybe I should hold out for that 996...

[Cooky]

If you want peace of mind and can settle for 45 bhp less get the xjr6. these are bomb proof in comparison and a tad more economical to run.

I've been hankering for an xjr8 for quite some time, but I have been put off a bit with all the issues that come with the v8's (nikasil, chain tensioners, water pumps...etc) and as such punted for the six cyl. I pick it up tomorrow.....WOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

and the best bit is that wifebeast says I get to keep he XJS and the Cerbera too...

toys...don't ya just love 'em

[Rod Rammage]

Lucky geezer

Not sure, I'll have to read up. Presumably there's less power, and as the car's older prone to other problems?

Hmm...

[Cooky]

Rod Rammage said:

Lucky geezer

Not sure, I'll have to read up. Presumably there's less power, and as the car's older prone to other problems?

Hmm...

not really, just common sense issues, all jags are heavy on suspension and steering issues, just keep on top of them. the xjr6 truely is an under-estimated classic bit of kit.... and it's soooooopercharged

[a8hex]

Rod Rammage said:

Lucky geezer

Not sure, I'll have to read up. Presumably there's less power, and as the car's older prone to other problems?

Hmm...

The trade seems to think that X300s are pretty bomb proof.

As Cooky says suspension bushes get a bit of a workout. Although it's possible they might suffer more from under use than regular driving.

I've had a baby X300 (3.2 Sport) for over 11 years now and still love it. I've had it since it was less the 18months old and it's actually been really cheap to run.

Although they are as rare as hen's teeth, it is possible to get manual XJR6 (X300)s.

Cheers

Ken

[Jaguar steve]

Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. There's a lot of sense in the feedack 'tho. If you can find a good 6 cyl, that may be a better choice as the 308's can be a bit fragile.

I had a X 300 for years before I bought the 308, have to say although the 308 is a nicer car to drive the 300 was better made and gave me less grief.

Don't forget any XJR will probrably have had a hard life, anyone paying the premium for the performance will want to use it, and long term, given the relative fragility of the 308 this could result in big bills. The 300 is much more DIY friendly and parts are cheaper now too.

I'd have a long look at the classified ads to see what's around, and do a bit of research on prices. You'll have big fuel bills with both the 6 and 8 cyls and the insurance will be hefty too, how about buying a shitter for daily use and keeping the XJR - maybe on a classic limited mileage policy - for weekends .

If you like XJ's, and find a good one they grow on you in a big way.

[groomi]

A good choice sir, but obey the rules:

1) Read Broadbean747s post (and the other hundreds).
2) Nikasil won't be a problem anymore.
3) Water pump are easy fixes and relatively cheap.
4) Don't take any chances with tensioners. If it's pre 2001 and doesn't have a new engine then budget for replacements.
5) Don't buy the cheapest.
6) Expect big running costs, then you won't be dissappointed.
7) Enjoy

[jagdpanther]

Cooky said:

If you want peace of mind and can settle for 45 bhp less get the xjr6. these are bomb proof in comparison and a tad more economical to run.

I've been hankering for an xjr8 for quite some time, but I have been put off a bit with all the issues that come with the v8's (nikasil, chain tensioners, water pumps...etc) and as such punted for the six cyl. I pick it up tomorrow.....WOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

and the best bit is that wifebeast says I get to keep he XJS and the Cerbera too...

toys...don't ya just love 'em

Id just like to add that Ive had the pleasure of driving Cookys new XJR and shes a real beaut!

[Cooky]

jagdpanther said:

Id just like to add that Ive had the pleasure of driving Cookys new XJR and shes a real beaut!

Thanks Scott, by the way it's a HIM

[a8hex]

Cooky said:

jagdpanther said:

Id just like to add that Ive had the pleasure of driving Cookys new XJR and shes a real beaut!

Thanks Scott, by the way it's a HIM

Sorry Cooky, all Jaguars are "she"s !

Hope you're enjoying the new toy and I wish you at least as many happy years with yours as I've had with mine.

P.S. Rod, be aware that Jaguar ownership is addictive.

[pzero64]

Go for it, get one. Lovely cars for the money.

I had a ‘95 XJR6 and I don’t remember the mpg being much better than the V8 (mainly short journeys).

By the way – on the XJR6; rear bushes replaced = about £300. Air con dead later on = £630 to sort.

Who cares, it’s only money?

[Big Rumbly]

I've had a 97 XJR8 for 6 months now, I had the tensioners and chains done as a precaution when I bought it. I was initially very scared that if it went wrong I wouldnt be able to afford to put it right, but touch wood it hasn't missed a beat, and I now have confidence in it. I never ceases to amaze, it's like it's od'd on dylithiam crystals when in hurry up mode, and is docile as a kitten when needed.
Only downside it that its got a thirst like a CAMRA member, but if it did'nt then wouldnt have been able to afford one in thge first place.
A totally fabulous car.

Cheers

Big Rumbly

[Rod Rammage]

Been doing a bit of research... not mad keen on the interior of the XJR6. Saw an M Plate in black with 80K miles for £2,850 though...

I think it would have to be an 2000-onwards XJR8. Blow-by test seems essential, and replacement chain tensioner seems a good idea - about £1,500?

Incidentally, if anyone reading this post is in a similar position, check out this:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=195961&amp...