Jaguar X308/X350?

[MichaelBailey]

After deciding that I desperately want a big jag I would like to know which would be the better option on the X308 4.0 Or the 3.0 V6 X350. Looking at it they both have their pros and cons of course and I feel myself swaying to the X308 for the V8 and the classic looks. I'd like to hear of anyone's past experiences on them and also I have a budget of 4000 on them and I understand I would have to get a slightly high miler on the X350 so I wasn't sure what would be the more reliable of the two. Any advice would be much appreciated thanks!

[Andy665]

I had exactly the same dilemma with a slightly higher budget - bought neither and now a very happy S Type R owner

For your budget I reckon you'd be better with an X308, but as many pointed out to me the X308 and X350 are very different to each other

[PlayersNo6]

You probably want to be considering the 3.5 or 4.2 V8 in the X350 as opposed to the V6 - there's not much in it in mpg - which almost makes the 3.5 irrelevant...

They're very different cars. The X308 sits lower and feels more old fashioned to drive, the X350 feels a much more modern car. You need to drive both.

£4k will get you an A1 X308 but be aware of potential rust (all arches and rear screen surround), timing chain tensioners and the need for a gearbox oil and filter change.

Have a look at the Jaguar forum on here.

[SpeckledJim]

Very different cars. X350 is a thoroughly modern car trying desperately not to look it. Very good, often overlooked, car.

X308 very characterful by comparison. But not as good in any quantifiable way. Except perhaps ride quality.

[PlayersNo6]

I should add that if it was my only car I would go for the X350. I bought an X308 as a second/weekend/summer car.

[joebongo]

And if you want an x308 PM me. All sorted, winters in the garage ready etc blah.

Reason? I want a change back to a 7'er but can't be arsed to go through the pain of ads and numpties calling.

[AmitG]

Recently discussed here (with the OP having a similar budget)

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=9&a...

[Rich1973]

If the X308, get a 'R'. You won't regret it and your budget will get you a nice one.

[Janluke]

I've had my X350 3.5 V8 for nearly 2 years now and love it. Its needed tyres, brakes all round and a couple of suspension bushes. I have one leaky alloy that needs attention and I think a gearbox oil change is on the cards and thats it. Like you I started looking for a XJ6 3.0 which seems to get a great write up on here. At the time I couldn't find a decent XJ6 local to me but a very nice 3.5 cropped up at the right price. I feel a real sense of occasion every time I drive the Jag and love the "waft". I've averaged about 27mpg over the 2 years although tbf I rarely drive hard as it just feels wrong. In your position I would buy on condition and not worry about V6/V8. The difference in running costs is minimal. Sometimes think I should have gone for the R but my driving style really doesn't warrant it

[exceed]

I've been driving a X350 Jaguar Super V8 for a few years now, and just be mindful that it's a Jaguar at heart (read: Restricted Performance mode constantly on, parking sensors failing causing continuous beeping, brakes costing about £1-2k to replace, etc.).

The older X308 R also suffers from Supercharger issues and head gasket failures.

If you go for a N/A V8 you may get past these foibles, but I'd still go in with a fine toothpick to check service history and maintenance.

[MichaelBailey]

Thanks for the advice everyone, something I have to be mindful of is insurance. Most of you have probably estimated my age in more the later half of my years but you'll be surprised to find out actually I'm still a teenager (an old one at that). I need it for commuting down to london from manchester every weekend with little work inbetween. Previously ive had a 1988 mini and currently on a 92 polo, both of which I have loved dearly (more the mini) but when it comes to long distance the polo just doesn't cut it. So any R or newer X350 with a V8 becomes unaffordable on insurance 5k+... I've always loved jags so I really want one. Just thought with the added information if any views have altered. Thanks again!