XJRs - talk to me
Discussion
So, I've come over a little bit of money recently, and I want to spend it. On a Jag. More specifically, a black X300 XJR with the manual box.
Now, my problem is that while I can afford to buy one, I'd have to run it on a bit of a budget for the first two or so years because a.) I'm a tightarse and b.) the funds would probably (read: definitely) be more useful elsewhere. So, talk to me, give me the score - how expensive are they? Servicing, general maintenance, avoiding/rectifying breakdowns? How much am I looking at forking out for a well kept example which won't need too much spending on it? Petrol won't be an issue as my commute is but a mere 8 miles a day. Give me the good news.
Also, I don't particularly have too much love for the blacked-out Sport version (although I still would, without a doubt), but I've never actually seen a non-Sport version in the UK. Hence, is it possible to replace the black parts with the proper chromey bits more befitting of a real Jaaaag?
Thanks.
Now, my problem is that while I can afford to buy one, I'd have to run it on a bit of a budget for the first two or so years because a.) I'm a tightarse and b.) the funds would probably (read: definitely) be more useful elsewhere. So, talk to me, give me the score - how expensive are they? Servicing, general maintenance, avoiding/rectifying breakdowns? How much am I looking at forking out for a well kept example which won't need too much spending on it? Petrol won't be an issue as my commute is but a mere 8 miles a day. Give me the good news.
Also, I don't particularly have too much love for the blacked-out Sport version (although I still would, without a doubt), but I've never actually seen a non-Sport version in the UK. Hence, is it possible to replace the black parts with the proper chromey bits more befitting of a real Jaaaag?
Thanks.
Manual XJRs are as rare as rocking horse poo. I doubt you'll ever find exactly the manual gearbox XJR you want in the colour you like... and even if you do chances are you'll be heavily compromising much more important aspects of buying an older XJ.
X300. 1994 to 1997. Available with 3.2 and 4.0 straight 6 engines with manual and auto option. 6.0 V12 auto only. Rust is main concern. Check rear wheel arches, inner and outer sills and closing panels, round front and rear screens, all along door and wing bottoms, and round suspension mountings and jacking points.
Build quality is good and this era XJs mechanically bombproof but rather unrefined by todays standards and especially compared with later visually similar XJ with V8 engines. Odd electrical problems but you'd get that with any old car. Check all the goodies work.
Heavy suspension and brake wear on any hard driven or high mile example, expect some diff whine too. Parts are mostly cheap and easy to fit. Expect up to 28 MPG from gently driven non supercharged car. More realisticaly low 20s in daily use. Tyres from £100 a corner, routine servicing cheap as there's not much to do.
Loads of breakers on ebay so finding chrome and different trim shouldn't be a problem. £2k will buy a stunningly good one if you spend time finding it, try carsandclassic and join the JEC for access to the club classifieds.
X300. 1994 to 1997. Available with 3.2 and 4.0 straight 6 engines with manual and auto option. 6.0 V12 auto only. Rust is main concern. Check rear wheel arches, inner and outer sills and closing panels, round front and rear screens, all along door and wing bottoms, and round suspension mountings and jacking points.
Build quality is good and this era XJs mechanically bombproof but rather unrefined by todays standards and especially compared with later visually similar XJ with V8 engines. Odd electrical problems but you'd get that with any old car. Check all the goodies work.
Heavy suspension and brake wear on any hard driven or high mile example, expect some diff whine too. Parts are mostly cheap and easy to fit. Expect up to 28 MPG from gently driven non supercharged car. More realisticaly low 20s in daily use. Tyres from £100 a corner, routine servicing cheap as there's not much to do.
Loads of breakers on ebay so finding chrome and different trim shouldn't be a problem. £2k will buy a stunningly good one if you spend time finding it, try carsandclassic and join the JEC for access to the club classifieds.
Edited by Jaguar steve on Sunday 25th November 17:07
A manual X300R is one of my favourite cars especially in black, I'd love one too though as said above they are hens teeth (with the prices to match generally). Good luck finding one.
There's not too much to worry about on these cars, they are relatively cheap and easy to maintain. Rust is probably going to be the main issue now I would have though, plus check to see when the clutch was last replaced and factor that in as chances are it'll be on the leggy side.
These manual Jag's are under-rated drivers cars, the character is significantly different to the auto.
There's not too much to worry about on these cars, they are relatively cheap and easy to maintain. Rust is probably going to be the main issue now I would have though, plus check to see when the clutch was last replaced and factor that in as chances are it'll be on the leggy side.
These manual Jag's are under-rated drivers cars, the character is significantly different to the auto.
MycroftWard said:
These manual Jag's are under-rated drivers cars, the character is significantly different to the auto.
I had a X308 and a X300 sport manual at the same time the Auto X308 is a fantastic car the auto suits it very well. But the X300 manual was like a big go-cart. very much a car that you drive, while the action of the gear box is never going to worry BMW, it is a solid bit of kit. Really miss that car.
Not wishing to be contrary, but I'm a bit confused with the comments about how a manual box "changes the character" of the car...
I've got an X308 XJR (auto obviously) and surely using sports mode and the J gate and holding the gearbox manually, I can replicate what I assume is the same effect; that the car feels fantastically darty, when held in second or third gear on the road, and really good immediate responses and get the nose tucked in and the back moving round on track...
I'm struggling to see what a manual box would add to that? I can then waft home in D if I choose to...
I think that the j-gate auto box really suits an XJR well, and actually enhances the 'Jekyll & Hyde" character of the car...
Happy to be proved wrong
I've got an X308 XJR (auto obviously) and surely using sports mode and the J gate and holding the gearbox manually, I can replicate what I assume is the same effect; that the car feels fantastically darty, when held in second or third gear on the road, and really good immediate responses and get the nose tucked in and the back moving round on track...
I'm struggling to see what a manual box would add to that? I can then waft home in D if I choose to...
I think that the j-gate auto box really suits an XJR well, and actually enhances the 'Jekyll & Hyde" character of the car...
Happy to be proved wrong
chris.mapey said:
Not wishing to be contrary, but I'm a bit confused with the comments about how a manual box "changes the character" of the car...
I've got an X308 XJR (auto obviously) and surely using sports mode and the J gate and holding the gearbox manually, I can replicate what I assume is the same effect; that the car feels fantastically darty, when held in second or third gear on the road, and really good immediate responses and get the nose tucked in and the back moving round on track...
I'm struggling to see what a manual box would add to that? I can then waft home in D if I choose to...
I think that the j-gate auto box really suits an XJR well, and actually enhances the 'Jekyll & Hyde" character of the car...
Happy to be proved wrong
It all depends on how you like to drive, if you enjoy a stick shift manual then a semi-auto just feels less engaging and unsatisfactory. I've got an X308 XJR (auto obviously) and surely using sports mode and the J gate and holding the gearbox manually, I can replicate what I assume is the same effect; that the car feels fantastically darty, when held in second or third gear on the road, and really good immediate responses and get the nose tucked in and the back moving round on track...
I'm struggling to see what a manual box would add to that? I can then waft home in D if I choose to...
I think that the j-gate auto box really suits an XJR well, and actually enhances the 'Jekyll & Hyde" character of the car...
Happy to be proved wrong
I've not driven an X308 but have had four auto XJ40's before my current manual XJ40. It's great to waft about in an auto, I'd definately have another. I don't think the manual car is fundermentally "better", it's probably objectively worse technically but there's no doubt that for me the manual makes a much more exciting sporty drive. I've modified the suspension on my XJ40 manual so it's quite a bit firmer than standard, which has also moved the character to a more sporty one.
I don't know what the J gate is like with the five speed auto but with the four speed there a very noticeable delay in shifts if you try and use it like a semi-auto.
Cheers for that chaps.
I can see both sides of the argument, however I can't help feel that the opportunities to drive as 'intented' with a manual gearbox are ever decreasing, and the chances of sitting in a traffic jam pumping a clutch pedal are getting ever more, hence my preference for the auto.
I still feel that when an X308 XJR is in second or third gear on the J-gate with sports mode engaged the torque convertor slip is very minimal, you can get on & off the power in an 'somewhat snappy' manner... I'm very aware of how dim witted & ponderous the gearbox feels when in Drive (sports mode on or off).
I'll probably compromise and say that for 90% of my driving I'm happy with my choice of auto, and for the other 10% when I have a clear road infront of me and the chance of a hoon, I'm happy enough with driving my XJR and extending it and I'm not 'missing' that last few n-ths of immediacy', if you see what I mean.'
I can see both sides of the argument, however I can't help feel that the opportunities to drive as 'intented' with a manual gearbox are ever decreasing, and the chances of sitting in a traffic jam pumping a clutch pedal are getting ever more, hence my preference for the auto.
I still feel that when an X308 XJR is in second or third gear on the J-gate with sports mode engaged the torque convertor slip is very minimal, you can get on & off the power in an 'somewhat snappy' manner... I'm very aware of how dim witted & ponderous the gearbox feels when in Drive (sports mode on or off).
I'll probably compromise and say that for 90% of my driving I'm happy with my choice of auto, and for the other 10% when I have a clear road infront of me and the chance of a hoon, I'm happy enough with driving my XJR and extending it and I'm not 'missing' that last few n-ths of immediacy', if you see what I mean.'
MDT said:
MycroftWard said:
These manual Jag's are under-rated drivers cars, the character is significantly different to the auto.
I had a X308 and a X300 sport manual at the same time the Auto X308 is a fantastic car the auto suits it very well. But the X300 manual was like a big go-cart. very much a car that you drive, while the action of the gear box is never going to worry BMW, it is a solid bit of kit. Really miss that car.
this is a typical jag discussion where everyone will have a different opinions about what is more jag like/ best option/ realistic drive etc.
no substitute for having a go yourself and seeing what suits you though, as everyone is different! personally i favour the manual cars, but they are hard to come by and often as has been mentioned, involve a compromise in other areas, just to have the manual box.
i do know of a black 300R manual for sale privately (or it was still for sale last month, so can check for you if you are serious). but it will be one of the most expensive out there, as it has been lavished on, so the price will reflect.
PM me if interested and i can put you in touch with the seller.
no substitute for having a go yourself and seeing what suits you though, as everyone is different! personally i favour the manual cars, but they are hard to come by and often as has been mentioned, involve a compromise in other areas, just to have the manual box.
i do know of a black 300R manual for sale privately (or it was still for sale last month, so can check for you if you are serious). but it will be one of the most expensive out there, as it has been lavished on, so the price will reflect.
PM me if interested and i can put you in touch with the seller.
What you want is this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-JAGUAR-XJR-BLACK-RA...
It went into storage after failing to sell. It will cost you a lot (for an X300 anyway - it's still a bargain), but you get what you pay for.
I've also seen the car that made the one above surplus to requirements. My oh my.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-JAGUAR-XJR-BLACK-RA...
It went into storage after failing to sell. It will cost you a lot (for an X300 anyway - it's still a bargain), but you get what you pay for.
I've also seen the car that made the one above surplus to requirements. My oh my.
thejpster said:
What you want is this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-JAGUAR-XJR-BLACK-RA...
It went into storage after failing to sell. It will cost you a lot (for an X300 anyway - it's still a bargain), but you get what you pay for.
I've also seen the car that made the one above surplus to requirements. My oh my.
yes, thats the one i was thinking of too. cant be a better one for sale right now?http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-JAGUAR-XJR-BLACK-RA...
It went into storage after failing to sell. It will cost you a lot (for an X300 anyway - it's still a bargain), but you get what you pay for.
I've also seen the car that made the one above surplus to requirements. My oh my.
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