Thinking of buying an X300 - advice please
Discussion
Hi
I am seriously considering buying a jaguar as my next car and am looking for some advice. I have a budget of £5k and after having looked at this and other sources of information have narrowed it down to the X300.
The questions I have are:
1. Initially I was looking for a manual shift. However, these seem to be seriously thin on the ground. There appears to be a greater choice of autos. Would I be seriously disappointed if I bought an auto? (I do a lot of miles and intend to keep the car a long time hence I would prefer a lower mileage car to start with which the autos tend to be).
2. I was also considering a sport model. Does the driving experience differ significantly for the other models i.e. the executive?
3. Is the fuel economy vastly different between the 3.2 and 4.0L? My current car is a Saab and I average about 24mpg.
4.I am located in the SE. Any favourable comments about the following dealers - Arun; Luxton; Dorest Jag Centre?
Look forward to any replies
Huw
>> Edited by mozza9 on Thursday 6th April 14:52
I am seriously considering buying a jaguar as my next car and am looking for some advice. I have a budget of £5k and after having looked at this and other sources of information have narrowed it down to the X300.
The questions I have are:
1. Initially I was looking for a manual shift. However, these seem to be seriously thin on the ground. There appears to be a greater choice of autos. Would I be seriously disappointed if I bought an auto? (I do a lot of miles and intend to keep the car a long time hence I would prefer a lower mileage car to start with which the autos tend to be).
2. I was also considering a sport model. Does the driving experience differ significantly for the other models i.e. the executive?
3. Is the fuel economy vastly different between the 3.2 and 4.0L? My current car is a Saab and I average about 24mpg.
4.I am located in the SE. Any favourable comments about the following dealers - Arun; Luxton; Dorest Jag Centre?
Look forward to any replies
Huw
>> Edited by mozza9 on Thursday 6th April 14:52
The manuals are very rare and unless you get the supercharged XJR, they are completey pointless. The gearchange is very agriculural.
The sport model is actually a very basic model and I would recommend a Sovereign which will have all of the toys adn really feel the part. If you want a faster/better handling X300, then get the XJR - possibly do-able for £5k.
Hope that helps.
The sport model is actually a very basic model and I would recommend a Sovereign which will have all of the toys adn really feel the part. If you want a faster/better handling X300, then get the XJR - possibly do-able for £5k.
Hope that helps.
Sorry, forgot to answer the other points.
Fuel economy is virtually identical between the 3.2 and 4.0. I'd recommend the 4.0 every time, and the old XJ40 I had with that engine used to average 24-26 on the motorway easily enough.
As for the dealers, I don't know much TBH; although Arun always look to be a bit on the exspensive side.
Fuel economy is virtually identical between the 3.2 and 4.0. I'd recommend the 4.0 every time, and the old XJ40 I had with that engine used to average 24-26 on the motorway easily enough.
As for the dealers, I don't know much TBH; although Arun always look to be a bit on the exspensive side.
Thanks for the advice received so far. Planning to look at some cars this weekend.
Regarding the XJR. Very nice cars, but my insurance is more realistic when I remove the supercharger (shame eh!)
I agree that the prices at Arun seem a bit higher than others, but if they supply a car that is right first time then sometimes it is worth that little bit extra.
If my hunt is successful I fully intend to join the JEC, I don’t know how many meetings I would be able to attend though. Only get to attend the local Scimitar (my weekend and summer car)meeting when I have earned enough brownie points from the wife.
Any more information gratefully recieved
Regarding the XJR. Very nice cars, but my insurance is more realistic when I remove the supercharger (shame eh!)
I agree that the prices at Arun seem a bit higher than others, but if they supply a car that is right first time then sometimes it is worth that little bit extra.
If my hunt is successful I fully intend to join the JEC, I don’t know how many meetings I would be able to attend though. Only get to attend the local Scimitar (my weekend and summer car)meeting when I have earned enough brownie points from the wife.
Any more information gratefully recieved
Have owned x300 4,0 sport for last eight years and car now ten years old. Been very reliable and try to look after it myself. Normal serviceing not difficult but pain to get on ramps cos its low. Performance does me. Mpg 23-28. Would highly recommend JEC. Was an article in Jaguar World about buying an x300. Came out as a good buy. Tyres can be very expensive depending on wheels. Eurojag who advertise in JEC magazine(exc source of info) are very good and helpful. Tremendous car. Some good ones advertised in back of JEC magazine. Rear wheel arches beginning to go on early ones-maybe because I live in the north east.
I'll have had my X300 for ten years next month. It's a 3.2 sport. I prefered the seats in the sport, I think the suspension setup was different to the non-sports.
When I bought my car one of the dealers had a manual and commented that they were very rare because no one wanted them, he said they would not buy in manuals and only took them in part exchange if pushed. In my opion a manual X300 would make about as much sense and Cateram 7 with an auto box. The XJR might be a bit different, but personally I would still choose the auto box version, it is just more in character with the car.
As for mileage it is very dependent on the type of journeys you do, I used to get around 18MPG as most of my journeys were very short, I get closer to 20 now that I often go a little further. Cruising on the moterway at 85 I get about 23, at 60 it gets upto about 28. That is with the aircon on (I never turn it off) and the tyres at maximum confort settings (about 27PSI IIRC). I suspect that there is little or no difference between the 3.2 and the 4 in terms of fuel consumption. I wouldn't even be surprised if the 4 does better.
If I was buying the car now, I might be more tempted to look for a 4L, the extra torque might be nice, not that the 3.2 doesn't go very nicely. The 3.2 is probably a little smoother.
Apart from fuel, mines has been very cheap to run. The servicing isn't too bad, certainly cheaper than the Audi I once had, and cheaper than the misses Merc. Apart from the regular servicing the only extra I've needed to be done was having all the bushes replaced.
The tyres weren't too scarey as long as you shop around, I've always used the tyres it came on (P6000s I think).
I can't help too much with dealers, I bought mine from a main dealer, but then it was a current model, and mines was 18months old at the time.
I still love the car, hence I'm still running it. I get itchie feet occasionaly and look at changing her. I've driven the new alloy X350 which is deeply impressive, the ride is unbelievable but I didn't find myself falling in love. I like driving XK8s, but it would have to be a convertable one and there isn't enough space in the back for the kids. I looked at changing to a Virage but was heart broken to find I still prefered drive the Jag. It still looks great, I don't feel it has really aged and probably won't until Jaguar do something stunning with the X350 replacement... if they ever do.
Good luck with your search.
P.S. Mine is plain black (with cream interior) which looks stunning when clean but is a real pig to keep looking clean. Forget just giving the car a quick hose down, even if you were still allowed to.
When I bought my car one of the dealers had a manual and commented that they were very rare because no one wanted them, he said they would not buy in manuals and only took them in part exchange if pushed. In my opion a manual X300 would make about as much sense and Cateram 7 with an auto box. The XJR might be a bit different, but personally I would still choose the auto box version, it is just more in character with the car.
As for mileage it is very dependent on the type of journeys you do, I used to get around 18MPG as most of my journeys were very short, I get closer to 20 now that I often go a little further. Cruising on the moterway at 85 I get about 23, at 60 it gets upto about 28. That is with the aircon on (I never turn it off) and the tyres at maximum confort settings (about 27PSI IIRC). I suspect that there is little or no difference between the 3.2 and the 4 in terms of fuel consumption. I wouldn't even be surprised if the 4 does better.
If I was buying the car now, I might be more tempted to look for a 4L, the extra torque might be nice, not that the 3.2 doesn't go very nicely. The 3.2 is probably a little smoother.
Apart from fuel, mines has been very cheap to run. The servicing isn't too bad, certainly cheaper than the Audi I once had, and cheaper than the misses Merc. Apart from the regular servicing the only extra I've needed to be done was having all the bushes replaced.
The tyres weren't too scarey as long as you shop around, I've always used the tyres it came on (P6000s I think).
I can't help too much with dealers, I bought mine from a main dealer, but then it was a current model, and mines was 18months old at the time.
I still love the car, hence I'm still running it. I get itchie feet occasionaly and look at changing her. I've driven the new alloy X350 which is deeply impressive, the ride is unbelievable but I didn't find myself falling in love. I like driving XK8s, but it would have to be a convertable one and there isn't enough space in the back for the kids. I looked at changing to a Virage but was heart broken to find I still prefered drive the Jag. It still looks great, I don't feel it has really aged and probably won't until Jaguar do something stunning with the X350 replacement... if they ever do.
Good luck with your search.
P.S. Mine is plain black (with cream interior) which looks stunning when clean but is a real pig to keep looking clean. Forget just giving the car a quick hose down, even if you were still allowed to.
I was thinking of posting a near identical thread to the OP for this one.
I've been getting that luxo-barge itch for a while now, and I seem to be firmly focusing on a Jag. My budget is likely to be c£5K. I've read all I can on PH and a few other sites, and I'm confident at buying cars, spotting duff paint etc...
I seem drawn to the XJR6, typically a 95/96 car and there are a few about at varying prices. I know the engines have a good reputation, and I've there seem to be plenty of independents about for reasonable price servicing. Are there any issues specific to the R as compared to say a 4.0 Sov, which would probably be my alternative?
Luxton Jaguar are quite close to me, anyone any experience of them?
I've been getting that luxo-barge itch for a while now, and I seem to be firmly focusing on a Jag. My budget is likely to be c£5K. I've read all I can on PH and a few other sites, and I'm confident at buying cars, spotting duff paint etc...
I seem drawn to the XJR6, typically a 95/96 car and there are a few about at varying prices. I know the engines have a good reputation, and I've there seem to be plenty of independents about for reasonable price servicing. Are there any issues specific to the R as compared to say a 4.0 Sov, which would probably be my alternative?
Luxton Jaguar are quite close to me, anyone any experience of them?
xxplod, I live near Luxtons too. I have not dealt with them in buying a car for myself. However, a good mate bought an XJ8 there a year or so ago. He was pleased with the deal and also is pleased with the servicing he gets from Luxtons.
Maybe two months ago for another PHer in Nottingham interested in an XJS V12 Luxtons had for sale, I went and gave it the once over for him ahead of a possible visit by him. Having reported back to him, he made a date at Luxtons, drove down, had to wait for the sales guy to appear and when he did he was with a customer who did a deal on said car right in front of him! So much for a trusty salesman!
Good luck!
R
Maybe two months ago for another PHer in Nottingham interested in an XJS V12 Luxtons had for sale, I went and gave it the once over for him ahead of a possible visit by him. Having reported back to him, he made a date at Luxtons, drove down, had to wait for the sales guy to appear and when he did he was with a customer who did a deal on said car right in front of him! So much for a trusty salesman!
Good luck!
R
xxplod said:
Thanks Leaper. At least it would seem their cars are OK, and I guess salesmen will always have a first come first served mentality.
Yup, unfortunately as a salesman you get used to so many people who make empty promises that when someone will put their money where their mouth is, you tend to just take it.Don't blame the salesman, blame the hundreds of lying, messing, time wasting customers that cause them to have that mentality.
groomi said:
The manuals are very rare and unless you get the supercharged XJR, they are completey pointless. The gearchange is very agriculural.
The sport model is actually a very basic model and I would recommend a Sovereign which will have all of the toys adn really feel the part. If you want a faster/better handling X300, then get the XJR - possibly do-able for £5k.
Hope that helps.
In fact, if you are lookingfor an X300 (rather than X350) then £5k would buy a really top class XJR. DO get the XJR, even in auto version, it is really worth it. If you can find the manual version, even better. Just sold mine, sorry!The sport model is actually a very basic model and I would recommend a Sovereign which will have all of the toys adn really feel the part. If you want a faster/better handling X300, then get the XJR - possibly do-able for £5k.
Hope that helps.
Johnniem - Yours wasn't the black one on PH classifieds a while back was it? I may be test driving one or two (both autos) on Friday, depending on work committments.
Anything to look out for in particular that can be spotted on a test drive? I've driven a lot of cars so I'll probably spot anything blindingly obvious, but any hints appreciated.
Anything to look out for in particular that can be spotted on a test drive? I've driven a lot of cars so I'll probably spot anything blindingly obvious, but any hints appreciated.
I have a 99T XJ 3.2 and I doubt if I will ever sell it. That should tell you something as I usually change my cars like underwear!!! I have my car serviced at Arun and they are very good, there used car prices are top dollar and you are going to pay more for a car that will lose shed loads as soon as you drive it off the forecourt. Mine has done 53k and is faultless, I expect it would be about £7k to buy.
Keep looking until you find the perfect one for you....
Keep looking until you find the perfect one for you....
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