XJ6 v XJR6 v XJ8 v XJR8
Discussion
Hi Guys
I still have fond memories of my X300 XJ Sport which I had several years ago. So much so, I am looking for another XJ to accompany my 123d - a kind of negative carbon off set, if you will
My budget is around £5k max.
However, I am confused as to which model to buy, as they all appeal to me in different ways.
Which one would offer the best blend of performance, reliability, running costs and economy?
I have always had my heart set on a black XJR6, as I think they are so beautiful and pure. The XJR6s are also stonking value just now.
However, my friend has just got a
3.2 XJ8 which is also beautiful.
And then we have the LWB X308 Sovereigns. I didn't really like these when they came out, but now I think they are great and have a certain regal appeal, especially in the right colour.
And then you have the XJR8s, which don't cost that much more.
Arrrghhh! Decisions! Any guidance would be much appreciated!
I still have fond memories of my X300 XJ Sport which I had several years ago. So much so, I am looking for another XJ to accompany my 123d - a kind of negative carbon off set, if you will
My budget is around £5k max.
However, I am confused as to which model to buy, as they all appeal to me in different ways.
Which one would offer the best blend of performance, reliability, running costs and economy?
I have always had my heart set on a black XJR6, as I think they are so beautiful and pure. The XJR6s are also stonking value just now.
However, my friend has just got a
3.2 XJ8 which is also beautiful.
And then we have the LWB X308 Sovereigns. I didn't really like these when they came out, but now I think they are great and have a certain regal appeal, especially in the right colour.
And then you have the XJR8s, which don't cost that much more.
Arrrghhh! Decisions! Any guidance would be much appreciated!
Which one would offer the best blend of performance, reliability, running costs and economy?
Performance: The R models will be faster, 322bhp for the XJR6 and around 370bhp for the XJR8 I think.
Both limited to 155mph. However, its a big heavy car, so not exactly well suited to the twisty bits. More motorway cruising. The NA cars have plenty of power, but again, they are big and heavy. The XJR6 sits lower to the ground than any other XJ, which might make it look the most 'cool' but is notorious for trammlining unless you get a better tyre fitted to the Pirelli, there is also some suspension bushes around which help.
Reliability: The 6 cylinder unit is widely regarded as pretty bombproof although check for cracked exhaust manifolds as the long term effects of this could be detrimental to the engine. An early V8 might suffer from Nikasil and timing chain tensioner issues (aka ££££), but with the money you have available, these issues might already have been addressed - check they have. (Nikasil isn't always a problem though - research into that.) All XJ will wear out wheel bearings and bushes, sometimes diff bearings too. Rusty rear wheelarches was an issue on early X300 (6 cylinder) but rust problems seem to have been ironed out by X308 (V8) I can't really advise on garage bills as I do all my own work - oh yes, the X300 is easier to work on (so cheaper to maintain?)
Running costs/economy. Its a Jag. You don't buy a Jag and worry about fuel or insurance. They will all expensive on fuel compared to your daily runner. Insurance might not be much of an issue if you search out the right policy.
If I were you I'd wait until the right car appears on the radar. be prepared to travel the length of the country if need be. You sound like you've chosen the colour - black? - so start there. I also think you have a great budget, but I'd be inclined to put by £1000 for 'emergencies'
Performance: The R models will be faster, 322bhp for the XJR6 and around 370bhp for the XJR8 I think.
Both limited to 155mph. However, its a big heavy car, so not exactly well suited to the twisty bits. More motorway cruising. The NA cars have plenty of power, but again, they are big and heavy. The XJR6 sits lower to the ground than any other XJ, which might make it look the most 'cool' but is notorious for trammlining unless you get a better tyre fitted to the Pirelli, there is also some suspension bushes around which help.
Reliability: The 6 cylinder unit is widely regarded as pretty bombproof although check for cracked exhaust manifolds as the long term effects of this could be detrimental to the engine. An early V8 might suffer from Nikasil and timing chain tensioner issues (aka ££££), but with the money you have available, these issues might already have been addressed - check they have. (Nikasil isn't always a problem though - research into that.) All XJ will wear out wheel bearings and bushes, sometimes diff bearings too. Rusty rear wheelarches was an issue on early X300 (6 cylinder) but rust problems seem to have been ironed out by X308 (V8) I can't really advise on garage bills as I do all my own work - oh yes, the X300 is easier to work on (so cheaper to maintain?)
Running costs/economy. Its a Jag. You don't buy a Jag and worry about fuel or insurance. They will all expensive on fuel compared to your daily runner. Insurance might not be much of an issue if you search out the right policy.
If I were you I'd wait until the right car appears on the radar. be prepared to travel the length of the country if need be. You sound like you've chosen the colour - black? - so start there. I also think you have a great budget, but I'd be inclined to put by £1000 for 'emergencies'
Magic, many thanks for that.
I will wait until "the one" comes up for sale. There is no rush - I have until the Le Mans Classic in July.
ETA there is a very reasonable 3.2 XJ8 I am going to look at, so watch this space.
My X300 is the only car I have had that I would have back in an instant.
I will wait until "the one" comes up for sale. There is no rush - I have until the Le Mans Classic in July.
ETA there is a very reasonable 3.2 XJ8 I am going to look at, so watch this space.
My X300 is the only car I have had that I would have back in an instant.
Edited by Ecurie Ecosse on Sunday 17th January 11:57
I bought my X308 3.2 about 6 weeks ago. It's a lovely car to drive with a creamy smooth engine and superb wafting ability. Mine was less than 3k though. If I had your budget, I would definately be holding out for a supercharged or V12 car. Mine does feel a little underpowered in certain circumstances and the extra oomph would be welcome.
Main thing to bear in mind when making a choice is the condition and history of a particular car is now becoming far more important then the overall consideration of whether the V8 is better than the straight 6 models. Nearly all the Jaguar XJs in your price range are descending into ten year old + banger territory now and there's more than a few of them are not wearing their miles or age well.
Personally unless you really want the extra performance I'd avoid any R example - these are bought to be driven hard and chances are they will have been. If you use the full performance of an XJR you'll get through brake components, tyres and fuel like you never have before.
I've had both 6 and 8 cyl 3.2s. All other things being equal the V8 XJ is a much nicer car to drive and own. It feels more lively, is far smoother and quiter and has a much nicer gearbox. On the other hand the earlier 6's are generally more robust, they are an easier DIY proposition and spares are now getting cheaper too. The 6s have marginally nicer ride quality. Fuel consumption and routine running costs are very similar.
If I was buying again I'd look into the various V8 issues like timing chain tensioners, thermostats and water pumps, gearbox and 'diff servicing requirements and be aware of Nikasil engine failure and corrosion problems.
Having got my head round that little lot I'd start looking for the very best, less than 60k V8 I could find. I'd pay far less attention to engine size, spec. or colour than I would overall condition and evidence of real care and servicing. You budget may be a little stretched to find a later car as good as it can possibily get - especially as you'd be wise to keep a few hundred quid in reserve for a full fluid change - but that's what I'd do - just get the best, most well cared for example you can find. That'll usually mean buying from an enthusiast or a specalist Jaguar independent.
Once I'd bought it, if you want it to be reliable and last than a full fluid change and some rustproofing would be a good idea.
Personally unless you really want the extra performance I'd avoid any R example - these are bought to be driven hard and chances are they will have been. If you use the full performance of an XJR you'll get through brake components, tyres and fuel like you never have before.
I've had both 6 and 8 cyl 3.2s. All other things being equal the V8 XJ is a much nicer car to drive and own. It feels more lively, is far smoother and quiter and has a much nicer gearbox. On the other hand the earlier 6's are generally more robust, they are an easier DIY proposition and spares are now getting cheaper too. The 6s have marginally nicer ride quality. Fuel consumption and routine running costs are very similar.
If I was buying again I'd look into the various V8 issues like timing chain tensioners, thermostats and water pumps, gearbox and 'diff servicing requirements and be aware of Nikasil engine failure and corrosion problems.
Having got my head round that little lot I'd start looking for the very best, less than 60k V8 I could find. I'd pay far less attention to engine size, spec. or colour than I would overall condition and evidence of real care and servicing. You budget may be a little stretched to find a later car as good as it can possibily get - especially as you'd be wise to keep a few hundred quid in reserve for a full fluid change - but that's what I'd do - just get the best, most well cared for example you can find. That'll usually mean buying from an enthusiast or a specalist Jaguar independent.
Once I'd bought it, if you want it to be reliable and last than a full fluid change and some rustproofing would be a good idea.
I own an X308 XJR and my mate has a 3.2 X300 sport.
Pros and cons to both really, the 3.2 is plenty quick enough 98% of the time, and rides better (16inch wheels vs 18inch!) it's an 'easier' car to drive somehow and I prefer the noise the straight6 makes. I mainly got the later car because I prefered the dashboard, and went for an 'R' because I don't drive it far (also 370bhp and Lamborghini Miura matching 0-60times are as awesome as you'd imagine)
One thing to note (possibly) is that the X308 4.0litre actually lists better fuel economy then the 3.2, don't know if that matches up to real world results. As for insurance, mine is £200 on a 'classic car' (really more like a second car) limited milage policy, there was no difference between models.
I'd rather have a nice X300 sport then a poor X308 XJR, but for £5k you should be able to get a really nice X308, unless prices have risen massively since I bought mine (here's hoping!)
If you need to know anything specific about what living with or driving an X308 XJR is like let me know.
Pros and cons to both really, the 3.2 is plenty quick enough 98% of the time, and rides better (16inch wheels vs 18inch!) it's an 'easier' car to drive somehow and I prefer the noise the straight6 makes. I mainly got the later car because I prefered the dashboard, and went for an 'R' because I don't drive it far (also 370bhp and Lamborghini Miura matching 0-60times are as awesome as you'd imagine)
One thing to note (possibly) is that the X308 4.0litre actually lists better fuel economy then the 3.2, don't know if that matches up to real world results. As for insurance, mine is £200 on a 'classic car' (really more like a second car) limited milage policy, there was no difference between models.
I'd rather have a nice X300 sport then a poor X308 XJR, but for £5k you should be able to get a really nice X308, unless prices have risen massively since I bought mine (here's hoping!)
If you need to know anything specific about what living with or driving an X308 XJR is like let me know.
Edited by varsas on Monday 18th January 20:03
My prefered option is the X300 xjr
The AJ16 coupled with the screw charger is about as bullet proof as they get.
if you boot it around 80ish they simply defy logic that something so big can move so quickly, its like hitting the hyperdive on a galactic cruiser
Ok so not as powerful as the 308r but the charger is non progressive so it's permanently on the revs and always ready to oblige. No timing chain, nikasil or water pump issues either. In 'sport' mode thay are more than chuckable too, the back end is pretty planted but be prepared to change bushes/ball joints etc if driven spiritedly on a regular basis....although it's pretty hard NOT too
Great fun and quality for the price too.
The interiors of the 8's are much nicer and up to date though.
The AJ16 coupled with the screw charger is about as bullet proof as they get.
if you boot it around 80ish they simply defy logic that something so big can move so quickly, its like hitting the hyperdive on a galactic cruiser
Ok so not as powerful as the 308r but the charger is non progressive so it's permanently on the revs and always ready to oblige. No timing chain, nikasil or water pump issues either. In 'sport' mode thay are more than chuckable too, the back end is pretty planted but be prepared to change bushes/ball joints etc if driven spiritedly on a regular basis....although it's pretty hard NOT too
Great fun and quality for the price too.
The interiors of the 8's are much nicer and up to date though.
I had the XJR6 and have an XJR8. The 6 wallowed massively more than the 8, probably due to lack of CATS and I think the 6 was heavier. The 8 seems very much smoother and faster too, and oddly I swear it is better MPG, e.g. think about touching the gas in the XJR6 and the computer dives to 14mpg. You can keep your foot on the gas up a slight hill in the XJR8 and the computer will sit at 20mpg. The XJR6 has a limited slip diff whereas the 8 does not, if that matters to you. The diamond cut/polished alloys will always develop white bubbling of the lacquor on the XJR6 which is a shame. It seems impossible to return them to full original glory, but you can refurb them and turn them grey (powder coating I think, not sure) like every other alloy wheel. Finally the interior is plush on both, but the dash is very dated on the X300's.
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