XJR X308 New Owner -
XJR X308 New Owner -
Author
Discussion

6speedmanual

Original Poster:

140 posts

255 months

Friday 15th October 2010
quotequote all
Hi fellow XJR onwners and enthusiasts.

I have just bought a 2000MY XJR. This latest arrival to my fleet has done 102,000 miles and has a full service history. General condition is very good and it looks very smart in its Pacific Blue with Warm Charcoal combination. It has the factory "R" options of Brembo big brakes BBS Milan wheels.

There are some minor issues I will work on to improve the general driving experience. I'm quite particular about how my cars drive and want them to feel good on the road.

Jobs list for the next few weeks is new rear tyres, front discs and possibly a front end rebuild (bushes, ball joints, etc). I'm fortunate in that I can carry out such work myself so do not face massive garage bills to keep my cars running in top form. It is basically just parts cost for me which make up typically only 1/3 of a total repair bill at a garage. My research so far also indicates that Jag parts can be readily obtained at quite reasonable prices.

There are lots of things I like about the XJR X308, but what most hits me every time I see it or get into it is the super low long design. It is far lower than almost any modern saloon car. When you get in it feels like getting down into a sports car and when you close the door the snug cockpit is a very nice place to be. Being a classic car enthusiast, its old school quirkyness is all part of its charm. After 17 years of driving german company cars, this is a real change/antidote to their teutonic regimented design approach.

First impressions of the car are most enjoyable. I love the combination of armchair luxury with huge amount of GO! Roadholding is not quite in the M5/E55 arena, but is still acceptable. What this car lacks in suspension geometry/technology is makes up for in reasonable weight (and distribution) and a low center of gravity.

So far on my 100 mile return daily commute, I am seeing 24mpg. This is no pussyfooting eco-drive, but keeping up with and frequently exceeding normal traffic flow and acceleration. Local journeys in and out of town, 7 miles, with cold engine are punishing at about 16/17mpg. Overall consumption over my first 700 miles has been 20.6. I give the beast a full throttle run up to a good high speed away from a roundabout every couple of days on warm engine on my way to work to keep its lungs clear.

I find the XJR topic posts on Pistonheads mostly useful and informative as well as enjoyable to read to hear other owners' opinions about their cars. Keep up the good posting!

Cheers all and enjoy your big cat driving experiences!

Cheers
Peter

Simpo Two

92,020 posts

291 months

Friday 15th October 2010
quotequote all
6speedmanual said:
but what most hits me every time I see it or get into it is the super low long design. It is far lower than almost any modern saloon car. When you get in it feels like getting down into a sports car and when you close the door the snug cockpit is a very nice place to be. Being a classic car enthusiast, its old school quirkyness is all part of its charm. After 17 years of driving german company cars, this is a real change/antidote to their teutonic regimented design approach.
Proper Jaguar smile

Cecil

337 posts

217 months

Saturday 16th October 2010
quotequote all
Interested to know what disks you are going to use, have you priced up the Brembo ones yet ?

6speedmanual

Original Poster:

140 posts

255 months

Saturday 16th October 2010
quotequote all
Cecil

Since getting new rear tyres and front wheels rebalanced this morning, I am deferring my plan to replace discs. The front wheels were badly out giving a shake between 30-50mph. This became worse under gentle braking making me suspect combination of problems. Now the wheels are balanced, the brake vibe has gone too. Result! Now I am confident in the discs I've been using the brakes much harder. Great solid stopping power from any speed.

I did some phoning around for discs. Bbest price I was quoted for the 355mm dinner plates was from Racing Green parts shop.

6speedmanual

Original Poster:

140 posts

255 months

Saturday 16th October 2010
quotequote all
Cecil

Since getting new rear tyres and front wheels rebalanced this morning, I am deferring my plan to replace discs. The front wheels were badly out giving a shake between 30-50mph. This became worse under gentle braking making me suspect combination of problems. Now the wheels are balanced, the brake vibe has gone too. Result! Now I am confident in the discs I've been using the brakes much harder. Great solid stopping power from any speed.

I did some phoning around for discs. Bbest price I was quoted for the 355mm dinner plates was from Racing Green parts shop.

Zippyworld

848 posts

210 months

Thursday 21st October 2010
quotequote all
Welcome to the club. Had lots of experiences and work done on my 98 XJR, if I can offer an opinion I will