2000 X308 Jaguar XJR Daily Driver
Discussion
I have been heavily led by PH for my last three cars. I drive 20,0000 miles per year, much of it sitting in traffic heading into West London. Does this make me be sensible? No.
I purchased a rather lovely C124 Mercedes E320 coupe having spent much time on the 'best smoker barges' thread. And what a thing it was. Sadly work dictated that I drive a newer car.
This led me into the perils of car financing. Many people seemed to be harping on about this supposed 'junior supercar' (Hi Vlad) known as an 'M135i'. Drove one, liked it, bought it. Mine was rather nice, with it's oyster seats and wood trim, and pleasingly loud sports exhaust. However, I came to the conclusion, after 2.5yrs and over 40,000 miles, that it wasn't actually a particularly special car. Amusingly quick, yes, fabulous sounding with the optional exhaust, but it really isn't a satisfying steer. They are skittish, the ride is a blend of very good mixed with 'wtf' see sawing due to the poorly resolved damping (mine is on the standard suspension). Oh and the steering? Oh dear BMW, oh dear.
So, I resolved myself to stop giving 'Gerry' several hundred pounds per month and to fulfil a schoolboy dream. I wanted an XJR. The only one I could consider was an X308. I adore them.
Meet Winston. I picked him up on Armistice day, so felt he needed to be named thus. 2000 model, R1 performance pack (split rim wheels and bigger brakes). I paid a full price for the car, knowing it was a superb example. Silver was far from my first choice of colour, but you have to buy on condition.
What a thing. Traction is hopeless at this time of year, it is incredibly unsuited to my needs (I am a West London Estate Agent, I essentially parallel park for a living), it is hilariously thirsty (I am averaging 17mpg). Do I care? Not at all. Totally delighted with my decision and I hope that this is a car I will have for many years to come. I've had some odd comments from friends (I am 31), but that's to be expected.
I will provide updates on my ownership in a few months. I will be able to forgive it a multitude of sins though without doubt. Pics below;
I purchased a rather lovely C124 Mercedes E320 coupe having spent much time on the 'best smoker barges' thread. And what a thing it was. Sadly work dictated that I drive a newer car.
This led me into the perils of car financing. Many people seemed to be harping on about this supposed 'junior supercar' (Hi Vlad) known as an 'M135i'. Drove one, liked it, bought it. Mine was rather nice, with it's oyster seats and wood trim, and pleasingly loud sports exhaust. However, I came to the conclusion, after 2.5yrs and over 40,000 miles, that it wasn't actually a particularly special car. Amusingly quick, yes, fabulous sounding with the optional exhaust, but it really isn't a satisfying steer. They are skittish, the ride is a blend of very good mixed with 'wtf' see sawing due to the poorly resolved damping (mine is on the standard suspension). Oh and the steering? Oh dear BMW, oh dear.
So, I resolved myself to stop giving 'Gerry' several hundred pounds per month and to fulfil a schoolboy dream. I wanted an XJR. The only one I could consider was an X308. I adore them.
Meet Winston. I picked him up on Armistice day, so felt he needed to be named thus. 2000 model, R1 performance pack (split rim wheels and bigger brakes). I paid a full price for the car, knowing it was a superb example. Silver was far from my first choice of colour, but you have to buy on condition.
What a thing. Traction is hopeless at this time of year, it is incredibly unsuited to my needs (I am a West London Estate Agent, I essentially parallel park for a living), it is hilariously thirsty (I am averaging 17mpg). Do I care? Not at all. Totally delighted with my decision and I hope that this is a car I will have for many years to come. I've had some odd comments from friends (I am 31), but that's to be expected.
I will provide updates on my ownership in a few months. I will be able to forgive it a multitude of sins though without doubt. Pics below;
UberMeister said:
Looks fantastic 
Do you take house viewers around in it? Would be a nice change from a Foxtons MINI!
I have a hankering for a manual X300 XJR - definitely a bucket list car.
I do indeed take house viewers in it. Thankfully I am not with a 'high street' agency so I can get away with such frivolities.Do you take house viewers around in it? Would be a nice change from a Foxtons MINI!
I have a hankering for a manual X300 XJR - definitely a bucket list car.
Dr G said:
A great thing. I also remember ogling these as a teenager, muscle car in a tweed jacket.
If only for my sanity though I'd pair it with a Smart Car!
But then I'd have to spend 3 hrs a day sat in a Smart Car, and who wants that. I could also have a golf 1.6tdi for nothing as a company car, but I do not wish to sully my existence in that way.If only for my sanity though I'd pair it with a Smart Car!
alec.e said:
Very nice! I have the X350/8 model which I adore, but do like the proportions of the X308. Done the pulley and exhuast, well worth it imo.
Interesting to hear your observations of the M135i, eventhough the BMW is 'technically' the better car.
I've done the lower pulley. If I have a good year at work next year I will treat myself to an exhaust too. The pulley change gives a nice increase to supercharger whine. We like that.Interesting to hear your observations of the M135i, eventhough the BMW is 'technically' the better car.
urquattroGus said:
How are you getting on with it a year on?
For completeness, I sold the jag after just under a year and 13,000 very happy miles (genuinely one of my life's hardest decisions to date) and now have a brabus roadster and a 2007 Volvo V70, both of which I'm very fond of. Left my job to refurbish houses so needed a load lugger. I also wanted an economical car for long journeys as I've tightened the purse strings significantly whilst living with no income. The jag would have been redundant. Sold it to a very nice chap who appreciates what a fine example it was. Joe.. said:
He's sold it, see above. What's your thoughts on the Brabus OP?
It's been an interesting relationship, reliability wise. It left me stranded no less than 7 times over a similar number of months 
It turned out that the 3rd gear was essentially s#it. My friendly smart specialist sourced me a 2nd hand, reconditioned 'box and it's been running just fine for a few months.
I absolutely love it. I don't find the gearbox annoying to use (now that it works) like so many seem to. It takes no longer to change gear than one would take driving a manual and it doesn't leave me stranded on roundabouts like others suggest because I pay attention to what gear I will need in advance.
I drive everywhere with the roof down unless it's raining, even in near freezing conditions (heated seats and a smile) and I get nearly 50mpg whilst constantly giving it the beans. Mine has had a bit of a remap and is running 114bhp. It's still incredibly slow somehow, but that just doesn't matter.
The grip is prodigious, it does understeer as you approach the limit and it does try and spin if you come off throttle mid corner in the wet, but that's my fault. All in all its fantastic. I'm living a much more frugal life these days and I am just as happy with my fleet now as I was with my much 'better' former cars.
I'll always miss the jag. I never miss the M135i. It was one of my all time dream cars and do feel a bit sad when I see one drive past.
Ph1listine said:
Great taste in cars.
What mpg was the M135i doing in the same environment?
I averaged 28.9mpg (based on the car's computer not my own calcs), always using super unleaded. My commute was horrendous for fuel consumption. I'm somehow a fairly economical driver in spite of always pressing on so it could have been much worse. What mpg was the M135i doing in the same environment?
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