XJ6 3.2 X300 - Please tell me they're rubbish.
Discussion
Hey,
At present I drive a very ecomonical and cheap to run Seat Ibiza. It's great, however I keep wondering over to the classifieds and looking at XJ6's and XJ8's.
I once wasted all my money on an old Mercedes. The Jag looks so damn cool and attractive and I know deep down that I shouldn't.
To prevent me from buying one, please tell me:
On a serious note, what are the XJ6's and XJ8's like to own and run?
At present I drive a very ecomonical and cheap to run Seat Ibiza. It's great, however I keep wondering over to the classifieds and looking at XJ6's and XJ8's.
I once wasted all my money on an old Mercedes. The Jag looks so damn cool and attractive and I know deep down that I shouldn't.
To prevent me from buying one, please tell me:
- Horrible MPG figures
- Tell me that at 23 years old, I'll look ridiculous in one.
- Go on about how expensive they are to run
- Say the ride is rubbish and the engine revs at 6000RPM at 70mph
On a serious note, what are the XJ6's and XJ8's like to own and run?
Edited by BeirutTaxi on Tuesday 22 May 23:03
I've had 3.2 versions of both 6 cyl and V8 long term and taken both to over over 100k without any significant problems. I'm now on my second 3.2 V8.
Although almost identical in appearance they are very different cars to drive and own. The 6 cyl car is essentially a refresh and reskin of a design that dates back to the mid 1970s, whereas the V8 is firmly in the 1990s. The V8 is much more refined and is both lighter and more powerful as well as having a significantly better 5 speed as opposed to 4 speed gearbox.
Although both are fine as motorway cruisers or for general wafting I found the performance of the 6 cyl car seriously lacking when heavily laden or driving in hilly areas. Lightly used both will return 26-8MPG but fuel consumption of the 6cyl car gets heavier than the V8 round town or when driven harder. Although the 6 cyl car does the job, all other things such as condition and history being equal out of the two the V8 would be my choice everytime.
Even the youngest V8 is 10 years old now so it's important to buy the very best car you can find. Both will carry high mileages - the 6 cyl car more so - well if looked after. If neglected or abused then the V8 is more likley out of the two to cause you grief.
X300 (6 cyl) - almost bombproof mechanics and relatively simple electronics. Rust is the killer, check sills, wheelarches, wing and door bottoms and round windows. Easy enough to service and DIY. Parts from independent factors surprisingly cheap. Loads of breakers on ebay.
X308 (V8) - Delicate secondary timing chain tensioners must be upgraded, "sealed for life" gearbox and diff oil must be changed, one serious rust spot on a few cars - reinforcing plate behind front shocks, otherwise body and paint better than earlier cars, occasional waterpump, nicasil bore lining and throttle body failure on pre 2000 model cars. More complex electronics otherwise easy enough DIY. Again parts cheap and lots of breakers. Gearbox must engage drive instantly and change gear smoothly and seamlessly - if not it's on the way out. Walk away.
Both can suffer from wishbone bush failure leading to uneven front tyre wear, both will have clonky suspension and/or juddering brakes if abused, both may have some diff whine when hot. Any car fitted with over 16" diameter wheels will cost a fortune to retyre and ride quality and suspension component life is compromised. Make sure all the toys work.
Not much difference in price between a complete dog and a really good car, so spend some time looking. Ideally buy from an enthusiast who has taken care rather than a dealer selling some shagged out px or auction crap.
Always lots of XJs on carsandclassic
BTW both do 2000RPM @60MPH
Although almost identical in appearance they are very different cars to drive and own. The 6 cyl car is essentially a refresh and reskin of a design that dates back to the mid 1970s, whereas the V8 is firmly in the 1990s. The V8 is much more refined and is both lighter and more powerful as well as having a significantly better 5 speed as opposed to 4 speed gearbox.
Although both are fine as motorway cruisers or for general wafting I found the performance of the 6 cyl car seriously lacking when heavily laden or driving in hilly areas. Lightly used both will return 26-8MPG but fuel consumption of the 6cyl car gets heavier than the V8 round town or when driven harder. Although the 6 cyl car does the job, all other things such as condition and history being equal out of the two the V8 would be my choice everytime.
Even the youngest V8 is 10 years old now so it's important to buy the very best car you can find. Both will carry high mileages - the 6 cyl car more so - well if looked after. If neglected or abused then the V8 is more likley out of the two to cause you grief.
X300 (6 cyl) - almost bombproof mechanics and relatively simple electronics. Rust is the killer, check sills, wheelarches, wing and door bottoms and round windows. Easy enough to service and DIY. Parts from independent factors surprisingly cheap. Loads of breakers on ebay.
X308 (V8) - Delicate secondary timing chain tensioners must be upgraded, "sealed for life" gearbox and diff oil must be changed, one serious rust spot on a few cars - reinforcing plate behind front shocks, otherwise body and paint better than earlier cars, occasional waterpump, nicasil bore lining and throttle body failure on pre 2000 model cars. More complex electronics otherwise easy enough DIY. Again parts cheap and lots of breakers. Gearbox must engage drive instantly and change gear smoothly and seamlessly - if not it's on the way out. Walk away.
Both can suffer from wishbone bush failure leading to uneven front tyre wear, both will have clonky suspension and/or juddering brakes if abused, both may have some diff whine when hot. Any car fitted with over 16" diameter wheels will cost a fortune to retyre and ride quality and suspension component life is compromised. Make sure all the toys work.
Not much difference in price between a complete dog and a really good car, so spend some time looking. Ideally buy from an enthusiast who has taken care rather than a dealer selling some shagged out px or auction crap.
Always lots of XJs on carsandclassic
BTW both do 2000RPM @60MPH
Edited by Jaguar steve on Wednesday 23 May 07:50
up until recently i had an x300 3.2 96 model, i loved it, i feel bereaved, at the moment ive got a crappy 75 but not for long, its got to go, got to get myself back in a jag, there great cars, only down side, wil be the fuel economy, especially since you seem to like the seat , but , as jag steve says, do research, and get the best you can afford, you will not regret it
I bought my X300 when it was less than 18months old back in 96 and I'm yet to drive a car I'd rather have day to day. Rust doesn't have to be a problem, find one that's been well looked after.
It hasn't proved expensive to service.
Its been so much more reliable than the good ladies MB.
The ride is superb. The handling it fun. The engine is a peach. Even with the 3.2 it doesn't feel under powered.
Saloon cars just don't come any better, and probably won't ever in the future either.
It hasn't proved expensive to service.
Its been so much more reliable than the good ladies MB.
The ride is superb. The handling it fun. The engine is a peach. Even with the 3.2 it doesn't feel under powered.
Saloon cars just don't come any better, and probably won't ever in the future either.
I have an 1996 Sovereign 3.2 LWB and it's just brilliant. The 3.2's mechanical four-speed box will be pulling about 2,200rpm at 50mph (I remember as that's when it goes into lock-up) but at least the gearbox is made out of good old fashioned metal, rather than the pixie dust and hope ZF seem to put into their 5-speeds.
I get about 26 mpg on a nice gentle run and despite being nearly two tonnes, 210 bhp is enough to get it moving when the mood takes you (although you can then forget about 26 mpg).
The barge threads rave about 728s, but you really need an X300.
I get about 26 mpg on a nice gentle run and despite being nearly two tonnes, 210 bhp is enough to get it moving when the mood takes you (although you can then forget about 26 mpg).
The barge threads rave about 728s, but you really need an X300.
thejpster said:
The barge threads rave about 728s, but you really need an X300.
The boss of one of the departments I used to do some work for had a 740, Our commutes converged on the way into work. My 3.2 X300 would easily stay with the 740's acceleration. A mate had the 735, and that was loads slower than the X300, ( 
it was also loads slower than B8's old diesel )I'd say just go for it & buy on vehicle condition-give it a good inspection, both visually & the documentation. The X300's & X308's are easily the best-looking modern Jags, and I personally think they're the best-looking of the big executive cars.
While the German cars have their 'tower block' rear ends, the Jag is long, low & graceful.
I've had a 1995 Daimler Double Six which was great-no major problems although feeding the 6 litre V12 engine was a wallet-munching experience
I currently have a 2001 V8 XJR which I bought almost 4 years ago now-it's an awesome car & I love it to bits. It's hysterically fast when the supercharger's blowing hard & the insurance was much easier to obtain than for an equivalent AMG Mercedes or BMW M-Series. In general, Jags are easier & cost less to insure than equivalent-performance BMW's. Join a Jaguar enthusiast club & some insurers will give you a discount.
Oh, and one very important point-the ladies love a Jag, especially a sporting Jag. It shows you're a gentleman but can also play hard without being vulgar. A strong metallic colour, big alloys & cream leather seats-the ladies will all want a lift home with you
If you do choose a Jag with big alloys to impress the ladies though, make sure you check out the tyre costs & ideally look for a Jag with a newish set of tyres-this will be worth hundreds of pounds...
While the German cars have their 'tower block' rear ends, the Jag is long, low & graceful.
I've had a 1995 Daimler Double Six which was great-no major problems although feeding the 6 litre V12 engine was a wallet-munching experience
I currently have a 2001 V8 XJR which I bought almost 4 years ago now-it's an awesome car & I love it to bits. It's hysterically fast when the supercharger's blowing hard & the insurance was much easier to obtain than for an equivalent AMG Mercedes or BMW M-Series. In general, Jags are easier & cost less to insure than equivalent-performance BMW's. Join a Jaguar enthusiast club & some insurers will give you a discount.
Oh, and one very important point-the ladies love a Jag, especially a sporting Jag. It shows you're a gentleman but can also play hard without being vulgar. A strong metallic colour, big alloys & cream leather seats-the ladies will all want a lift home with you
If you do choose a Jag with big alloys to impress the ladies though, make sure you check out the tyre costs & ideally look for a Jag with a newish set of tyres-this will be worth hundreds of pounds...
RedOctober said:
If you do choose a Jag with big alloys to impress the ladies though, make sure you check out the tyre costs & ideally look for a Jag with a newish set of tyres-this will be worth hundreds of pounds...
Agreed. Tread depth is nothing if it's been wearing the tyres for eight years and sat still on them for a significant proportion of that.Adding a full set of 225/55R16 P6000s to an X300 will put your outlay up by around a third.
I recall reading an article by a particular motoring journalist concerning the differences between English & German luxury cars.
The gist of the article was that English cars exude an air of 'effortless superiority' & the German cars were 'earnestly ultra-competent'
In other words, the English cars make you feel like royalty-but you may have to cope with the odd mechanical gremlin. Whereas the German cars try so hard to be mechanically perfect & precise, and in doing so they lose their soul & always remain a machine with which to compare technical statistics with.
Or look at it this way-how many times have you heard about aggressive BMW drivers, ram-raiding & car theft of M-series BMW's, AMG Mercs, RS Audis etc? They all have an aggressive 'we're going to war in this machine' air about them.
The Jag doesn't need to prove itself & engage in such 'vulgar' antics on the road, and you can look back in history to understand the different characters of the cars from these 2 nations.
The Jag comes from the nation that once had a huge empire, so it's filled with an air of superiority-like it's not even trying, and is calmly relaxing to bask in the glory of what it once had. Even though it has now lost that, it knows what it's like to have once acheived it.
The German cars come from a country that tried so hard to achieve military world dominance in the last century with aggressive perfection in it's machinery, but it ultimately failed & has never known what it's like to achieve the same goal as the UK.
The German cars are technically very competent, but as Jeremy Clarkson says, 'I respect them hugely, but I don't love them' I've had several BMW's & they're good machines to drive or talk technical statistics with.
The Jags, on the other hand, have a soul & cosset your every need
The gist of the article was that English cars exude an air of 'effortless superiority' & the German cars were 'earnestly ultra-competent'
In other words, the English cars make you feel like royalty-but you may have to cope with the odd mechanical gremlin. Whereas the German cars try so hard to be mechanically perfect & precise, and in doing so they lose their soul & always remain a machine with which to compare technical statistics with.
Or look at it this way-how many times have you heard about aggressive BMW drivers, ram-raiding & car theft of M-series BMW's, AMG Mercs, RS Audis etc? They all have an aggressive 'we're going to war in this machine' air about them.
The Jag doesn't need to prove itself & engage in such 'vulgar' antics on the road, and you can look back in history to understand the different characters of the cars from these 2 nations.
The Jag comes from the nation that once had a huge empire, so it's filled with an air of superiority-like it's not even trying, and is calmly relaxing to bask in the glory of what it once had. Even though it has now lost that, it knows what it's like to have once acheived it.
The German cars come from a country that tried so hard to achieve military world dominance in the last century with aggressive perfection in it's machinery, but it ultimately failed & has never known what it's like to achieve the same goal as the UK.
The German cars are technically very competent, but as Jeremy Clarkson says, 'I respect them hugely, but I don't love them' I've had several BMW's & they're good machines to drive or talk technical statistics with.
The Jags, on the other hand, have a soul & cosset your every need
The average age of an XJ owner is 53 ! The problem is once you have owned one nothing else is up to the mark they are so quiet ,comfortable and refined when you get in another make you wonder what all the noises and wind noise is. Go out in a mates Audi rock hard suspension bloody awful ride. Go for it just remember jag only parts will be expensive but you won't regret it
Ian
Ian
The only downside to owning the X300 is that when you eventually come to sell it,no other car will come close to it in terms of comfort and driving. I sold my 3.2 executive some time ago and have regretted it since. In the time i had it, it ever missed a beat and the only jobs i did was the front top mout bushes (less than 20 quid and very easy to do) and some paint correction to get it looking it's best. I sold it for more than i paid for it, but still wish i'd kept it.
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