So I'm looking into the possibility of getting an X300, but I'm just wondering, what are the differences between the XJ6 and the XJ8? Other than the engines, of course.

 

The only stupid question is the one failed to ask!

It depends upon which model XJ6 or XJ8 you are discussing.

If we are simply moving forward from the 95-97 X300 to the 98-2003 X308 then the differences are fairly easy to keep track.

1. X300=Superior inline 6 AJ16 engine.
X308=Controversial and problem laden V8. Several of the early models had plastic chain tensioners which were known to melt, bubble and crack. Also between 98 and 2000 Nikasil cylinder liners were used which accelerated engine failure. I believe there was a recall for this though. And to my eye, when you lift the hood on an X300 it's just beautiful. Under the hood of an X308 it looks like a black plastic rubbish bin.
2. X300 and X308 share virtually the same body style except for front and rear bumpers. Some of the body panels are even interchangeable. The X308 bumpers have a little less chrome and the indicators are oval rather than rectangular.
3. Both are nicely appointed in leather and wood. The X308 has an analog style clock in the dash. The X300 has a digital clock that usually doesn't function unless it has accidentally frozen with the electrical ribbon in place.
4. The In Car Entertainment system in the X308 is more modern, CD etc... The X300 ICE can be upgraded and there are aftermarket sources for accessories to help blend a new stereo into the old dash.
5. Some of the wheel designs are different.
6. The interior of the X308 can best be described as "ovaloid." Many designs that were more angular are now elongated and smoother.

For deeper information into the engine you can look up the differences between the AJ16 and the AJ-V8. Everything else in my opinion is largely cosmetic except for some of the crumple zone design that went into the 308.

Looking at the two from the outside you would be hard pressed to tell the difference if you didn't know to look for the design of the bumper and the side indicators and parking lights.

Buy the X300, parts are still available and it is a relatively easy car to maintain, usually

 

Good description of differnce Jack but that does bring to me ask the question.

What can be done upgrade from the vintage looking ICE (In Car Enertainment) it does the job but to have a CD player would be good...

Any tips \ pointers to other threads welcome

 

hi.
mechanically, the biggest change of X308 except for the engine is the front member/suspension. the rear member and the rear suspension are almost the same as X300. It is much easier to OH the front suspension of X300 than X308, because you will need a big press to replace balljoints and some other parts. generally speaking it is easier and cheaper to maintain X300 than X308.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, very helpful. Gas expenses are definitely an issue for me, and I was really leaning to wards the X308 due to the "powerrrr" and the more curvaceous interior, but I'm now seriously looking into an X300.

Thanks for the help guys

 

Ok, let's make sure we understand on another. The X300 is curvaceous inside and out. Her lines are classic and beautiful. The X308 exterior is exactly the same, the interior was simply an attempt to modernize (to keep up with the other car makers.) IMHO the X308 was only change for change sake.

The X300 is, as far as I am concerned, the last REAL Jag. She is a real machine, a beautiful beast. If you want power, she has about all you will need. If you want more then go for the XJR (Supercharged 6).

There are guys that specialize in selling replacement parts, new and used for the X300. www.motorcarsltd.com is a good one. Ken@britishparts.com works there and he posts here occasionally. They also have a forum on their parts site.

Gas mileage? Well tuned you should get 25-26mpg highway and 19-20city in the X300. I do. My average includes LOTS of time sitting in traffic and the math shows I get an average of 21-22mpg. Find a V8 or 6cyl today that does the same.

Don't dog the X300, she is a beauty. Mind you, you will need to get the CD that contains all the Jaguar specs and pdfs. But if you are the least bit mechanical and logical, you ought to be able to take care of most things yourself.

Oh, and she runs best on Champion Spark Plugs and she will leak a little oil.

 

Car-Nut, I sent you a PM with info for the stereo adapter. If anyone else is interested PM me. AFAIK motorcarsltd.com isn't providing these things yet.

 

Thanks Jack I will get it ordered.. Clive

Annoyingly Ive been busy at work so not had time to order it

 

wierd kid:
I did not see a reply from anyone who has owned both. I own both and have logged many miles on each. Although the FACTUAL information you have received is generally correct, ask for opinions on the XJ8 forum also to get a true read.
The XJ8 has a 5 speed transmission (helps fuel mileage), better rear end, smoother ride, tighter ride. They are also newer. Like the XJ8, which has a number of engine "issues" that can devlop, so does the XJ6, although they are somewhat less serious. Among them, idle speed control problems, locked up closed loop fuel control, idle misfires and stumbling, and less accurate on-bord diagnostics.
And X-300s are three years older.
Now, my opinion. Either can be a good "first Jag", but unless you do at least some of the repairs and virtually all of the maintenace yourself, you are making a financially risky choice on either. If you get the manuals, tools, and are willing to acquire thye know how, either car can give yiou lots of car for a reasonable cost.

 

Thanks spark, also very useful info. My dad has a '98 XJ8, and I adore it, so that's where the original idea came from for me to get one. Both my father and I are mechanically inclined, so dealing with any potential problems won't be an issue. I'll continue to look around, but seeing as I probably won't be looking seriously 'til sometime in March, I still have some time to decide.

Thanks again for all the info.

 

Also, before I forget, what should I look for if/when I go look at one? Any particular problem areas or signs of imminent doom?

 

I owned both, and work on both daily for years. I still own my 96 VDP, the 98 got totalled. the 98 got better gas mileage and better performance than an XJR(6cyl) I've lined up both in contest of speed with another master tech here that has a 97XJR. The amount of plastic underhood on the V8's is an issue the older they get. if I had to pick one 1 buy over the other for a daily driver again, I would go again with the XJ8, actually an XJR or SType R truth be told

 

Hey,

I bought a 1982 XJ6 new for my first Jag. Next was a new 1995 XJ6. Wound up giving the '82 to my son who drove it until this year. Then I bought a new 2003 XJ6. Still had the '95. After a couple of years I sold the 2003 as I preferred the 1995. Lots of little things. It is still my daily driver and now has 220K miles on it.

A couple of months ago I bought a 1996 VP with 98K miles on it.

Bottom line is I love the X-300. And yeah I've had some problems but still I love it.

I'm able to fix the small things myself thank goodness.

The X-300 is a very good car. I would not trade it for a new Jag.

bliving7

 

Like what's been posted before, I also subscribe to the school that the last "true" Jags were the 95-97 models, the last ones to use the Jag inline six. If the original poster's dad has an XJ8, why in the world should he get another one? Getting an X300 makes infinitely more sense. One thing that bothers me about the XJ8 is the layout of the dash. The center console comes up higher, the main instrument cluster wood covering is different, and like has been said, it's a lot more "oval" on the inside.

To me, it sort of completes the whole Jaguar experience, when you pull into the gas station, put it in park, turn the engine off, look at all that gorgeous wood and leather, slide on out, fill up the tank, then pop the hood the check the oil, and see that glorious Jaguar straight 6 there in all it's glory, not some run of the mill V8.