I haven't gotten the VIN's yet to do a carfax report. From what I have heard the 97's are more dependable and the 01's are higher performance. The owner of the 01 says the chain tensioners were replaced. The 01 looks incredibly clean including the engine. The 97 looks very clean also but the engine isn't as clean. Neither one is in town so I have not had the chance to drive either yet. Has anyone here ever owned both a X306 XJR and X308 XJR? Was one better than the other if you included performance and dependability?

 

You just started another debate when eventually it would be a personal choice. By coming to the X300 platform you probably would get biased comments in favour of the X300. I have not owned or driven an X308, but have been noticing the vast number of offerings on the web (at least in the UK sites), sometime asking same or cheaper than X300. Maybe this is because they were in more supply due to more successful sales and longer years of production. Many people criticized the V8 tensioner but I think this must have been addressed by the previous owner. I personally have experienced almost all of the X300 issues and how lucky was I to learn so much so fast; LOL. Anyway, I think there are two major issues here, The X300 is basically a 1995-1997 model, and many parts are no longer available. It is perhaps the most short-lived model being replaced by the X308 which largely shares the same body shell, outlook but different chassis and engine set-up. The X308 certainly has more power for the same engine size.In the case of the XJR the 40 more horses and a V8 do have their advantages, and I heard that year 2001 and post-2001 productions are the ones to go for, as many improvements must have been incorporated. Basic wisdom in the motor trade is always for a later model, especially when you are considering an actual offering where the exterior, interior and basic performance are very much in favour of the X308, unless the X306 has special collection value. Test drive both actual examples before reaching your final verdict. Just my two cents....

 

YES - and beyond that it's down to present condition between the 19 year old and the 15 year old vehicle.

I've had both in N/A versions which is an equivalent comparison. On balance I'd just go for the V8 but that's personal preference based on vehicles that were only 3 years old and one previous owner when I purchased them. If I were looking at a choice now, it would be a careful comparison of condition and history. How many PO's and were they all careful.

New trim items are largely unobtainable. Tyres, suspension and brakes can chew up a lot of money if there's work to be done. This needs to be factored into the choice.

When you're deciding which to go for, the generalisations on performance and reliability don't count for too much. How these two vehicles compare now in 2016 is the question.

Graham

 

No question about it. You will never regret the X300. The longer I have mine the more I like it. I don't feel the X308 would ever give me that feeling. There is nothing as classic in style and engine as the X300. They are really the last of the breed of a classic car.

 

Hi having owned an x308 and now having an x300 the x 300 wins hands down for me

 

I decided on a 2003 XJR. One of the mechanics at the local Jaguar Service place is selling it. That was I know it has been maintained. It has 118K miles.

 

First off , Good luck,
You made a decision for a newer car.....
Ive had them all,
The x300 saved Jaguar and was a bullet proof gem
Short wheel base, long wheel base, VDP,XJR and so much more.
The v8 was a loooong time coming for Jag, Very smooth but if you do your home work, 100,000 miles is the tipping point for all the v8 jags.
The tranny sealed for life , just implodes any minute over 100 grand.
The engine between 1998 to 2000 as well with the nickelcil issue.
2003 was a good year but no one can compare the last of the D I Y and interior of the x300.
IMHO THE 2003 and newer got very cheap and plasticky.
IMHO. Again if you paid less than 3 grand who cares.....
If not and more......Good luck, from bushings, fuel pumps, tensioners and multiple brake issues. Your in for the true old jag experience.
The 1995 to 1997 were bullet proof!
Good luck , pm with any issues always happy to help!
Just my opinion and we know what that means...
GTJOEY1314

 

As always, there are good and bad X300, X308 and X358 out there. I think it all depends on the conditions of the car Steve actually bought, and how it compared with other potential purchases at the time. Knowledge of past maintenance history and owners is quite reassuring when buying a pre-owned vehicle nearly or over 20 years.

 

Steve,

Thanks for coming back to let us know your final decision.

Enjoy your XJR.

Graham