What is the cutoff for the x308 (year)?
I am looking at a 2003 xj8 and a 2004 xj8. Not sure which I should buy.
'03 has 97k
'04 has 137k
Both claim great maintenance and records of such.
Many thanks for any input.
The newest Jag I have owned is my now blown engine '98 xj8

 

The last X308 came off the production line in mid-2002 (2003MY) but the remaining examples were marketed for nearly 12 months before the replacement X350 became available.

Graham

 

In North America, 2003 is the last of the X308 and 2004 is the start of the X350.

 

my understanding on the X308's in 2003 is that by that time the had resolved the timing chain tensioner issues and the cylinder head blow by issues as well. Is that your understanding as well? I am hoping I have better luck with an '03 than I did my '98.

 

The v8 in the X350 is a 4.2 litre, the X308 also being a V8, but 4 litres. The upper timing chain tensioner issues were all dealt with on the later engine. The Nikasil issues were dealt with earlier so later X308s, (from about 2000 onwards) don't suffer it.

Why did your '98 engine blow up ?

My money would be on the X350 if the price is right.Better if you can find one with lower miles but these are a 250,000 mile car provided you keep up the maintenance.Power train is virtually bullet-proof, the main issues are the suspension bushes that tend to wear out rather quickly, and also the air suspension has caused trouble to some owners. You can swap for coil springs if you want peace of mind.

 

Thank you SO MUCH got the info and input sir!
Well, I guess I was a victim of that Nikasil issue. I had never driven my car more that about 150 miles round trip. It was running quite well, and to save the miles on my brothers brand new lease, I decided to take my car on our trip to Biloxi, MS for our gambling trip. It's a 975 mile round trip.
Of course, I had the oil changed (I use synthetic) and tires were great prior to leaving. The car performed perfectly and upon arriving home, I had no thought to check to oil again. Apparently I used about 4 quarts of the 7 it holds running that trip.
We arrived home on Thursday and I drove the car about 50-60 miles between then and Monday evening. That is when I heard a fluttering noise coming from the car and I thought for sure it was the tranny again (replaced it two years ago). Got it home, and decided to check oil at that time. I immediately went in my sons car and bought a 5 quart container of oil, but it was too late. My mechanic says it has a bent rod.
Funny though, the electrical seemed to be acting funny as well.
That's it, sorry for the long story!