Hello there! Looks like I came to a point where I want XJ.

Never had a Jaguar before, but I drive a MY02 Range Rover so pain is nothing new to me.

I have two specific cars to choose from in my region: a 2001 3.2 LPG converted and a 2007 2.7 Diesel.

First I want to point out that the car will not be a daily driver and I doubt it will be doing more than 5-10k km yearly.

Obviously logic says newer is better, but also it says aluminum, air suspension, DPF, Catalytic Coverter, 2x turbos & so on. Not to mention the starting price which is twice more then 2001.

So my humble question is, how much maintenance cost differs for two model years. How bad is LPG idea?

And finally, which one to choose for the role of weekend cruiser.
Thanks in advance!

 

Steel verses aluminum

 

If you're only doing a low mileage in the proposed car, then don't go for the diesel, as there are a number of issues with the later (X350 series) diesel models. However you've only told us the year of the two cars, but their condition is paramount in deciding your choice. If the 2001 has been maintained well and is of low mileage then it could be a good buy, albeit it is 19 years old. The later aluminium cars are better built, but the diesels were not a huge success, having a number of issues that could be fatal to the engine life. If you can find a petrol of the 2003-2009 model, especially a 3 litre V6, and can afford to swap to coil springs, then this would be my preference. In my opinion, it's always best to avoid needless complexity when purchasing a used car that is many years old, as they can turn into money-pits.

 

Hang on! My Daily Driver only does 10k km/yr. My Sunday Driver X358 about 3k km/yr.
(the pristine oil is embarrassing for it's annual service, change required for mechanical warranty)

Some things time-diminish anyway, pointing to newer=better. X350/X358 being "the last of the classics".

If it's not your daily driver, then you must want it for "classic" reasons. So why would you want LPG or Diesel? (which are to do with efficiency).

The X350/X358 has an excellent reputation, ride, handling and stuff. Air suspension breaking down might be the weakest point.

If you are comparing with an earlier model, the X350 is MUCH larger. Although better proportioned IMHO.
(it's not a matter of criticising earlier models, just depends on what you want or like, or how much you want to pay for a Sunday Driver folly)
Who Said Folly??? I love my X358, I love her I love her.

P.S. in my opinion, low profile tyres are a negative for "highway luxury cruising", not sure what earlier models had as standard.
And don't forget to look UP (at the roof lining). That indicator stalk doesn't extinguish the headlights. That wipers don't stop half-way. That all windows work on Auto. What else caught me out? Leaks in the cooling, that was expensive....

 

Thanks for your input! My feelings are still mixed. Now, considering this topic started on a x350 section, please don't get me wrong, but x350 looks too modern, can't explain why, but x308 looks closer to what I'd wanted...

Trying to see a whole picture of the needless complexity; is a statement that x308 is way simpler then more complex x350 with electric handbrake, two turbos, suspension & so on - right? If so, then my choice should be x308.

Which brings me to the next point. The one abovementioned x308 LPG converted is a cat in sack, with no history, 105k km on the odometer and interior condition screaming "350k".

I've managed to find a car from the first owner with 188k km on the odo, service history and breathtaking mint interior & exterior looks, but it is a 1998 car (nikasil?), also LPG converted and costs twice of the 'cat in sack". Actually it is priced pretty close to a 2007 2.7 model I've mentioned in the first post.

So again, any tips, ideas, opinions would be highly appreciated. This is starting to ruin my sleep..

 

Hi Walter,

I can't help you decide, but I've owned an X350 and still own an X308, and I work on quite a few of each. My personal opinion is that the X350/X358 is significantly better as a driver's car: lighter, more economical, more responsive, and when the air suspension is working properly, it provides the superior ride. However, I feel that the X308 is the last of the "true" XJ series, with its low, wide stance and gorgeous curves. I like the way my 2003 X308 looks more than the 2004 X350 XJR I owned, or any of the other X350/X358 models I service.

So my opinion is that if you are purchasing purely on driving dynamics, an X350/X358 is the better choice. But if you want classic Jaguar design, consider looking for an X308 in the very best condition you can afford, either a late model, or a clean earlier one that has had the timing chain tensioners updated and perhaps some cooling system service (octopus hose, thermostat tower, crossover pipe, valley hoses, etc.).

And don't rule out a clean X300 XJ6 or XJ6L if you run across one in excellent condition. The AJ6 straight six engine and ZF 4HP24 transmission have proven virtually bulletproof, and in terms of power and driving dynamics they are more similar to the X308 than you might expect, especially with a couple of simple modifications.

Can't wait to see what you buy. Follow Fraser's advice and buy the cleanest, lowest-mileage example you can afford. It will still require regular service and occasional repairs, but you will love owning and driving a Jaguar.

Cheers,

Don

 

P38s are like getting waterboarded, my X300 has needed nothing but routine maintenance. I’d look for an 03 308, ideally an XJR.

If you go 350 avoid the TDV6 at all costs, it’s a turd. You can also change to coils without being burned alive at the stake.

 

If I have the right Varna, the motorway speed limit in Bulgaria is 140km/hr.
Awesome! You need a Jag!
----------
From my readings, Nikasil was a problem until they replaced it around 2000. But it depended on the fuel grade (sulphur). The theory goes that if a car has done 200k in 20yrs whatever, you don't have a fuel grade problem!

 

I don't have a direct comparison of X350 vs X308 but...
Here's an X358 alongside a Series 2. The X308 is more like the blue one I think (size wise).


And here's an X358 alongside a Mk10, which used to be the largest vehicle until they invented busses.

(that's the actual first Jag I ever owned, alongside maybe my last Jag but never say never)

The X351 is larger again! I've seen a comparison somewhere in this forum.

Update: Best I can do, X358 vs X308 :-)
Whilst the X358 is closer, I think the comparison is fair. (roof height)

 

Hey Walter Skinner,
From personal experience, I’d steer clear from the X308 unless it’s a 2003. 99-02 had timing chain tensioner issues that can cause serious and expensive damage to an otherwise great 4.0L engine. I had a 2001 VDP and as much as I miss her with her classic looks and gorgeous feel, I regret getting that specific year. If you do buy an X308 99-02, get the chains and tensioners looked at and replaced if they’re the original plastic casing type. Yes....plastic inside the engine!!!!

I now own a dope 2008 VDP X358 and man, this thing is Bliss!! I have converted suspension from air to coil overs. Better feel of the road IMO. It did come with 19” rims and it has low profile tires so that’s something to address soon. Need more meat on the tires, especially for weekend PCH rides. It’s a far superior ride, and reliability is at peak for the XJs. Truly the last of the classic XJs. Below are pics of my VDPs. Good luck!!

Classy

Beefy!

 

Wondering if everyone else in this x350/x358 forum also feels like the x308 styling was superior to the later x350/x358?

My old X308 VDP was easily the most-beautiful sedan ever designed; the Fisker Karma comes in a close 2nd place. My x350 SV8 also turns heads everywhere, but having had an x308 it makes me aware of certain design facets that Ford scrapped when making the x350. An example is less wood-trim; dash cluster is 1 hole instead of 3. Shifter bezel surround is wood & hard-plastic instead of wood & leather. Tray tables in the x350 are actually functional, albeit with a Ford gray-plastic top-layer - I can leave my laptop on them when multitasking in the car, which is unlike the more elegant museum pieces in the x308 that had classy chrome inlays but were too shallow and unlevel to hold anything.

 

I presently have an '05 X350 XJR & a '97 XJ6 X300, Frankly if the XJ6 was perfect, I'd prefer it. Time has taken its toll, but it is the right size & shape, even with badly being in need of a respray, strangers still seem to love it. The X350 is in significantly better shape, a nick here, and there, but overall very presentable, but the disconnect in visibility, due to the huge airbag filled A and B pillars, along with the overall size of the car, makes it less desirable. Don't get me wrong, it is staying, & the X300 will be sold as I can't justify keeping 2, and the X350 makes all that analytical crap go right out the window, the second the wheels start turning.

 

No choice in my mind;
Ford did way more good than bad with both X350, & X358.
Reliable electronics, replacing Lucas, The Prince of Darkness.
So you should be able, to get there, and back without a tow truck
Many suspension parts, as well as many others, from the Lincoln LS parts bin.
Aluminum body panels, helping with much of the typical rust issues.