So I have a 1996 XJ6 LHD and I've taken great care of her but I feel like its time for an upgrade. She has been nothing but dependable to me and I want to make sure that I am making the right choice so I am posing the question, would I be wrong if I sold my 96 and bought an 01? How reliable is the newer XJ8's? Is there anything I should look for when I go look at the car? Thanks for the tips guys!

 

I assume you've read all the pertinent threads in the x308 section? Some, not all 2001's had the final-fix for the cam chain tensioners, but I believe you must go by engine number to be sure. Not really sure about plastic water pump impellers..but seems like I've read the 03's had all the fixes in from the factory. Even so, beware the X308 thermostat is prone to stick closed, whereas ours are much more failsafe, preferring to stick open.

Interesting (and at first unbelievable) tidbit I picked up a few months ago harassing the x308 guys is that you maybe want the supercharged version for reliability. I know, right? I called 'em on it - "how does addng a supercharger increase reliability?!?" but they made a plausible case for it - don't remember it all now, but lack of VVT on SC versions, think maybe a more robust gearbox...more but I don't recall..only recall noting I'll limit my search to SC when the time eventually comes ...
Good luck in your search.

 

Besides the obvious superior performance and upgraded interior, the SC version has a 5 speed trans vs. a less reliable 4 speed, steel thermostat housing versus plastic, no vvt, etc.

The tensioners are not a big deal. I had a shop do them for me but plenty of members here did these themselves.

 

Good advice above from alholbro1 and Tirefriar.

I've had both a 1996 XJ6 and a 2001 XJ8L in the past and would happily have a good example of either if I needed a four door again. Although visually similar, the X308 has an improved interior in additon to the obviously more powerful V8.

As with all Jaguars, service history is critical and any gaps should be questioned. Provided you keep in mind the two main issues of tensioners and cooling system when searching and viewing potential purchases, the X308 will give you everything you have with the XJ6 and more.

Graham

 

My 2 cents worth, as I also am looking at moving the MIGHTY X300 on, maybe.

The X308 has the ZF 5HP24 trans, and it is a sealed for life unit, RUBBISH.

If it has not had a trans fluid change and is over "about" 60k miles, be warned. ZF here are advising strongly towards a fluid change, at least, at the 80k kms mark.

We have a few in our little group, and reliable they are, but the trans fluid is fiddly to fill to the "full" spot, and one here was 200ml down and made some weird noises, but once topped off, quiet as it should be.

The "R versions have a much stronger trans, same as AMG cars I believe, still a sealed for life unit, but not a known issue, although trans fluid changes are still required.

 

Having driven an X308 a bit, I came to the conclusion that I'd consider one as a perfectly acceptable alternative, but not really an upgrade worth doing for the sake of it. If you're just after something with less years/miles on the clock, fine. That's comparing 3.2 with 3.2; an X308 XJR is another thing entirely!

 

Thanks for all the info guys!

 

I've just sold my 2001 XJR. Aside from doing the tensioners, I really didn't have to do any other maintenance. Add oil changes to the list. The urge for a Berlina or dare I dream a Giulia sedan is too great to resist. One thing I wasn't crazy about with X308 is its electronics complexity. I do plan to return to Jaguar camp, this time with a X300 Super Charged. Although X300 R is less powerful and shorter one gear, I hold that in-line 6 in great regards. Plus you get an LSD and much simpler electronics. It may sound like a step down to X300 from X308 but I don't see it that way. Each one of these great cars has its particular strengths and appeal.

 

I dunno, if the x300 is doing the job and is as good as you say i personally wouldn't bother with x308. I have xjr x308 and x300 sovereign and if i had to pick one to live with everyday it would be the sovereign. Unless you are getting an xjr the performance difference is negligible day to day and x300 is plenty refined as it is.looks wise there is little to distinguish the cars. But x300 is much easier maintain with almost no pitfalls associated with v8.