Its been about a year since I sold my 2001 XJR. Having satisfied my Alfa urges, I'm back in the sport luxo market. This time around I'm looking for a 96/97 X300-R. Although I realize that I am giving up almost 50 hp in comparison to the X308 R, I am drawn to the reliability of the inline 6 4.0L and a more simplified electronics system. I know that the "used car factory" stopped taking orders, but here's what I hope to find:
- no more than 120k miles with traceable service history
- all components should be in proper working condition
- car must pass smog in California
- excellent running/driving condition
- clean title/car fax
- car must present itself well - no body/paint damage, no rust.
- now for the interesting part: charcoal interior very much preferred

Am I asking too much? No, not really - just described my former XJR.

 

I own a 95xjr6 and I have to say that it is a solid car, looks good and runs great. Can you tell me a little about your experience with the x308 R, I have been thinking about getting one because of the additional horsepower. What are your thoughts about the x308 R?

 

JJ, the X308R is a great car. There some things to watch out for. When I was buying my XJR, I avoided The nicasil lined engines which for the most part went away with a 2000 YM cars. I know there are those that will fight me on this, but my mechanic stressed that issue. The 2001 was the last year of the plastic secondary tensioners so I had mine done for $865 but its aDIY project that is abundantly covered in this forum. 2002/2003 are the model years to get in the X308 hence the higher market price. Some other areas of concern are the water lines running beneath the s/c and that infamous "octopus" hose that is wedged between the rear of the block and the firewall. Other than that the X308 R is a fantastic car. I sold mine because I had a strong itch for an Alfa Romeo Berlina. Now that the itch has been scratched, I'm back - x300R makes sense to me from financial and "daily driver" point of view. I'm not sure the mileage you get out of your X300 but mine was averaging 16-18 mpg with lots of freeway driving and feathering the gas.

 

Why exclude 1995? just wondering.





That might be a little tough to find





That shoudln't be too hard to find, especially if you like black cars....as my casual observation is the charcoal interior is most commonly seen together with black paint.

Cheers
DD

 

Tirefria, you would happen to be George that I met at a eurotopian run a few months ago would it?

 

1995 was the shakedown year for the X300. I tend to stay away from the first YM anything, especially on newer cars loaded with electronics. Doug, you are correct on the interior color AND I am looking for darker colors as a matter of fact. White and topaz are colors I am avoiding.

As such, the pickin's are slim. I'm making it harder on myself by placing any sort of constraints but I do want get a car to my likings. I find it much easier to hang on to it longer that way.

 

Yep, that's me. How is your refinish enduring the daily use? I may see you at a Eurotopia event soon - my 1969 Spider 1750 will be ready to attack the canyons as soon as I will replace the fuel lines and filters.

 

I understand, but if the 'right' 1995 came along I wouldn't dismiss it out-of-hand based on model year alone. It could end up being a better purchase than an 'almost right' 1996-97 car.

Just my two cents, of course. Do as you wish .

FWIW I can't think of any problems I've had on mine that are exclusive to 1995 MY.

Cheers
DD

 

It seems like the X-300 might be unique in this regard... other than the AC switch for the cooling fans, a throttle spring, adding the glove box, a cam change over some early early cars (not the XJR, I believe), I can't recall any changes to speak of between the MY 95 and MY 96.

 

I knew your story sounded a little too familiar haha
Glad to see hear you got your little Berlina sold.

As for me I actually just picked up a 97 XJR two days ago so I'm in the process of getting it running like new and can bring it to an event. Hopefully you're able to find your x308r and be able to make it to the next event on the 22nd

As for the plastidip on my XJ6... daily driving it 100 miles, it has held up pretty well. The only thing is, for some reason other drivers seem to like it too much and I've already been in two fender benders because of it. One while it was parked in a parking lot but I was able to get the other drivers insurance information but the other was a hit and run while my sister was driving which coincidentally happened the same exact day I picked up the 97 XJR...

 

@Doug & Ross - old premonitions aside, based on your experience I would consider a 95 if it fit the bill. So I will add 95 to the short list. When I started my search for an XJR over 2 years ago, there were quite a bit more of the X300 Rs on the market. Now, the selection is rather thin. Luckily I have some back up transport to get me around.

 

You did a pretty good job with the plasti dip - looks very much like matte clear refinish from a bit of distance. Sorry to hear about your recent encounters but that's Southern Cal. I am sure that with your skills and insurance $ your car will be back to as before. Driving your X300 100 miles daily and being able to fling it in the canyons are the reasons why I'm looking for one.

With current market offerings, I'm not sure I will find the X300 R before the next Eurotopia ride, but I hope I can manage to wrap up the preventive maintenance on the Spider. Either way hope to see you out there soon.

 

Hi, i do have what you want, but on different continent

იყიდებ� JAGUAR XJR - 1996წ. ფ�სი 5500 $ თბილისი - MyAuto.ge

 

Well, I guess the Jag is not in my cards again. While searching for my future XJR, a friend pointed me in the direction of a one owner 2001 BMW E39 Touring with 67k miles. The seller made me an offer I just couldn't pass up. My youngest son was disappointed with my decision. According to him, my ex-2001 XJR was the best car I had in a long time... I agree with him.

 

Oh man, I was really hoping you'd get an XJR6 but the E39 is a beautiful car. I'm hoping I'll be seeing you and your new BMW around the SoCal events coming up.
As for me, I'm still working out the little issues here and there with my XJR6

 

Yeah, I was really hoping for an XJR myself. Was looking at X300-R cars but wasn't finding anything decent. I was looking at XK8 coupes as well. I doubt I'll be bringing the E39 to the canyons. If it was a 540 with a 6 spd then yes. However, I still have my AR Spider so we will be seeing each other at Europia for sure. Not sure when their Supercar Sunday turn out is scheduled for, but i am planning to be there.

 

Yeah, the XJR6's are hard to come by now a days. Every few months I would see a decent looking one on craigslist and it'd be listed for about a month or so.

Why don't you post pictures of the E39 so we can all see? Those cars are beautiful also

 

Here's the wagon. My 69 Spider is the back ground sporting a set of Momo Vega wheels. I had all the windows tinted, except for the windshield. Next, I am getting a set of "shadow trim" moldings that surround the glass. Also hoping to find a set of 18" BBS Type 5 rims - identical to my current ones except that my rims are 17". Cannot lower it at this time as the front bumper already touches the top of the driveway. The tunes will be the last mod for now.

 

That is a great looking wagon, I am very partial to wagons.

I saw photos of some XJ40 wagon conversions and they are pretty sharp. I'm sure that is a very polarizing look/opinion, but I think it would be cool to have. Definitely different.

I had a Volvo XC70 for a while and really liked that car too.

.

 

Wagons, euro and domestic, are becoming a rather hot commodity. Volvo 850T5 and R wagons as well as the first gen V70R are some of my faves but the decent ones are rather hard to find at prices that make sense. Another choice would have been an X Type 3.0 Sportwagon with manual. This E39 wasn't really my first choice because of the color and auto trans, but the reality outweighed the wish list.

BTW, you have one of my favorite bikes of all times. Love the design and the performance. Too bad you are far away or we could tear up some of the local canyons.