All,

I'm currently obsessing over a nearly local (4 hour drive) low-mileage '95 XJR (X300). I'm familiar with the '97 VDP (X330) that we used to own, but what might I inspect a bit closer with the '95 XJR?

Other than the possibility of a lower coolant hose letting go, I can't think of anything that might be XJR specific... pulley maintenance? Rear diff issues?

If I'm not mistaken, the '95 X300 had a couple of idiosyncrasies of it's own. I seem to recall something about a rear suspension issue that was cleared up in '96, but my memory is fading on that; maybe something about the body leaning to the right at the rear?

Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

I love mine. Go Get it!!!

 

I will never get rid of mine, one of the best cars you can own.

 

I've owned an XJR6 for 10 years and have been a regular contributor to various forums. I've never come across any regular issues with the rear suspension. The supercharged AJ16 engine is as relaible as the naturally aspirated AJ16 engines, its just that some maintenance jobs, such as cleaning the throttle body, are more awkward. The X300 chassis is a more involving, less isolated, to drive than either X308 or X330, according to those people that I know who have owned all 3 cars. An XJR6 (X306) will be less economical than an X330, but then it will cost you less to buy.

 

I had to really stop and think about any XJR-specific failures I've had. Not many, it turns out.

The intercooler water pump failed.

The supercharger belt idler pulley failed....but idler pulley failures in general are fairly common on the normally aspirated engines as well.

The diff failed at about 75k miles. Not sure if I'd call this an XJR-specific failure or not as diff failures as fairly common on the standard cars as well. The diff might be a bit under-specified for the additional power....and my driving habits are not bashful. In any case, I wouldn't call it a chronic issue. Just something to look for, perhaps.

I had a problem with the "A" and "B" shift solenoids in the 4L80E transmission.

I think that's all.

My list of gardern variety X300 problems and repairs is quite lengthy, though :-). The X300s have a great reputation but time and mileage DO eventually take a toll.

Cheers
DD

 

What would I inspect for diffential health? Noise? Clunking on accel/decel?

 

In my case it growling and clunking...topped off with loss of limited slip function.

Cheers
DD

 

Any particular reason for the 95 MY except for the fact that it was the first year for the R? I thought that 97 would be the better choice. I am looking to sell my 2001 XJR and perhaps go to the 97 model because of the great engine. I too, would like to know of pitfalls with that model. I know that I'll miss the extra power and my car is perfect, but I drive 70 miles per day and feel that the XJR-6 would be better suited for higher mileage due to the fact that it's less complicated electronically...

 

Hi Tirefriar,
You are right that your XJRV8 (X308) is electronically more complicated than an XJR6 (X306). A well-respected Uk independent Jaguar specialist desiscrbles the X300 modls as the last DIY maintenance Jaguars. Later models have become too complicated be considered completely DIY maintenance cars.

 

No particular reason other than I found a great example of a '95 and I prefer the '95-'97 XJ overall. Our old '97 VDP was a peach, but we gave it up for a large crossover with seating for 7 when we needed the extra room.

I'm currently driving a current generation Dodge Challenger, which I'm enjoying, but I seem to get a 3 year itch when it comes to cars and this XJR just sort of fell in my lap at the right time. We'll see what happens.

 

Keep us posted on the potential purchase! I am looking to get one myself, as i miss being in a Jag.

 

Unfortunately, I missed out on the one I wanted. Too far away so I couldn't get down there quick enough.

It was the exact color combination that I used to drool over when we had our VDP... Here it is, gorgeous:
Rover Classic : Car Detail Page : JAGUAR XJR SUPERCHARGED ::

 

Great color combo, especially love the interior. Yesterday I serviced my X308 R and chAtted up the tech re XJR-6. Nothing but praises. Engine is the best jag ever built.

 

As the owner of a 95 XJR and very late production 97 3.2 sport, I can say the only difference I've experienced is corrosion issues. The later cars were better protected or at least, didn't have sponge-like foam in certain places. Glass is thicker, rear hub carrier and abs sensor's securing bolt sits at 90 degree to the other car.
Rear seat has 3x3 point fixing on later car. Earlier xjr rear seat is more suited to 2 rather than 3 posteriors.