I have a dilemma and would like to gather members thoughts. I have been in the market to buy a X300 and have been particularly interested in a 3.2/ 4.0 sport and most definitely mid to late nineties, After months of searching I have narrowed it down to two cars. I am a long time enthusiast and own a Daimler V820 and a Series 2 Daimler Sov 1979. My plan is to use the new purchase daily for work.
Car 1
3.2 Sport 1997 BRG full spec from the factory plus sports suspension etc etc. MOT, Full Service History, 67,000, Auto. Pretty much spot on car and being sold by a Jaguar trader. I really can't fault the car on paper and due to view it on Tuesday.
Car Two
4.0 L Manual XJ Sport and not a standard Jaguar. The current owner has upgraded the diff, shocks, ignition advance, XK8 wheels and a full professional respray. He has owned it for 9 years and bought it from an elderly gentleman and was unable to provide history. The only history available is since the current owners, around 8-9 years in total. The car has now done 177K but I still felt the need to travel 3hrs to see it (I understand they are a rare model???) The owner is a longtime and well known JEC technical advisor and knowledgeable gentleman. He looks after XKs E types Mk2s it was worth the trip just to see cars fit for a museum. He has gone over the car on the ramp, sent me photos and agreed to wax oil, service, valet etc etc so the car can be spot on when it leaves him. He has also detailed all the work carried out on the vehicle in the last 9 years. I totally trust his judgement based on his background and having met him. I have a number classics including bikes and like something different. However I only really know older models. The test drive was amazing and I was blown away by its performance, especially after 177k.
So my sensible head said go for car 1, my not so sensible head said car 2, as I have my S2 for sensible days . Both are priced the higher side of 5k. Car 1 would no doubt be great for resale, if I wanted to change after a few years but Car 2 would either have to be a keeper or probably I guess a big loss.

Apologies for the long post/story but would value some thoughts from those who know more about these cars than me. Or could get me to think sensibly about making a decision!!!
Many thanks for reading and any advice you might give,

 

Im by no means an expert, but I would say as a fellow British member, to try and get a late model, like that 1997 so that you are more likely to have OBD2 compatibility, as my 1995 doesn't like any of the bluetooth readers. It will make any diagnosing alot easier when needed.

I cant speak for the modified one, but with regards to the 3.2, I would make sure that you are happy with the pull, as whilst the auto is generally acceptable, it does blunt performance and really needs another gear, and I have the punchier 4 litre model.

If you want a comfy, reliable jag that shifts well, why not consider an XJ12 since you have £5k to play with? You get the best refinement without having the unpredictable v8/5 speed, and you have more torque which makes the limited number of gears in the 4 speed auto seem less relevant.

 

For pure driving pleasure, go for the 4.0 manual. Prior ownership by a Jaguar enthusiast is another bonus.

 

See link as another new X300 owner . Enjoy

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-today-188951/

 

Two more points.

If as daily driver you would consider fuel economy - read this thread X300 3.2L Vs 4.0 Fuel Economy.

As regards resale value, I understand that the 3.2 version is far too common and so unless it is immaculate, low mileage and full history. For a 3.2 a price tag of GBP 5K is nearly top of the range. If you want the new buy to be daily user it will unlikely keep its value.

In my view, buy a unique car to complete your stable of rare marques. Manual is the way to go.

 

Dude , I have got to get your advice on the mater some time down the road with the other manual GM 4L80-E transmission conversion . It's just gotta be .

Thanks , Parker ( Penelope 's mechanic / driver )

 

Lady Penelope: With your engineering background, the auto to manual conversion would be a piece of cake, but you will need to remap the engine ECU to debug the original auto-settings. Ask Andy - XJRengineer.