Hi all, new to this group having sold my XK.
Big decision time for me, do i plump for a good late X300 with an AJ16 or gor for an early X308 AJ V8 Both sitting at about the same price but obviuosly very different cars. Just interested to hear your opinions thanks in advance

 

I would go for the X300. The early V8s had their problems, and while most of them should have been fixed by now, I've heard frightening things about the transmission.

I personally prefer the X300 looks wise too. It sits a teeny bit lower, doesn't have the unappealing swoops on the rear bumper (or the missing chrome on both bumpers...), and has a more Jaguar interior, in my opinion. Not to mention that sweet, sweet inline six.

I've also heard the X300 has better road feel. However, the X308 has more horsepower, backup sensors, and another gear. For me, it came down to faithfulness to inspiration vs objective facts. I chose the former.

Honestly you can't go wrong either way! They're both amazing cars and definite future classics. I get compliments everywhere in my Vanden Plas.

 

++ heaps.

IF, and that is the BIG IF, you can find an X308 with ALL the dumb stuff sorted, including that huge $$ ZF transmission, go for it.

The X300 has issues, but SMALL in any comparison.

 

X300 hands down for me when compared to the X308. If the condition of each is equal I'd go for the X300. Jaguar's legend and pedigree were built on the inline 6 not V8's. I absolutely love my XJ6L.

 

+ what's been said. Maybe a little tougher call vs. late 02/03 X308 b/c the major engine stuff is done. It probably comes down which interior you prefer. Not as discerning as Malihide, I don't find much more than a dime's worth of difference in exterior styling; both being significantly more beautiful than 93.2% of any car ever made.
But best to probably drive each one and go with the one you like. None of us will have to live with your decision.

 

x300 xjr.

mind you, the x308 xjr does not have to contend with the zf because it does
not have a zf. it has the mercedes transmission. bulletproof.

 

Hello everyone. I am thinking of buying x300 with faulty gearbox however have a question. Is it possible to replace x300 gearbox from x308, so gears would be shorter and consumption would reduce? Or its not worth it?

 

Someone with more technical experience may have a differing opinion, but mine is effectively "not worth it". At least not to me. I'd find the right transmission from a salvage yard. They aren't rare.

See my thoughts here:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...9/#post1354449

.

 

Welcome to the forum, Maxi. Be sure and pop over to the new member section and make an introductory post so you get a proper welcome. As well, a mod can take notice of you and upgrade you to member status once you've achieved the prerequisites.


I agree with Al, not sure why you'd want to go to the trouble to fit a much more troublesome gearbox to it when you could just purchase a used replacement out of an X300. If it happens that you already have an X308 parts car, there are some body panels you could use, the sun roof mechanism, possibly the seats, and the headlights with a bit of work. But for maximum benefit of a pre-existing X308 parts car, you'd be better off purchasing another X308.

 

Hi everyone and thank you for taking time replying to me. Just spoke to jag mechanical in authorised centre. We had very short conversation and he said its not worth to it, unless I have all parts already, such as gearbox, ECU and many more bits, which I actually don't. Also that would be more complicated for mechanical in future repairs. So decided to stick to classic version of it. Thanks guys for opinions, they are really reasure me

 

No comparison.....X300. Not a better car ever made as far as looks and drivability.

 

I can't agree more with this statement.

It's the pinnacle of refinement IMO, and a perfect throwback to all the classic saloons with its engine. Not to mention the build quality is superb. I've had much newer cars fall apart or otherwise look worn beyond their years, and I've had people ask if my car is new.

 

I always liked the looks of the Jags, as well as the BMW and older Mercedes. Both of those are understated but have their own qualities in design I like. The Jags are beautiful to my eye and my 97 X300 VP is actually kind of fun to drive. Needs more power though but decent enough for now. Smooth as glass though except for the mettalic banging under neath over bumps, lol. I have to check the suspension closer next time I get a chance.

 

Well I made my decision Thanks for all the input
A lovely X300 3.2 should be sitting on the drive next week (after an MOT and a full service)

 

Congratulations!

Good luck with the new car!

.

 

Go for it Guy!!!!

 

I like the X300 Vanden Plas better than the X308 Vanden Plas. That 4.0 6 is one of the best engines ever made.

We love our X300 VP. She's the best riding car we've ever owned.

She's had two problems since we've owned her, and both were fuse related. There are A LOT of fuses on these cars!

I cannot believe how little we spent for so much car. Seriously. For a paltry sum one can have one of the best cars ever made IMHO.


I do like the X308 XJR better than the X300 XJR. This is just a personal preference. The X300 XJR is a great car. Before I bought my XJR I drove several examples of each. I think the X308's interior is much nicer and you've gotta admit that the X308's performance is amazing. That said, the X300 XJR has a better rear axle / differential AND had LSD. Why Jaguar did not offer LSD on the X308 is beyond me. I will fix that shortcoming soon.

We are looking for another Jaguar and it will be an X300 Vanden Plas. In fact, when I find two nice examples, I am going to buy one for my daughter and son-in-law. They are always saying that they'd like to have one.

Again, congrats and enjoy!