It was possible to get X300s without a sunroof, which gave them a decent amount more headroom. I'm 5'11" with a fairly long torso, and while there is decent headroom in my 2000 XJR, the non-sunroof cars I've sat in have a good little bit more room. Food for thought if you find you don't fit comfortably in an X308. Because while the X300s are very nice cars, the X308 has many very nice improvements.

 

Thanks for the advice, bergxu. I see a really clean looking '03 black on black XJR on CL located in the Costa Mesa area right now. It has 63k miles on it. The owner says he's a Jag collector, so he might have serviced the transmission fluid and filter already. That's another point to discuss on my list! Thanks.

 

I did not know that! Thanks for the advice.

Well, guys, it's Wednesday night. I look forward to meeting a couple of you on Saturday morning at the club meet. Until then, here's my tentative "checkpoint list" to use when checking out used X308s. Please let me know if I should edit, add, or delete anything on it!

X308 CHECKLIST & GENERAL INFO:

X308 Common Issues:
• Plastic timing chain tensioners used in models up to early '02
○ Jaguar converted to metal chain tensioners on August 13th, 2001.
○ Most, but not all, of the '02 MY had the updated tensioners.
○ Some engines assembled after that may have had plastic tensioners until the supply line units were exhausted.
○ '97-'99 have 1st gen tensioners (unreliable plastic parts).
○ '99-'02 have 2nd gen tensioners (more reliable plastic parts).
○ '02-'03 have 3rd gen tensioners (steel).
○ Engine #s before 98102106XX are problematic.
○ Engine #s after 98102106XX should be fine.
○ Check the status of tensioners on models before late '02.
• Water pump/Thermostat
○ Sticking thermostat can cause engine to overheat and damage the water pump.
§ Overheating can accelerate problems with the tensioners.
○ Early water pumps had plastic vanes vulnerable to damage when overheated.
§ Defective thermostat would allow the engine to overheat.
§ Plastic vanes would disintegrate.
○ Estimated that Jaguar upgraded the thermostat and water pump ~2001.
○ Check if the thermostat and water-pump have been replaced on cars older than 2001.
• Nikasil-lined V8s from '98 to August 18th, '00
○ Engine serial # 0008181043. Some engines assembled after that may have had Nikasil until the supply line units were exhausted.
○ Best to look for '01-'03 models to avoid the Nikasil related problems.
• Fading Walnut veneer
○ Some '00-'01 cars have faded and/or milky walnut veneer.
○ Jaguar fixed this under warranty when brought to their attention.
○ Watch out for faded/milky walnut veneer. Fixing it is not cheap!
• Sticking Throttle Mechanism
○ A Jaguar TSB was released in 2004.
○ Car can stall under certain driving conditions (usually at speeds around 60MPH)
○ '98-'99 cars affected.
§ VINs before 878717: check to make sure the problem has been fixed.
§ VINs after 878717 should be OK.
□ VIN format changed for 2000+ to Fxxxxx (x = #)
○ Best to look for '00-'03 models to avoid the throttle problems.
• General Info and Sagely Advice
○ Try to buy a car that has had its oil changed more often than the service intervals suggest.
○ Wheel bearings and suspension eventually wear out, especially on a heavy XJ.
○ The Jag will depreciate 20% once driven off a dealer's lot and about 50% for every three years. It's hard to resell an XJ.
○ MPG is average 21.5 for XJ8 and 18.8 for XJR.
○ Tires will run $150 each.
○ Service points won't be unreasonably expensive.
○ The standard sound system is OK but check for the subwoofer on the back shelf to identify the premium sound system.
§ Don't forget the CD changer. Check it.

 

You've done your research well.

The 2003 sounds good if it is as described.

 

Thanks plums!

I'm going to test a few X308s this weekend. Wish me luck.

I've got my eye on some S-Type Rs now, though, too. I have to compile a similar checklist for them now.. haha! More forum sifting!

M

 

Odds- by the looks of the pics, that 03 is very well cared for.

Just saw a 2003 VDP S/C as well.... I think someone on here was looking for one.

 

VDP S/C is a great alternative.

 

Odds,

Here's something I pulled off another thread here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...22245&hm=50031

sort of like your list, but a bit more detailed. enjoy.

 

There was an '03 Super V8 on fleabay a few months ago in British Racing Green with Oatmeal interior. Had just over 100K on it and looked stunning. It was in CA too. I think he was asking $11K for it and I emailed him asking if $11K would do the deal shipped enclosed to Ohio and he said yes, so obviously there's some room in his price. Was very close to buying that car but found another Bentley Turbo instead

 

Hey Tirefriar, would you mind posting that link again? I keep getting a "page not found" error.

 

I would love to meet some of you on Saturday, but the time is too early for me. I am about an hour and twenty minutes from Costa Mesa (when the traffic flow is normal!). If you guys ever want to do lunch down there, I'd be game for that.
It's not that I can't get up early, (which I do) but I have a LOT of morning chores to do on my ranch. My horses require their breakfast on time, and their living quarters clean. I don't even go to "work" before 10AM. (I work 2-3 hours a day, and I schedule it the way I can avoid traffic jams, and to be on the ranch when the animals need me).

 

Hey Danielsand- we are planning a trip to the Petersen soon, that would be a great opportunity for you to meet up with us.

 

Would be great! Let me know when. You can PM if you want. My schedule is VERY flexible between 10AM-4PM. I feed my "zoo" at the dusk, and in the Summer I have way more time at my disposal. They have no clue what time it is, except that is getting dark, and they need to eat!