So, I've always wanted a 4.0 supercharged X308 and have now found two very low mileage examples in Japan.

The first one is a 1999 XJR V8 supercharged 4.0 in black with the dark charcoal interior, and roughly 9,000 miles on the clock. The second one is a 2002 XJR V8 supercharged 4.0 in British racing green with a cream interior, and about 4,000 miles. I really like both of them and am finding it hard to choose between them.

They both look to be in great condition from the pictures, as you'd expect at that mileage. There's not a great deal of difference in price with the British racing green one being about $4,000 USD more, but I'm not really worried about the price it's about finding the right car, which for me will almost certainly be a keeper. For high days, sunny days, and holidays. Can you help me make my mind up?!

 

It's a no-brainer: The green one:
JAGUAR racing green, even lower mileage, 3 years younger.

Also, if I am not mistaken (and I might be mistaken, if the "CHANGE" came during 2002 or in 2003, so that some 2002 are like the 1999 in those regards...): The 1999 might give you problems, if you want to DIY-duplicate the remote key function:
I think the 1999 has a separate remote hanging on the keyring, the 2002 should have a Ford-flip key, and they should have different security modules.
For the newer one (20020 there should be a DIY procedure to connect new remotes to the car.
Thus, if the car comes with both OE keys, you should be able to easily create a 3rd and 4th key - I have that for all my Jags. Keep No. 1 and No. 2 safe, and use No. 3 and No. 4 - and if you loose one, you can create another one...

I have a 1998 X308. But I got myself the security module of a 2002 or 2003 X308, swapped it and now I have 4 remote-flip-keys for that X308.

Best ask for a picture of the key and the remote of the 2002, then you should know...

 

You don’t say which model either of them happens to be. If one is an XJR and the other isn’t, it’s like choosing between a black olive and a green grape. You also don’t say what records are available or what servicing has or hasn’t been done or how and where they’ve been stored/kept. Just because they’re low mileage doesn’t mean things like seals and trim and fuel lines etc. don’t deteriorate and there’s a big difference between something well-maintained and still driven only 300 miles a year and something that’s been stored for 25 years.

 

@Ken Cantor they're both XJR V8 supercharged 4.0. Servicing records are comparative, with services having been carried out annually or to schedule with mileage. Both cars are really very similar, just separated by about 5,000 miles and 3 years in terms of age.

 

The switch to 'updated' timing components is ENGINE NUMBER 0108130000.
August 13, 2001; engine S/N 0108130000 onward were supposed to have the metal body tensioners.(and Morse style 'SILENT RUNNING' primary chains)

 

4000 and 9000 miles? Were they in a museum?

 

The 02' - AJ27.

 

Definitely the BRG XJR, I had one a couple of years ago for a short time and it looked the mutts nuts. Everywhere I went in it the car got admiring glances and the cream interior contrasted beautifully with the green exterior. The 02 should also be wearing a set of Asteroid wheels which again look amazing with the BRG colour. Also as pointed out by others the 02 is best for the engine as it will be a steel lined unit with the Morse chains.

The car should come with three keys and two remotes ideally; two black headed keys and the green valet key. The X308 never came with a “flip key” it was always a separate remote unit. However with any Japanese import there may be differences between UK models such as radio frequencies, alarm fob frequencies and of course your speedometer and odometer will be in Km.

 

@Stu 1986, that's good to know, thanks. I'll ask the dealer about the keys. I've currently got a 1996 4.0 XJR the straight six supercharged from Japan and have become so used to converting KM in my head to miles I don't really think about it anymore - sort of glance down 80 oh I'm doing 50, 110 a smidge under 70, etc. etc.

Yes, those asteroid wheels (which the green one does have) really do look the business!

 

That is a difficult choice, everything sensible says get the later one as everyone has said. But I'd love a black car so....

I think I'd go BRG too after lots of umming & ahhhhing as that's my second favourite colour & asteroids are the best wheels on these.

 

The 02’ will have MLS head gaskets. This is an easy decision.

 

I am the same as I’ve been driving commercial vehicles since the age of 21 both coaches and HGV’s and these both have speedometers in Km with mph as the secondary reading. I also have a Trabant which reads in Km only but as you say one does become used to a quick conversion in your head.

 

Why not both: shipping cost more than the cars, ne? Drive both; have both looked at by an English specialist; pick your favorite: sell the other for more than you will probably have invested in both. I.E. do the math! Check the market.


If that is beyond your means: green one.

 

@Jhartz, nice idea but shipping is significantly less than the cost of the cars. And the market is keen, once I’d covered my costs I might be able to make 2 to 3k on selling one, if I found the right buyer. Too much faff for me. Plus I have a 1996 XJR6 so only looking for the one V8. Green seems to be closing it…

 

Nothing to add to what everyone else has said, other than to say that it's the later one every day of the week...

 

With the stated mileage, these are almost like new cars. I believe the Queen used
to be driven around in a BRG Vanden Plas of that year. Either of these would make
great weekend cars, but the 2002 would be my choice.