I haven't gotten the VIN's yet to do a carfax report. From what I have heard the 97's are more dependable and the 01's are higher performance. The owner of the 01 says the chain tensioners were replaced. The 01 looks incredibly clean including the engine. The 97 looks very clean also but the engine isn't as clean. Neither one is in town so I have not had the chance to drive either yet. Has anyone here ever owned both a X306 XJR and X308 XJR? Was one better than the other if you included performance and dependability?

 

I sold my XJ6L (X300) in May after 3 years of ownership and have since put 12,000 miles on my 02 XJR-100. I've driven several X300 XJR's and only the one X308 XJR. I can tell you from my standpoint it's hands down the X308 version. I would never say the X300 is "more reliable" I'd call them pretty much dead even as long as the tensioners are uprated. The only advantage on the X300 is the limited slip diff. In terms of performance it's apples and oranges and the interior layout is far sportier in the X308. All IMHO! YMMV!

 

The X300/XJR *does* have that big inline six....and there's something about a big inline six and Jaguar that just seem to go together like a hand in a glove. If that bit of nostalgia appeals (it did to me) , then go for the XJR/6. Otherwise, go with the V8 version.

I had an XJR/6 for many years and 171k miles. Lots of positives. Loved it, and loved driving it....but it was by no means trouble-free. It never once left me stranded but lots of things went wrong. Mostly minor when considered individually but it all adds up, so to speak.

Cheers
DD

 

I decided on a 2003 XJR. One of the mechanics at the local Jaguar Service place is selling it. That way I know it has been maintained. It has 118K miles.

 

Great purchase, and the 03 gives you a great base with many issues sorted out to start with!