Hi everyone, first time here in this forum.
I’m a Japanese who can speak English and currently living in Japan. I’m thinking about buying this X308 in a used Jaguar and Daimler dealership as my first classic Jag.

Here are the basic details from the listing:
Model: Jaguar XJ X308 Executive
Year: 2002
Engine: 3.2 V8 (AJ-V8)
Mileage: ~34,000 km
One Owner/No repair history / no accident history
Color: British Racing Green
Price: ~¥2,580,000 (about $18–20k USD)
Dealer inspection included

My questions for you Jag experts: Is this a reasonable offer for a 2002 X308 with these specs and mileage?

The 3.2 V8 — would you recommend it over a 4.0 V8 in terms of reliability, daily usability, and classic ownership enjoyment?

Are there any specific year-related quirks/issues I should be aware of with early vs late X308s?

Any red flags in the listing or things I should absolutely inspect before committing?

I’m not in a rush to drive it on the street — my top priority is owning a good example that’s been well cared for and won’t turn into a money pit. I’d really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have owned X308s elsewhere in the world.

Thanks in advance!

 

There is a lot to like on this one. Personally, I notice nothing out of the ordinary
that would flag my attention. That said, having no history in the form of receipts
is a red flag. Also, be sure to physically look in the high rust areas for repairs or
attempts to cover over oxidation.. and the 3.2 is obviously less robust in the driving
department than the 4.0.

 

There may be a need for Catalytic converter light on the dash

This is different than CEL codes P0420 and P0430 as Cat efficiency not being present ( good )

See page 27 for the 2002

AJ27/01 DTC OBD II

This can be seen on the earlier inline 6 X300

May be a stop to get past automotive import specifically Japan

I do not have the V - 8

 

See page 55 , not shown on wiring diagram but things not perfect

2002 should be the better AJ27 engine by a engine serial number on the engine that others would know where
jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepairPhotos/jagxj2002.pdf

Compare this to a 1997 inline 6 on page 52 , catalyst switching module upper right on print with the UR ( Blue / Red ) wire to dash light , Exhaust Temperature Warning Indicator

This light may test and show , but may not function as needed in Japan per model

jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepairPhotos/jagxj1997.pdf

 

Hello,

I also have a 3.2. That green one looks very nice.

In terms of price, I think the price you mention is going to seem very high for the majority of US members here, where I believe these cars do not command high prices.

In Europe, with that low mileage, it would not be rare to see a car advertised for that price. What it would finally sell for, is a different history. Hey, people are not rushing to buy these cars, that plays in your advantage.

What is important is that you can get maintenance records. Nothing worst than to be chasing after issues when you don't know what was done previously.

Being a 2002, I believe the main issue of these cars, the timing chain tensioners, would have been already addressed, replaced by metal, but please do ask the dealer for the engine number (should be in the conformity document I believe) and you can check to be sure.

You will also have an upgraded water pump, I believe.

With those few kilometers, I would be overall concerned if the car sat for a long time. Many parts don't like to sit for a long time, like the fuel pump. Take the car for a long ride, make sure no lights are showing in the dash.

If they can't proof maintenance, you'll need to replace all fluids and consumables accessory belt, etc) to have piece of mind.

In terms of 3.2/4.0, I believe if the 3.2 is a good one, go for it. Nobody buys these cars to test 0-100 km/h every day, that is my opinion, and the 3.2 is not underpowered.

Edit: I see the thermostat tower cap is aluminum. Somebody chime in but I believe factory was plastic, so it might have been changed, which could be a good sign: prevention. Or sign of one that failed, with hopefully no consequences.

 

Am I alone in thinking this car is sitting higher than normal on the suspension? The tire/wheel arch clearance looks higher than I expected.

 

^ To my eye as well.

It also looks as though the wood fascia panel above the glove box may have been replaced as it's darker and the grain doesn't seem to match the centre/driver's pieces and it looks to more than just lighting/reflections.

 

The car looks great i would check if the tensioner upgraded or not , but that's not big problem , the main question is do you work on your own cars or not ? If no
Then if you don't have at least 200k$ in your bank and steady income this car is not for you .

 

#5 said it all, ne? By US standards, five to ten times higher than we would pay for it here. Still, it is like brand new and absolutely beautiful, inside and out. Here in the States, and in most of Europe, some parts (particularly interior plastic pieces) are very hard to come by. But we have junk yards with examples from which to borrow. Fortunately, both here and the UK, we can send you most necessary mechanical parts (Barrat, Rock Auto, Amazon, and there are Chinese suppliers)

But for a reasonably rare vehicle in Japan, this might be a good buy and it is not really that expensive. When I Iived there forty-five years ago, I don't think I ever saw a Jaguar on the streets of Yokohama or Tokyo. A couple of US Army guys had them at Camp Zama . . . one admiral had his XKE in Yokosuka.

We had a member in the UK, a few weeks ago, who was toying with importing one of a couple of choices from Japan to England: exceptional quality and condition; prices were higher than shipping costs, which I found surprising. Seeing your post, I can see what he meant: prices in Japan are high, very high -- for Jags -- in compared to the give away prices here in the States.

When I lived there, as military, we could buy "out of shaken" Toyotas and Mazdas for a tenth of what an equivalent would go for in California. And I did. But US and German cars, even older ones, were at a premium (I brought a 73 BMW Bavaria home: it had been used to chauffeur Tokyo yakuza!).

 

Are the coachlines missing?

 

The green and white is a beautiful combination and the car looks splendid. I have a white exterior with cashmere interior. My 4.0 with 60,000 miles gives me no problems although I haven't driven it much. It's not as pristine as the one you're considering but things you might ask about are the headliner and a lot more pictures if you're not able to see the jag yourself, drive it and listen to it, and walk around it. A gauge exists to test the panels for paint depth indicative of repair - good idea to follow the dealer around when he checks for you or shows you pictures of his tests on the corners. Ask for its CARFAX report. With respect to parts, many parts are shared with other years and sometimes with other brands.

The price .... That's a lot of money. I got my Florida car for 1/3rd this year. Here the mileage makes a lot of difference in the price (21K mileage is ideal, enough to clear away any new car problems but not too much wear - if the car hasn't set without use too long). Collision repairs - they make a huge difference in the selling price.

 

I have a 3.2 myself and they are lovely cars. The 2002 stands out from the rest of the X308 build years for a few reasons, it was the last year they made them and because of this they tended to have a lot more options fitted as standard than others as they were using up parts. My 3.2 rolled out of browns lane with more factory fitted spec than some earlier Sovereign or XJR models. They also deleted the coach lines for this build year.

The 2002 should have the upgraded Morse timing chains and guides as standard, but it’s always wise to double check with the engine number. The ride on your example seems high in the pictures, but as it’s so low mileage and an executive I’d wager that it’s fitted with standard comfort shocks and the lack of use has maintained their original position.

Regarding the price these cars have now reached classic status and to purists like me they are the last “true” Jaguar built from steel at Browns Lane before they closed it and moved to Castle Bromwich. This is a very well cared for and clean car and in the UK prices for similar cars would be a lot higher than what this is up for. It would be an investment from my perspective as prices will only go up for an example such as this.

Another plus point for the 3.2 is that it’s less likely to lunch it’s gearbox which is what has killed the majority of 4.0 cars off in the UK. Because of a weakness in the A drum of the transmission a pressure spike could crack it and kill the gearbox. The 3.2 models don’t seem to suffer from this issue as much I’ve noticed, however there are measures that can be taken as a preventative measure such as fitting the Transgo upgraded valve or fitting an updated valve body. However if you treat the car with respect there’s no reason why you should have any transmission issues.

Ultimately it’s up to you but that car is a rare opportunity to buy a British icon, especially in the that colour combination. Even a quick glance would make the viewer know they’re looking at a Jaguar.

 

Very pretty car but I also note that it sits VERY high?
Compare some pictures to see. Now I have heard JLR will raise the car when it's sold in certain markets like the middle east and Mexico. Maybe Japan as well?
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It looks brand new: buy it.