Hello, im looking to buy an X308. Ive done extensive research on this model with respect to its weaknesses (tensioners, waterpump, rust, etc). Currently looking at this specific one:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...xjr/1559577072

The owner claims to be second owner and has no maintenance records. Its about a 6 hour drive and Im not able to find a competent inspection garage in the area. The car appears to be very clean allegedly never winter driven but alas pictures can be deceiving. Given the lack of any maintenance records, is there anything specific that I should look out for other than the obvious visual cosmestic damage, noises, etc. Also wondering what I should be offering price wise if it all checks out...

 

Does anybody know whether the tensioner issue was addressed by 2003 in the XJR? I know for XK8 and XKR they moved to the revised 4.2L AJ V8 so in 2003 they are fine.

 

yes they were addressed by the end of the 02 model year


98s 99s and 00s have potato head gaskets and transmissions are known to fail at very high miles

 

We generally advise "no records = no sale" but if you can get it cheap enough and willing to take a risk. Its coming up on 90K miles and almost 20 years old so basically the worst risk besides "deferred maintenance" is all the rubber stuff that is just about gone. You can expect all the seals, all of them, to start leaking any day now and all of the suspension bushings, all of them, to start slopping around any day now, not to mention the belt and about 30 different hoses. The reason these cars aren't much more expensive is because at this point, they really need a LOT of work. But what most people do is they don't pay much, don't fix anything, just drive them as-is and take their chances. You may get another 50K miles trouble-free or it may grenade tomorrow, who knows. But you know it'll always be the only one in the parking lot.

 

Thabks for the reply! I agree usually I dont buy anything without records or inspection but Im feeling risky. I dont imagine bushings and rubber hoses will cost much to replace. I am more concerned with major mechanical issues so if the tensioners are good to go (and the waterpump should be fine??) Im considering rolling the dice. The X308 seem worth investing money into.

 

I don’t think I would drive 6 hours to take a look at a car without knowing anything about it.
Is it a dealer or private? What are they stating for its condition or maintenance?
As you know, one winter on the roads over there is a very major concern, Any evidence?
Many cars of this age no longer have recent service records. My own included as I look after it as if it were family.
Have you researched local Jaguar and British car clubs to see what is on offer. Generally you can get a good idea from members on what’s good or problematic.
As stated, you may well get into suspension work, but you certainly do not want to find you new pride and joy with tin worm. If you do pursue this, check very carefully under front and rear screen seals, foreword of jacking points where the undercoat gets blasted off. Many of the underside seams that were never sealed by Browns Lane, including front engine crossmember to chassis joint below the vee mounts.
Not to put you off, they are wonderful cars but always best to be forewarned and prepared.
Or you can spring 200k on a Bring a Trailer Datsun of a little earlier vintage, but that’s some sort of alternative universe that most of us do not travel in.
Good luck.

 

The interior is remarkably clean, especially the drivers seat which is always worn by now. The engine bay is also really clean. If I were in the market I would definitely pursue this one.
Ask for photos or video of the underside and the headliner. If it is as clean and I would make the trip and go drive it.

I do all of my own work so repairs and maintenance are the cost of the parts. If you plan on having a shop do al the work you will be good friends with them and they will have a nice boat. As with any car that age small and large repairs are needed.
Door latch cables will break, headliner will sag (maybe '03s are OK), fuel pumps will die, the adaptive shocks will fail are very expensive, hoses under the supercharger will rot (parts $43, but the supercharger has to be removed), front wheel bearings, etc.
Again any European car that age will have similar, or likely higher repair costs.

+ side:
-The XJR has the Mercedes transmission which is bulletproof.
-the '03 is the best of this series
-the majority of major issues have been resolved
-For many, including myself, this car is the pinnacle of the XJ series

Good luck

 

I noticed the interior as well which got me thinking perhaps it was maintained and/or at the very least not winter driven or daily driven. Given its age I dont expect a perfect x308 from anybody at this point however this one seems worth looking into. Others have 150-200k miles and they are asking about the same up here with visible rust in wheel wells and wor leather interiors.

I also think they car may be the special edition with Brembo and unique Wheels?

 

yes it’s an R1

 

This just makes it more unique in my opinion as the others are just XJRs.

 

It does look a very attractive car! Couple of observations from the photos that you can ask about:
Plastic cover rover the brake booster not fitted.
The plastic fastener for the centre cover is missing.
Plastic cone cover over the top of the adaptive damper missing (both sides?)
Supercharger pulley. I have only seen black OEM pulleys, not the colour shown. Can anyone here confirm? As a quick check an OEM OD over the lip or across the belt is 3 1/8”.

 

I appreciate your response! I was hoping somebody who is familiar with the X308 would look at the pictures and point out inconsistencies. Would anything you mentioned be of specific concern? The owner does not seem to know much about it other than it runs perfect and has been inspected (generic mechanic)

 

Price seems high. Still, for under 90,000 miles and in this shape, I would go for it.

 

Upper orange rubber damper bushings are crumbling. Zoom in, and there are a few bits laying around probably after their detailing. Cheap as chips at Rockauto but the bushing material is harder. The adaptive damper has a slightly larger diameter shaft. Choose the appropriate replacement, or drill out a standard one to suit.
If you do end up changing them, to stop the shaft turning insert an Allen key down the centre.
I keep looking at the colour of the pulley. Aftermarket smaller stainless pulleys do discolour after they have been heated but not sure I am seeing that. Just nice to know what it is, and whether is is a smaller diameter.

 

Im curious about the pulley as well. I wonder if its aftermarket, I note from the forums swapping pulleys as a mod is not uncommon. Owner does not know as it was not done by him.

 

2002 model year xj's with engines built in August or September 01, came with the metal timing chain parts from factory. Would love to give an opinion, but the car seems like it's no longer listed. If you do look at one in person and you really like the car and price, I would go for it. There are hardly any of these cars for sale.

 

This is a great thread and I appreciate the comments from those also interested in the X308. As a previous owner of a 2001 VDP, always considered it one of the most beautiful cars I owned. Recently been looking at a 2003 VDP Super V8 version in black with camel interior. High mileage but priced reasonable. Owner has updated most of the plastic parts and is the second owner since new. What you guys have confirmed for me that was important was the timing chain problems were corrected on this year model. This one also has the MB transmission used in the XJR version.

Does anyone know the production numbers on the Super V8 VDP? I saw one comment on the Mecum Auction site today for a similar Jag sold in CA saying it was 1 of 200 made for 2003 and 1 of 70 specifically made for the CA market due to emission requirements.

 

2387 for the 03’ SV8

 

The original question is about an XJR which had a Mercedes transmission, smooth and sturdy, not the ZF transmission which had failure points.

 

the early 722.6s usually dump the k2 bushing and fail in the 200-250k range. some make it a less some make it more