Ok guys I have 2 very sweet machines and sweet in differing ways want to know some of your thoughts

I have a 95 british racing green XJR straight 6 with the 4L80E trans 113k original miles runs like a top

Pros bulletproof I6 and very strong 4L80E trans, paid off, clean title

Cons was hit 3 times in a month runs great but needs a lil bodywork pass rear door smashed needs replacing and some work on the rear quarter, front pass fender needs a few lil dents pulled paint is fine though, drivers side headlight and turn signal light need replacing, no AC, powersteering is leaking a lil at the rack, alt is making a loud skreech for the first 10 to 15 mins when first started or when theres a hard load on the alt, interior is a bit rough not bad but rough. not much in the way of upgrades, poor gas mileage, frt steering system is in need of some work rattles a bit, and needs some tires

I have the oppurtunity to aquire a very nice 99 with 45k original miles on it in a black metallic tan interior

Pros body is flawless, 370Hp V8 supercharged, 5 speed trans, great AC, auto down all windows, better gas mileage than the 95, great suspension, new rims and tires, beautiful tan interior, tinted windows, upgrades are plenty

Cons will cost me 5000 for the car but figure I can sell the 95 for a couple grand and I got 2 from insurance. paint needs to be redone as it has faded some, salvage title ( did carfax had some frt end problems but checked engine and its stock one and was undamaged all parts that were damaged were replaced with new) needs to be tuned up belts are cracked,

was wondering what some of your thoughts are and what you would do and why??

 

It seems that you would be in for a net cost of $3k. But, the engine is likely a nikasil block and you will need to do the upper tensionsers as a given.

Lots of people will point out that if the nikasil block has made it this far, it will likely not be a problem as long as you remember to never just start and shutdown.

The I6 supercharged motor is a great motor and beautiful to look at under the hood.

Add up the numbers to take the 1995 to the condition of the 1999. But, then bear in mind that the 1999 will always be 4 years newer.

Maybe you can buy the 1999 and park it?

 

I have never owned a X300 SC, but I have a NA. I have a MY 02 XJ8 and two X308 SCs also. I would go for the X-308. More go, better handling, newer stuff, nicer (my opinion) interior. The engine has not proven as reliable as the X300, but change the tensioners, use synthetic oil and make sure you do not buy one with excess blowby and they can go a long way. My MY98 has 260,000 miles, apparently original engine, original transmission, and was overheated twice by the PO according to the records. It still runs strong, uses less than a quart between 10 k oil changes.
Good luck!

 

well I am a tech i have no problems doing the maintence on these cars they are pretty easy. It would cost me about 3 to 4 grand to get the 95 to the 99 condition and even then it wont be as fast lol.

 

I had the engine blow by tested they said it tested like a brand new engine. It starts right up cold no hesitation, revs beautiful, and only a couple drops of oil in the intake right by the tube that comes in from the valve cover none in air filter or tb. The tensioners were already done with metal ones at dealer.

I heard with the use of syn oil which I use 5W40 religiously and some restore that the nikosil motors are acually better than the lined motors. Since the sulfur prob has been eliminated due to better regulations it shouldnt pose a prob anymore.

 

Being an ex X300 Owner and was on the passenger seat on X300 XJR , these are the most beautiful cars ever made by any car manufacturer let alone made by Jaguar .

I would also prefer X308 being a V8 engine more powerful and more gadgets but shame their interior is not as well designed as X300s , door trims , door panels, gauges aren't as refined as X300s . But these are cosmetic details , what's important for me may not count for others .

 

I loved my 95 VDP -- red w/ cream interior. Stunning car. I did not like any of the style changes made to the x308 other than the headlights.

That said -- The SC V8 is years ahead of the IL6. Although the front end did feel lighter in the x300