I am visitng from the X100 forum. I own a 2004 XK8 , but have an opportunity to buy a 2003 XJR. I have only looked at the car briefly , but it seems to be well cared for and appears to have no rust. I understand that it uses the same 4.2L v8 as the XK8/R . Does it have the same transmission ? The J Gate looks like it's a 5 speed auto and not a 6 speed.

Aside from the engine , what are soem common items I should look for ?

Thanks for any advice you can provide

 

I believe you will find it has a 4.0 V8. The 2003 is probably the "best of breed"
for the X308s. Most all of the minor hiccups of previous model years were
sorted and implemented. The transmission on the XJR is a little more robust
than on the non-supercharged version. Suspension, various mounts, and rotor
wear are, of course, a no brainer when buying any car. Personally, I would have
the transmission checked out by a professional before the purchase.

 

Allo, if it's a 2003 then it's a 4.0ltr with a 5speed box.


This shape?

 

Thanks for quick replies ....Yes it's that shape. Odd that the 2003 XK8 had a 4.2 and the 2003 XJ had a 4.0 ....so does this mean I need to check for plastic timing chain tensioners , since it;s a 4.0 ? I have no idea of the mileage yet. It appeared for sale to day and I have no details

 

The big aluminum car (X350) was being released in 2004MY so Jaguar stayed with the X308 for one more year.
The 4.2 XK was still on track for the upgrade.

The Mercedes gearbox in the XJR is fine.

 

The 2003 will have metal tensioners.

 

I'l leave it to members much more qualified than me to share the issues with you and there are lots of good guides out there, but just wanted to say that you won't regret it. I have a 1998 XK8 convertible and a 2001 Daimler Super V8 (XJR enginer but softer suspension) and love them both. I just have a simple decision to make every day. If it's raining or I need to take passengers, it's the Daimler; if it's not raining and irrespective of outside temperature, it's the convertible.

Fingers crossed that the XJR is a good one. IMO, the X308 is the last of the beautiful Jag saloons.

 

As RJ stated it has metal tensioners *unless* the engine has been replaced with an earlier engine (for whatever reason) and nobody checked for updates. If you just verify it’s the original engine, your question will be answered.

 

Thanks for all the quick and very helpful replies. The seller has the car at a local indy shop now getting an MVI done ( our version of MOT ) so it can be registered to whomever buys it. When that is done and firm price is established I will arrange to get it home with me for a 1/2 day for a drive and bring it to my mechanic to get it up in the air and have a good look. I'm very hopeful this will work out. I LOVE my XK8 but am getting to an age ( and lack of "bendability" ) where it's hard to get in and out ; and a sedan/saloon car makes more sense for me ( and my wife loves big Jags as well )

 

X308 sits pretty low; maybe as low as the XK8. My step son has a 98 XK8; seems same height and ease as my 2003 XJ8. Once inside, little difference. I envy you and Mark: I would love to have one each (no room at the condo and we can't give up her bullet proof RAV4).

 

I’m with Jim on the ride height of the X308. I went from an X350 back to a 308 four years ago and I’m about to turn 75. Bendability is beginning to be an issue and I find my Prius econobox is higher than the 308 and the 350 was more comfortable in the long run. I keep looking for a 350 to be my last Jag. But, if you can tolerate the height and thus keep the totally classic Jag look, the 308 is an outstanding car.

 

Last question where are the common spots/areas to look for corrosion , and where are any "hidden" areas ? I know where to look on XK8s ..are XJs much different.

 

Common corrosion points that I've either heard of (or have currently) are the front upper shock mounts, rear of the front wheel arch and front of the rear wheel arch as well as under the scuttle of the front windscreen and the lower corners of the rear windscreen.

You'll have to try it on for yourself, but my x308 is on the low side for a sedan. I have to pull myself up to get out instead of stepping out. That said, its a lovely ride and I hope my knees and back hold out long enough to keep it for a long time.

 

It really depends on where the car grew up: up North and Canada with salted roads, any sills in the underbody and along the frame; down south, mostly running gears and bolts; CA and Ariz, what's rust?