Assuming everything else was equal- condition, mileage, etc.- would you rater have an 00 XJR? 03? or?? Enquiring minds are curious...

 

Aside from having an 03 so I'm biased - I'd go with the 03 just on the basis that it's going to be a little fresher for parts that wear over time itself, as well as it should have the upgraded tensioners already and might not need immediate help?

Any time there's an "even across the board" option, I tend to go new as possible.

 

They last years -- 02 ... 03 was a carryover. The 01's could still have some issues.

No matter what year -- the tensioners need to be checked.

 

I'd take an early AJ26 one. Say 97 built 98 model

 

And why is that? I assume you prefer a Nikasil engine? The upgraded primary timing chain on the later years would steer me in that direction. And the general age of the plastic components.

 

IIRC, the earliest US engines don't have an egr system? If so, that would reduce maintainence somewhat...

 

I like fancy coatings

The AJ26 just seems to be the choice for me..

 

No argument from me on the preference for coatings. I have never, other than my XJR, opened an engine after 175,000 miles and found NO discernible piston ring ridge!

 

One of the photos that made me really love the look of an X308 was of an XJR100. That would be my choice; so laterish.

 

Seems like a no brainer: 03