The Jaguar XJ (X308) Is A Bargain Modern Classic: Total Luxury For Under £5K | Review & Buying Guide

Old Jags are best avoided, right? Well, not necessarily!
The late 90s ushered in a new era for Jaguar with the unveiling of the XJ8 (X308). There was finally an XJ for the modern age (even if it did look like it's predecessors) and for the very first time it was powered by a silky smooth V8.
Fast forward to 2024: depreciation has done it's thing which means you can now pick up a big slice of luxury from as little as £1,500. Spend a bit more to get a great example and you could find yourself behind the wheel of something truly special - and don't believe the rumours that ownership will be a nightmare.
Firmly in classic car territory, the Jaguar XJ8 can be a great car if you get the right one. I think they're well worth a second look, because what else could you buy for under £5K and get THIS level of comfort, luxury and heritage?

[@Vince_uk]

Still one of the most beautiful cars ever produced

[@fuelupclassic]

Still looks great doesn't it.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

don't ask what I've been looking at lately .... mmmmm

[@fuelupclassic]

@@oldclassiccarUK hmm i'm curious now! 🤔

[@leodannyportal]

Thanks for posting this video. You are preaching to the once choir boy, who at a very young age loved Jags. And when given an opportunity to buy a "Select Edition" Silver XJ8 at the dealer in San Francisco it was a dream come true. As you described (all be it I was in my 20's), it was beautifully and impeccably presented on the show room among Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, and Bentley... After many years of ownership (and hundreds of compliments from passerby in California) it was clear to me that one day this car would be highly collectible. At present I own an XJS v12 '92, XJS- '96, XJR - '96, Super V8 2001 & 2002, XK8 -1998, XKR -2000 and the latest 2015 XJ Super V8 - X351. I have collected these cars because I sincerely believe they are not only beautiful, but one of the most attainable undervalued future collectible cars. I can attest that every year it is increasingly more difficult to find good representations of these cars, but this will only make the ones that are in good condition and drivable more valuable. These high specification Jags still outperform existing cars on the road and new on show rooms from the likes of Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus.

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

I like the mint color. Being in America, I need a V8 and once I have an X308 XJR, it partly becomes a project car. I won't want another XJ except an X300 XJR as a daily driver.

[@onlinebizjp]

Jaguar's sedan designs are truly elegance. Sedans have a calming impression and it's simply irresistible. Thank you🙏

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you so much for watching. Matt

[@garethhanna9173]

These are an evolution of the XJ40, which just shows how good the underlying platform launched in 1986 was.

[@fuelupclassic]

Jaguar were very good at eking out a platform or engine for as long as possible! Not a criticism at all and usually with very impressive results.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

They never give the XJ40 the credit it deserves or the AJ6 and later AJ16 engines, which were more reliable than the V8s.

[@fuelupclassic]

@@paulie-Gualtieri. There will be a Daimler XJ40 on the channel very soon :)

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@@fuelupclassic Nice 👍

[@tadeuszmarin5704]

One could argue the all aluminum platform was as long lived, since the last XJ (the one with modern looks) still had the aluminum underpinnings of the x350. I wish they would have gone neo-retro (Modern fiat 500 style) rather than making it just a bigger XF

[@paulfitzgerald7513]

I have two 308’s, one a 3.2 sport, the other a Daimler 4.0 n/a that is superb looking. Personally I prefer the looks of the 308’s, the 350’s just look like an x type that’s been stretched slightly whereas the 308’s are a modern version of the original xj’s. Yes they may rot but so do the aluminium ones too although not as drastically. I’m a big fan of the series one and two xj having had several in my time so I’m happy enough driving in my modern equivalent 😊

[@peoplehavetherights]

I liked the Jaguar XJ8 of steel, but the later X350 model was aluminum, much less a problem in aluminium than steel and lighter as weill. Gearbox was also upgraded to the six speed, and driving 75mph all day at 28-31mpg was no bother. Still drive it yhis day and i truly love it.

[@fuelupclassic]

I really enjoy my X350 too and in so many ways it's a superior car to the X308, but the earlier models just have a certain charm about them.

[@ernanidimassa4968]

I agree I had a 2000 Vanden Plas and now have a 2006 Vanden Plas and love the car! @@fuelupclassic

[@markmcnicholas9475]

I have a ‘96 XJ6, same colour as this example, but mine IS a Jaguar, the last of the superb straight six engines. This is a Ford, mondeo parts, added to the Jaguar shell. I would encourage people to buy the model I have, and one of these for day to day. I need space in a car as I’m 6’3”, and it’s SO comfortable. I had a serious injury in 2007, and my injuries require comfort, especially good back support. These cars (I assume they didn’t fit mondeo seats in this guy’s subject) are marvellous. Reliable, engine never misses a beat. Space, pace and grace.

[@fuelupclassic]

An interesting point! I ran an x300 for many years and loved it. I will get one back on the channel in the near future and it will be nice to revisit an old friend. However, it's worth noting the X300 was developed with Ford money too and as a result it also uses a small amount of Ford parts! The S and X type used parts from the Mondeo, but far far less were used in the XJ (X308) - from memory the door locks and some of interior buttons perhaps (although I don't believe they were uniquely Mondeo, and the X300 key etc is straight from Ford too!). The engine and drivetrain developed for the X308 were later used in the Lincoln Town Car/ Ford Thunderbird but never a Mondeo. Again, I think you may be confusing things with the smaller X and possibly even, S type. For example, in the same way Rolls Royce used a suspension system originally developed by Citroen, parts sharing has been going on for decades and in many ways makes a lot of sense. The last 'real Jaguar' debate has gone on for decades - some may say a Series 3 is the last 'real XJ', as it was the final incarnation of the original series cars that used the original XK straight 6 engine. However after owning several XJs over the years, I personally think if it wears a Jaguar badge, then it's a Jaguar and whichever one you go for, you're unlikely to feel short changed and today they make a great affordable classic. Ford money and development pretty much saved Jaguar in the late 80s and early 90s, and without it, you probably wouldn't be running around in a lovely 1996 XJ X300 (coincidently the first Ford managed Jaguar), which is a very fine way to travel indeed. Furthermore, that silky smooth six cylinder engine (AJ16) in your XJ received over 100 modifications over it's predecessor (AJ6) - funded by Ford.

[@roygardiner2229]

What a beauty.♥

[@coddiwomplecolster7329]

The X300 6cyl is the one to have, infinitely easier to work on, and much more reliable.

[@matthewdavies4472]

Great review !! Spot on .

[@fuelupclassic]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching.

[@wpjansen2021]

Beautiful!

[@NZotyoka81]

I miss the leaper from the hood. My 2003 s type had on it and it was so beautiful with it.

[@MrGman2804]

I had two X308's when they were fairly young. To find a good one now is a matter of money and patience. To buy one under £5k is possible if you are patient and know what to look for. If you want one tip, scour the car for rust. Most of these that end up being scrapped is because of rust. And sometimes it doesn't show. I never got 23mpg. Over many thousands of miles I got just over 20mpg. If you expect 20mpg, you wont be disappointed, if you expect 23mpg you will.

[@colino72]

I get around 20mpg out of my 1998 4.0L. On a long trip on highway miles I can get 28mpg or even slightly better if it is very flat. On average with more around town it is more like 20mpg, I'd agree. I don't thrash mine around either - it's having chains done at the moment so I've been driving it fairly cautiously whilst it was waiting for parts.

[@detonator2112]

I'm not a Jaguar expert but I think the successor of this model that had higher rear end is the best looking sedan ever made. This is a bit too flat and too long to my eye. This is still a very good looking car too, but that successor perfected the looks (imho).

[@fuelupclassic]

You may be thinking of the XJ X350 model, which did indeed come after the X308. I have an X350 and it's a great car but ever so slightly lacks the old world charm of the earlier models.

[@detonator2112]

@@fuelupclassic Ok. I don't see it that way at all. To me it still had all the charm. The completely new XJ that came around 2010'ish? is actually pretty good looking car too but on that I agree it lost all the charm of the old Jags. But overall I really like how all old Jags look. Mercedes always had the technical edge but Jaguars have much more "soul".

[@goodfest007]

Nice car - but boy that was the longest down hill drive I have ever seen 😁.

[@fuelupclassic]

Hahaha! I've learnt that the bigger the driveway, the more opportunity there is to fill it with cars, much to my neighbours annoyance i'm sure!

[@alexandrecouture2462]

no, the camera angle ​@@fuelupclassic

[@fuelupclassic]

@@alexandrecouture2462 Oh yes! The angle makes it appear to be one long downward slope but in reality it's a mixture of hills and great corners, with some great scenery too.

[@telebob5983]

Jag loving Yank here, and hoping to be a Jag owning Yank before it's too late. I'm curious that while the whole Nicasil lining issue was brought up there was no mention made of the other bugaboo common to early Jaguar V8s, that being the tendency of plastic timing chain tensioners to fail. Admittedly it was addressed over time but can be a real problem with early X308 models. A wonderful presentation regardless and love that Sage green Series III Sovereign with the pepper pot wheels!

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you, it's to great to hear you enjoyed the video. You're absolutely right regarding the potential timing chain issues that can occur on this model of XJ. Most have likely been replaced by now, but not all, so checking in the history that it's been done or budgeting to have the work done (usually around £1,200 here in the UK) is essential. I hope you manage to become a Jag owner very soon, as there's nothing else quite like them. Matt

[@telebob5983]

@@fuelupclassic Thanks as well. I've had several pre-owned Cadillacs and Lincolns and find the Lincolns much easier to live with. Of course there's the Ford connection with Brown's Lane(where I was fortunate to visit back in 2004)which you've noted duly and correctly. Test drove three SIII XJ6s around that time as my last Cadillac--a 1994 Fleetwood--was giving me no end of headaches. Current daily driver/hobby car is a 1998 Town Car Touring Sedan that just turned 100K miles. No Jaguar XJ mind you but as close as US saloon cars got to those virtues of quiet along with a better than average balance between ride and handling that the XJ6 and subsequent models have always embodied.

[@nigel.w]

This car is clearly a nice example of an early V8 Jag, and I know there are many fans of the X308. Personally, I'm not a fan of the V8 Jags. I like sixes and twelves, unless we're talking a flat-plane crank Ferrari. I like the X300 -- the AJ16 engine is one of the best straight sixes ever -- and the X350 XJ6 petrol. As I currently live in London it would have to be an X350, and of course there are several V8 variants if one prefers. I also think the X351 remains a stunning car. Whenever I see one it looks stylish, current, and special. However, IMO the V6 diesel is the engine to go for if buying an X351, and you'll need a late example to be ULEZ compliant. Overall, I think the X350 XJ6 petrol is a rather compelling package. Three to five grand can get you into quite a good one. Seven to nine grand can get you into a stunning low-mileage example, but that's a lot of money to spend when average examples only fetch two to two-and-a-half. I have to say, I'm also a big fan of the XJ40 -- IMO the styling is very balanced and just works -- and the Series 3 cars, although I think you need to be a true enthusiast to own one and simply must have a garage or carport, otherwise there's no stopping the rust.

[@fuelupclassic]

Absolutely! The early cars are really only in the hands of enthusiasts now and do require a certain level of upkeep, nonetheless my Series 3 remains one of my favourites. I also have an X350 V6 petrol and it's a great machine. 165,000 miles and it's still going strong and is pretty much used daily. Technically it's better than the X308 in so many ways and can easily be picked up for the same sort of price, so it's easy to see why people may choose one over an X308. Although the air suspension doesn't give the exquisite ride of earlier XJs and they don't quite have the same charm about them. Finding a really good and solid X300 is difficult these days, but they're a wonderful blend of old school Jag and modern(ish) reliability.

[@nigel.w]

@@fuelupclassic Just to say, your S3 is a beauty.

[@fuelupclassic]

@@nigel.w Thank you - it's not perfect by any means but holds a lot of sentimental value. The dream is to one day own a Series 1, 2 and 3.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

"It has its own smell, it's intoxicating". I remember that, from my XJ40. The fuel tank may have gone bad. 😂 Nevertheless, it's a wonderful car!

[@fuelupclassic]

Hahaha!

[@dennynisevic7848]

Just got 1998 xjr, 73k miles car, from Florida 😂😂

[@fuelupclassic]

Fantastic! The XJR is great fun and I hope you enjoy the car.

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Good Old Ford

[@fuelupclassic]

Absolutely! They did a great job really. Invested billions, increased build quality dramatically and helped move the cars into the modern age. I believe Ford also claimed they didn't make a penny from their ownership of Jaguar. Either way their investment likely saved Jaguar.

[@willemm]

It is pretty, but really poorly built with some plastics used in places where they shouldn't be used for cost savings (timing chain tensioners for instance). It also has relatively complex electronics for its age, which will go wrong - and parts (like TCMs etc) are getting hard to get. One to avoid.

[@garyestcourt2377]

Random question, when the XJ40 was introduced in 1987 did it carry anything over from the previous XJ , chassis, IRS etc , always been curious 🤔✌️hope yours is all good btw 👍🏻

[@fuelupclassic]

Great question! I believe the answer is very little and certainly no major components. The XJ40 platform took years to develop and went massively over budget. I suppose in the long run it all worked out, as they were still using a revised version of it all the way up to 2003.

[@garyestcourt2377]

@@fuelupclassic Thanks for the reply 🙏 always been curious, would you say they're night & day to drive/ride in compared to your series 3 🤔

[@fuelupclassic]

​@@garyestcourt2377 Not at all, perhaps the Series 3 has a bit more 'charm' and it's still a lovely way to travel. The XJ40 though still rides superbly, has a more modern feel more economical and the larger engines definitely offer more performance. If you go for a later one build quality is much better too. For years, they were mostly unloved but a good XJ40 will fetch strong money now and is very much a classic. There's never really been a bad XJ, they all drive well.

[@garyestcourt2377]

@@fuelupclassic Thanks for the reply/information 👍🏻 That's interesting, tbh the original XJ series 1,2 and 3 as always been my favourite since childhood, can imagine how excited I was in 1977 when my Uncle bought a 73yr lavender blue V12 ,first time I'd ever been in one went with him to pick it up , sadly never driven one I'm gonna have get a series 3 one day I'm sure it won't be a case of never meet your heroes lol ☺️

[@marinman3551]

Great vid however I disagree with your choice of xj...the x300 is the better car in terms of its much much better Interior in my opinion the 308 is a bad upgrade styling wise with over an over use of the oval. Interior the dash is poor the slab facia is very unambitious, the engine of the x300 AJ16 is the ultimate incarnation of the straight six the V8 was hugely problematic and in no way is as refined as the V12, the 308 indeed is a great car. But less so than the x300

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed it. Styling is of course subjective, but both the X300 and X308 are still great looking cars in my eyes, with the X308 feeling just slightly more advanced in every way. I'm a big fan of the X300 and ran one for several years. They're lovely old things but finding a good solid one these days is getting tricky. I will get one on the channel in the near future, as it will be nice to revisit an old friend.

[@marinman3551]

@fuelupclassic I'll look forward to watching it...and of course you're absolutely correct.. looks are subjective ... keep up with this great content. Thanks!.....p.s you can use mine if you want...4.0 sovereign, solid, FSH, never failed an MOT and smoother and more refined as my much newer BMW