Is The Jaguar X308 XJ8 The Best XJ Ever? (1998 4.0 V8 Executive Road Test)

[@jondrummond3540]

Good report. Have had 4 XJ40's, 3X300's and 2 X308's since 1992. Love them all. Get them properly serviced and they'll look after you. X308's still easy to do most maintenance on, good parts availability and more than adequate forum support. Head turner all day, every day, from all age groups, male and female; never a week goes by that I don't have a good chat with somebody. Currently have the V8. Super smooth, easy to get 30+ mpg on the motorway and half the fun is, for such a big car, the lack of interior space - reverse Tardis... Single wiper? Cup holders in the arm rest? Barely a pocket for storing essentials? But for a 1999 model, built last century remember, it ALL works. Thanks in large part to Ford's input. No dashboard messages, no problematic starts. Great fun for a second hand buy 4 years ago for £3 grand. Will probably get an XK8 to keep it company...

[@BibtheBoulder]

My brother is a 'Jag man' and has an X308, 4.0, Sovereign. I must admit it is a beautiful car, and never ceases to amaze me how fast it can be.

[@yesterdaysman8123]

Still the best styled XJ, I have a 1995 Daimler 6, the best looking car I have ever owned. Refined, comfortable and smooth. JLR have clearly lost their way by ceasing to produce an XJ model.

[@cotswoldandcountryriding8052]

Unfortunately the XJ just didn't sell well enough, hence being discontinued.

[@stevenmoore4078]

I really miss my X300 and X308 XJs. Nothing against the newer Jags, but these were the last of sedans which epitomized Jaguar saloons in my opinion.

[@gerardbooth40]

I’m with you Phil, so much so that I bought one 5 years ago and have never regretted it. Great car for all the reasons stated and, as it’s a last of the line 02 model, most if not all of the issues had been exorcised by that stage (short of the dreaded tin-worm).

[@Birmingham_racing]

Will always love an old jag

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Us too!

[@garethhanna9173]

It was the last of the low slung XJ's with the comically cramped interior. Great cars, which just shows how advanced the XJ40 was in its day. I have a X358 which at one time I thought a bloated parody of its predecessors, but now think looks supremely elegant with the bonus of a decent sized interior. Jaguar XJ's always seem to age well.

[@setter501]

Absolutely! Mine is 350, to me she is beautiful! But I love the 358 to! I just missed out on a 2007 lwb British high Commission car (Australia) just before I bought my 350, but I'm more than happy past 3 years stunning in BRG, I always loved and fancied the MK10/420G, X350/358 to me are the modern version of those but with far superior handling and performance, Only thing I'd replace her with would be an X358 XJR as late as possible! They're fetching well over 60000 Aus dollars for a goody down under!

[@jalting9162]

Terrible car ever , with the badly Ford V8 . Modification of timing chain tensers cost a lot of money , made of plastic , Waterhose connectors made of plastic , roof upholstery came loose after 10 years . Lot of electronic problems . I had a beauty , but never again . Then i prefer the Lexus LS 400 much more .

[@GentilsGarage]

I agree. I had the X300 and althoug I loved to drive it, I could never sit comfortably

[@jaromor8808]

@@jalting9162 x350's V8 4.2 was not designed by Ford, it was indeed designed in-house by Jaguar

[@jaromor8808]

I get the visual appeal of the low slung XJ, and the shape of the x308's dashboard is also gorgeous, but I can't get over the undeniably non-XJ and horribly-looking rear end of the x308. That part has aged like a milk, almost as bad as the rectangular headlamps of the xj40.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

My brother owns an X308. It's a 4.0XJL and has covered in excess 100k miles. I had the need for a car for a week and he kindly lent it to me. WOW! What a car. He lives 140 miles away so I went to Bournemouth where he lives by train and drove it back. Have to say I was blown away by it, especially as it is now over 20 years old. Incredible comfort and boy is it quick. I've actually told him if he sells it I will gladly buy it from him...

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Very nice!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

@@ClassicsWorldUK My brother is selling his Jag! Guess who's buying it.....😁

[@skelejp9982]

Made a real difference for Jaguar developing their own V8 engine, instead of simply using that 4,6L Ford V8. The Supercharged V8 version don't even have variable valves, and uses an MB 5G-Tronic transmission, making the car even more bulletproof. The X300 X308 XJ Series was the lowest, of all the XJ type's! I own a X308 for 3 years, and it is like a dream come true. Just watching it (mine is Green Emerald), driving it, and taking care of it. Since 1 year I started using the J-Gate regularly, it allows U to brake on engine, and can really change the handling of the car on corners. And when going slowly down a steep hill, always put the car in 2! Greetings, and thanks for the great review!

[@jaguarrroman]

X300 is really a traditional blend of Jaguar styling with modern engineering of that era. X300 had a great influence on X200, X350 and X400 projects, the last traditional Jags, which developed the concept of X300.

[@adamcecere1571]

I agree with the idea that the x308 is the best model for all the reasons outlined in this video and more including the overall styling profile of a sleek flow to the lines along the side. I have a x308 3.2. Bought it a year ago and just last week replaced the Inlet manifold gasket due to a shaking back and forth motion while slow crawl. Fixed now and feels silky smooth as it should. Very happy with it now. Also mine have the nickel problem in the piston wall. This was fixed in 2013 some 80k km ago. Glad is wasn't me to deal with this due to a $13k AUD repair bill.

[@mychaelpierce8049]

Great concise review. I've had a 98 XJ8 for 25 years. Only has 57k miles. A real classic! Upgraded the cam chain tensioners and water pump, Also had the transmission fluid drained and replaced. Thanks for sharing

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

Absolutely. Go for the XJR.

[@NorceCodine]

I lived in LA when the Lexus 400 came out, and it swept the entire US luxury car market. Not just Jaguar, but Mercedes, BMW, Rolls, had no chance. Lexus came up with that crafty commercial showing a steel ball rolling down smoothly on the body panel gaps, and people were totally hypnotized. It was selling the cars like hotcakes.

[@raygill5490]

The best XJ for sure. These cars are so undervalued at the moment and will only appreciate in the near future as people catch on. Grab one while you can….

[@DemonAsh40]

In January 2022, I bought a 1998 XJ8 4.0 Sovereign for £800 and it has been an absolute bargain to run (apart from fuel lol). Headlining is immaculate, it’s had an off panel respray and it’s been under-sealed. It was £800 tho because it’d been sorn for a long time and wouldn’t start because it needed a new fuel pump, the seller however had one in the box and gave me it with the car. My Dad fitted it but the car still didn’t start. However a faulty park/neutral switch stopped the engine from starting, but when I put it into neutral it fired straight away. After putting some exhaust putty over a cat converter and replacing the indicator bulbs, the car sailed through its MOT and I had a 110k miles XJ8 on the road with only two advisories for less than £1000. The only issue it’s had since was a Crank Shaft Position Sensor failure and which sadly caused the engine to flood with unburned fuel. After changing that sensor, all 8 spark plugs and the oil breather pipe (which had partly melted), the car started up and was fine. All that work was done at home. These XJ’s are such a joy to drive and can cruise at 70 to 100mph in such little effort. But you must take on a long drive at least once a week and check the battery health otherwise false warning lights and messages will pop up and they are a pain to get rid of. These are small issues tho, wear and tear is exactly the same as any other car, just more expensive of course due to the big brakes and fat tyres. I’ve done 5k miles in it and it’s so much fun. If you want one, get one… while they’re still affordable.

[@robblair3703]

Agree entirely that the XJ peaked with the X308. The classic styling we all know and love, great ride and handling, but fantastic performance and, assuming you ignore the sealed for life bullshit and service the gearbox, and upgrade the timing chain tensioners, actually very mechanically robust. I ran two for a total of almost a decade and had almost faultless reliability. Only just got rid of it, and that is only thanks to it not being ULEZ compliant. Had that not been an issue, that was a car I would have kept indefinitely.

[@NorceCodine]

Is ULEZ being enforced now? I assume you live in California(?)

[@js6752]

“If you just replace the tensioners” - assuming you find a competent mechanic willing to do that, will cost you more than the car. Aside from that, a car of this age will need anything rubber changed and many of those parts, despite sharing them with the x300 are discontinued.

[@billnicholas1381]

I have a U S 08 Vanden Plas and feel this iteration gives the classic Jaguar appeal in and out with the comfort missing from previous series.

[@theuktoday4233]

I own a 1999 X308 V8 LWB Sovereign and I adore it.

[@richardgraty4684]

Love the 300, 308, and 350.

[@jellybean1976928]

XJ40 is IMO a far better looking motor. Always liked almost all Jaguars, but the XJ40 is something special in terms of styling.

[@Broomehall]

I've sold Jaguar for much of my life, of the X Series the X300 with the AJ16 engine was pretty much bulletproof ( bar the 2.9 ) but the 3.2, 3.6 and the 4.0 straight six was easily the best, the V8's had all sorts of problems and not just the engine liners, they are not all bad and many were put right under warranty many years ago, but if you want legendary robustness I beg to differ and say it has to be the AJ16 unit.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Great video! I have a 4.0L 1991 Sovereign XJ40 and while it is a reliable engine, it likes fuel a lot and isn't that powerful, so I understand why they wanted to modernize the XJ this way.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

@Hector Thank you!

[@hawthornselitelevel1220]

Try putting it in sport mode it really takes off even fully laden!

[@alexandrecouture2462]

@@hawthornselitelevel1220 Yes it eventually starts to develop some power, when the transmission finally allows you to go over 2000rpm in sport mode, but it isn't that much power and take lots of fuel. I love this car, but of course, it is of its era.

[@hawthornselitelevel1220]

@@alexandrecouture2462 All valid points. Funny thing is my old 3.6 xj40 appeared to be a lot faster than my 4 litre!

[@a7lyqq]

​@@hawthornselitelevel1220really? Is x300 faster and more fuel efficiency than x308???

[@daviddrew7851]

I owned a late 90’s XJR which I loved and stupidly moved on from in the early 2000’s ie never should have got rid of it and before you ask my reason , living in Canada the car was a nightmare in the snow as it was way to powerful.

[@id10tcertified]

Owned the X300 XJR 12 years ago, a few years later it sold for $6k AUD more than I paid even back then, now the same car would be three times the price (all pre 2003 XJR's in Australia have appreciated x 3 if not more, the natural X300 and X308's x 2 and rising) I now have a 1999 4l Sport (probably a different badge over there) with the nikasil bore which soaks the oil into it and once properly run in and consequently looked after are almost indestructible, if you're engine has lasted until now there's a good chance it'll outlast you (a lot of European cars still use nikasil just nobody bothers to mention it, they also had the same issues as Jaguar at the time but because of the following that manufacturers like BMW have it wasn't broadcasted like Jaguar, mainly I think due to Jaguar's prior issues which were assumed to carry over which it certainly didn't) it's just a shame the high sulphur European fuel did so much damage... the main thing with these engines is to drive them as the oil coating in the bore does eventually dissipate hence the reason why they need to be driven often is correct and not just an old wive's tale. Over the past ten years I watched the prices of a good X300/X308 more than double, partly due to the high mileage and neglected cheap ones getting totally trashed, there's still the odd roughy with around 300,000 klm's around but they're few and far between, even X300 XJR's with more than 200,000klm's over here are fetching more than $30k AUD... X308 XJR's with a bit more than 100,000 klm's are anywhere between $35k and $60k AUD depending on cosmetic condition, the natural engined models are asking up to $40k AUD with most on the high side of $20k if below 150,000 klm's. Over here the Holden Commodore is one of the most popular cars, it comes in various guises up to an SS with LS3 V8, if you park the Jag beside one it's surprising to see the Jag's roof height is 6" lower. My X308 has the only full graphite interior I've ever seen in person, body work is like new (Jaguars seem to get looked after more than most luxury vehicles) it now has 141,000 klm's on it and is a keeper.

[@TheVintageApplianceEmporium]

I had an R reg X308 in Seafrost Green many years ago. Only cost me £800 and I loved it. Wish I'd kept it now but oh well

[@Mike-dn4ju]

We have two X308 VDP’s, an 00 4.0 and an 01 VDP SC. They get compliments everywhere as the best looking Jag ever made.

[@tinomoller5931]

Cool, I drive a X308 4.0 Sovereign and a X300 3.2 Executive, both are great and comfortable!

[@thedoghouse8900]

What's the difference between a sovereign and a base xj???

[@a7lyqq]

What's the difference to drive between x300 and x308?

[@rob5944]

I haven't any qualms over using ford switches either, in fact they were rather attractive and well made during that period in my opinion.

[@setter501]

I love all XJs ever untill 2009 when they changed the style, but I guess they had too!? Yes 300 and 308 are probably the best body design of all But I have a 4.2 V8 X350 and I absolutely adore her and in BRG to me she looks as stunning as any XJ that went before, beautiful to drive and in 3 years has been an incredibly reliable daily driver, amazing fuel consumption for a V8 Brilliant!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Make sure to check out our X350 videos, we love them too!

[@gvamedia]

Agree! As owner of several generations XJ the X308 is best in many things but qualitywise I‘d always go for a 1990+ XJ40 as they seem to be the most solid cars as lots of plastic came later in the 90.. Still my favourite is the Series 1 XJ which is just an excellent driving experience, light enough to move about surprisingly well and with the xk engine and manual gearbox well and smoothly powered which is what the XJ is about: smooth power and and excellent driving experience and stunning to look at. Not all of the technology that came later ages well while the first generation is simple enough to be manageable.. That is my personal resumee after 500k+ kilometers with these cars..

[@skelejp9982]

I love that XJC they made back then.

[@georgebender1070]

Great passing power on the freeway

[@Richard-Bullock]

While I agree with most of what you say, personally I can't get passed the classic beauty of a Series 3 XJ6. For me that is the best Jaguar saloon car. I know they have their faults and foibles, but that styling is beyond anything else in it's class.

[@wildbillharding]

Mine literally rotted away. It was a lovely car. I now have an '02 308, my favourite ever. One day a bloke stopped me to say how beautiful it is, from any angle. That's rare.

[@sackvilleweldingservices]

Its a great car. I recently bought my second 3.2L XJ8, its a 2001. It needs some welding which I will video for YT and two front wings. Lets face it, every car make in the UK corrodes. Everything electrical works and its very tidy inside and runs very sweet to say it has been stood in a livery yard near huge pile of horse muck for twelve months. Nikasil, it also affected BMW, Mercedes Benz and other car brands NOT just Jaguar!

[@philnewstead5388]

Having owned two XJ40s, a 308 and now a 350 I wholeheartedly agree, indeed if some bozo hadn't driven over the front of my X308 in a 35cwt van and written it off I would probably still have it. The 350 I replaced it with has not been as reliable and dare I say in my opinion the ride is not as refined as the earlier car.

[@stevestone4346]

Absolutely loved mine.

[@dm5374]

I bought an X300 and kept her 13 years. Enough said!

[@a7lyqq]

What's the difference in driving between x300 and x308 please?

[@petermyers5793]

Don’t be silly. The best looking Jag, best looking CAR of all time, the Series 3 XJ12, went out of production in 1992.

[@enilenis]

Neighbour was offering one for $2K, and I passed. It had an electrical problem, and there isn't a Jaguar mechanic within a 100km radius. Can't service the car conveniently. Though his offer is still on the table. I think it has 150K on the odometer.

[@taxmanabii]

Might be worth getting

[@richardautenzio8117]

This is the best XJ ever made because the modern motorist wants performance, speed, turbo, V6, V8 and V12, and lots of power that they legally can't even use in most countries. All this I believe has slowly become Jaguars downfall. However for practicallity, I will stick with the older XJ6 X 300, which might be slightly slower and lacks all the other problems of this very popular model. There was always more to Jaguar than speed, but today things that we want aren't always what we need. So today Jaguar has lost it's niche market that once offered a very unique car with a very good practical balance of performance and true luxury. Goodbye Jaguar of the past and welcome another fast cheap look alike.

[@stefanmathys3272]

I totally agree. Best Jag from this era.

[@grolfe3210]

This may be controversial but I would say the one to go for is the X350. When people bought a new Jaguar back then, they kept it for perhaps three years and then sold it on. Nowadays people are buying the car to keep long term. This is a key difference. The X308 is a revamped much older car, it is made of iron that goes rusty. It is very heavy and thirsty. Look at a 20 year older jag with blistering paint and lots of problems and that is what you will have in 20 years. By contrast the X350 is much lighter, will not rust from the alloy body. It is a whole generation newer and the world had got better in that time. I rather think that in 20 years you will still have very much the car you have today with a x350.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We love our X350!

[@WayneOnCars]

A very nice motor indeed

[@omeb2412]

My 2001 X308 XJR was the best car I have ever owned, loved the looks, the power and sound… Even the most reliable and best value for money saloon , should never have sold it 🙄

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

Very true and a car I hope to own one day.

[@jaromor8808]

To all you people talking about how classically styled the x308 was: You just have to avoid looking at the rear end, which looks like isht and is a very unfortunate deviation from the signature styling of all previous XJ's rear ends. Thank god Ian Callum fixed that with x350.

[@ebutuoyYT]

Jaguar had not learnt the lessons from the original Mini, namely selling a good car, at too low a price is business suicide.

[@IAmTheHound]

Bar a couple of flirts with other cars, my grandad always had Jag saloons from when I could remember in my life - a racing green XJ6, then others throughout the years, including a stunning pearly coloured X308, I think possibly the 300 before it as well... then an S-type then back to I believe an X350. The most beautiful of all was the X308. I remember standing with a couple of school friends (who weren't car enthusiasts) on his driveway admiring it just after he got it. A curved, lithely muscle beauty of a machine. Nice visual refinements both inside and out over the X300, plus the V8 of course. I think it's the best looking not only Jag saloon but indeed saloon full stop. The X350 is handsome too (and technically superior) but not quite as elegantly striking to my eyes. The newer ones... just bland.

[@Gazza3501]

Nice video thanks. The thumbnail threw me at first --X308 but X300 wheels! Also noted the bootlid shape indicating that this car is a Japanese import.

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

re: "threw me at first" = do you often get "thrown" much in daily life, due to faulty expectations?!

[@Gazza3501]

@@warriormanmaxx8991 No actually 😏

[@bendoyle5023]

My Dad and I have owned a X300.4.0 straight 6 and now we have a X308 3.2 V8, although the V8 is more refined I do miss the sound and the feel of the straight 6

[@a7lyqq]

What's the difference in driving between x300 and x308 please?

[@mietekposepny]

For sure it's the most good looking jag.

[@athlonian11]

Strange to see the "unpolished" version of the 16" dimples on an x308 but I note it's an import so possibly specs were different in that market. I note too its badged as "Executive" and if memory serves me correctly, the Executive trim was introduced at the mid to latter end of the 308s life at least in Ireland/UK anyway. That said, I really miss my 1999 3.2 V8 sport with its gorgeous dimple wheels. The fact you could get away with 16's on a car in this segment was testament to how low slung, sleek and slim the x300/x308 body was ... and how fat and bloated modern cars have become. All down to safety regulations I guess ... and customers demanding room for their heads/legs in a 5m long car. But what price is a small bit of practicality for looks like that. As Jeremy Clarkson once said in a review of the C308XJR, "if you want space, buy a field"🤣

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

This particular car is a Japanese import, which might explain the spec differences 🤔

[@josedealbuquerquejr.941]

Which is the best year for the XJ V12?

[@alanhunter2009]

No mention of the V12 engine that was fitted to the X300 series? (I had a XJ40 6.0 for 12 years.)

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We've covered the X305 V12 before, Alan - have a look back on our channel 😁

[@alanhunter2009]

@@ClassicsWorldUK O.K. Will have a look.

[@MikeZak101]

XJR is the only one to have imo

[@marial8235]

No. X300 is the most reliable by far, and although the dash is a bit more dated, it has a certain charm that suits the car.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Beautiful cars 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@tillyfoxtrotter]

Sorry but for me the revised 350 XJ esp in R trim was peak XJ.

[@davekennedy6315]

Yeah I'd love a black XJR fitted with the later 5.0ltr supercharged V8, that would be idea of heaven!

[@davekennedy6315]

@Hector it's cause they truly look 'Gangster'! There's a secondhand car lot opposite my flat and they had a black X350 diesel, the amount of attention it got was crazy! Obviously a lot of older guys but loads of guys from 25-50. It also shocked me how many women seemed to love it too and were stopping and looking round it. I'm biased as I've always loved Jaguars but the appeal appears universal.

[@stanleyadams2046]

The 350 xjr is nice but I had a 2000 308 blue xjr and it is a beautiful car. I gave it to my oldest son for a wedding present and after some good years of enjoyment. He enjoys it now in a better climate than i live in.

[@davekennedy6315]

@@stanleyadams2046 what an incredibly lovely thing to do for your son! And what a present, you are a legend!

[@setter501]

Totally Agree! I love my 2003 4.2 V8 to bits?

[@PaulBCISSP]

in what years did they fix the engine issues? The impeller, the plastic timechain guides and the cylinder liners?

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

One year has gone by ... did you self research the answer ??? Or is asking questions easier.

[@iconicetiquette4546]

Had Daimler xj40 loved it😊

[@bumfluffmcregor3730]

You wouldn't see ford switches in that those were when jags were real jags

[@palevo12345]

Thx. Good car, good video

[@tariqtvproductions]

Love the look of Jags, the only problem with them is that the interior is too cramp. I feel like I can't move it in! Beautiful car though

[@hamzaa.8082]

One of the best looking car ever! What about reliability and maintenance?

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Once you've replaced the plastic timing chain tensioners and water pump, they're superbly reliable!

[@hamzaa.8082]

@@ClassicsWorldUK thank you. Do you replace them with after market metallic components?

[@jamesbellis4949]

I’d rather stick with the X300

[@murphman76]

Love these cars and Jaguar. However, the Ford OHC V8 designers really had the last laugh after Jaguar insisted on designing their own V8 because it was a DISASTER with its Nikasil block failing in high sulphur markets and its ridiculous plastic tensioners failing in EVERY market! I have that "rejected" Ford OHC V8 in a 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII that is running as new with NO engine repairs and over 200,000 miles! That said, the Jaguar V8 became an excellent engine when it got cast iron liners and metal tensioners...I have a 2002 Vanden Plas with that improved V8 and it is wonderful. It's painful to admit, but Ford knew a lot more about making a reliable V8 than Jaguar engineers did.

[@monty2325]

Thats not hamlindigo blue is it?

[@AndyK.1]

Mk3 Granada switches? I don't think so! The window switches may look like ford but are softer to use

[@ivanfernyhough3851]

No granada mk3 switches in here.i no as i have had them all over the years.thesevare fabulous jags,had 2 of these,1 x300,i much prefer these,however the 350s are the best xj of all.on my 2nd one,a super v8.super in name and nature.all gone down hill since

[@setter501]

I live in Oz, an ex Ford employee mate told me mine were Ford Falcon XR6 switches! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@frasermitchell9183]

I'm not sure I agree. Jaguar never really bottomed the rust problem, and various other issues. For me, the X300 with its AJ16 engine was better than the X308, and the final XJ "shape" car, the X350 was in practical terms, the best with its all-aluminium body. The X308 V8 had dreadful engine problems which must have put a lot of people off Jaguar for ever.

[@a7lyqq]

What's the difference in driving between x300 and x308 please?

[@jokernord658]

drove for 16 years with engine lamp on and off, fixed last week,only chaine and small things

[@elmerfudd1086]

I drive an X300 and an X305. Both of them are better than the 308 because the V8 was junk when it first came out. They had enormous problems with the chrome plating flakeing off the cylinders. Therefore I dont understand how you would think it was better than the X300.

[@a7lyqq]

What's the difference in driving between x300 and x308 please?

[@Joakim81]

@@a7lyqqX300 owner here, I have driven both Xj8 4.0 V8 and XJR (X308) and main difference is different front suspension and a five speed gearbox, both adding to a more agile feel compared to the X300. But X300 wins I think for reliability and I prefer the interior of the X300

[@bumfluffmcregor3730]

When did they get rid of the plastic crap in the engines

[@robdove8341]

If you're a traditionalist like me, the X300 was the best ever.

[@swissroll5133]

You said it in the first 30 seconds… the X300 was the perfect iteration of the XJ! So no, the X308 was not the best XJ😂

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

You CAN improve on perfection, you just need a V8 😉

[@bewindish]

A recommendation from someone who could not have owned one for any real length of time. I had a 1993 XJ6 VP in Champagne for 8 years and 260k miles before I sold it with no problems. Virtually the only warning light I had in 8 years was a dropped dime in the cigarette lighter and blew the fuse. After I bought a 2001 XKR convert, titanium blue w/gold Detroits. (same crappy 8 cylinder as this video). OMG by 30k miles I could not keep all the dashboard warning lights off, anything would trip the anti-skid & antilock brakes, same as the XJR or XJ8. I replaced the secondary tensioners as this video mentions with all metal... forget it, while just starting the car it skipped the timing chain anyway (regardless of the new metal tensioner) and trashed the engine at 120kmiles. This particular version engine in this video was Jags VERY worst engine in their history, rushed out of design with too many catastrophic problems. Jag was selling few cars and escaped a MUCH needed engine replacement recall, and yes, Jag was quickly and quietly replacing the engines under warranty to keep the extent of catastrophic problems out of the public's radar. Want a classic jag with a decent engine? Get the 6 cylinder from the 1990s or older, or the 8 at 2003 or later when the catastrophic problems were addressed. I remember all the conversations in the Jag forums when everyone's Nikosil engine linings were melting with no possible way to repair in the late 1990s, and the plastic tensioners scrapping every Jag 8 cylinder by 70k miles. Their 6 cylinder was one of the very best in all automotive history, and this 8 was Jag's worst. I miss the XJ6, and when I see an XK8 or XKR I have flashbacks of the never ending engine problems. I baby'ed that XKR and the engine exploded one day while turning the key at 0 MPH.

[@ericuyttebroeck]

Are the later model years of the X308 more reliable or did it only get substantially better with the next gen XJ X350 V8's ?

[@js6752]

Stylistically, yes…mechanically, most certainly not…x300 and x350 are vastly more reliable

[@matterofapinion]

Sorry Phil - but the X300 is a far nicer all rounder!

[@a7lyqq]

What's the difference in driving between x300 and x308 please?

[@matterofapinion]

@@a7lyqq The X300 has six and twelve cylinder engines, the X308 a V8. Externally the X300 has rectangular indicators and grille, the X308 has oval variants. Inside, the dashboard and door cards are new. Generally the X308 is less reliable and feels less well made than the X300. It has a number of design flaws including plastic thermostat housings and timing chain guides, plus a gearbox type that is prone to failure.

[@a7lyqq]

@@matterofapinion I will buy a x300 then thanks a lot

[@Tigerfire75]

Blasted Nikasil so new and untested. Why would Jaguar use something that had only been around since 1967 and used in exotic cars like the Mercedes C111 and Porsche 911 RS 911 turbo and 917 since 1970

[@Tigerfire75]

I think the 308 is really just a face-lift of the 300.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Yes it is visually just a face-lift, but the X308 has a V8 and a newer transmission than the older inline-6 and older ZF transmission of the X300.

[@petrjambor2977]

The best XJ ever? 1968 Series I :)

[@bond0666]

X300 straight 6 is better

[@terrydonegan1622]

Stick to a straight 6 4,litre. V8's chew gear boxes

[@skelejp9982]

The Supercharged Jaguar XJ X308, is standard fitted with a Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic Transmission, able to handle 700Hp! Also the SC V8 has no Variable Valves, making it more dependable.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

These were the last of the real Jaguar saloons - Browns Lane, Jim Randle etc. The X350 looks like a fat Labrador in comparison.

[@setter501]

Each to their own

[@richardgraty4684]

Love my X350

[@TG-pd3ft]

When most of the video is taken up with detailed explanations of the multiple causes of catastrophic engine failure, I'm inclined to wonder what the Worst XJ must be like, if this is the Best

[@newblackdog7827]

Nah! My 4.0 straight 6 (AJ16) engined XJ40 is the business, not the later v8 with crappy nikasil cylinder liners. Also the cheap Ford switchgear is horrible.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I had one of these the most unreliable car I’ve ever had . Timing chain snapped , cooling system problems , vague steering I hated it

[@BN1960]

No no no no The most unreliable heap of junk ever made A complete travesty of a car that should never have made it out of the factory

[@ivanfernyhough3851]

Obviously you no nothing about jaguars then.

[@setter501]

@@ivanfernyhough3851 Don't get to upset mate, sounds like a Troll to me

[@richardgraty4684]

Why watch the video then..?!

[@chrisyates8115]

Nice!

[@Andersdenkende]

No!

[@alanaxan8793]

Obviously not a driver of real cars.