I was 19 years old in 1989 and I was driving a 1974 Series 2 Jaguar XJ6 4.2 in midnight blue. I absolutely adored that car however it was an early British Leyland model which meant I drove it at all times with one eye on the fuel gauge and the other eye on the oil pressure gauge. Being a British Leyland car it kicked me in the balls and emptied my wallet at every opportunity, 2 head gaskets, water pump, 2 fuel pumps and a replacement engine, not to mention the fact that it chewed its way through Pirelli P6 tyres like a toddler with a tube of smarties. Having said all that it was still a Jaaaggg and the ride was superb and the acceleration was impressive, even by 1989 standards. My friends were driving 1.2ltr Vauxhall Novas with wind down windows and I had leather seats, power steering, electric windows and a huge grin on my face. I had two more XJ6”s over the years but they never felt as special as the first. I see Series 2’s from the 70’s pop up on Autotrader every now and then for strong money and I’m almost tempted to re-live my youth until I remember the pain and financial ruin of owning a British Leyland Jaguar 😂😂
I like people like you who can buy any car but intentionally chose this British icon and keep it on the road as long as possible. X308 proud owner here.
I'm happy to see another X308 XJR is preserved. I have a 1999 XJR and I agree the electrical gremlins are annoying but if you replaced all the ground straps and battery leads most issues go away. However you are right, you need to drive these 1-2 times a week, VERY sensitive to voltage.
Love it, so ! Being an older man I went out & bought a pristine 2007 XJ Sovereign on Friday. The steering wheel is electricly adjustable & automatically gets out of the way when you switch off. It has 4 cup holders & since it's the 2.7 TDVi 6 speed model, I'm getting 45mpg Around Town. On top of that there's a special place to put the Cocodcomol & Werthers Originals.
I can relate to your article. Our first Jag was a black 2000 XJR, wow. But after a couple of years and at 134K miles, I thought we would have to invest in upgrades, or best bet might be to buy a newer and low mileage XJR. Found a silver 2003 XJR in Dallas, TX with 27K miles. Flew to Dallas, drove it home to New Hampshire - March of 2013. Still have it, and a '96 XJ12, and a 2008 XKR Portfolio. Love them all, and all are different. Vanity license plates are very popular here so the XJR was, and now the XKR is 'BADKTTY'. We get lots of comments on the Jag. I've owned a lot of cars, the '08 XKR is easily the best car ever, and the 2003 XJR is right behind it - and it has heated seats, cupholders, and steering wheel moves in and out as well as up and down.
I bought myself one of these in may, amazing cars love every time i have the opportunity to get it out on the road. As the previous owner said you will never waste a tank of petrol in an XJR you will enjoy a tank of petrol.
Jennifer Schmitzer Haha i setup the account back in 2009 and the name has just remained. Yes most of my cars are PSA, although i also have an XJR and MX5. I do make repair videos on the channel for anything i have in the shed.
I used a Maplin's one watt solar panel on the back shelf on my X308 to keep the battery fit while parked. For my sins I replaced the sagging ceiling liner with a £4 leopard skin throw from High Wycombe street market. Then I put a subwoofer in the rear armrest alcove.
" I replaced the sagging ceiling liner with a £4 leopard skin throw from High Wycombe street market." Classy AF and entirely consonant with socks and sandals!
My dad had the older straight six version of the XJR. When he bought it, I was only 7 and we took it out for a drive to my uncles. That car was so fast that we missed the turning to my uncle’s house on the A3. I’m 20 now and i think it’s the best saloon ever made.
Very well done and described... I have a 1999 XJR with 14500 miles.... It without reservation brings a smile to your face when driving... Majestic car with superb ride, handing, speed and history....
''it knows who it is and who its trying to be...its not over the top sickly british.... ''. Every word you use to describe your X308 shows great command of English and great insight into cars. Totally enjoyable
My dream car as a teenager, I was able to afford a 3.2 V8 on my 27th birthday, back in 2006. I sold it in 2011 and I miss it to this day.. A great, great car!
@David Topchiev come back when you know what the fuck you’re talking about. The car you refer to is the X350, from 2003-2009 (not ‘04-‘09). And it is cheap garbage compared to this car.
Nice to find someone who loves Jags.... my dad must have had a lot of Jags but wen he retired he still has the XJR and like you he's spent my inheritance on it.... lol but its a lovely, smooth car to drive and very quite for a V8
"Grace Pace and Space" Well OK on everything but space - the 308 platform was never good on space to be honest especially if you were over 6ft tall and was a tad cramped in the back (unless you had the extended version) But having said that I had few problems with mine but there were a few issues with rust - door frames, sills, front wings and also a sagging headliner took their toll on my wallet and eventually it failed its MOT on a number of issues that I simply could not afford to fix so it went on its way. I replaced it with a LPG converted "normal" XJ8 (executive) and never looked back for almost 8 years of trouble free driving only being sold as it was basically too low to get in and out of with a sore back. Someday I'll get another just for the fun of it :)
I love Jags warts and all . Absolutely no other manufacturers produced a car like this and they just didn't get it. They are arguably one of the best driving cars in the world and yes they usually do need some maintenance but that's just part of being a Jaguar owner. You buy them with your heart and not your head and for me I would follow my heart every time when it comes to the Jaguar. Wonderful British modern classic 👌
Such fabulous cars, these X308's, especially the R. Jaguar is up there with my favorite makes of car, as there is no one else who, time after time, gets the mix of ride, performance and great, yet understated style so right. As much as I do like the current XJ, these older ones look so nice, and they've aged really well, they don't look at all dated. In terms of "modern" Jags, if I could afford one of these R's, preferably a black XJR100, and an XJ81 6.0, I'd be a very happy man. Unfortunately, with the county, even World, being as is, at present, I couldn't even afford to fill one with fuel! One day though.
I had an X308 4.0 Executive with silver coachwork, cream interior, black carpet and celtic alloys. I loved it so much I took it with me to Australia when I emigrated. I drove it in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and a few other places. When I came back to the UK I left it behind. I regret it as it was a lovely car and they are appreciating now and hard to find in decent condition. Despite the mileage the XJR will give you your money back in the years ahead, but it is such fun, why sell it. Just enjoy.
Hands down the most beautiful car on this earth in my opinion. I'm 27 and got a 2001 xjr same carnival red exterior but with black interior, she feels so much more special to drive than any of the german equivalent. Never gonna sell her.
Nice to see some more youtube content on the Jag X308 XJR. Yours looks stunning in that colour. I would agree with more or less everything you said, although for me, I get about 21 mpg (7.43km/l) combined and never ever more than 25 mpg (8.85km/l) on a run. I use mine as my daily car, and I just can't compare it to anything. Nothing looks like it as the X308 was the last of the XJs to have a really low roof line compared to most modern cars. The X350 just doesn't look elegant at all and is a fair bit taller (though it benefits in other areas such as having aluminium construction). Obviously, the X308 isn't really practical when you consider how long it is; the cabin is pretty snug but I love it. Looks incredible, effortless power, superb ride/handling balance. Probably the best car I've owned.
I had a 1971 XJ6 and loved it - it had a timing chain guide problem with it's hemi DOC 6 cylinder. Still a great car. I have driven the XJR from San Diego to Reno and back - same genes, great car.
Youre right but I've got several projects on the go and limited funds and storage space. Plus I've got a long list of other cars I'd like to own and experience
The indicator sound screams class to me. The upholstery and carpets dampen the sound and that reminds me of sitting in the back of a Silver Shadow when I was a kid. Wonderful car!
you blokes in the UK are are so lucky, you have a lot of Jags to chose from. here in Johannesburg there are not a lot. and are expensive. thank you i love your blog.
I have two Xj8 Vanden Plas sedans, a 2001 and a 2002. Bought them both in 2013. Looked for a year. The first one arrived from across the country (Richmond, VA...I live in California), and I thought it had a serious engine problem when it arrived. While my mechanic was investigating, another one came up for sale that was local and a stunner...looked like it had never been sat in or driven and was that beautiful titanium grey. Turned out the first Jag was fine....so I decided to keep both, and just as the gentleman in this video says, he smiles every time he drives his, I'm the same way. My mechanics in Pasadena, CA...Pasadena Motor Cars...are absolute experts at Jags and keep my cars perfect. They're also very reasonable in what they charge, amazing at sourcing hard to find parts, and 100% scrupulous. So I have two Jags and everything on them works! What a concept! Love the design and the way they waft down the highway.
I quite agree with you, but I actually prefer my 6.0 XJ12. It doesn't look quite as sporty (though mine is a SWB) as the XJR but I love the silky smooth torque on demand V12.
the 308, 350 and updated 358 to me still hold that iconic jaguar look that now has been lost, and while Jaguar felt they need to change and the modern ones are great to drive!!, they could have easily kept some of those classic jag lines...such a shame none of the newer Jaguars have any of the old Jag DNA.
BTW here's a 358 travelling at what equates to 1000mph.... 168 miles in 7 minutes.... Grasmere to Irvine.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0KmPovsMjv8.html
Had a '73 XJ6 for over 10 years as a daily driver. Maintained it well and it treated me to over 100k miles of joyous motoring. Then drove a string of SAABs which were enjoyable in a much different way. My DD today is a very quick Miata turbo. And now I just a very nice '02 XJ8 Sport black on black and so looking forward to taking delivery 3 days from now.....
brilliant old barge, possibly the best thing that Jag ever did. I owned an XKR and it was a flying machine but suffered with electrical problems so it had to go.
HELLO MY BOY, GREAT, I LOVE ALL YOUR VIDEOS! AND THIS ONE IS WOW !! I'M A JAG MAN, HAD A FEW OVER THE YEARS, FROM A MKII TO A XJ40 XJR. BUT I'M NO LONGER DRIVING, AS I'M PUSHING 80 NOW, AND MY SIGHT IS NOT WHAT IT WAS! YES, I MISS IT, BUT NOT IN MANY OTHER WAYS. WHEN YOU SEE THE STANDARD OF DRIVING THESE DAYS! I NOTICE, THAT YOU DON'T HAVE A BONNET MASCOT, THAT'S A MUST FOR ME!!! ANYWAY YOU TAKE CARE, AND DRIVE SAFELY. REGARDS, RUSS.
Hi there, I've been talking about getting an XJ for a while, well now I've got a 2008 x358 diesel and it is superb !! I'm out in it today and it's just so nice drive; comfortable, precise, powerful, economical. It's all good and down to you, so thanks very much, Dave.
I have been without a vehicle for the past 20 year. No joking. The Jaguar XJ is in my top 3. They are still considered stately. I rarely see one on the road, And I rarely see one beat up. very good video, Thank you far taking the time.
Had one and loved it .I sold it to a neighbour 4 years ago who still has it and every time i pass his house and see it parked on his drive i could cry .He wont sell it he clever not dumb like me lol
I have a 3.2l XJ8 and I love it. It's the only car I've drive where you can drive 200 miles and feel more relaxed when you get out of it than when you got in. My wife nags me to get rid of it but, although it has cost me a lot to bring it up to standard, it's worth its weight in gold in getting rid of the stresses of day to day life. You would think that a car weighing 2 tons wouldn't go around corners but it does, it's fantastically balanced and planted in all weathers. It's a challenge to drive, in that you have to be firm with it to get the best from it, but I love it.
Great footage and review on a great car 👍😁 I bought mine back in 2003 from the first owner and have been driving it since then without any major problems. Never had any of the described issues to deal with except for the headlining. No mechanical failure, no rust, the paint and interior still in perfect condition. I will definitely keep this masterpiece of British design and engineering in my collection and keep on enjoying its smooth, comfortable and nevertheless sporty ride 😊 If you like, you can learn more about it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-CwGFa0g3yds.html
I love my XJ350. She's a 2006 V8 Sovereign that's spotless inside. She's got some age marks on the paintwork, a few stone chips etc but I get so many comments about her. The shape is increasingly rare it seems and so many people seem to hold the old XJ's in a really high regard. The drive is exceptional, and even driving to and from work every day in stop start traffic I average 24.8 mpg.
I bought xj40 4.0 in Finland which is pretty rare car here, my second option was xj12 or x308. I fell in love with Jaguar and i would buy them all if had a place where to store them.
I love these cara for years I have been reading about them and I always get great information. This my dream car .I am 74 years old but even if I drive it once and give my Daughter I will be Happy. I am trying to save money for a 2005 or2006 Xj. Tell me what kind of service should I di before I start driving it. I PRAY THAT God will bless me with some more years to get my dream Car GOD bless you Stay safe.
Beautiful example. I made a half hearted attempt to find one awhile back (my dad once owned an xj40 which I loved as a young motorhead) but where I’m from they were rare when new, and being used at this age meant multiple owners with declining care and maintenance, which made it impossible to find one that was not a basket case 😢
The most beautiful XJ ever designed and built! I only bought the 2001-2003 and loved every minute of it. I bought the best of the X350 a 2007 XJR and it was stunning but it wasn't the the car this one was
I totally agree with you the XJR model is the one to go with, looking a bit younger and sportier. Jags and Range Rovers are such nice cars, looking absolutely amazing if one keeps the crome to resonable level.
I'm amazed at how admired this car is. The ride is hard and it's always breaking down. It's a beautiful car to look at. My husband is working to get another engine in ours and his niece has a 2015 or so and it's been in the shop 4 times in the first 6 months of having it.
Love this video. I own a black 2001 xjr, 95k miles and I bought it as the second owner last year. Your description of this car is perfect. I did not buy this car for attention, but it turns heads everywhere I go. Everyone wants to know about it. Thank you for your video.
Great review - the "Patriotic, not Nationalistic" analogy hit the nail on the head for what is a splendid achievement in the history of British motoring. Haha - The Triplex XXX toughened glass reminded of the same glass I saw in the back window of my mum's old 1980's Y-reg Golf when staring out of them on long journeys as a kid... it's funny the things you remember!
Paul Smith I’m a bit embarrassed about that. I usually like to post the video once the car is sold. I don’t want to be accused of making these videos to push my own stock. However in this case, I know there are lots of jag fans who subscribe and was quite excited to share this
Awesome review. I bought a 2010 XF Supercharged a couple years back and I absolutely love it. It looks the same, big and looks like it should wallow all over the place, but it's not. It has that "retired grandpa" look to it, but when I go to the drag strip it runs mid 12's, faster than 5.0 Mustangs and SS Camaros. I'm looking for a second car to drive to work to keep miles off of the XF and am seriously considering an XJR near me. I grew up in love with Lotus Esprits, and I never really considered myself a British car guy, but the epiphany is that I am.
Nice. I got the little brother 4L xj8. Sat in the garage for 8 years hardly moved. When my xf rear sub frame rusted at just 70k miles I put the xj back on the road. Passed MOT first time no problems. I drive it sparingly. Its the most economical and environmentally car I have ever owned due to the fact I seldom use it. I just like to know its there.
Great review as always, I’d drive this car before the S class or 7 series any day.. my brother in law has one he brought in from the uk it’s absolutely immaculate with full jaguar service history😊 a real drivers car.
There was an X300 XJ6 near my house, but I guess the owner sold it, because I haven't seen the car in a long while. It had some dents and scratches and whatnot, but I always spent a little longer looking at that car when I passed by the street...I'd love to own one someday. Any of them, really. My favorite timespan is definitely from the XJ40 until the X350, but both the 300 and 308 have greater impact on me because of my childhood...I'll never forget when I saw an XJ8 in an autoshow, back in 1998...
What a great video! I owned an XJR, only a year newer than this one. Black, black leather.. A present to myself for my 30th birthday.. The timing chain going caused serious engine damage and I regrettably got rid of it for scrap. I'm now 46 and was just looking online to see perhaps if I should buy another one and came across this video. I would have chosen the same words to describe this car. You can add 'a wolf in sheeps clothing when you hit that S button' or 'stealth wealth'... It truly is a head turner, I vouch for that. Great review, thanks again!
I've never been imppressed with the X308, much prefer the older X300 with the 3.2 straight 6. I have a 1977 in Westminster Blue, with Oatmeal interior. It only had 43000 on it when I bought it, now 106000, it is my pride and joy, and I love it.
Good video, thanks for sharing. I have the 2001 XJR and just done some welding near the jacking points, took it for an MOT yesterday and passed with no advisories so I'm well pleased. Still quite a lot I want to do with this Jag but I'm certainly keeping it, I've had 2 previous XJR's from 1996 and 1998 and always regreted selling them. I'm sticking with this one! These XJR's are the nuts to drive and look the part as well 😎😎😎😎
Great cars. I had exactly the model 98 XJR, same colour. Loved it so much I did 150k miles in it. Only things that went wrong were the gearbox at around 85k miles and the oil cooler split around 120k miles. I put £18k of fuel into it. Wonderful.
Richard Carter That equates to 12 pence per mile in fuel costs, which is remarkable! Back in 1998 I was 19 and bought myself an ex demo rover 214 because I couldn't afford a jag and in my young mind a little rover was the nearest thing available on my budget! Back then I reckoned on ten pence per mile to keep that in fuel. Mind you, I did thrash the knackers off the poor thing everywhere I went.
@@spencerwilton5831 Fair point, thinking about it. The £18k would have been my business miles/fuel. Must have been at least £24k of fuel with private miles. Worth it though.
I've just bought a mint x300 3.2 exec with sport wheels. Only 64k miles & a stack of history including 14 main dealer stamps. Its too nice to use daily but will be a summer wafter. I'd forgotten how nice the old 6 cyl engine was. Very calming cars
I love the XJ6/XJR so much - wonderful classy cars with more character and grace than a car park full of German yawn boxes. Great review of a fabulous car that’s not vulgar either.
Had my 98 XJR since 2003 and am the second owner. 94k on the clock now, and has been used daily but mainly only short distances. Have not spent a lot of money on it but a bit thirsty, I average around 14mpg. Unfortunately the chassis is rusting and I have been told may not go through another MOT. Apparently the engine needs to come out to carry out the required repair and welding, and so after almost 17 years it looks as if it may be heading for the scrap yard. Been a good car and I will be sorry to see it go.
@@HighPeakAutos It's the cost that has me thinking if it will be worth it in the long run. I am wondering if it is getting to the stage where I will be fighting a losing battle with rust. Engine and gearbox are obviously fine with less than a 100k on the clock. Not sure if the battle with rust can ever be won.
Always loved this model, even today still is the embodiment of good taste and understated performance. Your video really makes me think the time is right to have one of my own
I had a 2000 XJR in sapphire blue with the full sovereign pack, so full chrome/stainless, also had those minilite type wheels (don't know the proper name) which give a sporty look. Maybe it's the colour but chrome can look fab on these, but the 'eye of the beholder' and all that. Lovely cars. That car ended up handing me a £2k bill at the main stealers when it developed cooling issues. They'd put the workshop junior on the job and he wrestled with it for a week or so. Lesson learnt, no more chrome and glass jaguar emporiums for me. I've since rectified the same issues myself on my 2002 XK8 in one exhausting day for less than one tenth the cost, admittedly I didn't have to shift a supercharger out of the way.
Matt This car so fits your personality. As you were describing it I was thinking he is describing his personality. Nicely done again we have vicariously enjoyed one of your favorite cars.
i had one of these for a while, not in the best condition, but, it was like driving in a video game, i didn't realise you could do accidental burnouts in an automatic. ridiculously lovely car, electric everything, fast and silent, and mine cost £1500 - a 70k car. talking of gearboxes - you're right, there is no way to know what gear you're in cos the changes are silk, no exaggeration. i've had 3 (or 4?) xj's, an s-type, and an x-type and all of them have had electrical issues, especially during hot weather, doors opening or not , batteries going flat if you don't run every week, switch gear not working or alarms going off. the only real drawback is they are useless in the snow, last time i had an "ordinary" xj i had to leave it cos it couldn't handle the slightest incline.
The X308 XJ can be summed up in one word: "Handsome". There is something about an old car that sees regular use and is in good running order that warms a petrol-heads heart. Cars are machines that are built to do work, so an old car that's never been run in or one that has just been left to rot and die is sad. I love cars and bikes that have 'too many miles' that happily start straight away and are well maintained. They don't have to be concourse, they just need to be loved. Also "Sporty Spice suspension"... giving away your age there ;)
I guess the opening statement about a thick history file , and the associated costs illustrates just why Jaguar were often in difficulties. By contrast my 2012 XJ diesel has a very thin history file, consisting only of service receipts and bills for brakes and tyres
This is the car you never wanna see pulling up to a Casino when you're at the tables in Vegas. I can easily see a big guy in a suit and shades "generously" offering you a ride into the dessert, then telling you to get out and a pick a knee when you get there! 😎
I know if I can not find a XJR of that time period then I wood come up to the XF but maybe of the 2014 to the 2018 time period. Hahahaa. I love the style of all the Jaguars.
These are simply 'splendid'...had a 2002 for a few years...apart from a few suspension bushes it was absolutely bullet proof...and a rocket to drive. British class at its best. Want another one!
I love my X308 XJR, I tend to describe it as an iron fist in a velvet glove. It's also been extremely reliable, despite all the warnings I got from friends about how unreliable Jaguars are
