Jaguar X300
The Jaguar XJ has been produced from 1968 to the present day. Until recently, it has been possible to see similarities all the way back to the first XJ. This is also the case with the X300 produced for the model years 1994 to 1997. This is after Ford took over Jaguar. Engines are a 3,2 inline six with 211 HP, from 1995 a 4,0 inline six with 241 HP, also a supercharged inline six in the XJR with 300 HP and a 6,0 V12 with 311 HP.
Jaguar X308
The X308 was the model designation for the successor to the X300 produced from the autumn of 1997. It is very difficult to see the visual differences between the X300 and the X308 without studying the cars together. The biggest change is under the bonnet. The X308 received Jaguar's new 4,0 V8 engine, which was developed at a time when Ford was in the process of buying into the company. It is therefore natural to imagine that the brand's first in-house developed V8 originates from Ford's engine programme. But the AJ-V8 is signed Jaguar. Originally, it was planned to build 3 different variants of the engine, V12, V8 and V6 – but ended up with one variant, namely a 4,0 litre V8 cast in aluminium. Ford was probably involved in making that very decision.
Watch out for the following
Please note that cars up to and including 1999 models had Nikasil-treated cylinder liners, which are used in racing engines. Nikasil provides increased strength and less friction than special steel, but they do not tolerate sulfur-containing gasoline well. This wears out the material in the cylinder walls. From the 2000 model year, Jaguar switched to steel liners. The problem with Nikasil is therefore only associated with cars manufactured up to the 2000 model year - and which have been running on sulfur-containing gasoline. In Europe, the sulfur content in gasoline was greatly reduced from the year 2000. Many engines with Nikasil are still in good shape. In Jaguar forums it is said that if the engine is OK now, you will hardly have any problems. Today's gasoline contains very little sulfur.
Jaguar V8 engines have a timing chain where the tensioners are subject to wear. The original chain tensioners are made of plastic. Newly manufactured parts are made of metal. The need for upgraded chain tensioners is a well-known issue on these engines.
About the pictures
The green X300 is photographed at Oksenøya. The black X308 is photographed at the old flight tower at Fornebu. It's a Jaguar XJR.
As a hobby car
When I got to drive a fairly new Jaguar XJS , I thought that this is a car that you have to drive with caution. It is not a macho car where you tear and struggle until you smell burnt rubber. You should drive your Jaguar like a Gentleman. This is of extremely great importance for how a Jaguar will last. On German used car websites, the X300 is for sale between 2.000 and 15.000 euros with mileage between 100.000 and 300.000. Engine size does not seem to play any role. It is the condition of the car that is decisive.
The picture is clipped from mobile.de to illustrate the price level of youngtimers like this. It is driven by a pensioner, never driven in winter conditions, always kept in a garage and rust-free. The roof lining has come loose – something that has happened to several similar models. 3,2 liter straight six, 211 HP, 129.000 km – 11.200 euros + VAT on the car price and any shipping + scrap deposit. It was first registered in 2006, is located in Munich and can be driven home under your own power.
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