Jaguar XJ8 (X308) buyers Guide

[@leodannyportal]

These cars are awesome I bought a used 1998 in 2003. I've had wonderful long distance road trips. I highly recommend the car to anyone who wants to enjoy a solidly/beautifully built vehicle.

[@robblair3703]

Leo Porta They are magnificent long distance cars. Super relaxing on the motorway but still a good laugh on a nice mountain pass. Great all rounders and, as you say, very well put together.

[@jmj18462]

As owner of 1998, 1999, and 2000 XJ8's, I concur with your findings and thank you for your clear, concise video!

[@davidhunt6463]

I used to own a Jag breakers and still have a large yard and workshop where I repair and renovate 4x4s and ambulances. As such I have had thousands of Jags. Service history is not important. If you have a 20 year old Jag and it still runs sweetly then anything that can go wrong already has and it's been fixed.
More importantly, do all the gears work? If yes then check the bodywork for rust and rot. The X308s do rot out along the sills and jacking points. If all is okay then buy it. I bought a 1998 4.0 V8 two weeks ago for £180. It idles beautifully but would die as soon as the throttle was touched. Rather than seek advice from an expert the owner had replaced everything with new parts, plugs, coils, throttle body, knock sensors and O2 sensors. Bit it had the classic signs of a MAF sensor issue.
I bought it, replaced the MAF sensor and it drives like new. It even had a refurbed interior, although I retrimmed the headlining.
Don't be afraid of a cheap one in need of repair. They're a doddle to fix.

[@biroldjoshan3745]

I had a, 2000 model, same colour and same wheels as in this clip, had it for nearly 3 years.... Absolutely reliable and nice pleasurable drive, I would definitely recommend one

[@montelatici]

I bought a 1982 XJ-6 new and loved the car. It had the dual fuel tanks, which was quite cool. Sold it 4 years later and have owned BMWs and Mercedes since then.A few months ago (in 2017) I found a 1998 XJ-8 in near perfect condition and with low miles for very little money. Drive it on dry weekends and I must say, it is a lovely car. Reminds me of the XJ-6.

[@multiverse3]

Had one for less than a year, what a great car. Unfortunately had to pass it to a hobbyist due to excesive rust, this car can be very expensive to maintain on the road so a lot of DIY saves money . Will get another one when i get retired and have more time to deal with the repairs..

[@CoffeeonKorriban]

Thanks for the video!! Probably going to be buying a 2000 xj8 tomorrow, this video really gave me a good idea of what to look for.

[@BeatBoxBudda]

cheers for this video dude, currently looking at buying an xj sovereign so this is a super handy video to have popped up! top stuff
Edit: went with a Daimler V8 in the end, practically all errors in the video had been seen to and invoiced so this was on point. Cheers again

[@1995RangeRover]

My current car is a '98 XJR and my first Jaguar. I love it! Coolant hoses need to be inspected and replaced as well! I know that most of mine did! Great vid!!!

[@hoffersmusic815]

I'm considering buying one of these so your video was very helpful. Thanks

[@MitchGrooms]

GREAT VIDEO..You for sure know your Jags.. Everything you said is the truth.. I have a 98 XJR with only 57,000 miles and i am getting ready to take the valve cover off to see if the tensioners have been replaced, I have a Endoscope camera that I will fish down the front of the engine to see if those have been done too. Someone has been inside of the engine at some point because the valve cover gaskets are not original. There is absolute no knocking when starting her.. Great video..

[@dirtholetribune3313]

Thanks for taking the time to make and post this video. I really appreciate people like you who selflessly share their knowledge.
I had an xjs and it was a wonderful car. Not trouble free, but none are.
Many thanks for taking the time, I appreciate it.

[@ljgarrison6910]

My lexus was problem free apart from a soft fleshy part in the cabin that caused an crash..

[@plutonia00]

Very helpful video, I'm currently looking at getting an XJ8 to replace my W124 Mercedes, although mine has a 6 cylinder engine I really need to kick its guts to get any real performance from it (170hp) however the XJ8 seems so effortless and that's exactly what I'm after.
Cheers

[@jakeluna1888]

Thanks, for the time you took to put this out, very useful.

[@dantellewisham133]

Very Helpful... I'm looking at my childhood dream..a JAG... X308 or X350..(Price points similar for both!) but like most Im worried about how reliable they are... you have helped put my mind at ease

[@HorribleHarry]

Thank you for your time and for posting this.

[@ilikemusic76]

Good overview. Really appreciated.

[@Threetails]

Used Jags go cheap over here in the States because of their reputation. I've always wanted one but I've had so many people tell me to keep away at all cost. Maybe when the time comes I'll do some research. The ZF gearbox worries me though; my father worked for a company that remanufactured transmissions for a while, and he told me that ZF is basically impossible to work on.

[@robblair3703]

Threetails Hahaha you think they're cheap there. Up until about two years ago, you could buy really nice ones here for £500-1,000. I bought my first one for £500. It had 82k miles on it, full Jaguar service history and apart from some laquer peel on the bonnet, which was resprayed, it was mint. A few months after I got it I visited the U.S and saw a rough one for $3,500. It looked like a parts car lol. They are worth more here now though.

[@KStatus7]

Goodness man, I hope my xj8 gearbox remain ok

[@Dez456]

Cheers for taking the time to film this. I'm seriously considering one now!

[@robblair3703]

sean050483 No worries. Glad it was of some use to you. They are lovely cars. Buy carefully and you'll love it.

[@MrHasi1965]

Hello Rob! Thank you so much for this helpful vid! I just bought a Daimler V8 4,0 LWB, 2002 make, from ”JagWestLondon” which I will drive from London to Austria end of March. Canny wait!

[@robblair3703]

Dietmar Haslinger Enjoy. They are wonderful cars. The Daimlers are particularly lovely. It will be great for that trip.

[@cartour8497]

How strong are this cars? Which engine type is the best? I hear a lot of positive stories about the 4.0L engine.

[@Porsche996driver]

Nice overview. Looking at a 1999 XJ8 here in SoCal and its a beautiful alternative to say a 5 series or E class.

[@dcan911]

When I've looked at MOT histories of these while shopping around, I've found it near impossible to find one without a history of chassis rot, so I'm surprised you didnt mention this much.

[@smitbar11]

Yes, floors and chassis, I had one, MOT nightmare, scrapped it

[@MagnyCoors]

The gearbox WILL go otherwise they are good solid reliable cars 😮

[@jeffreyprice773]

Throttle body/ butterfly housing use to gum up causing stalling etc.they were modified.
J gate can jam, undo the star plug at LH of J gate and push the key down onside to free it.

[@aquariumaddickuk]

The xj8 had some issues as you mentioned but many of these were sorted in the post 2000 models.water pumps & tensioners can be upgraded via a good independent Jag specialist as you say
It's generally electrical issues & rust that kills them off but find a good one & they really are amazing cars to drive.i prefer the x300 straight six but the V8 is definitely more Brutish in power delivery

[@robblair3703]

Indeed. Rust is the biggest issue. I only replaced this car a month ago, and it was starting to get a bit crispy on the inner sills, unfortunately. Still, at 22 years old, I think it's allowed to start showing its age.

[@aquariumaddickuk]

@@robblair3703 absolutely.prices are going up now and hopefully the nice ones that that will be maintained.they languished in the sub 1000 mark for too long and fell into wrong hands.did you replace with another Jag is the question😁

[@robblair3703]

@@aquariumaddickuk Yes I did. I bought an X350 XJ6. No rust worries owing to the aluminium construction and it is unbelievably good on fuel, so it's a fairly sensible compromise.

[@nortiusraskalius1]

Loving the nice white slip on shoes, very Russian style mate!
Apart from the shoes and the Carlos Fandango driving gloves, great video.

[@fionaloveluck2751]

I currently own my 16th jag which is a late 2000 3.2 xj8.The car was bought from the 1st owner and body and interior are exellent. f.s.h and under 80,000. however been having issues with the performance light coming on and if you accelerate quickly you can feel a fault. just replaced the air flow meter and both cats so hoping its cured because havent seen many this clean

[@lewis72]

Post year 2000 Jaguar V8s had metal tensioners and steel cylinder liners.

[@robblair3703]

Lewis72 Steel liners, absolutely. The all metal tensioners didn't come out until 2004, on the X350. The 2nd gen tensioners, if anything, are even worse than the first gen ones. They fail just as frequently but, unlike the first gen ones, they don't make a load of noise to warn you first.

[@lewis72]

I was a development engineer at Jag then in the engines division but wasn't involved with the tensioners.
Bloody plastics are shit on engines. The heat, water & oil always kills them. Similar problem with thermostat housings.

[@Jwdude123]

Not true. My 2001 had plastic tensioners. It is a US market car though.

[@koeingsegg]

Thanks, this was very helpful!!!

[@MarriedToTheKGB]

i'm determined to getg a Jag for the first time in my life having always wanted one. My favorite is an XJS or a series 3 saloon but I will look at one of these as they look relatively affordable and I need to know the common issues with such an aging car

[@aquariumaddickuk]

But the best you can and you won't regret it.domt be tempted by the sub 1500 rough examples.lovely cars

[@starwarsfreakal]

couldn't of said it better man. I'm on my third great video

[@smitbar11]

I had a 'W' year 2000 4.0, rotten floor and rear arches killed it. Lovely to drive and fairly reliable but ignition coils, had two, car goes into limp mode if one fails. Anybody who buys one really needs to check for rot underneath and the arches

[@Titanic19127]

How can you tell if your tensioner was done? I just got a 1998 XJ8L and I just hit 110,000 miles as well as I don’t have any issues with the shifting or transmission.

[@robblair3703]

Easiest way is to whip the cam covers off and take a look at them. If they're orange and plastic, change them immediately.

[@beannie60]

I'm in the market for one so good to know thanks!

[@timothythomas1626]

I am Looking at one owner 140.000 miles Timing chain has been done. I have also found a Donner Car Locally . A Car an individual is selling parts off of. I may go ahead and buy the ABS and Transmission and have them rebuilt on standby

[@mietekposepny]

Not bmw, merc or audi. Only Brits knew how to build a truly conservative and the most beautiful four door saloon. Had x308, now i got facelifted v8 stype but i'm also looking for x308 sv8 🥰

[@chiefexecutive]

Thank you well done. 👏🏼

[@alexandrevchidiac]

Hello Rob, love the XJ think it's an absolute beauty. Pity the same classic lines haven't been maintained with the modern ones. I'm considering an XK, do you have any idea if they are any good? Any tips? Reliability? Thanks, keep on the posting!

[@robblair3703]

Alexandre Chidiac Hi thanks for your comment. It depends on the generation of XK you're looking at. The earlier ones are very similar to the XJ in this video, so most of the points covered here are very relevant. The later shape ones are really rather different and I don't know all that much about them. I understand the later engines don't suffer timing gear problems and the gearboxes are a slightly stronger six speed unit, but beyond that, I can't really say very much about them.
Thanks for watching and I hope this is of some help to you.

[@victorperez2522]

Any comments on a 2000 xj8 W the 4.0 v8? I'm buying one in the next couple of weeks so I'm doing as much research as I can, thanks

[@andrewhaywood1770]

Same known issues listed in the video. The 3.2 V8 was the exact same engine and block just with shorter stroke. I have 2 as daily drivers, rock solid if issues are sorted.

[@ScottMcCook]

A very informative video. Well done...

[@erikbritz8095]

How do i confirm WHICH exact model Jaguar Xj8 i have on hand? reason is a family friend has dropped his off here and said we can drive it a bit until it's sold and im curious which one it is.

[@00kirbyd]

Great video! Only advice I need is what year to pick - are the later ones better, and how much to recommend spending on one.

[@robblair3703]

Dave K Search long and hard and you will find an absolute minter for about £3,000. Choose carefully though. There are lots out there and some are better than others. I have seen absolute horrors for sale at £3,000 and some absolute gems at £1,000. Just look any potential car over to within an inch of its life. Very late post 2001 models have steel liners as standard but Nikasil engines are solid nowadays so don't worry about that. The later cars also have uprated chain tensioners too but they aren't infallible so it's still a good idea to buy one with receipts for uprated tensioners.

[@alabamahouseflippers4480]

Love the accent -goes well with the car . The one I drive has a BAD speedo bulb but that is fine because all of the check engine type lights are on and lights the dash up plenty . I will fix all the small stuff one thing at a time . Just found out the front end needs control arm bushings .I might buy the arms new with the bushings . is this a job that can be done in the home-shop Or do I need special Jag tools ? The real rattles too, same problem you think ? Radio -can this be replaced with a new modern one and look clean ? It is a 2001 . Great car . Thanks for the vid !

[@F1gureheadd]

Just got one of these. I am assuming the cable you have coming out of the tape is for phone connectivity? Can you do a guide on setting this up at all?

[@robblair3703]

It's just a Belkin tape adaptor to play music from my phone. Phone calls will come through the speakers, but it still uses the phone mic.

[@aaronshensky9385]

Hi I have a 03 xj8 4.0 v8 that is backfiring in the intake. I did all plugs, coils and both upstream o2 sensors. Any idea what could be causing it? Thank you

[@alanmusa7143]

looking to buy one, only one in the area. Is 160k miles too much?

[@attygarland6909]

Good job. What MY is this particular car, btw? I would add that if you buy an XJ8 manufactured after 9/1/01, it should have the upgraded timing tensioners in it. I wouldn't take a chance on an earlier one unless I knew for SURE that the tensioners had been upgraded.

[@andrewhaywood1770]

Metal tensioners weren't standard until 2004. 2001 brought uprated plastic tensioners but being plastic they will inevitably degrade and fail.

[@christianlibertarian5488]

Very helpful video.

[@Scorpion54092]

In debates about buying one myself. How often do people compliment your car? I'm in the USA and the city I live in you rarely I mean rarely see jaguars which is why I want one. I could get a BMW but most people dog the hell out of them so I'm weary in that category. I see basically mint condition Jaguar's on Craiglist within 100 miles away for under 4 grand. So I'm really tempted. What's your favorite feature of the car? I mainly like the all around heated seats for front and back.

[@robblair3703]

They need buying carefully but they're good cars. Neglected ones can get very expensive very quickly. People compliment it all the time, but I'm in the UK, and the UK loves its Jags.

[@juliasmith1894]

Thanks for this vid, bri

[@freqeist]

looking at an XJ8 Sport this week, (its had a new gearbox) and everything done, are you a mechanic cos it would be good to have an option. Anyway great video, you have made me feel a bit more easy.

[@robblair3703]

neil brown Hey sorry I have just seen this. I am not a mechanic, no. But I do look after my own cars and this is my 2nd XJ8 so I know my way around them pretty well. If you're thinking about it, bear the points on this video in mind, buy carefully and it's highly unlikely you will regret it. They are beautiful cars to drive and they're not that bad to maintain. They like a drop of fuel, of course, but that will most likely be the biggest expense you have with it. Listen for grumbly wheel bearings though. Wheel bearings are fantastically expensive for these, due to requiring a special tool and a hydraulic press. So it tends to mean it has to go to a garage.

[@ReinhardvonHolst]

Thanks for this. Peace

[@omanoman9279]

The engine is the same BMW ?

[@FunkmeisterOfSedgley]

Is the 5 speed box a ZF? The 6 speeds are, I've got one in my S-Type.

[@robblair3703]

Robin Beach Yes it is indeed. The later S Types got the six speed version of the ZF gearbox as found in later XJs and XKs. A huge improvement over the 5 speed Ford 'box in the earlier cars

[@FunkmeisterOfSedgley]

Thanks for the info.

[@ericanderson7059]

Great cars but I don't recommend air ride suspension models as a former XJR owner ,I'll stick with the coupes (2001Silverstone coupe anyone ??).

[@robblair3703]

Not an issue on these cars. It didn't come out until the next generation (X350).

[@user-zt9qq1fs7n]

I don’t mind warning lights as long as they’re false alarms 🤗

[@lewisfirth5242]

I hate to disagree, but the warning lights, especially red ones, are the main theme of my nightmares, false alarms or not haha

[@athenastarbrite2955]

I've owned 2 04 XJ VDP over last 10 years and really like them. Are all the XJs built in England? I hear a lot of BMW lovers say they are same as ford.............. ZERO difference.

[@robblair3703]

Athenastarbrite Anyone who tells you that is talking out of their arse. The XJ has never been derived from any Ford. All Jaguar's own work. The X350 generation XJ was available with a modified version of the Duratec V6, but that's it. the X Type has a lot of Ford content, but the XJ, absolutely not.

[@athenastarbrite2955]

Thank you for clearing that up.

[@starwarsfreakal]

Rob Blair I had a X-type and I was amazed how well Jaguar was able to turn that platform into we'll a Jaguar the only thing that the engine shared with ford was the block that's like saying the Aston Martin V8 is the same engine as are 4 liters it's just the block but other than that the cylinder heads connecting rods variable valve timing everything was Jaguar you'd be surprised how many Ford bits are in the x308's that's okay it's just the nature of the game Parts can be cross reference for a lot cheaper

[@robblair3703]

AlexAllen that is true, there are plenty of bits from the Ford parts bin, but nothing "substantial", so to speak. The platform, engine, main suspension system, interior etc is all Jag's own work. The commonality is mainly consumables, like brake pads, possibly calipers, switchgear and bushes lol. The X Type is a nice car and feels quite a long way removed from the Mondeo upon which it is based. I just wish the interior plastics were a bit nicer, as they let the side down somewhat

[@starwarsfreakal]

Rob Blair exactly

[@johngeddes4161]

diode in rev and speedometer can fail a pain after dark

[@PhuckHue2]

Don't buy one made before 2004 because the timing chain has cheap plastic tensioners. When they break the timing chain jumps and the engine is blown

[@robblair3703]

Yes. But this model was made from 1997 to 2003 and was never fitted with the steel tensioners. They are a straight fit though and can be upgraded. Most of these cars that survive now, have had that modification done. This one included.

[@KingdomUploader]

would it be feasable for a poor man to own one of these? easy to maintain? small repairs not costly? i can get one here for a grand; it does have a blown head gasket. thanks

[@Scorpion54092]

Kevin S. I'm assuming these are just like BMWs. People give them bad names because they have no mechanical knowledge which is why most luxury cars maintence is so expensive since they aim for the higher class audience which most of the higher class audience aren't mechanics so they charge an arm and a leg for repairs because they can afford it. If you have mechanical knowledge it shouldn't cost you that much to maintain if you're doing the maintenance yourself. Just look up some diy videos and you should be fine. Get a buddy to help you also whenever you're doing maintence make sure to take pictures of what you're doing or a video so you can know where the part goes and how it's supposed to look. I recommend just recording it so you can just do everything in reverse makes it so much easier. I'm also thinking about buying a Jaguar. Let me know if you go that route.

[@robblair3703]

They're not too ruinous to own if you can spanner it yourself, but specialists charge a fortune, so if you can't, it's probably not the best idea. If you can work on it yourself, though, you'll really enjoy it.

[@andrewhaywood1770]

You can download the shop repair manual for free. In the age of the internet the amatuer mechanic can fix most things on these X308s.

[@michaelkennedy8573]

Is there a good reason to go for the 4.0 over the 3.2?

[@andrewhaywood1770]

50 more HP and Torque and slightly thirstier. They are the exact same engine except for displacement.

[@titou6799]

A good way to get broke😆😂

[@robblair3703]

Since this video, I have had to have the gearbox rebuilt, but that remains, in six years, the one and only time it's ever gone wrong. Really can't complain at that.

[@Youbynimondollbaby]

@@robblair3703yeah that’s actually pretty damn good!

[@matttaylor91]

how much do you spend on petrol a month?

[@robblair3703]

Matt Taylor Not too much. Around town, it is heavy on fuel. 12-15 mpg is normal. On a run, mid 30s are easily achievable. Mine has averaged 22mpg or so in the two years I have had it. Don't buy one thinking it will be cheap to run. It won't. But it won't be horrendous.

[@juliasmith1894]

*bro

[@brit50ify]

If they are so good try finding one on the roads. I have 2004 XJ8 VP. Worst car I ever owned. Electrics terrible. Over engineered. Ask how you change a switch on overhead console. You can't. You buy a new console @$500 And on and on. Worth more dead than alive.

[@robblair3703]

This model went out of production in 2002, so you're talking about the next generation of XJ which, despite looking similar, is a totally different car.

[@mrrostien]

Damn them bloody timing chain tensioners. Terrible design by jaguar.

[@brandonherrera2891]

Can you watch my vid of my 02 XJ on a cold start? It's the latest vid I uploaded.

[@porschelove-6077]

Serious milking of wood, like on this car

[@robblair3703]

Rose Smith The wood on this car isn't milky at all. But yes, it can happen.

[@MitchGrooms]

no milking going on, just lighter wood than usual, i like it much better actually..

[@MGreen-vz6yb]

You say um too much to be reviewing.