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

[paulfitzgerald]

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 😊

[ChristerByklum-qp]

I have owned a X308 3, 2, a XJ40 Daimler 3, 6 and currently own a. 300 Daimler Six LWB and a XJR, and I find the X300 to be the best one. The 308 has much more electrical issues. But those engines are magic. I have driven the X308 XJR a lot, and that is one hell of a car, and maybe one of those will join my two one day.

[onlinebizjp]

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

[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.

[veritasvincit]

I had a 3.2 in Sea Frost green and with Celtic alloys.
Hugely enjoyable.
Build quality was a match for the R171 Mercedes I swapped it for.
My X308 was good in the twisties and felt precise to drive.
Glad I owned it.

[garethhanna]

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

[jpadicecoffee]

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.

[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.

[markmcnicholas]

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.

[timobrien]

Great video, all praise for the 308 constant evolution of the Jaguar saloon means we get all the good stuff at an affordable price.Love them and look after them, they'll last forever, good ones increasing in value.

[PaydayGabeBCNV]

I'm shopping for a Jag Saloon/Sedan as we call them stateside 🤷‍♂️. I want to own one before I expire, , and a classic E-type is totally outside of my budget. So an XJ series is the best option.
Doing the hard research mode.
Thanks for the in depth information.

[aquariumaddickuk]

I have a low miles 97 x300 3.2 & i still cant think of a nicer car to take on a long journey.had a 4 litre x308 before that & while i prefer interior & engine in the x300, they are both tremendous value

[murphman]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! I have always wanted a Jaguar XJ but was afraid of reliability. Ford did an excellent job of improving Jaguar reliability with the X308 (after those dumb plastic tensioners were upgraded to metal) while letting the Jaguar signature qualities remain. So I found a one-owner 2002 Vanden Plas in Anthracite (Black with shimmering mica) with Ivory leather that is FABULOUS! Never had more compliments on a car. Nothing nicer on the road in a four-door luxury sedan unless you can swing a Rolls or Bentley.

[coddiwomplecolster]

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

[bronzestarvue]

I'll be picking up a 1999 XJ8 Vanden Plas in a couple of weeks, in Emerald Green metallic (rare color in the States) with the cashmere leather interior. Has the factory tool kit, and a matched set of branded luggage. Only has 50K miles, recent service (trans service, brake and cooling system flush, oil change, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, etc), so I'm hoping it'll have lots of miles left to go before needing any major service.

[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.

[NZotyoka]

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

[MrGman]

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.

[ChristerByklum-qp]

And yes, I bought mine from elderly men who had taken very good care of them. My Daimler has two previous owners, both owning it for almost 14 years each.

Rust isn’t worse than BMW, probably much better, and not that far from Mercedes. I mean, the W210 have all gone now… A good car is still an excellent automobile.