Jaguar X308 XJ8 3.2 V8 - 240 BHP 'AJV8' - 5 Speed Automatic
Only 54k Miles!
1998 'R' Registration
Madeira Red Metallic - Rare Colour
Oatmeal Leather Interior
MOT until September 2021
For sale is my Jaguar XJ8 3.2 V8 Saloon. This chassis is referred to as the X308, and known to be last of the classic and iconic shape XJ models.
In my opinion, it is finished in one of the best colours for an XJ8 model - Madeira Red Metallic.
Factory Upgrades include an Electric Tilt / Slide Sunroof.
Usual XJ8 Specification:
Madeira Red Metallic with Full Oatmeal Leather Interior, 16" Alloy Wheels, Electric Tilt/Slide Sunroof, Electric Front Seats, Leather-Stitched Steering Wheel, Leather-Stitched Centre Console, Walnut Burr Wood Trim, Air Conditioning, Digital Climate Control, Premium Audio, CD Multi-Changer, Electric Windows x 4, Power Steering, Central Locking, Alarm & Immobiliser, Space Saver Spare Wheel, Front Fog Lamps.
The car is mechanically sound, and drives like an XJ should. It starts first time, and idles in the correct manner. There is no overheating. There are no fluid leaks. It gets to the optimum temperature and sits there. Excellent Oil Pressure. Voltage as it should be. Exhausts are solid, with none of the usual blows or leaks.
Spark plugs last changed in 2019 at 52k miles, so will be fine for a quite while. Oil & Filter serviced was carried out earlier this year. Oil is looking very clean still. New Bosch wiper blade just fitted.
'AJV8’ / 3248cc / V8 / 32 Valve / 240 BHP / 140+ MPH
It has the torquey 'AJV8' engine. This has plenty of power and low-down torque. Pulls well throughout the rev range, with no hesitation or power loss.
The gearbox is good and the gears change as they should be. Jaguar really did get the gearboxes good. Goes through all the ratios fine and kicks down with no shuddering. Sport Mode changes the cars personality and it revs harder, all the way to the red line. A gearbox service would benefit, if a long-term keeper.
The paperwork shows that the head gaskets have been done at some point, along with the timing chains and tensioners, which were upgraded at the same time.
Suspension is smooth and composed - irons out all bumps and anomalies in the road. It truly is a magic carpet type ride in this car. However, for a large car, it still handles impressively well and you can confidently throw it into corners at speed. It's no Lotus Elise, but will surprise you with how it behaves.
The brakes stop the car fine. There is some vibration under very heavy braking, but the discs and pads are in good order (the fronts may have corroded slightly due sitting side for long periods).
The front tyres are recent. They have plenty of life left. Brand new Nexen rear tyres just fitted.
Being an upmarket model, it is built to a high quality standard and you can appreciate this from the fit and finish. It is a pleasure to drive and long journeys are completed with ease - you get out at the other end feeling refreshed. Anyone who goes for a spin in the car always give positive comments about how it drives and also on the classic appearance of the interior.
Everything works as it should, which is to be expected from a car which cost over £40k when new. Currently, there are no warning lights on the dashboard cluster.
The car is in presentable condition, although it does require TLC. The NSR wheel arch has some rust as does the OSF wing. Remarkably, there is no other major rust or rot on the rest of the body (apart from that mentioned above) – it is solid, especially compared to many others out there. It is not the usual rot box. Top of NSR door frame has started to corrode (still water tight). Lacquer peel on a few panels and the paint has gone flat in places (mainly on the doors). It will need a good touch up, mop and polish. A full respray would make it perfect bodywise, and it does deserve this to be honest. There are marks, blemishes and stone chips as to be expected on a 23 year old car. A few dents on a couple of the doors, and a few scuffs here and there.
It is not new or perfect, but still looks special and classy - no one would think you paid less than £4k for this low mileage, luxury lump of metal!
The interior of this car is in decent order, with no rips or tears. The seats would benefit from a good leather feed, polish and detail. The leather has worn in areas, the main part being the driver's seat and bolster, which is quite badly worn (due to the way in which the elderly disabled owner was getting in and out of it). Driver's seat feels a bit loose (might need a new bolt ). Some of the cloth on the two of the door pockets has peeled away (mainly passenger front door pocket). Everything is tight and solid. The seats are comfortable, and the front ones adjust electrically.
There is an abundance of wood and leather everywhere, as well as some nice chrome touches. Headlining is fine, apart from the strip on sunroof panel area, which is missing.
Everything works as it should and there are currently no warning lights on the dash. One of the remote key fobs requires new batteries, but all keys start, lock and unlock the car fine. The heaters are great and get up to temperature very quickly. The stereo system is decent with punchy sound. Requires new aerial for radio to work (old one is missing). The LCD temperature display and radio display have become discoloured.
Grab a bargain - prices of decent, low mileage X308s are steadily increasing, and won't be this money for long. This example is a great basis to make into a show winning car – it has very low mileage, runs well and is solid underneath.
If you got the bodywork sorted and the interior refreshed, I think you would have yourself a car which is worth £8k plus, given the level of history and paperwork that comes with it, coupled with the genuine 54k mileage.
Comes with: 2 x Remote Fobs, 2 x Black Keys, 1 x Green Valet Key, Jaguar Leather Folder, XJ8 User Manual and Handbooks, XJ8 Service Booklet, Lots of History and Paperwork, All Old MOT Certificates, Old Tax Discs, V5 Logbook.
Please be realistic with your expectations - it is a 24 year old classic Jaguar with 54k miles, for less than £4k. Don't expect perfection for this money, and as mentioned, it requires TLC to make it spot on. If you want a perfect one, then find one for £10k+. For this money, you won't find better with this mileage and service history.
Bank Transfer & Collection Only - I cannot deliver. Due to Covid, you are welcome to arrange collection with a transport company. Needless to say, funds will need to be fully cleared into my account before the car is released.
Located in Shinfield, Berkshire, RG2. Please call me 07984 395400.
