Models · Jaguar
Jaguar XJ X308 (XJ8, XJR) buying guide
The first V8 XJ, built from 1997 to 2003 on the X300 bodyshell, with 3.2 and 4.0 AJ-V8 engines and a supercharged 4.0 in the XJR and Daimler Super V8.
The versions
- XJ8 3.2 and 3.2 Sport: 3.2 AJ-V8
- XJ8 4.0, Sovereign and Daimler Eight: 4.0 AJ-V8
- XJR and Daimler Super V8: supercharged 4.0 V8
- V8 only, five-speed automatic; updated for the 2000 model year
What to check on a X308 XJ
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Nikasil bores and the engine number
What to look for: Ask whether the engine is original and find its number. Engines from number 000818-1043 (built on 18 August 2000) have steel liners; earlier ones have Nikasil-coated bores. On the drive, note any rough running or misfiring.
Why it matters: The Nikasil coating could wear on UK cars, mainly from short journeys on the higher-sulphur fuel of the time, and many engines were replaced under warranty. An original Nikasil engine that is still running well should be fine today, as UK fuel now has far less sulphur.
Timing chain tensioners and the water pump
What to look for: Start the engine from fully cold and listen at the front of the engine for a rattle or clatter. Look in the history for upgraded tensioners, a timing chain set and a replacement water pump.
Why it matters: The V8s used plastic secondary tensioners, and the upper part can fail. The water pump's impeller blades can also break off. The fix is the later 4.2-type tensioner and a later water pump, and a car with both done is a sign of an owner who has kept on top of it.
Sill, floor and chassis leg rust
What to look for: Look at the leading edge of each sill, the floors and suspension mounting areas from underneath, the front chassis legs, door corners, wheelarches and inner wings. Look for bubbling around the front and rear screens, and lift the carpets to check the footwells.
Why it matters: The X308 resists corrosion better than the cars before it, but it is now old enough for rust to take hold, and visible corrosion usually means more is hidden. Bubbling around the screens is the most involved to put right.
Also in the full guide
- Gearbox engagement and fluid
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the X308 XJ
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Jaguar.