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I have a '96 XJ12 Sovereign. It's been in my life for 17 years and has been at every family occasion, my three children all took their first ever car ride home from hospital in it as babies, I still smile every time I look at it and it makes me feel special every time I drive it. I genuinely wouldn't swap it for anything. I could praise so many things about it, but ultimately it all comes down to that engine!
The original Jaguar XJ was probably the best luxury car of its time. Even the later models carried the torch so well. Sure the S-class was technically more advanced later on (especially the W140 V12 which is still the "Big Daddy" of all luxury cars) but the Germans never quite captured the mystique of the Jaguar brand. Perhaps it's not as apparent to the Brits but here in Scandinavia Jaguar had very exotic reputation. The sad era of British Leyland and Lucas (prince of darkness) hampered its reputation as a reliable car forever. Even when these old issues were solved (during the Ford era the cars were actually quite solid) it never became a serious Mercedes competitor in the sales charts. But now when you look back at these old XJ's you gotta wonder why. They're completely timeless, the exterior is so beautifully designed and if sedans ever become collectible, these are definitely the ones. Such beautiful, elegant cars with a lot of personality (which is completely lacking from soulless modern cars).
Yes their status is reflected by record breaking sales. Excellent reputation for reliability and durability. Stellar resale value etc... I'm being sarcastic ....
Great review! When I was living in Florida, I had an R version of the same X308 chassis which was rated at 370hp. Absolutely loved that car. Never had any issues with reliability. It got damaged in a hurricane by flying chunks of roofing and was never as visually stunning once repaired. So I traded it for an X350 XJR which whilst not as pretty as the older model, had the 4.2 supercharged V8 rated at 390hp and of course the aluminium chassis and felt quite a bit lighter on it’s feet. Both cars were totally reliable throughout my ownership and provided many thousands of miles of fast, luxurious travel.
I still drive my dad's X81 V12. This car constantly keeps the time standing. Allways takes me back in '93. And drives well too. Ride is quiat and relaxed. Old Jag turnes heads also.
@@dannyloots9387 I hope I'm soon to get one too. Be my third V12 Jag/Daimler and first 6 litre. I must say they are taking their merry time getting it ready for me and I'm beginning to wonder after five weeks whether the deal is actually going to go through. The deposit I left was something I could walk away from; not too little, not to much, so we'll see. If they pull the pin I should get it back. I'm still keen though. There is, as it turn as out an X305 for sale but it's 120% more but only has a genuine 90,000kms. I would rather it, than the XJ81 but not at the price they're asking. The condition of 'my' '93 Daimler Double Six is amazing - perhaps a bit too good for someone like me I'm thinking. The mileage is 190,000kms.
Thank you @JayEmm for the great review it was a real pleasure sharing the car with you and if anyone else is considering having their car reviewed by JayEmm do it! He's professional, respectful of the car and very knowledgeable. Also thank you for all the positive comments I didn't realize it was so well liked, I will certainly smile that bit more when I next drive it!
People deride Ford's ownership of Jag, but it isn't about the X-Type it is about reliability and build. A few switches that look the same is a price worth paying when what you get is so much more usable and just as drivable. Nice report, thanks.
Agreed. One of the first things Ford announced when they bought Jaguar was that all parts suppliers (including Lucas, the Prince of Darkness) had to be reliable or they’d be replaced, no second chances. That made a huge difference right there.
@@johntechwriter They also did a proper job of zinc plating the bodies, and ditched the very dodgy bullet connectors in the wiring looms. The Ford built facelift XJS is very different to the version it replaced.
I have owned mine for several years of reliable service. I love the seemingly endless torque on demand. The 2 best things an owner can do to ensure good service is to clean and enlarge the main ground cable connections and to replace the factory starter with a specially converted Denso that is 30% lighter, with 30% more torque and a larger stronger solenoid. I have a XKR and an XJ8 but cannot bring myself to part with my `95 Sapphire blue SWB XJ12.
My starter died yesterday, I was to pick a friend, he had to DJ at Craftsman Brewers festival , we fully loaded the XJ with Record Bags, and Turntables and a Mixer. I want to start the XJ 308SC Daimler, and nothing.............that moment that one is always afraid of !! Another thing, 2 months ago a Car crashed into the side, damage is like 5100 euro, but insurance only want to pay 1800... I own the XJ for 3 years now, never ever regret buying it, hope to keep it forever as a daily.
@@skelejp9982 Removing the starter is a bit of an ordeal. the down pipes (exhaust headers) must be dropped for access. The starter top mounting bolt is a 12-point bolt and can only be reached using the Braile system. I think it is 1/2-inch SAE. The company that did the starter conversion was in New York.
@@skelejp9982 My XJ6 was in an accident and the insurance company wrote it off because their approved garages were ridiculously expensive. After taking the cash payout, I bought it back from them and had it repaired at a local place, made £500.
I have A 1995 XJ12 also and l know its irrepalaceable and wont sell besides where am l going to find another one. Got it with 95000 miles now have about 123000 miles. Love it.
I have the Double Six version with long wheel base. It is a fantastic car. And the older it gets, the more beautiful and elegant it looks compared to the general traffic.
I also got the Double Six, previous owner didn't know what he was doing and sold me that car, in almost perfect shape, for 28000 SEK (or like 2500£) All I had to do was travel around the country and hope it wouldn't break down on the way home. I am now a proud jaaaag owner at 24 years old
Had an XJ81, (XJ40 V12) , for 12 years. When I worked in town and encountered stop/start traffic on my 3 miles each way commute, I was a gallon a day. (6 miles per gallon). Nice place to be stuck in traffic, however.
I have always wanted one of these. I bought a green 3.2 XJ in 2007 for £2200 with 105k miles on the clock. Finally sold it 10 years and a further 115k miles (at 23mpg) later. I LOVED that car.
Iv always hankerd after one but have always been put of by build quality/ reliability ect I was only told the other day that it takes a full day just to remove the spark plugs?
@@mick0846 The reliability of the x300 was amazing for me, a definite improvement after ford purchased the company. Can totally see how changing the plugs on a v12 takes all day, the engine bay is brimming full, but the 6 cylinder engines are much easier.
@@fremenondesand3896 The MOT was due and it needed a lot of work, probably over £2k. It was a sad day. I replaced it with a Skoda Superb, which is faster, quieter, more efficient and better in pretty much every measurable way, but it's just so... dull. God I miss that Jag.
@@chrisc475 Funny that. I've got an S Type with a similar bill due. I quite like the Skoda's, sat in a Superb but I didn't find the seats nearly as comfortable, was disappointed.
Loving this jaaaag. Looks ominous. You have had the pleasure of reviewing a great amount of jags. All top tier content. I imagine most of the owners turn up with the minimal amount of fuel claiming to have lost their wallet. As is tradition 😂
Thank you James for bringing this car to my attention and great coverage of the car👌 I was 11 years old when I rode in a Jaguar for the first time in 1996 and it was a Vandenplas, very elegant and classy. From then I’ve always appreciated the X300 and X308 body styles of the XJ but I never knew they made a V 12. Vandenplas, XJ6, XJR yes but V 12 I had no idea so thanks for that 😎 all the best to you James keep up the great work! -Tim G 🇺🇸
I used to live in Hong Kong around 10 years ago and bought a 1996 XJ6 3.2 from an older gentleman who wanted to get rid of it. It was in just the right spec; midnight blue metallic with discreet pinstriping down the side, elegant alloys, the chrome leaper on the bonnet and a cream leather interior which looked mint. I've never had so many looks as l did driving that beautiful car through the center of HK. There are only a handful of X300's left in HK and seeing one is a rare sight. I wish l could have taken it with me to Europe when l moved back a couple of years ago. Still think of it fondly.
My second ever car was an XJ40 Daimler Double Six. L858 BPB took me all over Europe at speed until I replaced it with an X300 Daimler Double Six. A 1996 car which ultimately didn’t feel, at least to me, quite as well made as the earlier one (the grille was silver painted plastic, not actual steel). They were gorgeous cars but needed regular fettling. My local Jag specialist would have it up on the ramp once a month in order to keep on top of things. And we always needed to ensure we lifted the bonnet from the centre, not the edge. I’ll never forget that. Mine had the usual trouble like split header tanks, faulty rear self-levelling which we had replaced with coils, random dipstick readings (never the same oil level two weeks running, despite zero actual oil usage over time), failing cruise control which would always fail in the throttle closed position and so on. But crikey they were lovely to drive. Not sure I believe 4mpg though. Or maybe that one needs some work. I used to hack around the Munich A99 orbital, 30 miles in 15 minutes on our way to Werfen, and even then it would average 20mpg.
I drive an X300 as a daily and its done a great job so for. Cheap to maintain, fuel is okay (XJ6), and it's far more interesting than opting for a Focus or Astra!
X305 XJ12/DD6 is my most favourite Jaguar saloon of all time. I hate the fact that now that you've made a video on this stunner, it's prices will go up and I fear it'll be out of my reach when I'll be able to buy one in a couple of years time (I'm a Master's student now). It's a proper Jaaaaaag with grace, space and pace. It's just the last word in elegance and sophistication. What a lovely machine!
I bought one for 5.5k a year ago. Better than this one. Slightly lower miles. Check the auction sites. Still some bargains out there. A few dreamers advertising for 20k.
I'm going through a '96 one currently. You need to pay close attention to the front suspension (needs all new bushings, ball joints, shocks, tie rods etc) the hydraulic motor mounts are unobtanium, you will need to pay v close attention to cooling hoses and fuel injection lines but otherwise x300 parts are good interchange. Great cars and v rare now
Always enjoy the sections where you demonstrate the car's engine noise, feel and response, e.g. at 3:45. Sad that with the EV only future, which the 'powers that be' have decided for us, this kind of thing will become increasingly rare!
The 3.2-powered variant is exceptionally easy to maintain, and the steel is decent enough that a small expenditure on welding every year (or two, even) keeps rust at bay completely. The gearbox is controlled mechanically, and the suspension is rudimentary, rendering it easy to service, and to replace parts. Everything from a full transmission flush to a change of the differential fluid is straightfoward. Unless the price of fuel disallows regular use in your particular case, it's a Jag you can treat like any daily vehicle. You have to mishandle them severely to cause real issues.
i had the pleasure of driving a V12 XJS from a friend who worked at Jaguar and was blown away. i now own a mazda 2.5 turbo petrol and while the Mazda's performance is overall better on paper the memory of the Jag is just the class it did it with.
I drove an X300 Daimler Double Six as my genuine daily driver for about 5 years; even put winter tyres on it when necessary. did about 40 miles a day; country and town. Now drive a series 3 double six (after a brief flirt with a DB7 GT) daily. Possibly because I'm older than you James I prefer my current series 3; I think because it floats and has a thin steering wheel so even though I don't smoke I feel I should have a cigar in my hand and drive as such Nothing comes close to these cars for sheer relaxed momentum.
My neighbor owns 2 of the Series three, one is in primo condition, and a daily driver. The other, well....she's a garage queen. When out for a walk it's always a treat to see one of them parked on the street....they look like new cars inside and out. I've been crazy about the design since my teenage years.
If there's Jaguar V12 content i'm here for it. Jayemm, I sense you have a place in your fleet for some 1980s/90s cheap V12 action. You can get into a useable XJS V12 for under £5k you know - just thought you should know ;)
As a V12 XJ-S owner, I would expect nothing but a restoration project from a £5k car. Probably welding work needed and hence paint. Tatty interior, and of course, absolutely none of the essential mechanical rejuvenation done. (Knackered old dampers x6, rotten sagged springs x6, rotten front subframe, old fuel hoses, stuck ignition advance on a pre-1988.5, non-functioning Teves ABS if a 1988.5 on, old coolant hoses, old coolant, stuck thermostat x2, coolant system silted up, heater valve stuck, Delanair a/c problems, etc etc etc. Honestly, £5k will buy you an absolute heap of chod. £10k for a reasonably reliable working car that still needs a few grand over the next couple of years. £15k-20k for a good one without an immediate list of things to do. As with all older Jags, these are manageable if you can do your own work and then it's just parts costs which can still add up. If you're paying someone else to look after it, an XJ-S will take the shirt off your back.
Back in the late 90s I traded a Jensen Interceptor for a Series III V12 as i wanted a more economical and reliable car… can you imagine?! I wish I’d held on to both of them now!🙈
I have had the 6.0 Daimler Double Six version of this car for over 10 years now…it’s magnificent (was special order only in last few years production). At a jag charity do owners could blast up a runway for a tenner…an old boy turned up in his 6.0 DDS and gunned it - they radar clocked him at over 160mph! 😂
I always forget that Jaguar produced an XJ12 version of the X300. What a fabulous car the V12 XJ's were. Whether it was a Series 1/2/3, an XJ81 or the X300, they had an unrivalled mix of performance and luxury, combined with ride and handling characteristics that other manufacturers could only dream of. So the build quality often wasn't anything to boast about, especially during the dark days of the British Leyland built S2, spend the day with one on some good country roads and any of the cars faults will soon be forgiven.
Having owned three later X308 series XJs, I can agree. My all-steel 2001 XJR with 370 hp supercharged V8 weighed in at a comparatively featherweight (compared with today’s full-sized luxury cars) 4000 lb. The car sat four inches closer to the ground than competing Mercs and BMWs, and sported a double-wishbone suspension with Bilstein shocks. In the corners it could wax all three of the top German competitors. And yet it rode as if on a cloud. In that department Jaguar had no equal, even back in the 1950s.
I agree about the styling of the X300, although I think the little detail tweaks for the X308 actually perfected it. The X308 is my favorite styling of any sedan ever. And while the 6.0 V12 is silky smooth, it always felt kind of lazy to me. I'm sure better camshafts and maybe some cylinder head work would clear that up, especially if it were paired with a manual (I only ever drove examples with 3 speed autos). The supercharged 4.0L V8 in the X308 XJR, however, is magic. It kills me that Jaguar never built one with a manual like the X300, or I think I would have bought one years ago. The X308 interior is just as gorgeous as the exterior; those updates versus the X300 are much more noticeable. And the responsiveness of the handling very much impressed me, although the steering is overboosted (sort of the 1950s Chrysler "steer with one finger" mindset). Very strong brakes, too! It's be a dream with a Tremec T56.
That rounded, quad headlight look will never be out of style. I'm am American and grew up lusting after Dodge Viper RT/10s and the "catfish" SS Camaros (the one that nobody likes) along with it's gloriously ridiculous Pontiac cousin, the benostriled WS6 Pontiac Trans Am, but I always had a thing for Jags. My aunt had a XJS V12 in the 80s and it was just fantastic. I'm aiming for an XJR (X350 era) soon while they're still very cheap. Oh and I don't know if one even exists over there, but I think seeing you drive around in something like a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am would be great fun. That may be the last British car to ever exist. You may as well have a huge red flashing sign with an arrow above it with the words "Look at me!" Refined and classy it is not. The juxtaposition of that car with you in it would make for a great video, again, if you can find one there and if you can bring yourself to be seen in one, which I imagine you'll have much trouble doing.
Good question Malcolm. All V12s look complicated. I have two 6 litre XJS and compared to the older 5.3 V12, the rubber fuel lines are replaced by steel pipes and the vacuum lines have been reduced to what you would expect on a V8. Ignition seems to be easy to understand and the inlet manifolds are bigger. I work on my own cars. I think the later saloon V12s had coil packs and were distributor less. The money that Ford spent on the engine upgrades from 1993 gave the V12 excellent reliability.
My brother had a 95 X300 with the 6 liter 12. (Technically an X305) - one of the last few VINs imported to the US. I had an X308 at the time (with an "Original Jaguar Replacement Engine" tag on the block at the firewall - the Nikasil Cylinder liners were swapped out and the secondary Cam-Chain Tensioners updated to later, metal ones. The V12, plus XJ40 interior was really nice, but driving them back to back, the X308, with ZF 4HP was quicker to rev, and felt MUCH lighter on its feet. It should have. It was almost 500 pounds lighter. Both beautiful cars, I have pics of them together.
Sorry, accidently hit thumbs down, really didn't mean it, these videos are great! I remember looking at one of these in my local Jag showroom, and saying to the salesman how good it looked bearing in mind it was essentially a 40 year old design!
I have a XJ40 Sovereign and I could never wrap my head around the very high fuel consumption of the V12. The inline-6 already double my Mazda 3. Still, it is a very nice car!
Glorious. There is, infact, an X300 shape parked in the next street to where I grew up, and it has the V12 badge on the B pillar. I've often wondered if it was a real one or just a badge. Would forgive that car almost anything for that engine. It is - it has always been - a masterpiece, despite its fuel consumption...
Glad to see these cars were appreciated, They haven't made a sedan as distinct or beautiful since the X300/308 IMO. You can still get X308s are bargain prices. I picked up a X308 XJ8 and later an XJR and never regretted it. I alternate them as daily drivers and got both for less than half the price of a new Camry. Almost bought a carnival red '96 XJ12 but figured I don't need another car, I often regret not picking it up.
AHHHH! I own one of these! The 1996 has so many reliability improvements on the V12 over all the other previous years. Its the largest displacement V12 at 6L and removed the Distributor system present on EVERY other Jaguar V12 as in Ford revisions notes "...To reduce likely-hood of fire in Catalytic Converters due to misfires..." Not only that the X300 series has a GM transmission rated for 400Ft/lbs of torque with modest gear ratios that honestly would probably do with being a bit more economic driven as the RPMs were the same at speeds as my V8 Crown Vic, especially so as it gets 9MPG city and at best 13MPG highway compared to the 17/24 of the Crown Vic. Furthermore it is one of two years to feature the brakes on the outboard of the rear axel rather than the infamous rear inboard brakes of all models previous. And frankly after stainless brake lines, EBC yellows with slotted rotors, the braking performance puts my '14 Interceptor Utility to shame. Gotta say tho in Carnival Red these cars look amazing, not only that driving down highways at night there is a nifty reflection on the hood from the highway reflectors being reflected four ways on the hood that I've never seen in any other car. The biggest issue tho with these cars is the interior just falls apart around 80,000 miles. It doesnt really seem year based, more the mount of times things need to be used/actuated to get to 80k driven miles. The Driver door mechanism just stops locking, the power tilt/seat just no longer move, the headliner sags, the "cup holder" no longer opens, the radio no longer turns on, the power dimming mirror just ceases to function and discolors, the radiator hoses fail, the alternators last months after replacement, the power antenna no longer operates, door panels fall off due to unusual mounting (relying on plastic parts not screws/bolts) and on V12s spark plugs last a measly 10,000 miles, and there's only 1 spark plug, made by NGK. Also maintenance wise there is a rather important thing about the X300 V12 that seems to be forgone which is since it uses the same drive by wire system the other X300 platform cars do but has two throttle bodies, so its very important to adjust all the linkages to get quick response and correct throttle plate movement. Now if someone was looking to buy a Jaguar I would say go with a X300 series, but I would highly recommend the XJ6 as it was much less costly in maintenance, more reliable, and got the same fuel efficiency of the Crown Vic with very similar power, I believe, and had nearly identical fuel economy 16 city and 24 highway, but at the added bonus of being able to do 130, compared to at best 122 in the Crown Vic. Oh and it rode like it was on air compared to the P71 which honestly feels like a truck. And to wrap I also have all the documentation of my XJ12 and it sold in 1996 for $121,990 American dollars, the XJ6 comparatively was $56,000 in the same year.
There’s something about Jaguars that I have always admired. I own an XJV6, It took a little getting used to the styling change with the 351 models, but the longer I have it, the more I like it. Mine is a Portfolio, and comes with the extras you would expect- Therefore I find it strange that there exists a model which has even.more. It certainly follows the claim of ‘space, grace &pace - although I would like to have the lLWB Version, I have come to realise that a) my wife complains about the fact that this one usually pokes out from parking spaces, she would certainly have more to moan about with the LWB1
Loverly cars I’ve had three my current one is v8 sport and I use it every day and just puts a smile on your face gets a lot of Compliments on it!, if your worried about fuel costs go and buy a modern euro box!
Hi Jay nice piece on the XJV12 but four or six mpg is awful, I have a 1998 XJ8 Sport and the styling is the same, it’s a great drive and certainly turns heads, it’s sure not the cheapest car to keep on the road and the fact that some of the most basic part are no longer available doesn’t help. Mine currently needs a replacement fuel feed pipe and they are just not to be had, so the old one has to come off and away to a,pipe specialist to fabricate a new one using the existing unions. But can’t wait till I get it back on the road as the pleasure of driving it is second to none. Take Care Stay Safe Everyone Regards Dave 👍😎🏴
Fantastic review, not too often you hear people talking about the XJ12 X300. On the topic of lesser known British cars, have you got any plans to review an Ultima RS, Lister XJS or Noble M600?
I'm sure he'd jump at the opportunity to. It's whether anyone is willing to bring their car out and let him drive it. There's not too many people with those cars, and even less who actually bring them out and drive them, and then even less than that who will let someone else drive them.
I'd LOVE to see a Lister Le Man's road test but I think they're incredibly rare. There's hardly any vids about them on RUclips at all, I don't believe that they were the best put together of things with their flared arches and bodykit hiding incredible bodywork rust and damage. Staggering cars though 7.0ltr V12 with twin superchargers and 600bhp and over 200mph top speed! I also LOVE Ultimas, Guiness World Record acceleration holders and 0-100-0 records too. Nobles of any kind are also superb cars and I'd happily watch a road test of literally any model.
I had an X300 3.2 straight 6, and an X330 V8 4.0 over a period of about 14 years. First one 6 years, Xj* about 8 years. The XJ8 4.0 is the best car I have ever had. I also had a loaner XJ12 a couple of times when my XJ was in for repairs. It was a nice car, but it did not impress me. The V12 was a very lethargic large engine. I don't now the stats, but I would bet good money the XJ8 4.0 was more powerful, quicker and better handling as well as more reliable. I may well buy a vintage XJ again, but it wont be a V12 as I don't think they are worth it.
As you point out, Ford’s ownership starting 1989 finally restored Jaguar’s reputation for reliability, which it enjoyed before being taken over by British Leyland in the late ‘60s. The model range that best exemplified the benefits of Ford ownership was the one after the XJ12, the X308 series. For the first time, a Jaguar was powered by a V8: a 4-cam 32-valve 4L V8 at that, with optional supercharger! Jaguar’s AJV8 is still in production, and is in every way superior to their old V12, which was a major gas hog and can no longer pass state emissions tests here in the USA. Jaguar’s 4.0L AJV8 is a legendary power plant still in production. In supercharged form, it could transform its V8 purr into a snarling panther with a jab on the gas pedal. I’m not rich, but through careful research and a nearby, honest, Jaguar-only service shop (I cannot stress this enough) I’ve been graced with three X308 XJs, two of them supercharged. Most people don’t know this, but Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons (Jaguar=Lyons, get it?) had as his top priority a luxury sedan capable of 150 mph, with ride and noise management superior to the current-year Rolls-Royce. His legendary sports cars - and I owned a 1970 XK-E - were a means to an end. One of my XJs, branded in the US as a Vanden Plas Supercharged, was hand-finished in their labor-intensive Coventry plant by experts in hide and hardwood trim, no two exactly alike. In 2001, the year of my VDP SC, some 240 were scheduled for worldwide production. Pull up to the curb in this long-wheelbase executive limo at the Mark Hopkins in San Francisco and everything stops. But alas, the X308 generation, built from 1998-2003 model years, has aged out from being an everyday driver by a guy who is not rich. Just about any car passes 18 model years or 150 thousand miles, it is pretty much worn out and if forced to carry on, will eat you out of house and home. If you have an unbearable longing for a Jaguar, a new-generation XJ or XF could be for you. Used versions are practically being given away, because there are serious doubts whether Jaguar will be available in the USA, or anywhere else, past 2023. I’m sure parts and service will still be available, and if I was a few decades shy of my current 72 years, I’d be on the hunt for one.
XJ6 X300 has fab ride, and is a fun daily, without the massive overheating susceptibility of the v12. One came up for sale, thorough updated list of maintenance, yet my mechanic vetoed it as he would not trust any other Jag mechanic he did not know and could talk with (and of course get paid for his time to do so). V 12 promise over an inline 6 is notably greater torque, but in light of modern electric cars and their instant max torque, that’s not enough. Sooo, a 12 has got to sound a LOT better. Does it? That’s the big Q, and Jay seems to say affirmative. On a side note, the leather between models I think is a bigger thing. My base Xj6 has been liberally maintained beyond its value (entire front suspension re done) and drives and sounds pleasant, but VP and XJR6 models have superior leather!
Fantastic review Jay, thanks for bringing this rare V12 out to showcase. How about following this up with an X308 XJR to compare and contrast? I have an excellent example if you're interested, finished in black with ivory leather interior and dark wood. She's was built for export to Japan, so is in excellent condition. The X300 was originally supposed to have the V8 in, but it wasn't ready, so the straight six and V12 continued on. When the V8 was ready they tweaked the X300 further thus became the X308.
My friends Dad had the Daimler double six version, I got to have a drive and it was akin to flooring a powerboat, all nose in the air and noise, but what a noise !
My dream car. I actually currently daily drive an XJR6 because I could never find one of these within my budget. It costs me an absolute fortune to run. I just really don’t think I could afford to run one of these. Parts are hard to find and expensive on top of that. And the fuel costs, as you mentioned. The only way to go with these is to save up a good amount and just try and find a decent example, rather than being tempted by cheap ones. You’ll be playing catch-up for years in terms of money and restoration.
If you can work on it yourself I have a XJ X308 3.2 v8 in British racing green, head gasket need to be fixed, and some welding work underneed. I want €1350 for it. Can be picked up or shippid from the Netherlands
Great vid and review as usual. One pet peeve, the exhaust mic’s do nothing for me. More in car engine sound wouldn’t be a bad thing, especially in one of these.
5:17 Also makes it start off in 1st. Switched to N, you have to mat the gas pedal into the kickdown switch to get first gear. 5:34 I think those wheels are 16x7"
All I can say is that I have known a good number of Jaguar owners who have had serious automatic gearbox issues. A guy who worked with me bought a brand new XJ8 and 3 weeks after he received the car there was a gearbox error warning light. It refused to go into any gear. he phoned the dealer, and they collected it. After a week they called him to say it was ready for collection, he collected the car and 2 days later the same thing happened. The dealership agreed to replace the gearbox and provided video evidence to show that a new gearbox had been fitted, he was of course happy with this result. Then 3 weeks later the same happened again. He contacted the dealership and demanded they collect the car, which they did. He then refused any more work on what was a new car, and he demanded he get his money back, which he did get. He stated that he would never buy a Jaguar again, This is not the first time I have heard this happen.
Awesome to see an X300 (yeah yeah X305 I know 🤦🏻♂️) on the channel. I wouldn’t part with my 4.0 X300 swb Sovereign. Makes an awesome Sunday cruiser, but will happily roll up its sleeves and jump back into daily service if required without a sweat! Terrible mpg around town, I mean shocking! 😮 but who cares when you own a big Jaaaaaaaag. However and it’s a big however! I regularly get a genuine 30-31mpg on a run @ an alleged 70’ish mph. Remember it’s smiles per gallon in these 😉 If you want to feel like lord of the manor buy an X300, the last “proper Jaaaag” in my opinion. Plus the amount of “nice car mate” comments I get is unreal! And that’s saying something as I have had some cars in my fleet over the years… my current Jaaaaaaaag X300 and I won’t part! That much so we are moving out of London due to ULEZ, yup We’ve put the house up for sale as my Jaaaaaag really means that much 🤯
I bought an 89 XJ 3.6 in 94. £1000, £1500 overhaul at a Jaguar specialist. A lovely car. Not ridiculously thirst, but sometimes a challenge to park...And £600 for a set of tyres!. And a sight on the bonnet for those pesky pedestrians, too!
I priced up tyres for my XJ12 and Fallen are 100 each. Premium such as pirelli are 50% more but I've had good experiences with Falken in the past with a TVR.
Yes the engine , I was a jaguar owner from 79 till 95 , the prob😢 with the X is trim inside the Car , I felt at last reliable drive train and engine , but the trim just was not the same as XJ . ❤
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I have a '96 XJ12 Sovereign. It's been in my life for 17 years and has been at every family occasion, my three children all took their first ever car ride home from hospital in it as babies, I still smile every time I look at it and it makes me feel special every time I drive it. I genuinely wouldn't swap it for anything. I could praise so many things about it, but ultimately it all comes down to that engine!
The original Jaguar XJ was probably the best luxury car of its time. Even the later models carried the torch so well. Sure the S-class was technically more advanced later on (especially the W140 V12 which is still the "Big Daddy" of all luxury cars) but the Germans never quite captured the mystique of the Jaguar brand. Perhaps it's not as apparent to the Brits but here in Scandinavia Jaguar had very exotic reputation. The sad era of British Leyland and Lucas (prince of darkness) hampered its reputation as a reliable car forever. Even when these old issues were solved (during the Ford era the cars were actually quite solid) it never became a serious Mercedes competitor in the sales charts. But now when you look back at these old XJ's you gotta wonder why. They're completely timeless, the exterior is so beautifully designed and if sedans ever become collectible, these are definitely the ones. Such beautiful, elegant cars with a lot of personality (which is completely lacking from soulless modern cars).
Yes their status is reflected by record breaking sales.
Excellent reputation for reliability and durability.
Stellar resale value etc...
I'm being sarcastic ....
Not all modern cars are soulless. But it takes time for the best to emerge from the rest.
The mystique was how on earth they kept going!
(I was a great fan of the x300 when it came out)
Absolutely agree with your summary
jaguar and reliability. well those two words, never the twain shall meet.
Finally ! Someone acknowledging the 90s were ten years ago.
Bloody hell! Were they?
The most beautiful saloon car of all time
Great review! When I was living in Florida, I had an R version of the same X308 chassis which was rated at 370hp. Absolutely loved that car. Never had any issues with reliability. It got damaged in a hurricane by flying chunks of roofing and was never as visually stunning once repaired. So I traded it for an X350 XJR which whilst not as pretty as the older model, had the 4.2 supercharged V8 rated at 390hp and of course the aluminium chassis and felt quite a bit lighter on it’s feet. Both cars were totally reliable throughout my ownership and provided many thousands of miles of fast, luxurious travel.
I still drive my dad's X81 V12. This car constantly keeps the time standing. Allways takes me back in '93. And drives well too. Ride is quiat and relaxed. Old Jag turnes heads also.
I have also xj81
In my eyes the Best xj ever :)
@@dannyloots9387 I hope I'm soon to get one too. Be my third V12 Jag/Daimler and first 6 litre.
I must say they are taking their merry time getting it ready for me and I'm beginning to wonder after five weeks whether the deal is actually going to go through. The deposit I left was something I could walk away from; not too little, not to much, so we'll see.
If they pull the pin I should get it back. I'm still keen though. There is, as it turn as out an X305 for sale but it's 120% more but only has a genuine 90,000kms. I would rather it, than the XJ81 but not at the price they're asking.
The condition of 'my' '93 Daimler Double Six is amazing - perhaps a bit too good for someone like me I'm thinking. The mileage is 190,000kms.
Thank you @JayEmm for the great review it was a real pleasure sharing the car with you and if anyone else is considering having their car reviewed by JayEmm do it! He's professional, respectful of the car and very knowledgeable. Also thank you for all the positive comments I didn't realize it was so well liked, I will certainly smile that bit more when I next drive it!
People deride Ford's ownership of Jag, but it isn't about the X-Type it is about reliability and build. A few switches that look the same is a price worth paying when what you get is so much more usable and just as drivable. Nice report, thanks.
Agreed. One of the first things Ford announced when they bought Jaguar was that all parts suppliers (including Lucas, the Prince of Darkness) had to be reliable or they’d be replaced, no second chances. That made a huge difference right there.
@@johntechwriter They also did a proper job of zinc plating the bodies, and ditched the very dodgy bullet connectors in the wiring looms. The Ford built facelift XJS is very different to the version it replaced.
From John Egan's appointment as chairman of Jaguar in 1980, suppliers were given an ultimatum with regard to quality of components.
I have owned mine for several years of reliable service. I love the seemingly endless torque on demand. The 2 best things an owner can do to ensure good service is to clean and enlarge the main ground cable connections and to replace the factory starter with a specially converted Denso that is 30% lighter, with 30% more torque and a larger stronger solenoid. I have a XKR and an XJ8 but cannot bring myself to part with my `95 Sapphire blue SWB XJ12.
My starter died yesterday, I was to pick a friend, he had to DJ at Craftsman Brewers festival , we fully loaded the XJ with Record Bags, and Turntables and a Mixer.
I want to start the XJ 308SC Daimler, and nothing.............that moment that one is always afraid of !!
Another thing, 2 months ago a Car crashed into the side, damage is like 5100 euro, but insurance only want to pay 1800...
I own the XJ for 3 years now, never ever regret buying it, hope to keep it forever as a daily.
@@skelejp9982 Removing the starter is a bit of an ordeal. the down pipes (exhaust headers) must be dropped for access. The starter top mounting bolt is a 12-point bolt and can only be reached using the Braile system. I think it is 1/2-inch SAE. The company that did the starter conversion was in New York.
@@skelejp9982 so alan partridge
@@skelejp9982 My XJ6 was in an accident and the insurance company wrote it off because their approved garages were ridiculously expensive. After taking the cash payout, I bought it back from them and had it repaired at a local place, made £500.
I have A 1995 XJ12 also and l know its irrepalaceable and wont sell besides where am l going to find another one. Got it with 95000 miles now have about 123000 miles. Love it.
Timeless elegance and class.
I have the Double Six version with long wheel base. It is a fantastic car. And the older it gets, the more beautiful and elegant it looks compared to the general traffic.
I also got the Double Six, previous owner didn't know what he was doing and sold me that car, in almost perfect shape, for 28000 SEK (or like 2500£) All I had to do was travel around the country and hope it wouldn't break down on the way home. I am now a proud jaaaag owner at 24 years old
@@adaala6935 This is an unusually low price.
You could get many oil paintings, borrowed, in that boot
Had an xj6 1996 here in the states with very high miles but very well maintained and it was an extraordinary car. I still miss it.
Had an XJ81, (XJ40 V12) , for 12 years. When I worked in town and encountered stop/start traffic on my 3 miles each way commute, I was a gallon a day. (6 miles per gallon). Nice place to be stuck in traffic, however.
I saw this car at the breakfast club back in the summer, what a stunner.
14:48 "it's a proper Jaaag"
That's the only question I wanted an answer to. Thanks JayEmm.
I have always wanted one of these. I bought a green 3.2 XJ in 2007 for £2200 with 105k miles on the clock. Finally sold it 10 years and a further 115k miles (at 23mpg) later. I LOVED that car.
Iv always hankerd after one but have always been put of by build quality/ reliability ect I was only told the other day that it takes a full day just to remove the spark plugs?
@@mick0846 The reliability of the x300 was amazing for me, a definite improvement after ford purchased the company. Can totally see how changing the plugs on a v12 takes all day, the engine bay is brimming full, but the 6 cylinder engines are much easier.
May I ask, what convinced you to part with it? Do you miss it?
@@fremenondesand3896 The MOT was due and it needed a lot of work, probably over £2k. It was a sad day. I replaced it with a Skoda Superb, which is faster, quieter, more efficient and better in pretty much every measurable way, but it's just so... dull. God I miss that Jag.
@@chrisc475 Funny that. I've got an S Type with a similar bill due. I quite like the Skoda's, sat in a Superb but I didn't find the seats nearly as comfortable, was disappointed.
Loving this jaaaag. Looks ominous. You have had the pleasure of reviewing a great amount of jags. All top tier content. I imagine most of the owners turn up with the minimal amount of fuel claiming to have lost their wallet. As is tradition 😂
Thank you James for bringing this car to my attention and great coverage of the car👌 I was 11 years old when I rode in a Jaguar for the first time in 1996 and it was a Vandenplas, very elegant and classy. From then I’ve always appreciated the X300 and X308 body styles of the XJ but I never knew they made a V 12. Vandenplas, XJ6, XJR yes but V 12 I had no idea so thanks for that 😎 all the best to you James keep up the great work!
-Tim G 🇺🇸
I used to live in Hong Kong around 10 years ago and bought a 1996 XJ6 3.2 from an older gentleman who wanted to get rid of it. It was in just the right spec; midnight blue metallic with discreet pinstriping down the side, elegant alloys, the chrome leaper on the bonnet and a cream leather interior which looked mint. I've never had so many looks as l did driving that beautiful car through the center of HK. There are only a handful of X300's left in HK and seeing one is a rare sight. I wish l could have taken it with me to Europe when l moved back a couple of years ago. Still think of it fondly.
My second ever car was an XJ40 Daimler Double Six. L858 BPB took me all over Europe at speed until I replaced it with an X300 Daimler Double Six. A 1996 car which ultimately didn’t feel, at least to me, quite as well made as the earlier one (the grille was silver painted plastic, not actual steel). They were gorgeous cars but needed regular fettling. My local Jag specialist would have it up on the ramp once a month in order to keep on top of things. And we always needed to ensure we lifted the bonnet from the centre, not the edge. I’ll never forget that.
Mine had the usual trouble like split header tanks, faulty rear self-levelling which we had replaced with coils, random dipstick readings (never the same oil level two weeks running, despite zero actual oil usage over time), failing cruise control which would always fail in the throttle closed position and so on. But crikey they were lovely to drive.
Not sure I believe 4mpg though. Or maybe that one needs some work. I used to hack around the Munich A99 orbital, 30 miles in 15 minutes on our way to Werfen, and even then it would average 20mpg.
I drive an X300 as a daily and its done a great job so for. Cheap to maintain, fuel is okay (XJ6), and it's far more interesting than opting for a Focus or Astra!
IMO, this is the best XJ series.
X305 XJ12/DD6 is my most favourite Jaguar saloon of all time. I hate the fact that now that you've made a video on this stunner, it's prices will go up and I fear it'll be out of my reach when I'll be able to buy one in a couple of years time (I'm a Master's student now). It's a proper Jaaaaaag with grace, space and pace. It's just the last word in elegance and sophistication. What a lovely machine!
I bought one for 5.5k a year ago. Better than this one. Slightly lower miles. Check the auction sites. Still some bargains out there. A few dreamers advertising for 20k.
I'm going through a '96 one currently. You need to pay close attention to the front suspension (needs all new bushings, ball joints, shocks, tie rods etc) the hydraulic motor mounts are unobtanium, you will need to pay v close attention to cooling hoses and fuel injection lines but otherwise x300 parts are good interchange. Great cars and v rare now
I really enjoyed the 1990s - I want to go back there. I don't think I'd be brave enough to buy a 12-cylinder Jag. Great video as always.
There is much nostalgia for the pre 9/11 days....
It's not that bad I mean I seem to be doing okay and I took the plunge in a v127 series
Underrated legend. Back when Jaguar was semi-reliable.
I really love your channel because of the fact you are reviewing such a broad selection of cars. It's so complete. Keep up the good work!
Back in the day when profligacy was a luxury.
The V12 is such a glorious engine and brings with it the heritage of Jaguar.
It's a G-R-E-A-T car because IT'S A JAAAAAAAAAAG.
I have an XF 3.0 litre and I luuuuuuuuuurv it - it's beautiful from any angle.
Always enjoy the sections where you demonstrate the car's engine noise, feel and response, e.g. at 3:45. Sad that with the EV only future, which the 'powers that be' have decided for us, this kind of thing will become increasingly rare!
The xj was the ultimate jaguar for me it embodied everything that William lyons said " grace ,pace and space with stunning looks
The 3.2-powered variant is exceptionally easy to maintain, and the steel is decent enough that a small expenditure on welding every year (or two, even) keeps rust at bay completely.
The gearbox is controlled mechanically, and the suspension is rudimentary, rendering it easy to service, and to replace parts. Everything from a full transmission flush to a change of the differential fluid is straightfoward.
Unless the price of fuel disallows regular use in your particular case, it's a Jag you can treat like any daily vehicle. You have to mishandle them severely to cause real issues.
i had the pleasure of driving a V12 XJS from a friend who worked at Jaguar and was blown away. i now own a mazda 2.5 turbo petrol and while the Mazda's performance is overall better on paper the memory of the Jag is just the class it did it with.
The most low-key cool fact from the movie 'Ransom' - Mel Gibson drove a parchment XJ12. Classy! 👌
I drove an X300 Daimler Double Six as my genuine daily driver for about 5 years; even put winter tyres on it when necessary. did about 40 miles a day; country and town. Now drive a series 3 double six (after a brief flirt with a DB7 GT) daily. Possibly because I'm older than you James I prefer my current series 3; I think because it floats and has a thin steering wheel so even though I don't smoke I feel I should have a cigar in my hand and drive as such
Nothing comes close to these cars for sheer relaxed momentum.
My neighbor owns 2 of the Series three, one is in primo condition, and a daily driver. The other, well....she's a garage queen. When out for a walk it's always a treat to see one of them parked on the street....they look like new cars inside and out. I've been crazy about the design since my teenage years.
That's how a genuine old school Jaguar should look like!
If there's Jaguar V12 content i'm here for it. Jayemm, I sense you have a place in your fleet for some 1980s/90s cheap V12 action. You can get into a useable XJS V12 for under £5k you know - just thought you should know ;)
As a V12 XJ-S owner, I would expect nothing but a restoration project from a £5k car. Probably welding work needed and hence paint. Tatty interior, and of course, absolutely none of the essential mechanical rejuvenation done. (Knackered old dampers x6, rotten sagged springs x6, rotten front subframe, old fuel hoses, stuck ignition advance on a pre-1988.5, non-functioning Teves ABS if a 1988.5 on, old coolant hoses, old coolant, stuck thermostat x2, coolant system silted up, heater valve stuck, Delanair a/c problems, etc etc etc. Honestly, £5k will buy you an absolute heap of chod. £10k for a reasonably reliable working car that still needs a few grand over the next couple of years. £15k-20k for a good one without an immediate list of things to do. As with all older Jags, these are manageable if you can do your own work and then it's just parts costs which can still add up. If you're paying someone else to look after it, an XJ-S will take the shirt off your back.
Back in the late 90s I traded a Jensen Interceptor for a Series III V12 as i wanted a more economical and reliable car… can you imagine?! I wish I’d held on to both of them now!🙈
I have had the 6.0 Daimler Double Six version of this car for over 10 years now…it’s magnificent (was special order only in last few years production). At a jag charity do owners could blast up a runway for a tenner…an old boy turned up in his 6.0 DDS and gunned it - they radar clocked him at over 160mph! 😂
X300 was my favourite model. I had the Jaguar brochure back in 94.
I always forget that Jaguar produced an XJ12 version of the X300. What a fabulous car the V12 XJ's were. Whether it was a Series 1/2/3, an XJ81 or the X300, they had an unrivalled mix of performance and luxury, combined with ride and handling characteristics that other manufacturers could only dream of. So the build quality often wasn't anything to boast about, especially during the dark days of the British Leyland built S2, spend the day with one on some good country roads and any of the cars faults will soon be forgiven.
There's just something very cool about a big barge like this bombing down the road holding a steady speed regardless of the bends or road surface.
Having owned three later X308 series XJs, I can agree. My all-steel 2001 XJR with 370 hp supercharged V8 weighed in at a comparatively featherweight (compared with today’s full-sized luxury cars) 4000 lb. The car sat four inches closer to the ground than competing Mercs and BMWs, and sported a double-wishbone suspension with Bilstein shocks. In the corners it could wax all three of the top German competitors. And yet it rode as if on a cloud. In that department Jaguar had no equal, even back in the 1950s.
I agree about the styling of the X300, although I think the little detail tweaks for the X308 actually perfected it. The X308 is my favorite styling of any sedan ever. And while the 6.0 V12 is silky smooth, it always felt kind of lazy to me. I'm sure better camshafts and maybe some cylinder head work would clear that up, especially if it were paired with a manual (I only ever drove examples with 3 speed autos). The supercharged 4.0L V8 in the X308 XJR, however, is magic. It kills me that Jaguar never built one with a manual like the X300, or I think I would have bought one years ago. The X308 interior is just as gorgeous as the exterior; those updates versus the X300 are much more noticeable. And the responsiveness of the handling very much impressed me, although the steering is overboosted (sort of the 1950s Chrysler "steer with one finger" mindset). Very strong brakes, too! It's be a dream with a Tremec T56.
Обожаю эту модель ...Она прекрасна...Настоящий англичанин...Спасибо автору канала..
That rounded, quad headlight look will never be out of style. I'm am American and grew up lusting after Dodge Viper RT/10s and the "catfish" SS Camaros (the one that nobody likes) along with it's gloriously ridiculous Pontiac cousin, the benostriled WS6 Pontiac Trans Am, but I always had a thing for Jags. My aunt had a XJS V12 in the 80s and it was just fantastic. I'm aiming for an XJR (X350 era) soon while they're still very cheap.
Oh and I don't know if one even exists over there, but I think seeing you drive around in something like a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am would be great fun. That may be the last British car to ever exist. You may as well have a huge red flashing sign with an arrow above it with the words "Look at me!" Refined and classy it is not. The juxtaposition of that car with you in it would make for a great video, again, if you can find one there and if you can bring yourself to be seen in one, which I imagine you'll have much trouble doing.
One of Jaguars best cars. The V12 is an awesome engine and easy to work on.
Hi. Interested in your comment. They look very complicated to me. Do you speak as a mechanic? the reason I ask is, I am contemplating buying one.
Good question Malcolm. All V12s look complicated. I have two 6 litre XJS and compared to the older 5.3 V12, the rubber fuel lines are replaced by steel pipes and the vacuum lines have been reduced to what you would expect on a V8. Ignition seems to be easy to understand and the inlet manifolds are bigger. I work on my own cars. I think the later saloon V12s had coil packs and were distributor less. The money that Ford spent on the engine upgrades from 1993 gave the V12 excellent reliability.
1990’s fuel prices 55p a litre,running mk2 golf gti 16v,happy days.
Lovely example, indeed the v12s are a very rare sight on the road these days.
My brother had a 95 X300 with the 6 liter 12. (Technically an X305) - one of the last few VINs imported to the US. I had an X308 at the time (with an "Original Jaguar Replacement Engine" tag on the block at the firewall - the Nikasil Cylinder liners were swapped out and the secondary Cam-Chain Tensioners updated to later, metal ones. The V12, plus XJ40 interior was really nice, but driving them back to back, the X308, with ZF 4HP was quicker to rev, and felt MUCH lighter on its feet. It should have. It was almost 500 pounds lighter. Both beautiful cars, I have pics of them together.
Sorry, accidently hit thumbs down, really didn't mean it, these videos are great!
I remember looking at one of these in my local Jag showroom, and saying to the salesman how good it looked bearing in mind it was essentially a 40 year old design!
I now have one of these, a 1996 XJ12, British Racing Green over Coffee. It's a glorious car, most of the time.
V12s are masterpieces
Own a S1 2.8,S2 5.3,and XJ40 & X300 3.2. Had the XJ81, and it was bloody awesome
Oh god I've just watched the whole video. Jay you bastard, this is going to cost me a fortune.
I have a XJ40 Sovereign and I could never wrap my head around the very high fuel consumption of the V12. The inline-6 already double my Mazda 3. Still, it is a very nice car!
Best sedan of all
the craftsmen in the radford engine plant who made the V12 were first rate
To say that these cars draw attention, would be an understatement.
Glorious. There is, infact, an X300 shape parked in the next street to where I grew up, and it has the V12 badge on the B pillar. I've often wondered if it was a real one or just a badge. Would forgive that car almost anything for that engine. It is - it has always been - a masterpiece, despite its fuel consumption...
Glad to see these cars were appreciated, They haven't made a sedan as distinct or beautiful since the X300/308 IMO. You can still get X308s are bargain prices. I picked up a X308 XJ8 and later an XJR and never regretted it. I alternate them as daily drivers and got both for less than half the price of a new Camry. Almost bought a carnival red '96 XJ12 but figured I don't need another car, I often regret not picking it up.
Well done as always!
AHHHH! I own one of these! The 1996 has so many reliability improvements on the V12 over all the other previous years. Its the largest displacement V12 at 6L and removed the Distributor system present on EVERY other Jaguar V12 as in Ford revisions notes "...To reduce likely-hood of fire in Catalytic Converters due to misfires..." Not only that the X300 series has a GM transmission rated for 400Ft/lbs of torque with modest gear ratios that honestly would probably do with being a bit more economic driven as the RPMs were the same at speeds as my V8 Crown Vic, especially so as it gets 9MPG city and at best 13MPG highway compared to the 17/24 of the Crown Vic. Furthermore it is one of two years to feature the brakes on the outboard of the rear axel rather than the infamous rear inboard brakes of all models previous. And frankly after stainless brake lines, EBC yellows with slotted rotors, the braking performance puts my '14 Interceptor Utility to shame. Gotta say tho in Carnival Red these cars look amazing, not only that driving down highways at night there is a nifty reflection on the hood from the highway reflectors being reflected four ways on the hood that I've never seen in any other car. The biggest issue tho with these cars is the interior just falls apart around 80,000 miles. It doesnt really seem year based, more the mount of times things need to be used/actuated to get to 80k driven miles. The Driver door mechanism just stops locking, the power tilt/seat just no longer move, the headliner sags, the "cup holder" no longer opens, the radio no longer turns on, the power dimming mirror just ceases to function and discolors, the radiator hoses fail, the alternators last months after replacement, the power antenna no longer operates, door panels fall off due to unusual mounting (relying on plastic parts not screws/bolts) and on V12s spark plugs last a measly 10,000 miles, and there's only 1 spark plug, made by NGK. Also maintenance wise there is a rather important thing about the X300 V12 that seems to be forgone which is since it uses the same drive by wire system the other X300 platform cars do but has two throttle bodies, so its very important to adjust all the linkages to get quick response and correct throttle plate movement. Now if someone was looking to buy a Jaguar I would say go with a X300 series, but I would highly recommend the XJ6 as it was much less costly in maintenance, more reliable, and got the same fuel efficiency of the Crown Vic with very similar power, I believe, and had nearly identical fuel economy 16 city and 24 highway, but at the added bonus of being able to do 130, compared to at best 122 in the Crown Vic. Oh and it rode like it was on air compared to the P71 which honestly feels like a truck. And to wrap I also have all the documentation of my XJ12 and it sold in 1996 for $121,990 American dollars, the XJ6 comparatively was $56,000 in the same year.
Thanks J, always good to have Jaag content! Perhaps some sort of Jag in your fleet to? 🙏🙏
The best car Jaguar ever made
I have a 1996 Daimler Century Double Six, an absolutely beautiful car to look at and to drive, only 100 manufactured to commemorate 100yrs of Daimler
Great review on one of the worlds most wonderful cars ever. Thankyou James
There’s something about Jaguars that I have always admired. I own an XJV6, It took a little getting used to the styling change with the 351 models, but the longer I have it, the more I like it. Mine is a Portfolio, and comes with the extras you would expect- Therefore I find it strange that there exists a model which has even.more. It certainly follows the claim of ‘space, grace &pace - although I would like to have the lLWB Version, I have come to realise that a) my wife complains about the fact that this one usually pokes out from parking spaces, she would certainly have more to moan about with the LWB1
What a great jaguar one I did not know about thank you
Loverly cars I’ve had three my current one is v8 sport and I use it every day and just puts a smile on your face gets a lot of Compliments on it!, if your worried about fuel costs go and buy a modern euro box!
Hi Jay nice piece on the XJV12 but four or six mpg is awful, I have a 1998 XJ8 Sport and the styling is the same, it’s a great drive and certainly turns heads, it’s sure not the cheapest car to keep on the road and the fact that some of the most basic part are no longer available doesn’t help.
Mine currently needs a replacement fuel feed pipe and they are just not to be had, so the old one has to come off and away to a,pipe specialist to fabricate a new one using the existing unions.
But can’t wait till I get it back on the road as the pleasure of driving it is second to none.
Take Care Stay Safe Everyone Regards Dave 👍😎🏴
I’ve had a lifelong love affair with the XJ and of all of them, the 12 is my favourite 👍
Fantastic review, not too often you hear people talking about the XJ12 X300. On the topic of lesser known British cars, have you got any plans to review an Ultima RS, Lister XJS or Noble M600?
I'm sure he'd jump at the opportunity to. It's whether anyone is willing to bring their car out and let him drive it. There's not too many people with those cars, and even less who actually bring them out and drive them, and then even less than that who will let someone else drive them.
I'd LOVE to see a Lister Le Man's road test but I think they're incredibly rare. There's hardly any vids about them on RUclips at all, I don't believe that they were the best put together of things with their flared arches and bodykit hiding incredible bodywork rust and damage. Staggering cars though 7.0ltr V12 with twin superchargers and 600bhp and over 200mph top speed! I also LOVE Ultimas, Guiness World Record acceleration holders and 0-100-0 records too. Nobles of any kind are also superb cars and I'd happily watch a road test of literally any model.
I had an X300 3.2 straight 6, and an X330 V8 4.0 over a period of about 14 years. First one 6 years, Xj* about 8 years. The XJ8 4.0 is the best car I have ever had. I also had a loaner XJ12 a couple of times when my XJ was in for repairs. It was a nice car, but it did not impress me. The V12 was a very lethargic large engine. I don't now the stats, but I would bet good money the XJ8 4.0 was more powerful, quicker and better handling as well as more reliable. I may well buy a vintage XJ again, but it wont be a V12 as I don't think they are worth it.
You're right about manufacturers not making it clear what engine is powering a car.
Manufacturers' websites are so bad now, i go to Wikipedia instead.
As you point out, Ford’s ownership starting 1989 finally restored Jaguar’s reputation for reliability, which it enjoyed before being taken over by British Leyland in the late ‘60s. The model range that best exemplified the benefits of Ford ownership was the one after the XJ12, the X308 series. For the first time, a Jaguar was powered by a V8: a 4-cam 32-valve 4L V8 at that, with optional supercharger!
Jaguar’s AJV8 is still in production, and is in every way superior to their old V12, which was a major gas hog and can no longer pass state emissions tests here in the USA. Jaguar’s 4.0L AJV8 is a legendary power plant still in production. In supercharged form, it could transform its V8 purr into a snarling panther with a jab on the gas pedal.
I’m not rich, but through careful research and a nearby, honest, Jaguar-only service shop (I cannot stress this enough) I’ve been graced with three X308 XJs, two of them supercharged. Most people don’t know this, but Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons (Jaguar=Lyons, get it?) had as his top priority a luxury sedan capable of 150 mph, with ride and noise management superior to the current-year Rolls-Royce. His legendary sports cars - and I owned a 1970 XK-E - were a means to an end.
One of my XJs, branded in the US as a Vanden Plas Supercharged, was hand-finished in their labor-intensive Coventry plant by experts in hide and hardwood trim, no two exactly alike. In 2001, the year of my VDP SC, some 240 were scheduled for worldwide production. Pull up to the curb in this long-wheelbase executive limo at the Mark Hopkins in San Francisco and everything stops.
But alas, the X308 generation, built from 1998-2003 model years, has aged out from being an everyday driver by a guy who is not rich. Just about any car passes 18 model years or 150 thousand miles, it is pretty much worn out and if forced to carry on, will eat you out of house and home. If you have an unbearable longing for a Jaguar, a new-generation XJ or XF could be for you. Used versions are practically being given away, because there are serious doubts whether Jaguar will be available in the USA, or anywhere else, past 2023. I’m sure parts and service will still be available, and if I was a few decades shy of my current 72 years, I’d be on the hunt for one.
XJ6 X300 has fab ride, and is a fun daily, without the massive overheating susceptibility of the v12. One came up for sale, thorough updated list of maintenance, yet my mechanic vetoed it as he would not trust any other Jag mechanic he did not know and could talk with (and of course get paid for his time to do so). V 12 promise over an inline 6 is notably greater torque, but in light of modern electric cars and their instant max torque, that’s not enough. Sooo, a 12 has got to sound a LOT better. Does it? That’s the big Q, and Jay seems to say affirmative.
On a side note, the leather between models I think is a bigger thing. My base Xj6 has been liberally maintained beyond its value (entire front suspension re done) and drives and sounds pleasant, but VP and XJR6 models have superior leather!
XjR looks the same as Sport spec leather and seems to be awful by 100k miles. Tears and splits not even on the bolster.
Always loved the style of the twin round lights, even on my Dad’s old 76 XJ6!
I fully support HubNut owning one of these glorious beasts.
Thanks for sharing this one jay! Oh man id love one of these!
Fantastic review Jay, thanks for bringing this rare V12 out to showcase.
How about following this up with an X308 XJR to compare and contrast?
I have an excellent example if you're interested, finished in black with ivory leather interior and dark wood. She's was built for export to Japan, so is in excellent condition.
The X300 was originally supposed to have the V8 in, but it wasn't ready, so the straight six and V12 continued on. When the V8 was ready they tweaked the X300 further thus became the X308.
My friends Dad had the Daimler double six version, I got to have a drive and it was akin to flooring a powerboat, all nose in the air and noise, but what a noise !
I have always thought the V12's engine bay was a mess but not this one - well done Ford !
Yep the 6L is MUCH easier on the eye!
My dream car. I actually currently daily drive an XJR6 because I could never find one of these within my budget. It costs me an absolute fortune to run. I just really don’t think I could afford to run one of these. Parts are hard to find and expensive on top of that. And the fuel costs, as you mentioned. The only way to go with these is to save up a good amount and just try and find a decent example, rather than being tempted by cheap ones. You’ll be playing catch-up for years in terms of money and restoration.
If you can work on it yourself I have a XJ X308 3.2 v8 in British racing green, head gasket need to be fixed, and some welding work underneed. I want €1350 for it. Can be picked up or shippid from the Netherlands
Oozes cool 😎 well done to the current owner for keeping it 👏 I love a car with history and memories
I always love the music at the end 🥰 & the cars are a bonus🤣
Great vid and review as usual. One pet peeve, the exhaust mic’s do nothing for me. More in car engine sound wouldn’t be a bad thing, especially in one of these.
It's surprisingly hard to record satisfying exhaust sounds.
I loved my xj12. It was my first car.
Superb car - though at 4mpg I can see why Steve Bruce went instead for the XJ8 (sports version) with the all-alloy AJ-V8 3.2 litre engine.
5:17 Also makes it start off in 1st. Switched to N, you have to mat the gas pedal into the kickdown switch to get first gear.
5:34 I think those wheels are 16x7"
The x300 XJ12 was probably the best car ever made. Imho. Wish my 95 Sovereign was the V12. Only "Quite enjoying it"? I want it. NOW
I much prefer the styling of the XJ40 Sport with quad headlights.
All I can say is that I have known a good number of Jaguar owners who have had serious automatic gearbox issues. A guy who worked with me bought a brand new XJ8 and 3 weeks after he received the car there was a gearbox error warning light. It refused to go into any gear. he phoned the dealer, and they collected it. After a week they called him to say it was ready for collection, he collected the car and 2 days later the same thing happened. The dealership agreed to replace the gearbox and provided video evidence to show that a new gearbox had been fitted, he was of course happy with this result. Then 3 weeks later the same happened again. He contacted the dealership and demanded they collect the car, which they did. He then refused any more work on what was a new car, and he demanded he get his money back, which he did get. He stated that he would never buy a Jaguar again, This is not the first time I have heard this happen.
the v12 and XJR6 use a GM 4L80e, so quite a stout and reliable box
Awesome to see an X300 (yeah yeah X305 I know 🤦🏻♂️) on the channel.
I wouldn’t part with my 4.0 X300 swb Sovereign. Makes an awesome Sunday cruiser, but will happily roll up its sleeves and jump back into daily service if required without a sweat! Terrible mpg around town, I mean shocking! 😮 but who cares when you own a big Jaaaaaaaag. However and it’s a big however! I regularly get a genuine 30-31mpg on a run @ an alleged 70’ish mph. Remember it’s smiles per gallon in these 😉
If you want to feel like lord of the manor buy an X300, the last “proper Jaaaag” in my opinion. Plus the amount of “nice car mate” comments I get is unreal! And that’s saying something as I have had some cars in my fleet over the years… my current Jaaaaaaaag X300 and I won’t part! That much so we are moving out of London due to ULEZ, yup We’ve put the house up for sale as my Jaaaaaag really means that much 🤯
Great research on a great car. Thanks for this video!
I bought an 89 XJ 3.6 in 94. £1000, £1500 overhaul at a Jaguar specialist. A lovely car. Not ridiculously thirst, but sometimes a challenge to park...And £600 for a set of tyres!.
And a sight on the bonnet for those pesky pedestrians, too!
I priced up tyres for my XJ12 and Fallen are 100 each. Premium such as pirelli are 50% more but I've had good experiences with Falken in the past with a TVR.
Yes the engine , I was a jaguar owner from 79 till 95 , the prob😢 with the X is trim inside the Car , I felt at last reliable drive train and engine , but the trim just was not the same as XJ . ❤
90s 10 years ago? Ah, this is my place.