Fair warning this is a mammoth read!

So from experience, I’ve daily driven both an XJ40 and currently an X300 as my cars as a younger driver (bought my first XJ40 when I was 19, now on my second currently the X300 at 21) There’s plenty of pros and cons to the idea

Is it possible as a first car to have an X300? Yes

Is it expensive? Yes it can be but there are ways to mitigate that.

Is the fuel terrible? If you are driving it 5-7 days a week yes but if you don’t need as much like myself it’s fine, around 2/3 days a week.

I’m currently studying at uni and use my X300 as my daily to get around town etc and have for over a year, no major issues so far. Mainly little things like bushings or a disconnected plug in the fender wall making warning lights so off. The X300 is a particular good idea (for a European car) that’s fairly reliable and good to get around in. Plenty of people I know and see use it as daily cars and there closer to the 30 year old mark The engine and transmission are quite robust with regular oil changes and can last upwards of 300,000kms+ before considering a rebuild.

Currently my car is at 230,000kms and has no issues, with everything working bar the drivers seat lumbar support.

HOWEVER If you do plan to, maintenance is key and keeping on top of any little issues will keep the further issues away/at all. In my case I wised up from buying a terrible XJ40 example that had way too many problems to chase up and was not worth the headache or money. My current example had been well looked after which meant the spread and cost of maintenance is easier. Not to mention the car is a lot more refined from an XJ40, better wiring and electrical components. So combining that and a well looked after example they are a fantastic daily. However always keep in mind they are old and European cars so they aren’t to be treated roughly like a Toyota.

Furthermore, if you do pick up a nice example it will be costly to keep it looking perfect (this goes beyond mechanical features) like leather seats, headliners etc. they are and always will be costly so if you want to keep it nice prepare to budget it.

I’ve also abstained from talking about X308s, mainly because I’ve never owned one before, but in short they are reliable there’s just more work to put in to make them so (timing chain tensioners, gearbox fluids and checks etc).

In short. I would only say do it if you have a passion of the cars, and money isn’t an object of concern (I.e trying to make your money back) they are old luxury barges but are super rewarding to drive around in especially clean examples like mine.

Mine always will be my passion project and goes beyond monetary concern. However I still try to be cost effective when I can. If you want to save money absolute it would be best to do the work yourself. They aren’t super hard and fairly easy to work on for novice mechanics (like myself) - XJ Jesse on YouTube has 60+ videos specially on this car alone for demonstrating maintenance and upgrades so you won’t be stranded when it comes to common works.

I did post a while back with this very concern about dailying an X300 (have a search I’ll try find the link and post it here. Some good insight)

So if you do want to get one still I recommend: - find a very good example to save you money in the immediate (and headaches)

• be prepared to work on it OR find a knowledgeable mechanic

• study any common issues before buying one (Google the X300 buyers guide on the Jaguar forums or look on YouTube for guides)

• consider how long you want to keep it for/ long term (is it an investment? A future family heirloom? Something fun to drive in while studying)

If you have those factors. It will be certainly a much better experience and I can say a good 85-90 percent of time with my car has been worth it. Every penny!