First car: an XJ6 manual
Discussion
So...
I finally bought myself a car! I initially wanted something that had character, class and was a classic. I started on an XJS, as I don't think there is a car for less than £10k which is more beautiful or offers more of the performance I was after. The main killer was that, for my budget, I could only really afford a V12 auto: I appreciate that this is considered by many to be "the" XJS to get, but I really wanted a manual gearbox, and the fuel bills of the V12 auto scared me.
As a 19 year old, the highest cost is insurance. I therefore had to travel the less trodden path. I opted for the Jaguar XJ6 X300, and found the insurance to be very reasonable. I did some homework (probably nowhere near enough!) and, as the manuals are so rare, I settled on getting an auto.
I went to go and see a pristine one, which was very enjoyable and I was ready to return and buy it, but the guy emailed me later to say that he didn't want to sell it. It was very disappointing, as the car was truly immaculate and I had fallen in love with it.
Then, I spied a manual XJ6 near me for sale... one thing lead to another, and I eventually bought it.
She is a 1997 Jaguar XJ6 3.2 Sport with a rare manual transmission in Carnival Red with an Oatmeal Leather interior. She is, to be fair to her, a shabby lady. I know that she is a bit battered, both inside and out, and that it costs me a fortune every hour I spend with her, but I just love being inside her, and using her... as a result, I have named her Roxy. The drivers bolster is shagged, the radio has lost its code (help with unlocking this would be gratefully received), she has lacquer peeling on the boot, bubbling around the fuel tank and a slightly sagging headlining (again, please help!)... cosmetically, she is far from perfect. Mechanically, she appears to be alright. Only time will tell how sound she actually is, but the coolant warning light popped up just as I got her home
In comparison to the VW Polo I have been driving up until now, she starts slowly, but pulls like a train as you pop her into her preferred RPM band of 3.5-4k. Alternatively, she is perfectly capable of just effortlessly wafting around in whatever gear I choose... I can honestly say that I am in love. I love that I can select whatever gear I like, I love the versatility that she offers me, I love that I can't see anything at any given junction due to the ludicrously long bonnet, and I love that I can't yet park her as she is too long for any parking space... most importantly though, I love that she takes up the entire width of the road, without being so wide as to be cumbersome.
On thing that is a little upsetting is the noise. She whirrs, and the transmission is more noisy that the engine unless you really push her beyond her comfortable limits. Also, quick gear changes at speed are a challenge: I have only tried one, and I was very close to submitting a whiplash claim! I am unsure as to whether my injury was caused by a clumsy gearshift, or if the box is not engineered to do quick gear changes, but I am sure with practise I will perfect it...
In short she is unbelievable. I am driving to Scotland on Saturday, and hopefully she will make it the entire way. If not, the AA can always step in
most important, urgent jobs at the moment are to sort out the coolant level, fix the radio and relacquer the boot lid... after that, a new seat and headlinging are in order, and then a good, proper clean.
Any questions or help, fire away!
EDIT: Photos added, apologies for the appalling quality
I finally bought myself a car! I initially wanted something that had character, class and was a classic. I started on an XJS, as I don't think there is a car for less than £10k which is more beautiful or offers more of the performance I was after. The main killer was that, for my budget, I could only really afford a V12 auto: I appreciate that this is considered by many to be "the" XJS to get, but I really wanted a manual gearbox, and the fuel bills of the V12 auto scared me.
As a 19 year old, the highest cost is insurance. I therefore had to travel the less trodden path. I opted for the Jaguar XJ6 X300, and found the insurance to be very reasonable. I did some homework (probably nowhere near enough!) and, as the manuals are so rare, I settled on getting an auto.
I went to go and see a pristine one, which was very enjoyable and I was ready to return and buy it, but the guy emailed me later to say that he didn't want to sell it. It was very disappointing, as the car was truly immaculate and I had fallen in love with it.
Then, I spied a manual XJ6 near me for sale... one thing lead to another, and I eventually bought it.
She is a 1997 Jaguar XJ6 3.2 Sport with a rare manual transmission in Carnival Red with an Oatmeal Leather interior. She is, to be fair to her, a shabby lady. I know that she is a bit battered, both inside and out, and that it costs me a fortune every hour I spend with her, but I just love being inside her, and using her... as a result, I have named her Roxy. The drivers bolster is shagged, the radio has lost its code (help with unlocking this would be gratefully received), she has lacquer peeling on the boot, bubbling around the fuel tank and a slightly sagging headlining (again, please help!)... cosmetically, she is far from perfect. Mechanically, she appears to be alright. Only time will tell how sound she actually is, but the coolant warning light popped up just as I got her home
In comparison to the VW Polo I have been driving up until now, she starts slowly, but pulls like a train as you pop her into her preferred RPM band of 3.5-4k. Alternatively, she is perfectly capable of just effortlessly wafting around in whatever gear I choose... I can honestly say that I am in love. I love that I can select whatever gear I like, I love the versatility that she offers me, I love that I can't see anything at any given junction due to the ludicrously long bonnet, and I love that I can't yet park her as she is too long for any parking space... most importantly though, I love that she takes up the entire width of the road, without being so wide as to be cumbersome.
On thing that is a little upsetting is the noise. She whirrs, and the transmission is more noisy that the engine unless you really push her beyond her comfortable limits. Also, quick gear changes at speed are a challenge: I have only tried one, and I was very close to submitting a whiplash claim! I am unsure as to whether my injury was caused by a clumsy gearshift, or if the box is not engineered to do quick gear changes, but I am sure with practise I will perfect it...
In short she is unbelievable. I am driving to Scotland on Saturday, and hopefully she will make it the entire way. If not, the AA can always step in
most important, urgent jobs at the moment are to sort out the coolant level, fix the radio and relacquer the boot lid... after that, a new seat and headlinging are in order, and then a good, proper clean.Any questions or help, fire away!
EDIT: Photos added, apologies for the appalling quality
Edited by YoungRestorer on Thursday 31st July 20:59
Edited by YoungRestorer on Thursday 31st July 21:00
Right, just got off the phone with Jaguar, who have provided me with the Radio Code I needed. As I turned on the radio, what should come on but "Stairway to Heaven"... a good sign I like to think!
I will see if the gearbox continues to make a noise, or whether it is something else in the car, and many thanks again to Jaguar Steve for all his tips
I will aim to keep this updated with new photos and average fuel economy when I go to Scotland tomorrow: if I make it!
I will see if the gearbox continues to make a noise, or whether it is something else in the car, and many thanks again to Jaguar Steve for all his tips
I will aim to keep this updated with new photos and average fuel economy when I go to Scotland tomorrow: if I make it!
I wasn't expecting such a positive response! All I have had here at home are comments like:
"How much did you pay?"
"What's the MPG?" ( over the last couple of days, readout says 16)
"How much is insurance?"
If anyone else wondered if a jag as a first car was a good idea, I would say don't hesitate! She has shrunk around me, and I feel entirely comfortable driving her after just 2 days. She has that glorious "jaguar smell" as well, and when the chrome is shining, god she looks good... Every trip is now an event, and I wouldn't have it any other way
I'm going to Edinburgh today, for the fringe festival. If anyone is around, I can heartily self-recommend: search for "Voices of Lions" in the programme!
Dramatic Scotland and car shots when I return
"How much did you pay?"
"What's the MPG?" ( over the last couple of days, readout says 16)
"How much is insurance?"
If anyone else wondered if a jag as a first car was a good idea, I would say don't hesitate! She has shrunk around me, and I feel entirely comfortable driving her after just 2 days. She has that glorious "jaguar smell" as well, and when the chrome is shining, god she looks good... Every trip is now an event, and I wouldn't have it any other way
I'm going to Edinburgh today, for the fringe festival. If anyone is around, I can heartily self-recommend: search for "Voices of Lions" in the programme!
Dramatic Scotland and car shots when I return
So I have returned from Scotland: she missed only one, minor/terrifying beat... but more on that later.
MPG on the way back was 27.2, calculated from litres and distance, not the trip computer. In her defence, Roxy was driven pretty hard for that journey. We achieved about 32mpg on the trip up, but it also took 7 hours at 70, so pros and cons to be considered
I can't believe how smooth the ride is. At the end of the 7 hour trip, I stepped out of the car almost completely refreshed: had I done the same journey in my Polo, I would have been knackered. As it was, I could get ready preparing my voice for Edinburgh with a beer or four
I left her in a car park sat underneath a security camera for 10 days, and expected her to be drained when I got back. She started on the dot, which was a pleasant surprise. The drive back to the borders was quiet, with plenty of smooth jazz, and the dreaded hill upon which my house rests (normally a killer for underpowered cars) only affected fuel economy a little, as the jag could waft up it in 3rd... never has the drive been so relaxing.
I drove my friend to Carlisle station, and up until now Roxy had not missed a beat: there is a clutch clunk when changing from 2nd to 3rd, and the wheel judders a bit when breaking, but otherwise no problems at all. I stop in the middle of the road, ready to turn right, and then proceed to turn right. Halfway through the turn, the car falters, the steering becomes heavy, the brakes appear to jam on, and the car stalls, despite the clutch being on the floor. I wait 3 seconds, and turn her back on, whereupon she splutters, and dies again, with the oil and battery warning lights illuminated. I wait another 30 seconds, then start her up: no problem at all from then on. I would have written it off, but I remember a similar thing happen when I was turning right to park on the road when I first got her, and almost killing my dad, hence why I mention it. Any ideas chaps?
All in all, other than the stalling rubbish, we have no problems. Sometimes, when I start her from cold, she produces a mechanical whine when put into gear which goes after 20 secs, so I am monitoring that to see if it gets any worse. Other than my bank balance from 3 weeks in Scotland, everything else is great. Here are some "arty" photos that I took while up there:
MPG on the way back was 27.2, calculated from litres and distance, not the trip computer. In her defence, Roxy was driven pretty hard for that journey. We achieved about 32mpg on the trip up, but it also took 7 hours at 70, so pros and cons to be considered
I can't believe how smooth the ride is. At the end of the 7 hour trip, I stepped out of the car almost completely refreshed: had I done the same journey in my Polo, I would have been knackered. As it was, I could get ready preparing my voice for Edinburgh with a beer or four
I left her in a car park sat underneath a security camera for 10 days, and expected her to be drained when I got back. She started on the dot, which was a pleasant surprise. The drive back to the borders was quiet, with plenty of smooth jazz, and the dreaded hill upon which my house rests (normally a killer for underpowered cars) only affected fuel economy a little, as the jag could waft up it in 3rd... never has the drive been so relaxing.
I drove my friend to Carlisle station, and up until now Roxy had not missed a beat: there is a clutch clunk when changing from 2nd to 3rd, and the wheel judders a bit when breaking, but otherwise no problems at all. I stop in the middle of the road, ready to turn right, and then proceed to turn right. Halfway through the turn, the car falters, the steering becomes heavy, the brakes appear to jam on, and the car stalls, despite the clutch being on the floor. I wait 3 seconds, and turn her back on, whereupon she splutters, and dies again, with the oil and battery warning lights illuminated. I wait another 30 seconds, then start her up: no problem at all from then on. I would have written it off, but I remember a similar thing happen when I was turning right to park on the road when I first got her, and almost killing my dad, hence why I mention it. Any ideas chaps?
All in all, other than the stalling rubbish, we have no problems. Sometimes, when I start her from cold, she produces a mechanical whine when put into gear which goes after 20 secs, so I am monitoring that to see if it gets any worse. Other than my bank balance from 3 weeks in Scotland, everything else is great. Here are some "arty" photos that I took while up there:
Edited by YoungRestorer on Wednesday 20th August 17:01
Edited by YoungRestorer on Wednesday 20th August 17:03
A brief update: everything is fine with the car, alls going well apart from when it wouldn't start for a couple of weeks. This was due to lack of use, and I suspect moisture in the engine somewhere. It started alright, and hopefully it is now ok.
The timing chain/belt is still rattling/speaking upon start-up and I hope to replace it. However, I have been advised that it is a stupidly expensive job, and if it is then I won't bother. Does anyone have any knowledge on the cost of the job?
The timing chain/belt is still rattling/speaking upon start-up and I hope to replace it. However, I have been advised that it is a stupidly expensive job, and if it is then I won't bother. Does anyone have any knowledge on the cost of the job?
samj2014 said:
Is it a chain or a belt? Timing chains don't necessarily NEED changing, they just get a bit noisy, as you say.
Timing belts on the other hand DO need doing, every 4 years or 60,000 miles, whichever is sooner. Don't change it and you risk it snapping and completely ruining your engine. It's not really optional.
I have no idea: all I do know is that my trusted garage man says that it's not worth doing Timing belts on the other hand DO need doing, every 4 years or 60,000 miles, whichever is sooner. Don't change it and you risk it snapping and completely ruining your engine. It's not really optional.
Right! So I popped the bonnet, started the car and waited, camera rolling for the squeaking to commence. It did not. I turned around and drove off (after putting the bonnet back down!)
Less than 5 metres down the road, it starts again. I now have a video: but have no idea of how to share it. I'll upload it when I figure out how...
EDIT: Here we are! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyPmsVBOJ0A&li...
Less than 5 metres down the road, it starts again. I now have a video: but have no idea of how to share it. I'll upload it when I figure out how...
EDIT: Here we are! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyPmsVBOJ0A&li...
Edited by YoungRestorer on Tuesday 16th December 16:31
Update time again: a fight rucker appears to have stood my wiper up on end, then snapped it off and put it back on my windscreen. The metal appears to be completely shorn off, and I'm not really sure what to do with it other than drive it to my local jaguar specialist and ask them to sort it for me
carinaman said:
Did you get the belt adjusted?
Any chance of posting a few photos of the damage tomorrow?
I've done a wiper motor and I am useless at working on cars. I even had to get an impact driver so I could get the wiper motor out of a donor car in a scrapyard. Sadly I think I've lost that impact driver in another car since scrapped.
It sounds like it may be the wiper arm. That's not a big job.
I followed jaguarsteve's talcum powder recommendation, and the noise stopped, but funnily enough started up again on Wednesday... I hoped to book it in anyway so someone could sort that for me, but now the wiper is broken too! I'll take a photo of the snapped wiper: it could have just been the wind, but I just don't think there is enough of a surface area to create the force needed to break the metal so comprehensively.Any chance of posting a few photos of the damage tomorrow?
I've done a wiper motor and I am useless at working on cars. I even had to get an impact driver so I could get the wiper motor out of a donor car in a scrapyard. Sadly I think I've lost that impact driver in another car since scrapped.
It sounds like it may be the wiper arm. That's not a big job.
I noticed the wiper was a bit displaced on my way to my exam, but obviously didn't stop. Then when I came back, I checked it out. It was dark, so I will go out again at some point to check for any other vandalism.
Edited by YoungRestorer on Saturday 17th January 08:46
Helpful RE how to fit the new wiper: pictures were redundant as the vandal ripped off the plastic cover too and left it on my bonnet, but appreciated never the less 
Ordered my new wiper from Jag Spares, no idea how long it will take to arrive. Am I able to drive the car in the meantime? This model only has one wiper, so I am without, but I have a break booked with my girlfriend that I need to drive to reach at some point this week... legality of travel after vandalism when precautionary steps have been taken anyone?
Ordered my new wiper from Jag Spares, no idea how long it will take to arrive. Am I able to drive the car in the meantime? This model only has one wiper, so I am without, but I have a break booked with my girlfriend that I need to drive to reach at some point this week... legality of travel after vandalism when precautionary steps have been taken anyone?
Charmless man said:
What a t
tty thing to do, mindless pleb.
Re driving it without. Personally, I would go mad with the rain-x. Probably a bit of a risk but a fresh liberal dose will give you the full warp-speed effect!
It would only be a temporary measure, and I would hope to pull over and wait until the rain passed if I had to... In practise, I'm sure I would just drive a bit slower and a lot more carefully!tty thing to do, mindless pleb. Re driving it without. Personally, I would go mad with the rain-x. Probably a bit of a risk but a fresh liberal dose will give you the full warp-speed effect!
I have realised what happened: yesterday, I got a note on my windscreen asking me to not park my car in front of their drive (N.B. I am parked on the other side of the road, but I should have known better). I parked in that place on Thursday, and the wiper broke on Friday. Yet a note was only left on Monday. I think he tried to leave a note, broke my car then left it to try and avoid responsibility... I have no evidence at all, but is it worth knocking on the door to apologise for parking inconsiderately and then asking if he broke my wiper, or better to just swallow it? If it helps, I am a penniless student
I have also placed a call to jag tech, as I have decided that, even if I had ordered a new wiper, you can't put a price on safety (cliche, and a grim one at that) waiting for them to get back to me. Otherwise, I will just have to test my bodge job: a superglued and duct taped wiper arm that seems to hold... If it can't clean the windscreen without breaking, I know I'm truly fked for my trip today
I have also placed a call to jag tech, as I have decided that, even if I had ordered a new wiper, you can't put a price on safety (cliche, and a grim one at that) waiting for them to get back to me. Otherwise, I will just have to test my bodge job: a superglued and duct taped wiper arm that seems to hold... If it can't clean the windscreen without breaking, I know I'm truly f
ked for my trip todaySo! Update time.
My bodge job did not hold, and flew off the car the second I tried it. I did manage to find a new one just before I was due to go on holiday, which was good because it snowed in the Peak District, so a wiper was important to say the least. While on the road in the Peaks, I discovered a lovely great key scratch across the left hand side of the car: both doors and the back panel too. Not very noticeable, but I'm sure it was the same person who ripped off the wiper!
Fast forward 3 months: I had a financial crisis and tried to sell her (thankfully no-one wanted her!) and then I recovered.
This week she had a 10k mile service, and I also fitted some new tyres. God. She's completely different! Ride is even smoother, mpg is higher, engine is more effortless etc. etc. She needs new front brake callipers and the sills need repairing, but Jagtech Nottingham have assured me that it's a minimal job for minimal cash.
Next step is MOT in July, I'm sure it won't cost too much and I'm really looking forward to my return road trip to Edinburgh in August: bring on the summer!
My bodge job did not hold, and flew off the car the second I tried it. I did manage to find a new one just before I was due to go on holiday, which was good because it snowed in the Peak District, so a wiper was important to say the least. While on the road in the Peaks, I discovered a lovely great key scratch across the left hand side of the car: both doors and the back panel too. Not very noticeable, but I'm sure it was the same person who ripped off the wiper!
Fast forward 3 months: I had a financial crisis and tried to sell her (thankfully no-one wanted her!) and then I recovered.
This week she had a 10k mile service, and I also fitted some new tyres. God. She's completely different! Ride is even smoother, mpg is higher, engine is more effortless etc. etc. She needs new front brake callipers and the sills need repairing, but Jagtech Nottingham have assured me that it's a minimal job for minimal cash.
Next step is MOT in July, I'm sure it won't cost too much and I'm really looking forward to my return road trip to Edinburgh in August: bring on the summer!
Edited by YoungRestorer on Sunday 17th May 19:53
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