Old XJ6 as a daily?
Discussion
I have been pondering what to do about my daily hack for a while now. Here is my latest harebrained scheme...
I currently drive an E39 530i touring and it has been a great car, not without its faults, but a great car nonetheless. However I must admit that after nearly 3 years and 70K miles+ (the car is on 150k) I am a little bored with it. It's had quite a few niggly faults and I am starting to get tired of doing something to it every weekend. I don't mind tinkering, actually I like tinkering, but I fancy working on something different for a change.
I have a weekend car, so I am not looking for any thrills, just a supremely comfy motorway cruiser that will spend it's life going up and down 50 miles of the M5 every day with radio 4 on in the background. Bliss.
Is this all going to end in tears? I found this for sale quite near to where I work:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
I haven't been to look at it as it is a private sale and I don't want to waste the guys time if I change my mind (highly likely when the OH gets involved), but I do have an XJ itch...
I will do 20-25K a year in the car and it needs to be pretty reliable, but I will look after it. I care not-a-jot about fuel consumption - enjoy it while you can is my motto, and I only get 27 out of the 5 series anyway so hardly the paragon of efficiency.
I do want it to be reliable, and I read these 6 cylinder engines are pretty robust, but are there any other gotchas that will leave me at the side of the road?
Image doesn't bother me,but my wife will laugh if I buy an old jag and it spends it's life broken. I could buy a much newer car, x350 maybe, but the miles I am going to pile onto it make me feel like I'd just be sacrificing £50 notes to the god of depreciation. Feeding a big old jag with hydrocarbons has got to be the better option?
The way I see it is that these cars were designed to whoosh up and down the motorway, so it should make a good companion for a year or two. Any sage wisdom for me?
I currently drive an E39 530i touring and it has been a great car, not without its faults, but a great car nonetheless. However I must admit that after nearly 3 years and 70K miles+ (the car is on 150k) I am a little bored with it. It's had quite a few niggly faults and I am starting to get tired of doing something to it every weekend. I don't mind tinkering, actually I like tinkering, but I fancy working on something different for a change.
I have a weekend car, so I am not looking for any thrills, just a supremely comfy motorway cruiser that will spend it's life going up and down 50 miles of the M5 every day with radio 4 on in the background. Bliss.
Is this all going to end in tears? I found this for sale quite near to where I work:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
I haven't been to look at it as it is a private sale and I don't want to waste the guys time if I change my mind (highly likely when the OH gets involved), but I do have an XJ itch...
I will do 20-25K a year in the car and it needs to be pretty reliable, but I will look after it. I care not-a-jot about fuel consumption - enjoy it while you can is my motto, and I only get 27 out of the 5 series anyway so hardly the paragon of efficiency.
I do want it to be reliable, and I read these 6 cylinder engines are pretty robust, but are there any other gotchas that will leave me at the side of the road?
Image doesn't bother me,but my wife will laugh if I buy an old jag and it spends it's life broken. I could buy a much newer car, x350 maybe, but the miles I am going to pile onto it make me feel like I'd just be sacrificing £50 notes to the god of depreciation. Feeding a big old jag with hydrocarbons has got to be the better option?
The way I see it is that these cars were designed to whoosh up and down the motorway, so it should make a good companion for a year or two. Any sage wisdom for me?
I can't believe that! I've just been looking at this on Auto trader amongst other cars. You on't go far wrong with this model(x300), very reliable and in a different league to the BMW for driving. One of these with a good service history and evidence that it's been cared for ill go forever. I sold one about a year ago and have regretted it ever since. Take it for a spin and listen for knocks from the suspension, indicating worn bushes, make sure things like aircon work and that the heater arms up quickly. Also give it a thorough check for rust, not a huge problem on these cars, but neglected ones suffer. Mine as totally reliable and i am also on the look out for another.
Loads of threads running about old XJs recently.
Briefly: 3.2 and 4.0 litre 6 cyl and 6.0 V12 car from 1994-1997 (X300) and almost idential in apperance V8 3.2 and 4.0 litre from 1997-2003 (X308).
X300: Robust mechanically and capable of huge mileages if looked after. Good build and interior quality. Occasional electrical problems. Can rust badly - rear wheelarches, jacking points, front subframe mounts, sills and floorpan.
X308: Problems with secondary timing chain tensioners, throttle bodies, sealed for life gearboxes and water pumps. Also capable of high mileages but will not stand abuse or neglect. More complex electrically. Mechanically completly different to X300. Lighter build, more refined and much better performance. Occasional severe rust on front subframe mounts.
Check front tyres for uneven wear, braking action for smooth straight stop, all the electrics work, heating/vent and a/c all OK, suspension clonks or rattles, and general wear and tear. Bearing and diff noise. Gearboxes should always be smooth and quiet.
Expect up to 28MPG on a run and 18/22 round town. Tyres and spares reasonably cheap, Both easy to DIY service and replace consumables.
As with any old car an old XJ will benefit from a full fluid change and extensive rustproofing. Essential to buy the very best example you can afford and look after it.
Try PH Classifieds, Jaguar World magazine, and Carsandclassic.
Briefly: 3.2 and 4.0 litre 6 cyl and 6.0 V12 car from 1994-1997 (X300) and almost idential in apperance V8 3.2 and 4.0 litre from 1997-2003 (X308).
X300: Robust mechanically and capable of huge mileages if looked after. Good build and interior quality. Occasional electrical problems. Can rust badly - rear wheelarches, jacking points, front subframe mounts, sills and floorpan.
X308: Problems with secondary timing chain tensioners, throttle bodies, sealed for life gearboxes and water pumps. Also capable of high mileages but will not stand abuse or neglect. More complex electrically. Mechanically completly different to X300. Lighter build, more refined and much better performance. Occasional severe rust on front subframe mounts.
Check front tyres for uneven wear, braking action for smooth straight stop, all the electrics work, heating/vent and a/c all OK, suspension clonks or rattles, and general wear and tear. Bearing and diff noise. Gearboxes should always be smooth and quiet.
Expect up to 28MPG on a run and 18/22 round town. Tyres and spares reasonably cheap, Both easy to DIY service and replace consumables.
As with any old car an old XJ will benefit from a full fluid change and extensive rustproofing. Essential to buy the very best example you can afford and look after it.
Try PH Classifieds, Jaguar World magazine, and Carsandclassic.
Many thanks Steve... Good info there (and on the other threads too), very helpful indeed. The DIYable nature of these cars is a real plus, and at this price point isn't going to affect the value of a car too much doing services yourself.
I was most worried about gearbox problems (had to get the 5ers 'box rebuilt - ouch), as that's always going to be beyond me... Should I be looking for gearbox oil changes or is it really a non-issue?
This is an itch I am definitely going to have to scratch.
I was most worried about gearbox problems (had to get the 5ers 'box rebuilt - ouch), as that's always going to be beyond me... Should I be looking for gearbox oil changes or is it really a non-issue?
This is an itch I am definitely going to have to scratch.
You mention the X350 as a contender. Have you seen how much these are now? 4-5k! A serious bargain,but you'd need to get the low down from someone ho knows these cars. I was a bit put off by the car you linked on your post mainly because it's the very base model, i would go for better spec really. A sovereign in great condition would be my choice or even an XJR. For a daily driver though and with such low miles, you can't for a wrong for that price.
pete5570 said:
You mention the X350 as a contender. Have you seen how much these are now? 4-5k! A serious bargain,but you'd need to get the low down from someone ho knows these cars. I was a bit put off by the car you linked on your post mainly because it's the very base model, i would go for better spec really. A sovereign in great condition would be my choice or even an XJR. For a daily driver though and with such low miles, you can't for a wrong for that price.
Yes the x350 does seem to have come down a great deal recently and they are very, very tempting for that reason, I also think they are lovely looking cars inside and out. I have read about some corrosion issues, and small stuff that's more annoying than earth shattering...But...
Depreciation is a given on all but the rarest of cars, and it's not helped by the sort of mileage I am going to do. While the x350 is much more modern, more economical, and a much more OH friendly car; I cannot help but feel that 4-5K could very quickly become 2K or even less. Whilst I have a lot more in my budget than a £1K x300, a £1K x300 can only lose £1k in value, and expensive repairs are just as likely on the newer metal, and less likely to be DIYable on the newer car.
I said my scheme was harebrained, but maybe it isn't that daft after all. I've struggled for ages to think of a replacement for the 5, I have considered a 7 series through to a Fiat Panda 100hp (no, really...). Every car you can think of that is even remotely interesting has something wrong with it, some sort of 'gotcha', the trick is to pick a car where most of it is Internet hype.
As regards the spec of the car in the link - yes I agree it is a bit base spec, however I think of what toys I really love on my 5, and the only ones I will miss are the rain sensitive wipers, and even them I can live without, and as you say the low mileage and price are uncommon. If it's a fastidious owner (I notice no mention of SH in the ad), then it could be a great workhorse car. Advice seems to be to look at lots, which is bit tricky down where I live as there aren't that many to choose from, but I think I will follow your lead and take my time.
skoff said:
Many thanks Steve... Good info there (and on the other threads too), very helpful indeed. The DIYable nature of these cars is a real plus, and at this price point isn't going to affect the value of a car too much doing services yourself.
I was most worried about gearbox problems (had to get the 5ers 'box rebuilt - ouch), as that's always going to be beyond me... Should I be looking for gearbox oil changes or is it really a non-issue?
This is an itch I am definitely going to have to scratch.
X300 has gearbox oil and filter changes scheduled every 30k. 3.2 X300 has 4 speed mechanically controlled ZF box and 4.0 has similar electronicaly controlled one. Both virtually indestructable.I was most worried about gearbox problems (had to get the 5ers 'box rebuilt - ouch), as that's always going to be beyond me... Should I be looking for gearbox oil changes or is it really a non-issue?
This is an itch I am definitely going to have to scratch.
X308 (non supercharged) has much more refined and responsive ZF 5 speed box. Intended to be sealed for life with long life oil to save maintainence costs jaguar don't schedule any change throughout the life of the car. As a result lots go pop after 70-80k. Oil can be changed and should be at 50k and every 30k after using the correct esso/mobil oil. Its a bit of a pita getting the level correct- theres no dipstick- but essential maintainence. If done there's no reason a x308 box should not go way past 100k. I've driven a perfect 170k example on original engine and box.
It's when you start to test drive these cars it gets hard, you fall in love with them, the rose tints come on and you forgive small problems (i did this!).The thing is, even a dodgy one can feel better to drive than most cars. I would take the kind offer and have a go in one so you have something to judge any potential purchase by. I have to say though, even though i broke all my own rule hen i bought mine, it as still totally reliable and great to drive.
I would opt for the x300 as they are more user friendly from a diy point of view. In fact I did! I got a very well maintained, 2 previous owners 97 sovereign, with a 3.2 litre engine. A little unusual as most were 4.0, but the simple straight six was always a favourite of mine. The biggest issue with mine was worn rear shock bushes, but replacing the rear shock is a diy job if you know your way around a car. A bit more involved on the x300 but very do-able. The only other complaint was peeling top coat, quite common on these cars. I have done a lot of remedial/cosmetic repairs, but a full rub down and respray is on the cards for the end of the year. It's worth it as I intend keeping this one to the grave. It has all the whistles and bells and everything works! Look after it and it will look after you. Best of luck, but do take your time, as mentioned, these cars can be very seductive but the right one is out there.
I've been keeping an eye on this thread as I've been half heartedly looking into ditching my daily hack Fiesta and going for a Jag of some sort... I need a change and the replies to the OP have been very helpful so far. Looking at various ads for XJs these past few weeks has got the old grey cells spinning for Blighty, not knowing which way to look, I was all set to give up when I saw a beautiful 51 plate XJ8 in the works car park this morning... even in relatively 'plain' silver it looked the dogs in the flesh.... anyway, I've set my heart on making the leap when the time comes to ditch the little Ford and just want to thank those who've contributed here - cheers ;-)
richw_82 said:
I was hoping there was someone else using a S1 or S3 daily. Asking whether you can use an X300 every day is a bit of a pointless question really, as you still see loads of them out and about.
But of course there is daily use and there is daily use... My mileage is pretty high (25K miles per year just going to work and back). Somebody else might only do 8K which is an entirely different prospect in terms of reliability. I don't see that many Jaguars on the motorway at all really, it's a silver/grey torrent of diesel Audis. The only time I see a Jaguar it's a X-type, but even they are rare. I don't remember seeing a XJ for months and months.I must say I have been pleasantly surprised that it's pretty much unconditional love for the X300, they don't seem to have any vices. I think I will try to get a drive in a couple soon.
I'd also like to echo the thanks for all the contributions so far, very interesting reading. I'm keen to hear more, especially the real world experiences.
Edited by skoff on Wednesday 15th February 09:35
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