Buying a Jaguar XJ6 or 12.

[pixieporsche]

First time in the Jaguar forum, be kind, lol.

I am going to be looking at XJ6/12, may well end up with something else but very cheap insurance (circa £250 for the year) would be silly not to!

Looked into the later X300 but couldn't find cheap insurance (I refuse to pay them over the odds, not that it's always been this way, lol)!

Looking at pros / cons for

XJ6/12 S1,2 and 3
XJ40 (4.0 ltr 6 and 12)

Will be main "daily" car, doing about 12k miles per year.

Don't mind driving oldies as dailies so age doesn't come in to it!

Do I need to be wary of the 4.2 XK engine? Heard a few horror stories.

[a8hex]

The Jaguar XK wasn't in production for more than 40 years for nothing. If you look after it, it will look after you.
If you are after a daily driver then an X300 would be much the best bet.

[pixieporsche]

a8hex said:

The Jaguar XK wasn't in production for more than 40 years for nothing. If you look after it, it will look after you.
If you are after a daily driver then an X300 would be much the best bet.

A lot of people keep saying an X300 would be the best buy, why?

I don't have an awful lot of knowledge on Jaguar, Porsche is my poison Though isn't the X300 infact very simular to the XJ40 just with a few things reworked?

Anyway an X300 costs over £1000 to insure, I sum I am just unwilling to pay anymore.

[a8hex]

pixieporsche said:

a8hex said:

The Jaguar XK wasn't in production for more than 40 years for nothing. If you look after it, it will look after you.
If you are after a daily driver then an X300 would be much the best bet.

A lot of people keep saying an X300 would be the best buy, why?

I don't have an awful lot of knowledge on Jaguar, Porsche is my poison Though isn't the X300 infact very simular to the XJ40 just with a few things reworked?

Anyway an X300 costs over £1000 to insure, I sum I am just unwilling to pay anymore.

The X300 have galvanised bodies, and re-worked AJ16 engines. I've had mine for nearly 15 years now. Everyone in the trade seems to think they are much more resilient. They are also supposed to be much easier to work on yourself than the later V8s (X308).


I'm surprised about the insurance quote, if you can afford to insure a Porshe, I would have though an X300 would be much cheaper to insure.

[pixieporsche]

a8hex said:

pixieporsche said:

a8hex said:

The Jaguar XK wasn't in production for more than 40 years for nothing. If you look after it, it will look after you.
If you are after a daily driver then an X300 would be much the best bet.

A lot of people keep saying an X300 would be the best buy, why?

I don't have an awful lot of knowledge on Jaguar, Porsche is my poison Though isn't the X300 infact very simular to the XJ40 just with a few things reworked?

Anyway an X300 costs over £1000 to insure, I sum I am just unwilling to pay anymore.

The X300 have galvanised bodies, and re-worked AJ16 engines. I've had mine for nearly 15 years now. Everyone in the trade seems to think they are much more resilient. They are also supposed to be much easier to work on yourself than the later V8s (X308).


I'm surprised about the insurance quote, if you can afford to insure a Porshe, I would have though an X300 would be much cheaper to insure.

The problem is I've been used to classic car insurance for years. When I was younger I once paid £3700 to insure a Boxster S, never again!

My Porsche 944 costs £500, on a classic policy with Lancaster.

So it's complicated, I don't normally buy anything under 20 years old due to insurance and often due to personal preferance, but thats a different matter!

I may have a look at insurance for X300s again but in the mean while, I'm looking at a long run of cars from 1968-mid 1990s!

At the moment I rally fancy a series 1!! Been to look at about 5 series 3s, don't seem to see many series 2s. I did live with an XJ40 for a while last year while my cars were off the road, while I was fixing them I borrowed my OHs 2.9 Auto. That car got me thinking, perhaps a more powerful Jag would be good, drove a couple of Series 3s and more or less made my mind up!

I must be officially "old" as I really want a Jag and I'm only 22!!

[CDP]

a8hex said:

pixieporsche said:

a8hex said:

The Jaguar XK wasn't in production for more than 40 years for nothing. If you look after it, it will look after you.
If you are after a daily driver then an X300 would be much the best bet.

A lot of people keep saying an X300 would be the best buy, why?

I don't have an awful lot of knowledge on Jaguar, Porsche is my poison Though isn't the X300 infact very simular to the XJ40 just with a few things reworked?

Anyway an X300 costs over £1000 to insure, I sum I am just unwilling to pay anymore.

The X300 have galvanised bodies, and re-worked AJ16 engines. I've had mine for nearly 15 years now. Everyone in the trade seems to think they are much more resilient. They are also supposed to be much easier to work on yourself than the later V8s (X308).


I'm surprised about the insurance quote, if you can afford to insure a Porshe, I would have though an X300 would be much cheaper to insure.

+1

Far better electrical systems too.

Buy an old XJ6 but watch out for rust. The rear brake discs are inboard so cost a fortune to change and did anybody mention rust?

[williamp]

Perhaps you might help yourself if you decide between a V12 or a 6....or a V8.

The 6 will do almost everything a V12 will do with less fuel and les complexity (= cost), but its a V12, and you've got to own a V12 sometime in your life, right??

And what baout the V8? Then the question of with/out a supercharger.

[pixieporsche]

CDP said:

a8hex said:

pixieporsche said:

a8hex said:

The Jaguar XK wasn't in production for more than 40 years for nothing. If you look after it, it will look after you.
If you are after a daily driver then an X300 would be much the best bet.

A lot of people keep saying an X300 would be the best buy, why?

I don't have an awful lot of knowledge on Jaguar, Porsche is my poison Though isn't the X300 infact very simular to the XJ40 just with a few things reworked?

Anyway an X300 costs over £1000 to insure, I sum I am just unwilling to pay anymore.

The X300 have galvanised bodies, and re-worked AJ16 engines. I've had mine for nearly 15 years now. Everyone in the trade seems to think they are much more resilient. They are also supposed to be much easier to work on yourself than the later V8s (X308).


I'm surprised about the insurance quote, if you can afford to insure a Porshe, I would have though an X300 would be much cheaper to insure.

+1

Far better electrical systems too.

Buy an old XJ6 but watch out for rust. The rear brake discs are inboard so cost a fortune to change and did anybody mention rust?

With all the cars I buy rust is the biggest thing to watch for Already been to see two rotten series 3s!!

I must spend about 45 mins looking for rot alone when I go and see cars, always try to get them up in the air as heard so many horror stories of people not doing then ending up needing sills both sides come MOT time!

Thank you for advice regarding brakes - I didn't know this.

I don't know much about Jags, so any buyers tips are most welcome - don't want to end up buying a pup!

[pixieporsche]

williamp said:

Perhaps you might help yourself if you decide between a V12 or a 6....or a V8.

The 6 will do almost everything a V12 will do with less fuel and les complexity (= cost), but its a V12, and you've got to own a V12 sometime in your life, right??

And what baout the V8? Then the question of with/out a supercharger.

Right well it'll be a 6 or a 12, not a V8 as in all likelihood I won't be buying something that new.

Yes I have got to own a V12 .... stop tempting me

I don't mind between the 6 or the 12, I'm more bothered about buying one in good bodily and mechanical condition. Some Jag people I've spoke too seem to think got for the 12 or the AJ6 over the XK

I would like a Sovereign spec, though with what seems to be so few on the ground I don't think I can be that fussy, or should I be?

I have seen a nice Daimler Sovereign (series 3) for sale which I quite fancy.

[CDP]

pixieporsche said:

williamp said:

Perhaps you might help yourself if you decide between a V12 or a 6....or a V8.

The 6 will do almost everything a V12 will do with less fuel and les complexity (= cost), but its a V12, and you've got to own a V12 sometime in your life, right??

And what baout the V8? Then the question of with/out a supercharger.

Right well it'll be a 6 or a 12, not a V8 as in all likelihood I won't be buying something that new.

Yes I have got to own a V12 .... stop tempting me

I don't mind between the 6 or the 12, I'm more bothered about buying one in good bodily and mechanical condition. Some Jag people I've spoke too seem to think got for the 12 or the AJ6 over the XK

I would like a Sovereign spec, though with what seems to be so few on the ground I don't think I can be that fussy, or should I be?

I have seen a nice Daimler Sovereign (series 3) for sale which I quite fancy.

I would buy on condition rather than kit but you can afford to be fussy with cars as looking longer is always better than buying the wrong one.

Just to clarify that XJ40s onwards had outboard rear discs.

[pixieporsche]

Thankyou

I seem to be doing a fair bit of research into this upcoming Jaguar. I used to buy cars on a "well that looks alright, I'll go and see it" now though I like to know the ins and outs of what I'm buying first, lol!

Only a few days ago I was torn between a nice comfortable Jag and a 924 turbo (yes as a daily - as you can tell age, rarity, unsuitability as a daily doesn't really put me off!) I'm edging towards the Jag at the moment as I just seem to constantly buy the same things (Porsches / MGs / BMWs).

I've been quite poorly over christmas and new year but hopefully now getting better, so thinking I may have to make some time next week to see this Daimler Sovereign - in the XJ6 series, "Daimler" is just a badge isn't it nothing different to the Jag is there??

[Straight6DOHC]

As regards insurance. Join one of the Jaguar clubs such as JEC and JDC. It slashed £400 off my insurance quote for an xjr6 (and that was with the same insurance company). Classic insurance mind you. (No affiliation)

[CDP]

pixieporsche said:

Thankyou

I seem to be doing a fair bit of research into this upcoming Jaguar. I used to buy cars on a "well that looks alright, I'll go and see it" now though I like to know the ins and outs of what I'm buying first, lol!

Only a few days ago I was torn between a nice comfortable Jag and a 924 turbo (yes as a daily - as you can tell age, rarity, unsuitability as a daily doesn't really put me off!) I'm edging towards the Jag at the moment as I just seem to constantly buy the same things (Porsches / MGs / BMWs).

I've been quite poorly over christmas and new year but hopefully now getting better, so thinking I may have to make some time next week to see this Daimler Sovereign - in the XJ6 series, "Daimler" is just a badge isn't it nothing different to the Jag is there??

The trim quality is definitely better in Daimlers: Everything's leather and high grade while a Jag might have vinyl on seat backs etc. Similarly you get extra wooden fittings, bumpy grille and number plate surrounds. Aside from that they're much the same but with the added advantage of confusing Europeans and 'merkins.

[pixieporsche]

Straight6DOHC said:

As regards insurance. Join one of the Jaguar clubs such as JEC and JDC. It slashed £400 off my insurance quote for an xjr6 (and that was with the same insurance company). Classic insurance mind you. (No affiliation)

Who with? Would like to know to see what age restrictions they put in place.

[pixieporsche]

CDP said:

pixieporsche said:

Thankyou

I seem to be doing a fair bit of research into this upcoming Jaguar. I used to buy cars on a "well that looks alright, I'll go and see it" now though I like to know the ins and outs of what I'm buying first, lol!

Only a few days ago I was torn between a nice comfortable Jag and a 924 turbo (yes as a daily - as you can tell age, rarity, unsuitability as a daily doesn't really put me off!) I'm edging towards the Jag at the moment as I just seem to constantly buy the same things (Porsches / MGs / BMWs).

I've been quite poorly over christmas and new year but hopefully now getting better, so thinking I may have to make some time next week to see this Daimler Sovereign - in the XJ6 series, "Daimler" is just a badge isn't it nothing different to the Jag is there??

The trim quality is definitely better in Daimlers: Everything's leather and high grade while a Jag might have vinyl on seat backs etc. Similarly you get extra wooden fittings, bumpy grille and number plate surrounds. Aside from that they're much the same but with the added advantage of confusing Europeans and 'merkins.

That sounds more like it

Think I will definately go and have a looksie

[Jaguar steve]

As already mentioned your biggest concern will be corrosion.

Any Series XJ has the potential to be rusted beyond any hope of economic repair. They corrode round the front and rear screens, headlamps, wing and door bottoms, front and rear valances, inner and outer sills, wheelarches jacking points and rear radius arm mountings - and everywhere else too

The XK and V12 engines are pretty tough but check for any evidence of overheating or discoloured coolant, oil leaks or emulsification and valve noise and low oil pressure on a hot idle. Chances are an XK is on borrowed time at 100k, the V12 will easily double this with care

Brakes and suspension components wear heavily. Look for evidence of uneven tyre wear as a crude check for suspension condition. Check the handbrake works - the mechanisms sieze through lack of use and are a nightmare to get to.

My choice would be a post 1980-81 Series 3. John Egan's quality improvements really started to pay off after this date and all other things like condition and history being equal a later Series 111 car is probrably the most sensible choice.

Expect 16-22 MPG from an auto. 3.4 and 4.2 cars were available as 5 speed manuals using the Leyland 77mm box which is agricultural to say the least, but improves performance and economy significantly.

With the exception of the engine which is the later AJ6 unit and is almost bombproof, and rear brake issues much of the above applies to the the XJ40 too. In addition to that the front subframe on 40s is foam filled and corrodes badly. It's a major operation to change one. The electrics are far more complicated than the Series cars too. Early versions - up to 1990 - with the digital dash are particurlarly prone to electricial problems.

I'd look at a post 1992-93 car which again were available in manual and auto versions. The 3.2 engine IMO is the best in terms of refinement.

The best advice of all? I'd say ignore spec and colour - just buy the very best car you can afford and be prepared to spend time and money on looking after it.

ETA - There's usually quite a few nice looking Series cars and XJ40s on Cars and Classics and don't forget jagads too.

Edited by Jaguar steve on Sunday 2nd January 09:11

[plasticpig]

Think it pretty much depends on your budget Nicola? XJ40's are a real bargain and you can get a really straight one for very little money. The XJ6/12 is a far better looking beast IMO and there are very few cars that beat it for road presence and ride comfort even by today's standards. Nothing else wafts quite like a series Jag.

[CDP]

plasticpig said:

Think it pretty much depends on your budget Nicola? XJ40's are a real bargain and you can get a really straight one for very little money. The XJ6/12 is a far better looking beast IMO and there are very few cars that beat it for road presence and ride comfort even by today's standards. Nothing else wafts quite like a series Jag.

Yes, my brother's '82 XJ12 road better than my dad's '99 XJ8. The XJ40 rides a little better than the 308 due to it's higher profile tyres and complete lack of sportiness.

[TurricanII]

I got my X300 XJR insurance down to £450 at 23rs old, by ringing Tesco/Elephant and asking them to whack the policy excess up to £800. Definitely worth trying that with a few companies. And then hoping for no claims! Also Admiral multicar has been the cheapest for me with the X308 XJR.

[CDP]

TurricanII said:

I got my X300 XJR insurance down to £450 at 23rs old, by ringing Tesco/Elephant and asking them to whack the policy excess up to £800. Definitely worth trying that with a few companies. And then hoping for no claims! Also Admiral multicar has been the cheapest for me with the X308 XJR.

XJR for a 23 year old at £450. That's a result, my 77 year old father is paying 300+ for a 3.2 XJ8 that's garaged and only does a couple of thousand miles a year in dry conditions. It's getting big for him to polish so he uses the Fabia when it's wet.

My other brother at 28 managed to reduce his quoated premium from £1600 to £600 on (at the time) a 20K Chimera 4.0 HC by increasing the excess to £1000.

We were all astonished.