Talk to me about Jaguar XJ6/8 , XJR and S-types
Discussion
Ok, well my daily commute is down to 12 miles day (no traffic) so been thinking about getting a new (used) car, Reading the Barge thread has got me thinking about getting a Jag.
So £1 - 2k to spend, are they worth it, goods car/bad car, will it cripple me with running costs (not worried abot fuel, Smiles per gallon more important that MPG)
What to look out for when viewing ? Whats the better car the Straight six or the V8??
prefer the XJ's to the S-type but not completely closed to the idea of a S-type.
I started looking at X-types then realised that the XJ were cheap, how I get to easily distracted
So £1 - 2k to spend, are they worth it, goods car/bad car, will it cripple me with running costs (not worried abot fuel, Smiles per gallon more important that MPG)
What to look out for when viewing ? Whats the better car the Straight six or the V8??
prefer the XJ's to the S-type but not completely closed to the idea of a S-type.
I started looking at X-types then realised that the XJ were cheap, how I get to easily distracted
XJs, although visually very similar come in two flavours with identical engine capacities, a 4 speed auto straight 6 or a very few 5 speed manuals and a 5 speed auto only V8.
Your £1-2k budget will not get a really pristine example of either, but shoud buy a pretty sound straight 6 (1994-1997 - known as an X300). £1-2k for a later V8 (1997-2003 - known as an X308) is a bit more of a risk.
Ford build quality means both cars are well built and provided they have been cared for should be more reliable than most 10 to 15 year old cars. Having said that the V8s had several wallet destroying issues with timing chain tensioners, gearboxes and on the pre 2000 ones, water pumps, throttle bodies and cyliner lining errosion. Hovever, most of these concerns will have been sorted by now - either by additional preventative maintainence or a one way trip to the scrapyard.
The earlier 6 cyl cars are virtually bombproof and capable of space shuttle mileages if looked after and are slightly easier to work on too.
I've owned 3.2 litre versions of both and do pretty much all my own servicing and repairs. Out of the two the V8 is much, much nicer to drive - it's 200kg lighter, quicker, handles better, has an absolutely superb creamy smooth engine that loves to rev coupled to a responsive and silky gearbox.
Compared to the V8 the straight six is sluggish, noisy, rough at high rpm and has a clonky 'box that's never in the right gear when making progress, but the ride quality on the 6's is slightly better. Overall though it's Chalk and Cheese between the two.
Fuel consumption is similar - 26MPG on a long trip, high teens/low 20s round town. Parts prices are slightly higher for the V8 but pretty reasonable compared to other luxobarges. 16" wheels and tyres are best
option too, bigger rims ruin the ride quality and larger diameter tyres in Jaguar sizes cost a fortune. Not much difference between Sport and Touring suspension options. Trim is basicaly 4 levels Sport, XJ, Executive and Soverign.
You need to check all over for rust - especially on the earlier cars - round the front and rear screens and rear wheelarches are the first places to go, service history is important, more so on the V8, make sure the front tyres have no uneven wear patterns, if the inner edges have worn more the top wishbone bushes have failed, check everything works and brakes are ok with an even stop and no judder, V8 gearbox must engage drive and reverse smoothly and instantly and have seamless changes, any hesitation when pulling away or thump when engaging or changing gear or shrill whine means you need an expensive oil change at best or a new box at worst, the V8 must have the latest metal bodied secondary timing chain tensioners fitted too (£400) or sooner or later pistons will get very intimate with exhaust valves when the plastic bodied types distintigrate and the chain jumps - as well as all the usual stuff when buying an old car.
Get a good one and you'll love it, buy a bad one and it'll end in tears - maybe spend a bit more too just to be sure. An extra £500 to £1500 and maybe a lot of time looking will almost certainly get you a better car.
Your £1-2k budget will not get a really pristine example of either, but shoud buy a pretty sound straight 6 (1994-1997 - known as an X300). £1-2k for a later V8 (1997-2003 - known as an X308) is a bit more of a risk.
Ford build quality means both cars are well built and provided they have been cared for should be more reliable than most 10 to 15 year old cars. Having said that the V8s had several wallet destroying issues with timing chain tensioners, gearboxes and on the pre 2000 ones, water pumps, throttle bodies and cyliner lining errosion. Hovever, most of these concerns will have been sorted by now - either by additional preventative maintainence or a one way trip to the scrapyard.
The earlier 6 cyl cars are virtually bombproof and capable of space shuttle mileages if looked after and are slightly easier to work on too.
I've owned 3.2 litre versions of both and do pretty much all my own servicing and repairs. Out of the two the V8 is much, much nicer to drive - it's 200kg lighter, quicker, handles better, has an absolutely superb creamy smooth engine that loves to rev coupled to a responsive and silky gearbox.
Compared to the V8 the straight six is sluggish, noisy, rough at high rpm and has a clonky 'box that's never in the right gear when making progress, but the ride quality on the 6's is slightly better. Overall though it's Chalk and Cheese between the two.
Fuel consumption is similar - 26MPG on a long trip, high teens/low 20s round town. Parts prices are slightly higher for the V8 but pretty reasonable compared to other luxobarges. 16" wheels and tyres are best
option too, bigger rims ruin the ride quality and larger diameter tyres in Jaguar sizes cost a fortune. Not much difference between Sport and Touring suspension options. Trim is basicaly 4 levels Sport, XJ, Executive and Soverign.
You need to check all over for rust - especially on the earlier cars - round the front and rear screens and rear wheelarches are the first places to go, service history is important, more so on the V8, make sure the front tyres have no uneven wear patterns, if the inner edges have worn more the top wishbone bushes have failed, check everything works and brakes are ok with an even stop and no judder, V8 gearbox must engage drive and reverse smoothly and instantly and have seamless changes, any hesitation when pulling away or thump when engaging or changing gear or shrill whine means you need an expensive oil change at best or a new box at worst, the V8 must have the latest metal bodied secondary timing chain tensioners fitted too (£400) or sooner or later pistons will get very intimate with exhaust valves when the plastic bodied types distintigrate and the chain jumps - as well as all the usual stuff when buying an old car.
Get a good one and you'll love it, buy a bad one and it'll end in tears - maybe spend a bit more too just to be sure. An extra £500 to £1500 and maybe a lot of time looking will almost certainly get you a better car.
300bhp/ton said:
x300's are lovely or look out for a tidy XJ40. Manuals are RARE but more fun.
S-Type I rather like and you'll more easily find a manual V6 one which is quite peppy, the auto V6 lacks some of the lower end grunt though.
I have a S-Type V6 Sport and the auto 'box isn't great. It's not a disaster, and I only really do motorway driving so it's not an issue for me, but in retrospect a manual would have been better.S-Type I rather like and you'll more easily find a manual V6 one which is quite peppy, the auto V6 lacks some of the lower end grunt though.
I nearly bought an XJ, but was changing from a BMW 750i and wanted a change of scene. Had it not been for that, the XJ would have been the way to go I think.
I've been running an XJ8 3.2 for the past 18 months and it's never let me down (as it wafts towards 160k miles).
Mainly town driving it's showing 19mpg on the computer, and I don't think that's too bad.
The only issue is they do rust. Indeed I think that's ultimately what will kill off the X308 cars, as mechanically they seem bulletproof.
Mine may be up for sale soon, and I'd probably let it go for less than £1400.
Mainly town driving it's showing 19mpg on the computer, and I don't think that's too bad.
The only issue is they do rust. Indeed I think that's ultimately what will kill off the X308 cars, as mechanically they seem bulletproof.
Mine may be up for sale soon, and I'd probably let it go for less than £1400.
Thanks All... keep the info coming, After a Auto for wafting Manual Jaguar just seems wrong to me... i have no reason other than a want, but i want to waft along. 
and give my left leg a nice rest.
(Had a Manual 3.6 XJS many years a go, but these days I'm older and massively more lazy)
and give my left leg a nice rest.(Had a Manual 3.6 XJS many years a go, but these days I'm older and massively more lazy)
TTwiggy said:
I've been running an XJ8 3.2 for the past 18 months and it's never let me down (as it wafts towards 160k miles).
Mainly town driving it's showing 19mpg on the computer, and I don't think that's too bad.
The only issue is they do rust. Indeed I think that's ultimately what will kill off the X308 cars, as mechanically they seem bulletproof.
Mine may be up for sale soon, and I'd probably let it go for less than £1400.
Sounds like a donor for a D-Type kit car to me. Mainly town driving it's showing 19mpg on the computer, and I don't think that's too bad.
The only issue is they do rust. Indeed I think that's ultimately what will kill off the X308 cars, as mechanically they seem bulletproof.
Mine may be up for sale soon, and I'd probably let it go for less than £1400.
djt100 said:
Thanks All... keep the info coming, After a Auto for wafting Manual Jaguar just seems wrong to me... i have no reason other than a want, but i want to waft along. and give my left leg a nice rest.
(Had a Manual 3.6 XJS many years a go, but these days I'm older and massively more lazy)
XJ will probably be better suited than the S-Type. I do like the S-Type, but it feels more modern and slightly less stately than the XJ's. and give my left leg a nice rest.(Had a Manual 3.6 XJS many years a go, but these days I'm older and massively more lazy)
If fuel is really no concern look for a rare 1993/1994 XJ12 (XJ40 shape). These have the 308bhp 6.0 V12 in and a 4 speed electronically controlled auto. No TCS but a proper old fashioned LSD (something lacking on the x300 V12's!!!).
My Dad has a 93 model and it is simply one of the finest cars I've ever been in or driven. I'd love one myself. But I do think as they are such rare cars any such purchase would need to be looked after. No idea on prices these days, I looked about 3 years ago or so and you could get them for £1500 quid then.
Gearboxes going pop, timing chain problems, coil packs, electronic throttles, differentials and rust are the main XJ8 potential issues. Overall, they're probably not a lot worse in terms of potential disasterous failure than any other old luxo barge and better than some.
The S-Type also has many gearbox failures and frequently has various annoying electrical gremlins - particularly with the HVAC. The later the model, the better they are.
The S-Type also has many gearbox failures and frequently has various annoying electrical gremlins - particularly with the HVAC. The later the model, the better they are.
I find old Jags tempting, but not sure if for my limited mileage they make sense, ok the fuel isnt an issue as my Saab only does early twenties and I cycle to work but for the time I do use it would it be satisfying enough ? I think its kind of back to front, I can own one as a I do very little milage but they are cars for soothing away big milages if you see what I mean.
Perhaps I shouldnt worry so much about what car I dont use on a daily basis
Perhaps I shouldnt worry so much about what car I dont use on a daily basis
J4CKO said:
I find old Jags tempting, but not sure if for my limited mileage they make sense, ok the fuel isnt an issue as my Saab only does early twenties and I cycle to work but for the time I do use it would it be satisfying enough ? I think its kind of back to front, I can own one as a I do very little milage but they are cars for soothing away big milages if you see what I mean.
Perhaps I shouldnt worry so much about what car I dont use on a daily basis
No, just get on and get one Perhaps I shouldnt worry so much about what car I dont use on a daily basis
... J4CKO said:
I find old Jags tempting, but not sure if for my limited mileage they make sense, ok the fuel isnt an issue as my Saab only does early twenties and I cycle to work but for the time I do use it would it be satisfying enough ? I think its kind of back to front, I can own one as a I do very little milage but they are cars for soothing away big milages if you see what I mean.
Perhaps I shouldnt worry so much about what car I dont use on a daily basis
In fairness I suspect any XJ would be more fun and have greater sense of occasion than you Saab (not taking anything away from the Saab though).Perhaps I shouldnt worry so much about what car I dont use on a daily basis
XJ's aren't fire spiting monsters, but they ooze charm that just makes you want to be in them and drive them.
Manuals more so, they feel like a sophisticated well mannered muscle car.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Tuesday 28th June 15:32
300bhp/ton said:
In fairness I suspect any XJ would be more fun and have greater sense of occasion than you Saab (not taking anything away from the Saab though).
XJ's aren't fire spiting monsters, but they ooze charm that just makes you want to be in the them and drive them.
Manuals more so, they feel like a sophisticated well manner muscle car.
The whole reason i want a jag rather than a lexus/merc/bmw,etc. Jag has old school charm ther others can't begin to get close toXJ's aren't fire spiting monsters, but they ooze charm that just makes you want to be in the them and drive them.
Manuals more so, they feel like a sophisticated well manner muscle car.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C202522
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C223230
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C222688
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C231927
Here are a couple, including an older 4.2 XJ6 and an XJ40.
Looking at Autotrader, you're spoilt for choice for wafty old Jag saloons.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C223230
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C222688
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C231927
Here are a couple, including an older 4.2 XJ6 and an XJ40.
Looking at Autotrader, you're spoilt for choice for wafty old Jag saloons.
300bhp/ton said:
In fairness I suspect any XJ would be more fun and have greater sense of occasion than you Saab (not taking anything away from the Saab though).
XJ's aren't fire spiting monsters, but they ooze charm that just makes you want to be in them and drive them.
Manuals more so, they feel like a sophisticated well mannered muscle car.
Dont worry, I am realistic about my Saab, its ok, its quite quick but its not the last word in fun or personality.XJ's aren't fire spiting monsters, but they ooze charm that just makes you want to be in them and drive them.
Manuals more so, they feel like a sophisticated well mannered muscle car.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Tuesday 28th June 15:32
Scuttles off to get insurance quotes....
Anyone care to comment ont he insurance angle, guess the VED is similar to the Saab for that age as well, MPG wise, are they going to be much worse than the Saab, I get abotu 230 miles to a tank on the Saab, its a 62 litre tank and I do it from full to the light coming on, worst of 200, best of about 280, think its only doing 20 mpg anyway due to the short journeys and sporadic use, plus I tend to make the most of the performance seeing as I dont drive it often, so cant see the Jag being much worse, hmmm
300bhp/ton said:
J4CKO said:
I find old Jags tempting, but not sure if for my limited mileage they make sense, ok the fuel isnt an issue as my Saab only does early twenties and I cycle to work but for the time I do use it would it be satisfying enough ? I think its kind of back to front, I can own one as a I do very little milage but they are cars for soothing away big milages if you see what I mean.
Perhaps I shouldnt worry so much about what car I dont use on a daily basis
In fairness I suspect any XJ would be more fun and have greater sense of occasion than you Saab (not taking anything away from the Saab though).Perhaps I shouldnt worry so much about what car I dont use on a daily basis
XJ's aren't fire spiting monsters, but they ooze charm that just makes you want to be in them and drive them.
I deliberately wanted something that was the complete opposite of my Elise, and it does a perfect job of that Much better than something that's quite sporty and quite luxurious, but doesn't really do a proper job of either.david_b said:
Exactly, they have a lot of character - I love my X300 I deliberately wanted something that was the complete opposite of my Elise, and it does a perfect job of that Much better than something that's quite sporty and quite luxurious, but doesn't really do a proper job of either.
Like a BMW I deliberately wanted something that was the complete opposite of my Elise, and it does a perfect job of that Much better than something that's quite sporty and quite luxurious, but doesn't really do a proper job of either., bloody awful ride on the 5 series I once owner for 3 month.. J4CKO said:
Dont worry, I am realistic about my Saab, its ok, its quite quick but its not the last word in fun or personality.
Scuttles off to get insurance quotes....
Anyone care to comment ont he insurance angle, guess the VED is similar to the Saab for that age as well, MPG wise, are they going to be much worse than the Saab, I get abotu 230 miles to a tank on the Saab, its a 62 litre tank and I do it from full to the light coming on, worst of 200, best of about 280, think its only doing 20 mpg anyway due to the short journeys and sporadic use, plus I tend to make the most of the performance seeing as I dont drive it often, so cant see the Jag being much worse, hmmm
Our 4.0 x300 S6 used to do 18-22mpg average. Down to 16 if you really tried but up to 24mpg too. Manuals slightly better. XJ40's very much the same ballpark. The latter x308's slightly better.Scuttles off to get insurance quotes....
Anyone care to comment ont he insurance angle, guess the VED is similar to the Saab for that age as well, MPG wise, are they going to be much worse than the Saab, I get abotu 230 miles to a tank on the Saab, its a 62 litre tank and I do it from full to the light coming on, worst of 200, best of about 280, think its only doing 20 mpg anyway due to the short journeys and sporadic use, plus I tend to make the most of the performance seeing as I dont drive it often, so cant see the Jag being much worse, hmmm
300bhp/ton said:
J4CKO said:
Dont worry, I am realistic about my Saab, its ok, its quite quick but its not the last word in fun or personality.
Scuttles off to get insurance quotes....
Anyone care to comment ont he insurance angle, guess the VED is similar to the Saab for that age as well, MPG wise, are they going to be much worse than the Saab, I get abotu 230 miles to a tank on the Saab, its a 62 litre tank and I do it from full to the light coming on, worst of 200, best of about 280, think its only doing 20 mpg anyway due to the short journeys and sporadic use, plus I tend to make the most of the performance seeing as I dont drive it often, so cant see the Jag being much worse, hmmm
Scuttles off to get insurance quotes....
Anyone care to comment ont he insurance angle, guess the VED is similar to the Saab for that age as well, MPG wise, are they going to be much worse than the Saab, I get abotu 230 miles to a tank on the Saab, its a 62 litre tank and I do it from full to the light coming on, worst of 200, best of about 280, think its only doing 20 mpg anyway due to the short journeys and sporadic use, plus I tend to make the most of the performance seeing as I dont drive it often, so cant see the Jag being much worse, hmmm
300bhp/ton said:
Our 4.0 x300 S6 used to do 18-22mpg average. Down to 16 if you really tried but up to 24mpg too. Manuals slightly better. XJ40's very much the same ballpark. The latter x308's slightly better.
My 4.0 XJS after two weeks is saying a constant 23 a combination of pleasant wafting and some decent motorway foot down action. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff