XJR-6 worth a punt
Discussion
Hello all. Having recently had a look through the small ads, I've been very surprised at the number of 6cylinder XJR's with around 100k for less than £4k and indeed lower. Many also seem to come with comprehensive history. Is this just down to the type of car (big performance, poor MPG, tax, insurance etc) leading to the big depreciation or are there more sinister reasons? I'm seriously tempted to get one for the summer (6 months max) and hopefully not have to spend much, if anything at all before moving it on again. I don't need a car for work, so it would purely be for the occasional weekend and perhaps a jaunt or two on the continent. Are they really the bargains that they appear (providing they have good history, timing chains etc) or am I barking in thinking that any car for less the £4-5k will be a dog and an utter money pit??
All thoughts/opinions greatfully received.
Cheers,
Andrew
All thoughts/opinions greatfully received.
Cheers,
Andrew
The model of XJ6 you're looking at is known as an X300. And they have a great reputation as being largely bullet proof, they don't have the sort of problems the earlier V8s had. They've got the last generation Jaguar straight six engine and they'd pretty much debugged the whole concept by then.
I've got the baby of the range, a 3.2 Sport. I've had it since she was about 18 months old and I've had her for coming up to 12 years. Nominally as my main car.
The only real work she's need in that time is a new set of suspension bushes a few years back and I had a joint on the exhaust welded up last year.
Talking to the guy who services it for me, they see the motors up into the 200K miles without issue.
I've not maintained the car myself, actually most years I've owned her she's gone one year to the next without lifting the bonnet (the only oil lost seems to have been the bit you loose wiping the dip stick so why bother). Others on this list do or have maintained them and say they are much easier to look after than the V8s.
So depreciation is down to it being a big old heavy thirsty car. All big saloons loose money hand over fist. Possibly unless it's a diesel and can be used an a taxi. Which you wouldn't want to do with an XJ.
I've got the baby of the range, a 3.2 Sport. I've had it since she was about 18 months old and I've had her for coming up to 12 years. Nominally as my main car.
The only real work she's need in that time is a new set of suspension bushes a few years back and I had a joint on the exhaust welded up last year.
Talking to the guy who services it for me, they see the motors up into the 200K miles without issue.
I've not maintained the car myself, actually most years I've owned her she's gone one year to the next without lifting the bonnet (the only oil lost seems to have been the bit you loose wiping the dip stick so why bother). Others on this list do or have maintained them and say they are much easier to look after than the V8s.
So depreciation is down to it being a big old heavy thirsty car. All big saloons loose money hand over fist. Possibly unless it's a diesel and can be used an a taxi. Which you wouldn't want to do with an XJ.
Yes. I'd agree that 4k is better spent on a good X300 XJR rather than a later X308 one.
Provided it's got a good history and there's plenty of evidence it's been well looked after then go for it. No need to worry about the timing chains you mentioned either - that's a V8 problem - the 6 cyl engines and drivelines are almost indestructable.
Buy a good one and take care of it and you will have a super car bargin. You might, just might even find one fitted with a manual 'box
Yow will have big running costs though. If you use the performance you'll get through more fuel than you ever believed possible and will also be on first name terms with your local tyre fitters.
Provided it's got a good history and there's plenty of evidence it's been well looked after then go for it. No need to worry about the timing chains you mentioned either - that's a V8 problem - the 6 cyl engines and drivelines are almost indestructable.
Buy a good one and take care of it and you will have a super car bargin. You might, just might even find one fitted with a manual 'box
Yow will have big running costs though. If you use the performance you'll get through more fuel than you ever believed possible and will also be on first name terms with your local tyre fitters.
Good point about the fuel and tyres!
Although to be honest, this will purely be a toy - I have no need for a car as I live in Wapping and work in the City, so 15min walk to work. Mileage will be low, I managed less than 5k a year when I had my 205 turbo (that was no stranger to petrol forecourts either!). I'm also of the age now where insurance costs are pretty irrelevant (along with petrol due to my limited mileage) so I feel an urge to get some mad-bad and positively decadent - before they get banded!
Glad to here about the timing chains - didn't fancy shelling out £1k+ aas soon as I bought a car. Are there any guides specifically relating to the 6-cylinder XJR? I've read Broadbean's post and also dug out an old copy of PPC but they all refer to the V8.
Cheers,
Andrew
P.S. what about the gearboxes/clutch? Are they strong and reliable? Do they require much servicing? Same goes with the rear diff (is it an LSD)?
Although to be honest, this will purely be a toy - I have no need for a car as I live in Wapping and work in the City, so 15min walk to work. Mileage will be low, I managed less than 5k a year when I had my 205 turbo (that was no stranger to petrol forecourts either!). I'm also of the age now where insurance costs are pretty irrelevant (along with petrol due to my limited mileage) so I feel an urge to get some mad-bad and positively decadent - before they get banded!
Glad to here about the timing chains - didn't fancy shelling out £1k+ aas soon as I bought a car. Are there any guides specifically relating to the 6-cylinder XJR? I've read Broadbean's post and also dug out an old copy of PPC but they all refer to the V8.
Cheers,
Andrew
P.S. what about the gearboxes/clutch? Are they strong and reliable? Do they require much servicing? Same goes with the rear diff (is it an LSD)?
You could try monitoring Bigdavy's postings, he's just bought one.
You could also try the X300 forum on www.jag-lovers.org
You could also try the X300 forum on www.jag-lovers.org
Gearbox is a tough 4 speed. Not to be confused with the later ZF 5 speed in the V8.
If you find a manual 'box you might consider the clutch is a bit heavy and the change a bit agricultural compared with some of the best around. Very heavy clutch pedal means replacement is usually called for - even if it's not slipping.
If I remember diff is a LSD on the 300s. Jaguar diffs can get a bit noisy as they age - have a listen before you buy and they also have a tendency to leak oil.
As with any gearbox and diff, regular oil changes are essential if you want them to last
If you find a manual 'box you might consider the clutch is a bit heavy and the change a bit agricultural compared with some of the best around. Very heavy clutch pedal means replacement is usually called for - even if it's not slipping.
If I remember diff is a LSD on the 300s. Jaguar diffs can get a bit noisy as they age - have a listen before you buy and they also have a tendency to leak oil.
As with any gearbox and diff, regular oil changes are essential if you want them to last
TEKNOPUG said:
Is a noisy diff a cause for concern or just something that you learn to live with?
Are the manuals worth tracking down or is performance with the auto-box still enjoyable? What are the changes like - smooth and suited to the power band or ponderous and better use in a taxi?
Mmmmm .Are the manuals worth tracking down or is performance with the auto-box still enjoyable? What are the changes like - smooth and suited to the power band or ponderous and better use in a taxi?
Depends. If it's got a whine or hum with power on/off then chances are it will stay like that for ever - and if you're like me will get very much on your tits after a while.
EP140 oil will help quiten it down (flameproof coat on
).If it's rumbling or clonks severely when you take up drive then get your cheque book out.
The gearchange on a manual is a bit ponderous and heavy compared to many cars. The XJR has so much torque spread over the rev range that the fact it's an auto makes little difference to the performance IMO.
Kickdown and full throttle upshifts should be tight and pretty smooth if the 'box is in good condition - have a look and smell the gearbox oil on the dipstick when it's hot. It should be between pink and dark red. If it's black or very brown and smells burnt chances are the clutches in the 'box are failing.
My choice would be the auto everytime but that's personal preference. Ideally you should drive both,
Excellent! Thanks for all the advice.
Sorry for all the questions - this is the only car forum I can access at work and still awaiting for broadband install at home.
Is there much in the way of tuning potential - pulley change and remap?
Or are any gains expensive and involved? Don't really want to spend any money other than essential and preventive maintenance - but I could find a few hundred quid for a remap is the gains were worthwile.
Sorry for all the questions - this is the only car forum I can access at work and still awaiting for broadband install at home.
Is there much in the way of tuning potential - pulley change and remap?
Or are any gains expensive and involved? Don't really want to spend any money other than essential and preventive maintenance - but I could find a few hundred quid for a remap is the gains were worthwile.
I'd suggest you buy one and run it for a while first. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the car - and spend some time and cash on ensuring is is performing as it should - oil changes, plugs, filters, shocks, tyres and so on.
If it turns out to be not what you hoped for, or there's problems lurking then get rid of it and look for another.
I'd own one for a few months before I spent cash on enhancing the performance. Firstly you might not feel the need, and don't forget that although the X300 is a very reliable, well made car the youngest is now 11 years old, and with any big heavy performance car - especially one that's been used in the manner intended - you might have to spend a fair bit on maintainence.
Go faster bits would IMO start with a larger supercharger pulley, improved induction and perhaps replacement rear silencers. Check with Paramount, AJ6 Engineering or Racing Green cars - see what they suggest. I think you'd be quite happy with a standard one 'tho - it's a f
king quick car as it is
If it turns out to be not what you hoped for, or there's problems lurking then get rid of it and look for another.
I'd own one for a few months before I spent cash on enhancing the performance. Firstly you might not feel the need, and don't forget that although the X300 is a very reliable, well made car the youngest is now 11 years old, and with any big heavy performance car - especially one that's been used in the manner intended - you might have to spend a fair bit on maintainence.
Go faster bits would IMO start with a larger supercharger pulley, improved induction and perhaps replacement rear silencers. Check with Paramount, AJ6 Engineering or Racing Green cars - see what they suggest. I think you'd be quite happy with a standard one 'tho - it's a f
king quick car as it is I have an XJR6 which I bought late last year. I had to go to Glasgow to get it (from Somerset) but it's exactly what I was after : aquamarine metallic, near perfect condition with everything working as it should, and only 33K miles from new with a proper history. I managed to get it for £5K and have done about 1600 trouble free miles so far. I always fancied an XJ and I haven't been disappointed. Plenty of go (mine is the auto), great looks, solid and bulletproof car. It does like it's fuel though, even more so than the V8 Camaro I had before it. Mine is a "daily driver" and is a great contrast to my summer toy. But as I have a van for work it still only does around 2-3K miles a year. I would say go for it, get a good one and it'll be everything you hope it will be.
Hi Teknopug,
I've just bought a 1996 XJR 6 and did a lot of reading before doing so. General advice as usual look at a few and drive a few. Beware of rust round the rear arches and also look below the bonnet (ignore the large very attractive engine and supercharger for a minute) look behind the engine at the bulkhead and check it carefully for any rust especially along the seam about 4-5 inches down. Any rust here - just walk away.
Service history is essential, whilst the one i bought has a service stamp missing in the book it came with a large file of receipts going back a number of years, this is far better, at least you can see what work has been done. It really is essential you buy one that has been properly maintained, otherwise it will be very expensive.
I wouldn't worry about upgrades, I had thought the same initially but believe me they are very fast cars.
As far as i'm aware the Brembo brakes were only available on the later V8 model.
Any specific questions feel free to ask.
ETA - Remember these cars were £50k + new so expect equivalent bills, many are sold cheaply as the owners find they can't afford the bills. They are also group 20 insurance that's as high as they go......
I've just bought a 1996 XJR 6 and did a lot of reading before doing so. General advice as usual look at a few and drive a few. Beware of rust round the rear arches and also look below the bonnet (ignore the large very attractive engine and supercharger for a minute) look behind the engine at the bulkhead and check it carefully for any rust especially along the seam about 4-5 inches down. Any rust here - just walk away.
Service history is essential, whilst the one i bought has a service stamp missing in the book it came with a large file of receipts going back a number of years, this is far better, at least you can see what work has been done. It really is essential you buy one that has been properly maintained, otherwise it will be very expensive.
I wouldn't worry about upgrades, I had thought the same initially but believe me they are very fast cars.
As far as i'm aware the Brembo brakes were only available on the later V8 model.
Any specific questions feel free to ask.
ETA - Remember these cars were £50k + new so expect equivalent bills, many are sold cheaply as the owners find they can't afford the bills. They are also group 20 insurance that's as high as they go......
Edited by bigdavy on Monday 7th April 21:13
TEKNOPUG said:
LOL! First thing that I checked was insurance - £460 fully comp living in E1! That wasn't even really trying, just going through Confused.com. So I'm sure that I could get it for less than that.
How do you find the standard brakes?
You can get them on classic car insurance policies if you aren't doing big milage and not using them for work.How do you find the standard brakes?
The problem I've found in the past with Classic Car policies is that they always demand that you have access to a second car. I've never really understood the logic behind this. When I've queried it I've been told that it's because the car should not be used as a daily driver. But the fact that it's on a limited mileage policy means that clearly it CAN'T be used as a daily driver.......go figure?! I always had my 205 as a limited mileage -(never did more than 5k a year) but couldn't get it on a classic policy for the aforementioned reason.
Anyway, might have another look - not sure if they'll except my account with StreetCar as "access to a second car" although, technically, it is. I will want to get a second driver on the policy, also fully-comp. Not sure how much this will effect the premium.
Anyway, might have another look - not sure if they'll except my account with StreetCar as "access to a second car" although, technically, it is. I will want to get a second driver on the policy, also fully-comp. Not sure how much this will effect the premium.
They might allow you on a Classic policy if you're a named driver on somebody else's insurance policy 'tho.
Friend or Relative perhaps? Ideally a cheap car that costs little to add you to the policy but might be worth doing financially to get then access to a Classic policy for the Jaguar.
Worth a thought?
Friend or Relative perhaps? Ideally a cheap car that costs little to add you to the policy but might be worth doing financially to get then access to a Classic policy for the Jaguar.
Worth a thought?
Jaguar steve said:
They might allow you on a Classic policy if you're a named driver on somebody else's insurance policy 'tho.
Friend or Relative perhaps? Ideally a cheap car that costs little to add you to the policy but might be worth doing financially to get then access to a Classic policy for the Jaguar.
Worth a thought?
Yet - could stick myself on one of my parents cars but as you say, would have to work out if it was cost effective.Friend or Relative perhaps? Ideally a cheap car that costs little to add you to the policy but might be worth doing financially to get then access to a Classic policy for the Jaguar.
Worth a thought?
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