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6 cylinder XJR or V8 XJR

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JRead

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Looking to ugrade my 1994 XJ40 to an XJR. I've only owned 6 cylinder Jaguars before, i'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice on the pros and cons of the 6 cylinder as opposed to the V8. The 6 cylinders seem to be more desirable...is this true? Why? Cheers
 
I've got an 1989 xj6, and what I really like about it, is it has a fair amount of power, and really great fuel economy. If you want a sportier car, just buy a sportier car. Their is no need to completely alter an already fine motorcar.
 
The early V8 ( pre 01) cars have expen$$$ive engine issues. Timing chain tensioners fail, causing chains to break. Big bucks to fix after the fact, 1600.00 or so to replace chains and tensioners before the failure. Some cars have cylinder bore problems with the nickasil liners., but this is not as common. The 6 cylinder XJRs are hard to come by, mostly due to the fact that no one sells them on. The V8s are scary fast cars, IE you want it pointed in the right direction before you plant your foot. V8s are cheap enough, due to the problems, so if you want one, budget for the chains and tensioners right away. Unless of course the owner can document in writing (reciept) that the work has recently been done. Jag "upgraded" the tensioners a time or two before they got it right, so best that repairs were done professionally, and in the last year or two.
 
I've been researching this issue too. I've had a good deal of feedback from credible BCF Jaguar site veterans, that if you want the V8, go with the 2004 KJ8: tensioner problem solved; nickasil cylinder liners gone; body is aluminum for the first time on this model which saves on weight and enhances performance significantly. In checking on ebay and at a couple dealerships in St. louis, one can purchase such a vehicle for less than $20K with less than 35,000 miles.
 
JRead,
Welcome to the place and enjoy your stay.

For most people the choice is either good fuel economy and great performance for the V8 or the reverse for the 6.

A point to keep in mind is many manufacturers build engine for reasons apart form the obvious.

National taxation rules play a part , perception of "engine status" (ie 12 cylinders are "better" than 8 which are "better" than 6 which are....you get the point.) and even the ability to send the engine down the production line.
GM built a lot of 90 degree V6 engines simply so they could use the existing V8 production facilities and spare parts backlog of components.

Make no mistake the car business IS a business.

Cheers , Pete.
 
I had a 1999 XJR V8 for about a year and 20,000 miles. It was the fastest, most fun car I have ever had as well as being a practical family car. I had no problems with it in the year I had it. I did use up a set of rear tires, however, because I really like to feel the thrust of that supercharged V8.
 
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