• Hi Guest!
    You can help ensure that British Car Forum (BCF) continues to provide a great place to engage in the British car hobby! If you find BCF a beneficial community, please consider supporting our efforts with a subscription.
    There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Tips
Tips

Jaguar's

Share this page

S

Shea

Freshman Member
Offline
I was looking into maybe getting a good used Jaguars. However I have heard many different things about their repair records, and their reliability. I have heard many positive things, however to contrast I have heard some negative things about them. Such as "Don't plan on buying one unless you have another car to get you around while the Jag's in the shop."

I do what I can by myself on cars, however anything major I would have to take to a mechanic, and I can't always be dropping big change to have the Jag in the shop. So I was hoping I might be able to get a report, on how reliable the used Jags are. Then...

What models, and years would one suggest for a good reliable Jag. I don't plan on dropping too much on a Jag, and will be just looking at something that will be reliable and in not that bad of shape.

I appreciate any help

Shea

*IN ADDITION*

I was curious, in terms of mileage, on average what time will I need to be looking at taking care of major repairs, such as possible rebuilds, etc.
 
90 thru 94 XJ40s (XJ6s)are really good reliable cars, good for the first time Jag owner. The key is to buy a car that has been maintained, is current on all repairs, and has a history. Buy the best car you can afford, and pay a good Jaguar specialist for a detailed pre purchase inspection.
I personally like XJSs. The V12s have more maintainence needs than the 6 cylinder cars. The 6s are good and reliable, and due to specification differences feel quicker in normal driving. The V12s are great. There is really nothing that an average home mechanic can't fix, but to look at them, they seem daunting. They cannot be beat for smooth creamy power . It is addictive.
The newer V8 cars have some engine reliability issues. I would give them a pass unless there are service records that prove recent timing chain tensioner replacement, and proof that the blowby has been tested.
Lastly, there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Jaguar. Buy well, and you will be delighted.
 
If I might add, try to find one with a well-documented dealer service history (and they are out there). If the owner has spent to maintain the car it is worth a few extra bucks. You can pick up a nice '95 or '96 XJ6 with low miles and full dealer service history for between seven and eight thou. I know of a couple up here..........
 
My history with a 2000 S-Type includes three trips to the dealer on a flat bed truck; twice when the valve cover gaskets leaked oil onto the spark plugs and wires shorting out the ignition system. Also a new front suspension system including ball joints and lower control arms. All this ocurred with less than 50K miles on the car, but the factory has covered most of the problems. I am a little concerned now that it is out of warranty. Oh, yes, and I just replaced the water pump, out of warranty.
While I like the car, I think I should have bought a Lexus. (Don't ban me Basil)
 
[ QUOTE ]
You can pick up a nice '95 or '96 XJ6 with low miles and full dealer service history for between seven and eight thou. I know of a couple up here..........

[/ QUOTE ]

I found one of those, a BRG 96 XJ6 4.0 liter (X300) Vanden Plas, Saddle Tan interior. I had to do a bunch of research first to follow what had been done to it by various dealers and shops. This Dealer had it on consignment for $9450 and after I identified all the little issues, I bought it for $7000. Probably could have got it for $6k if I held out long enough, it had 116k miles on it. I would have prefered one with the cold weather package - heated seats and traction control.

First purchase was the comprehensive JTIS CD's, then a scanner interface for my PC and Scanner Software. JTIS for the early Jags is primative. But the Technical Service Bulletins - included up through 2005, have been invaluable sources of information.
Second investigation was to source quality replacement parts outside of the Jaguar Dealer.

Just know, it is still a British Car with all the regular issues that need to be tinkered with and maintained from time to time, and I am a believer that 7000 mile oil changes are too far apart, certainly for an older engine.
 
i have a series iii xj6, and love it to death, paid 3200 for it, it has 73k miles, has all the records, it needed some cosmetic work, ie paint, seats and dash repair, but it wins shows now, and i have no problem hopping in it and drivign wherever! good luck! oh, its an 83 brg xj6
 
Back
Top