Reliability question

[ainadude]

A buddy of mine has fallen in love (justifiably) with a gorgeous 1996 BRG XJ6 Vanden Plas. On his behalf, I'm wondering if you guys know anything about reliability issues with the big sedans from this period. I know during the '70s and '80s, Jags had a pretty lousy reputation in this respect, but that quality had improved dramatically in the '90s. What's the scoop on a '96? Any specific areas to check or other guidance would be appreciated. TIA

 

[Steve]

My father has the '95 XJ6 VDP and he has had no serious problems with it, my mother uses it as her daily beater

and it has always been 100% reliable.

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by Basil

 

[StevenA]

I recently saw a "poll" on one of my other sites that listed most reliable cars/least repairs per hundred cars sold...on cars from 1990 to 2000. Jaguar was the 3rd least number of repairs in the group. That group included infamous Toyota, listed 8th or 9th. Per hundred vehicles sold Jaguar was well up there. I own a 1994VP and a 1996VP. The only consistant problem has been the door handles. I have replaced three on the 1994 and one on the 1996 at $300.00 each (appx) and have two friends who have had the same problems with the same years. Total of four cars is 10 door handles...sounds like a problem in manufacturing to me but Jaguar says "Oh, we haven't had any problems with door handles since the late eighties models"...I will argue to the contrary.
But, without that problem, they are sound and nice to drive at 5000+ lbs weight
Of course there is the occasional electrical gremlin...right now I can't get power to the heater/air-conditioner fans so my car is a cold ride.
Good luck

 

[John S Farrington]

Since 1995 they are about bullet proof. Only what is expected with normal service. The door handles are not the same after 1994 and was usually caused by bad likeage adjustment that people then compensate for by pulling with a gorrilla tug. The door handle is expensive and there was a drunk on the assembly line that did not tighten the adjustment lock nut. The adjustment man at Coventry retired from alcoholism or was fired by Bill Ford. The major components are absolutely first class with long longevity. Only a word of caution about the mid 90s vintage. Do not get a V12 sedan, The motor is great but the package is impracticle.
Tell him to go for it.
Best regards,

 

[Diggs]

No major issues! The injectors are prone to cloging up but a good fuel treatment every now and again solves this (Forte Gas Treatment is good). Although not common, if it has electronic rear suspension this can be a problem and quite an expensive one.

 

[XJRpilot]

go for it!!! after 1991-92 quality went up and they were very dependable. the mid 90's and on jaguars are indeed mechanically excellent. when john egan took over the series three xj production in 82, quality and dependability went up like a rocket. then it fell drastically with the introduction of the aj6 engine from 88-90.(new engine bugs, minor design flaws). but jaguar
saw the error of their ways and improved, as a quality auto manufacturer should. after 1991-92, quality is the key word. i also should mention that maintanance is the key to a good running jag.
change the oil regularly ( i do mine every 2000 miles religiously), and do the required tune ups
including valve adjustments and timing. flush the cooling system every 8-10k, and the cat will purr
for many years.

[ 01-17-2003: Message edited by: XJRpilot ]</p>