Hello,

I intend to purchase an XJ and have been looking out for a suitable one, to suit my circumstances. It would be a "second" car, and hence probably used daily, but not as our primary source of transport. (It needs to be reasonably reliable but we won't be dependant upon it.)

I am reasonably competent in that I can do the minor maintenance stuff, but the larger mechanical issues will need to be put into the hands of more capable/qualified people... but I am willing to learn and prepared to have a go.

As a consequence, I have decided to look seriously at the XJ Series 3 models. I hadn't considered an XJ12 until one came up for sale recently. I would be very interested in any discussion of the comparison between XJ12 and XJ6 models in terms of reliability, repair costs, fuel economy, practicality and general experiences. If there is already such a discussion underway somewhere, I would appreciate a "link" to it.

regards,
Rhys.

 

Can't help you any on these XJ..although there will be help along here soon..

Welcome..hope you find the one you're looking for.

 

Welcome to the forums
My choice is 1993 Daimler Six aka Jaguar Van Den Plus 4.0 . This is my 3rd Jaguar and my most fave despite a former X300 Owner .Mine is all about the way car pardon me opppssss Jaguar looks lol

 

Are you looking for a modern car or a classic? If a late model do you prefer the X300/308 shape?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...1&viewitem=

Or do you prefer the more square but equally classy XJ40 shape?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-...QQcmdZViewItem

Both cars are very reliable. The 95-97 X300 body style is avery good buy now because they have depreciated to very low values. I just saw a 96 Vanden Plas sell for $3100!

If you want to spend more money you can go for the a late production X308 2002/2003 or go for the newest body style, the X350 XJ8


From:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Thanks for the responses..

Looking for "classic" rather than "modern". So particularly interested in the '79 - '87 XJ models, but seeking advice with respect to to XJ12 models and their particular advantages/disadvantages comppared to to the sixes of that era.

regards,

Rhys

 

Welcome aboard Rhys....sorry I cant help with your choices, but there's some really knowledgable people on here for those models. I'm sure you'll get the answers you're lookin for soon.

All the best

Jim

 

Yes,Series III is what you're looking for...."the most modern of all antique automobiles". Fantastic cars. Built like a tank and drive like velvet.

Here is some preliminary reading material to get the feel of things and then you can get into specifics:

http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjbuyersguide.html
http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/info/jagcare3.pdf
http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html

I could (and will, if needed) spend hours on the subject buthere's thekey thing: do not be tempted by a ragged fixer upper. Seek out a premium example and pay the price. You'll be miles ahead in the long run. Sometimes finding the right car is more important than finding the right price. This is one of those times. Within reason, of course.

V12s are terrific but unless you get one that has been serviced by a fanatic I wouldn't recommend one to a first timer with modest DIY skills.

Cheers
DD

 

Greetings Rhys,

Hope you're enjoying the warm weather. You are probably best suited to find your own answers, owing to the fact that you live in Australia. Are there many XJ12's there? No Series III's were built for the U.S. market, so I've only ever seen one. Are there many XJS HE's there? That's the same drivetrain as the XJ12.

Point is, if you're in need of service or parts for a Series III V12, you're best to line up your ducks in advance. The V12 drivetrain is more reliable than the XJ6 III, but the engines aremore expensive to maintain and repair. And there's the issue of supply for XJ12-specific parts...try calling around and see if you can find a radiator on your continent.

Series III XJ6 is likely to be a more common model in your neighborhood, as are providers of parts and service. I agee with Doug, they're very fine automobiles overall. Opting for a 12 adds complications that you may find uncomfortable to live with. Exclusive yes, practical no.

 

Hi all,

Thanks for the feedback so far. I am currently looking at an XJ6 1984 Sovereign. Just wondering where I might find a list of the standard and optional fittings that this (Australian built) model should have compared with earlier and later years of the Series 3 XJ models. (eg '86 models have trip computers).

regards,
Rhys

 

Can't add much to this one except to say, Welcome.
I love the fact that this forum stretches around the world.