Just thought id say hello I stumbled upon this site a while back and was impressed with all the information that was on here . Im a young fellow (im 19) looking to buy my first jaguar. Ive had my mind set on either a series III xj6 or a xj40 but still cant quite decide which is a better "begginners" Jag .
But I look forward to talking with allnthe cool people on this forum and learning all sorts of great information. Thanks for reading. -Robert

 

Bear in mind, Robert, the cars you list are way older than you are (which doesn't really matter, mine is older than I am). In some ways they're simpler than current (modern) cars and in some ways they're Far more complex.

At any rate, if you're willing to get your hands (and other things) dirty (Real dirty) there is incredible knowledge and skill in here belonging to people who are only too glad to share what they know.

Welcome from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Welcome to the forum Robert,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

The Series III is the simpler design as Jaguar made the leap into electronics with the XJ40. You'll get plenty of advice in each of the two model tech forums but always remember condition and history are crucial when assessing a prospective Jaguar purchase. Whichever you prefer, you'll find all the information on the forum to tackle any work that may be required.

Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj6-xj12-series-i-ii-iii-16/ to the XJ6 Series I, II & III forum and this one XJ40 - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the XJ40 forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top of each is a good place to start for info on regular issues.

You can also visit the US Lower Artlantic Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/lower-atlantic-nc-sc-fl-ga-66/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the search for your first Jaguar and enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

.
Thanks for the reply I have considered all the things that come with owning a older jaguar
I do have alot of mechanical experience working on cars. Funny that you say that I actually have never owned a car less than 25 years old and all my friends and family joke with me about that haha. I also note that i am looking to buy a "clean" specimen more so than a "project car" . I figure paying a little more for a nice doucumented clean car will save alot money and headache down the road .

 

[QUOTE=Robert_Lowe94;979297]You're right about a clean specimen being less trouble.

I wish you success in your search.
(';')

 

Welcome! I'm newer to the forum as well. Great to have you.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Robert,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

welcome - good luck in your search for the right Jag. You will find plenty of info and support here simply follow the links Graham has provided and enjoy!

 

Thanks for the reply Graham. That's one thing that did scare me about the xj40s since they have a lot more electronic gadgetry than the series III. I believe i am going to lean towards getting a series III i really love the simple elegance of those cars. But thanks for all the links i explored all of them doing a fair amount of reading of both models.
- Robert
btw i love you're XK such a beautiful car

 

It most certainly will.

Service history is critical when assessing any potential Jaguar purchase because there's a lot of neglected examples around. Nothing better than seeing a file full of receipts for work completed.

Graham

 

Hi Robert, any Jaguar is good for a first Jag. Just gotta get dirty.
Welcome

 

Hi and welcome aboard, its good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

If you need any further help with the site moving forward, please just ask any moderator, veteran member and we'll be glad to assist.

In the meantime, any useful site information you may need such as how to post pictures, edit signatures, add videos, using the
search facility etc, can be found here within the following link Helpful_information

There are lots of members local to you with the same interests with info on local dealers and possible meets.
Regional - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ForumNeed a Manual, a TSB, or General Info' about your Jag? Check out our >> DOWNLOAD AREA <<

I've manually upgraded you to Full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features.

 

That's definitely gonna make or break the deal for me if the owner can't provide any type of maintenance records there will be no sale. id rather be patient and find the "right" jaguar with full service records and has been well cared for.
i stumbled upon this ad this morning on Craigslist i might consider looking at it. I just wonder if its a to good to be true. 1450$ for such a beautiful car is kind of hard to believe Jaguar XJ6 - 1990 - Bordeaux Color - $1450

 

Current (second) owner has had the vehicle for 20 years. Looks tidy both inside and out from the photographs suggesting little and careful use in that time.

I doubt you'll find many two owner XJ40's so it's most certainly worth an inspection.

The phrase "Hasn't been used for several years" could mean it will have some electrical issues just from lack of regular use. A lot easier to resolve than tired paint, leather and powertrain!

Graham

 

Well as you say it no doubt deserves an inspection. it is in beautiful cosmetic shape and 2 owner xj40s are not very common these days. I'm going to see if i can arrange a time to inspect the car. I will definitely give her a good once over and extensive test drive out on the highway and make sure she's in tip top form. But thanks for all the insight and information. I will keep you posted
Thanks - Robert

 

Welcome.

 

Hi Robert,

Welcome to the forum! That '90 looks like a clean car - any electrical or mechanical issues can be dealt with, and there is plenty of information available for repairing and maintaining an XJ40, so there is very little to be afraid of.

Some of the specific things to check would be:

Gear noise from rear end that can indicate perished rear subframe bushings or failed differential output bearings or pinion bearings (look for oil leaks at differential pinion seal and output shaft seals). Subframe bushings and diff output shaft bearings are no big deal. Pinion shaft bearing means a diff rebuild.

Check under both front carpets for any signs of water, which can mean clogged A/C drains alongside the center console or a clogged "duckbill" drain in the windshield cowl. These issues can allow water to damage the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Engine Control Module (ECM) or other sensitive electronic components behind the passenger side knee bolster.

Check for rust everywhere, and if you find any, search this forum for clues about the severity of rust in a specific location since some areas are more serious than others.

Listen for rattles from the engine bay when first starting the car cold, which can indicate a failed upper timing chain tensioner.

There are not many places the AJ6 engine can leak oil. The most common source is the cam cover gasket, which hardens and leaks with age. Don't confuse a cam cover gasket leak (usually most obvious at the rear right corner of the engine above the exhaust) with a head gasket leak (usually at the front right corner of the engine above the distributor). The cam cover gasket is inexpensive and easy to replace. The head gasket is a much bigger job, but many of us have replaced it ourselves.

I hope you love the car! Please keep us informed!

Cheers,

Don

 

Hi Don, Thanks i really appreciate all the information i wasn't aware of some of the problems you stated especially the water related issues but i will definitely remember them for future reference. Unfortunately i did not get to purchase the car someone else beat me to it . But hey they made more than one so im sure another XJ40 will come up for sale.

 

To everyone that replied to my thread i greatly appreciate all the info i have received its helped me out a lot with the handful cars i have looked at .but even though i am mainly on the market for a xj40 or series III and more so leaning towards getting one of the 2 . However i might also consider a x300 if its a nice clean car for a good price and there are quite a few in my area that i have seen in good shape and for not to much money. But man i sure missed a steal the other day i was driving to work and i saw this beautiful tanish or champagne x300 vanden plas sitting in the front yard of someones home with a for sale sign in the glass. So naturally i stopped and this little old lady came outside and asked if she could help me. I told her i was just looking at this beautiful car. She proceeded to tell me she bought it new in 95 and it has been garaged and serviced and she wanted 3k for it and it only had 78k miles. She asked if i was interested i told yes i was very interested but i had no cash or time since i was on the way to work so i couldn't really do anything other than tell her id be back after work. So needless to say when 6 rolls around i run home get my money i got back to her house and the guy is about to pull out the driveway with it i shoulda called in sick that day for sure but oh well that's the way it goes . But i was curious if anyone that was experienced in x300 category could give me a few pointers on buying one just in case i happened to run into another one that strikes my fancy. Thanks - Robert