These are great cars. Built like a tank, drive like velvet.

In that price range, though, you can expect a list of fix-it items.

I suggest thinking about what your end goal is. If what you REALLY want is a pristine Ser III XJ6 where everything has been fixed and sorted, that looks like a million dollars, then forget $1800 candidates and set your sights higher. Its much cheaper to buy one "already done" than to take an average example and bring it up to the same standard.

Of course, if you specifically want a project, then that's a different matter. You'll have lots of fun and most repairs are pretty easy....and most parts are readily available and reasonably priced.

Generally, mechanical repairs are much cheaper than cosmetic repairs, so a car needing new paint, new wood, new leather, new carpets, etc is gonna get very expensive very quickly.

Here is some good reading material:

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

Cheers and good luck

DD

 

I hope you would be happy with your ride .

 

Trust what Doug says...he's a very knowledgeable fellow who always gives sound advice.

My 2 cents is that you'll never regret buying it. I spent $1500 on my '82 not running, after a $120 fuel pump/filters and a little tank cleanup she runs like a champ. Sure there are minor items to be updated on it still, but I enjoy working on cars and there is no finer automobile in the world than a Jag!

 

Bought an '83 XJ6 for $300 from a private seller. I've uploaded pictures so you can see the visual problems with the car, but lurking in there are still hundreds of unsolved mysteries.

Because everyone here has great explanation of how to diagnose, repair, and care for a Jag, I would recommend buying one. A couple of things to think about though:

Fuel Economy is very low, roughly 17mpg hwy, 14 city.
The car is HEAVY (almost 5000 lbs), which can be a good thing unless you need to change a tire on a soft shoulder.
Parts are not exactly "Honda" cheap.

Regardless, it is a great automobile to drive, and the styling of it has a tendency to turn heads.

 

I used to own a 82 XJ6 and really liked it, except the condition of body was very poor and was not worth investing more money into. But the engine ran good and had good leather.

As stated earlier, the car was army-tank tough and built to last. I can't wait to find another one in better condition to use as a classic in my antique car club activities.

Best of luck with the car.

Earnest
2006 S-Type 3.0
1998 XJ8