Hello everyone. New to the site because I have a question. I have an option to buy a 1995 XJ-6 Vanden Plas. I have never owned a Jag before, so I thought I would find some knowledgeable people to ask about it. My search led me here.

A bit on the car. I have been driving it around for the last three days, and it runs like a dream! No real knocks, pings, squeaks, or rattles. There are 184,000 miles on the odometer. Everything seems to be in working order, with the exceptions of the sunroof, the cigarette lighters, the clock (cracked LCD screen), and the automatic door locks are a little sticky.

My concern is that the traction control failure light is on, the check engine light is on, and the anti lock brakes light is on.

How concerned should I be? What is a reasonable price for a car like this? And what can I expect in the future with this car?

If there is anything I have omitted, that you need to know, please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

 

Hard to say without at least some rudimentary diagnosis....such as pulling trouble codes from the diagnostic system. Could be as simple as a dirty sensor or corroded connection....or could mean replacment of some rather expensive parts






The market is pretty low on this cars. Maybe $6000 for a truly mint condition example with no issues requiring immediate attention or as low as $1500 for a rough-ish example with obvious problems to sort out.




These are good, durable cars but at at 184k miles you're in the "anything can happen" range. Age and mileage eventually takes a toll on any car and, of course, the care and feeding up the car has rec'd to this point is important. Has the owner keep up on servicing and repairs? Or, considering low value, has he pretty much stopped caring and started doing just the absolute bare minimum to keep the car on the road?

Suspension bushings, ball joints, etc are beyond their typical expiration date so be prepared for the possibilty of some repairs in that area.

If they've been well cared for the engine and transmission may well have quite a bit of life ahead but the differentials and rear wheel bearings are not quite so robust....so listen for growls and rumbles.

Go to the "X300" section. In one of the sticky threads at the top of the section is a buyers guide that might be helpful to you

Cheers
DD

 

Thank you very much, Doug. I appreciate the reply

 

You are fine, the lighter, thing is a blown fuse, in the back panel right or left foot panel, sun roof, needs WD 40, and clean the tracks 184,000 miles is great for that year. Mine had 163,000 and all the issues you mentioned. I paid 4200 for mine. Love it. Buy it and enjoy.

 

Traction control light, now take it to Sun Tire if you can find one. Or a foreign car mech. specialist.