Hello:
I live in Cape Coral, FL and I have been holding out for a 1995-1999 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas - with no luck. I have come across junkers but nothing I would want to own. I am looking for a turn key motor car. I have never considered a V8 but I came across this one. I would appreciate anyones thoughts on a V8 vs the inline 6.
Thanks.
2000 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas

 

Wayne,

I've moved your question from Jaguar Forums Feedback & Suggestion Center to X308 forum. The Feedback & Suggestion Center is NOT for technical questions - it's for posts about the forum.

Members here with the same model as you are considering will be able to help.

Graham

 

Thank you very much.
Wayne,

 

There are a few issues with the '96 - '02 V8's that you need to be aware of:

The plastic cam chain tensioners will fail and likely take the engine with them. Easy DIY repair if there is not documentation of previous repair.

The 5HP24 ZF transmissions have a known weakness in the valve body and 'A' drum. Easily prevented by replacing the valve body without removing the transmission.

All this is thoroughly discussed in the 'stickies' at the top of the forum which would be an excellent education on you hunt for the perfect car.

A third issue now long past is the Nikasil cylinder bore issues. If the car runs now it should not be a problem.

The aluminum engine can be damaged by over heating so the coolant system must be maintained like a religion.

Otherwise this engine is a great design now in service for nearly 20 years.

The long term issue I have with these cars is the electronics. I wonder if a 50 year old version can be maintained like the E types are.

I am fighting a battle with a cruise control unit on an '82 Volvo. Trying to find electrical parts is proving to be difficult.

 

From your experinece is the inline 6 more reliable than the V8?

 

The inline 6 is more reliable, yes. However, with the correct maintenance, the V8 can be very reliable indeed. Plus it's simply a better engine - more powerful, efficient, lighter. It's not just the engine - there are dozens of improvements to the car that come with a V8, the most important being :

Improved interior
Better front suspension design from the XK8
5 speed box vs. 4

 

Last in-line 6 cyl I had was a '56 Chevy so I don't have an opinion.

After all the other engines I have had I am impressed with the Jaguar AJxx engines.

 

I have both. The AJ16 used in the X300 series, '95-'97 and the ZF4HP24 transmission are very rugged. Failure is extremely rare, but they are subject to electronic problems, and failure of substandard replacement coils is an issue.
As test point says, electronic components do not age well, especially in the engine compartment or where exposed to the elements. All of these cars are more of a hobby for those with some mechanical and electrical experience than a reliable daily driver.
But they are attractive, and as long as the parts are available to keep them running, those of us who appreciate them will put up with the problems.

 

Well said!

 

It's true about the cheap coils, my colleague bought 6 for his XJ6, and they all failed within a year.