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1991 XJ6 Sovereign
So new I’m new to this forum and Jags in general, but I found a 1991 XJ6 sovereign with only 49k miles and a $650 price tag. I’ve confirmed it has the custom package with additional leather details, rear sun shades, a limited slip differential and a few other factory extras. It also has some rust bubbling thru on one front fender, a lack of power under load, badly peeling clear coat, dirty leather, sitting for over two years, etc. what should i look out for? Are the hydraulic brake boosters a huge problem still regarding finding parts? Is this thing worth trying to save or are these pretty much useless in fair/poor condition? Thanks |
That's a Vanden Plas not a Sovereigh and usually these don't have LSD, but maybe in 91 they did? Are you sure?
Nice aero alloy rims in good condition ...brakes no good? Is that why you're asking about them? In my opinion, parts are not really hard to get and the cars are quirky but pretty straightforward to work on. Paintwork looks pretty sad but all dark clearcoats look like that after sitting out in the weather for years ...A bit of prep and few clear spray bombs can improve matters considerably until (or if) you get a respray. The thing you have going for you is the low mileage. OTOH, the long time of sitting does the car no favours. Larry |
Originally Posted by Lawrence
(Post 2015197)
That's a Vanden Plas not a Sovereigh and usually these don't have LSD, but maybe in 91 they did? Are you sure?
Nice aero alloy rims in good condition ...brakes no good? Is that why you're asking about them? In my opinion, parts are not really hard to get and the cars are quirky but pretty straightforward to work on. Paintwork looks pretty sad but all dark clearcoats look like that after sitting out in the weather for years ...A bit of prep and few clear spray bombs can improve matters considerably until (or if) you get a respray. The thing you have going for you is the low mileage. OTOH, the long time of sitting does the car no favours. Larry Larry, Thanks for the response! I apparently don't understand how to even tell which model this is (I was just basing that on what the owner said). According to the local Jag dealer using the car's VIN, this one has factory LSD. I haven't driven it or even heard it run yet, but as of two years ago apparently the brakes were OK. At that time it just had no power and wouldn't maintain speed well. Yeah, the paint looks bad with all that peeling clearcoat. Do you think that low mileage could actually be correct? Are these cars hard to roll back the odometers on? What do you think I should offer them for it? Obviously, it's almost like scrap value in it's current condition... Thanks, John |
The mileage is recorded in the ECU so AFAIK impossible to roll back without replacing the computer and those wheels look so clean I'd pretty much guarantee the mileage is genuine.
Power issue ...? Doubtful the engine has a problem as these motors are pretty much bulletproof ..more than likely a fuel supply or electrical insulation issue. Maybe it does have LSD, mine (94 model, same car) doesn't. If he's asking $650, obviously he places very little value on it, so maybe offer him $500-ish? These cars have built-in error code readers, so once you see it in person, turn on the ignition, (dont fire it up) press the VCM button on the panel to the right of the steering wheel and look at the mileage display. If there's a fault with engine management, the display will show a "fuel fail" code and a number. (or "PAD" =low brake pads) If no code shows you are very lucky. Most FF issues are not a big deal though and there are plenty of resources (this site for example) to help you sort it out. If you like working on cars, the XJ40 may be for you, but if you're going to pay someone to muddle around trying to get it up to snuff then maybe walk away, ok? Larry |
Oh and judging by the amount of $hit under the hood I'd guess the air filter would be pretty much plugged, maybe that's why the power is a bit lacking ...or at least one factor!
Larry |
Thanks again Larry.
I was thinking maybe a failing MAF and/or vacuum leaks based on what the owner said. Yeah, the car is majorly dirty so probably has rodent nest in the air box or whatever. Of course LSD would need to be checked by actually looking at the diff. Thanks for the input though. I've had several older BMW's but never a Jag |
Hi 91XJ6,
Welcome to the Jaguar Forums! It's great to have you with us. The great thing about the XJ40 is that so much is known about its common problems, so if you strike a good deal on the car, we'll be happy to help you on your journey. A good place to learn is the document at this link: Jag-Lovers XJ40 eBook Also, if you buy the car, please visit the New Member Area - Intro a MUST and post an introduction so we can learn something about you and your Jag and give you a proper welcome. Cheers, Don |
91xj6: To mirror Larry's sentiment, if you can look in the mirror and tell yourself I enjoy solving automotive riddles and have the patience to do so then go for it. The xj40s are good, solid dependable cars but suffer from the typical generalizations such as they are hard to work on, parts are expensive, they are foreign and prone to regular breakdowns, etc. Use these general beliefs to your advantage. If you buy the car ($500 seems about right) then start with the simple basics of a tune up (plugs, wires, rotor, distributor, air filter, oil change, gas filter (drain the tank), coolant flush, accessory belt, etc. Sort out the basics before you jump to the more expensive repairs such as lsd. Also, find a local junk yard for donor candidates. I have a '91 Sovereign (three option models 1) xj6 - base 2) sovereign 3)vanden plas which is what you are showing). It mainly was tricked out with more fancy features such as the sculpted front (and rear) grill and everyone's favorite, the folding picnic tables on the back of the front seats. Before you buy ask yourself if you care enough about this car and its heritage to dedicate the time? Best of luck, Ren
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Needs a little work. But I bet she can come back from the dead |
I think of you're up for the project it'd be a good buy. Like others said probably a fuel related issue or sensor failing like maf or tps. My x300 sat twice as long but drove fine before it was parked over a no start issue. In my case it was offered for $600 and they were motivate to sell, so I got them down to $400. You may be able to talk your seller down too.
Make sure to drain and change the key fluids (gas/oil/coolant), and start with the basics. |
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