Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but I pretty much have to choose between keeping the XJ40 or my 2008 Mazda 3. The XJ40 needs the cam cover gasket and L/H rack and pinion boot replaced sooner or later but that's about all that needs to get done. I'm still new to Jags so I was wondering if it would be realistic to use it as my only car.

 

Daily driver? Sure.

But a 20 y/o Jag is not gonna be a drive-it-and-forget-it car. It's gonna need attention to be reliable. That is, you'll need to spend some time and money keeping on top of...or ahead of....old car issues.

If your a decent DIY mechanic it's all part of the fun. If you have to pay someone to keep an eye on everything it's gonna get expensive.

Cheers
DD

 

Well, I sold the Mazda (yes already). So I'll find out how often I'll have to fix the Jag. I am good with tolls but I would prefer not to do the work on the car myself. Thankfully it was well taken care of so that will only help.

 

I drove my Jag as my daily drive . When the weather is getting hotter you can complain about poor A/C just like I did lol

 

Steve:
Congratulations on your decision. I think you've made a very good choice. If you stay on top of what this car will (eventually!) ask of you, it will provide you with years of reliable service. And when you consider the small purchase price, even figuring in a couple of potential larger repairs (ex. differential, headgasket, etc.), you've made an economical choice over something a lot newer, a lot more boring, with a lot more car payments.
Cheers and happy motoring!
Scott

 

Steve W:

My best suggestion is to go ahead and find a good independent Jaguar mechanic and a local salvage yard with Jaguar parts--in case they're needed in the future.

When you don't have backup transportation, getting your car back on the road promptly is especially important. Car rentals can get expensive.

At least you're in a major city where you can find such resources. Us small town guys have to keep diesel pickups and car trailers since we don't have Jag mechanics locally.

 

As others have said, good choice. I work on mine. It is my daily driver. I do as much as I can on my own. For me, if its anything under that valve cover I have to pay someone.

 

As said, GOOD DECISION.

I have had Jaguar ONLY as daily drivers since 1968 (MK7), then on to an S Type (original STEEL version), MK10, so on, and so on, then the MIGHTY XJ-S came along, that was a quantum leap, believe me, and now "she" has the Beast, and I have an X300.

They are SIMPLE cars, but as Doug said, neglect HER, and you will PAY, and handsomely too.

Get the car as "spot on" as you possibly can, and from there it is a simple, and $$ wise car to keep. Learn how to do maintenence properly, DO NOT procrastinate with things, and the wallet will remain fatter, and you must SMILE every time you turn that key and you exit the driveway.

 

Steve,

Good choice. I commissioned a '95 X300 with 63K mi. on it late Aug. of 2010 as daily driver. Put nearly 20k on it so far with barely anything beyond oil-changes and an occasional bulb-swap. It's actually been considerably more reliable than either of the two newer Jag's in my sig-line.....

 

My 93 has 65,8xx on the clock and has been my daily driver since 07 with 52,4xx on her then. Other then routine maintenance she hasn't spent any time in the shop.