I recently purchased a low mileage (20K miles according to the clock) 1989 XJ6(40) base model. I paid $2,500 I have spent another $2,000 on various repairs. I know I probably overpaid. Sometimes the fact that a car sits is as bad as high mileage. I know also, that I should have done more research on this model before jumping in and buying one. What I need to determine is should I get out of this car and just cut my losses? It still needs work on the instrument cluster, stereo, A/C, power windows/locks, door handles, brakes and a few other minor things. I do not need all of these things to work perfectly to enjoy the car. I can drive the car the way it sits, but my wife doesn't like the fact that some of the comfort items only work marginally. I am a disabled vet and my ability to do much of the work myself is not very good. I love all Jags and really like this car when I am driving it. I have read a couple of articles about the XJ40 some of which are very bad reviews about many areas of the car, even the engine which I always considered a strong point of Jaguars. These articles and some posts here have really made me question my decision of buying a XJ40. I, in the end, want a nice driver that I can enjoy and rely on. I will probably put only 5-6 K miles on it a year. I know there are no guarantees when comes to any car, but should I just sell, lick my wounds and move on to another year/model of Jaguar? I am realistic, but I would like to get some feedback from those here who have more experience with the XJ40. Thanks for your advice and feedback.

 

The fact that it's a Jag or an XJ40 is almost irrelevant. The car is 27 years old. Any vehicle that old will need lots of attention to keep it operating well or to bring it back to 'like new' condition from a deteriorated state.

The car could well be a Honda Civic, same principle applies.

The purchase price is not much more than chump change in the big scheme of things. Choosing which repairs to do in which sequence and DIYing as much much a possible will make the difference between a money pit and a fun hobby.

 

Thanks for your comments. I wasn't referring to the age of the car, but the opinion of some that the car had some poorly designed systems that will remain a problem for the life of the car. I also am not interested in a "like new" car. I am aware of the age and have owned other older cars before, but not one where there seems like there is as much negative comments from the time it was new. Have these faults been remedied/fixed since 1989? I didn't think I was making any issue of " Jag or an XJ40 ". I agree it is irrelevant. I want the car to be a "fun" hobby, but not an money pit. Like I wrote, I do not need to have everything working to enjoy the car. I just do not want the money pit part because I do not have much $ to throw into the pit anyway. Thanks again for your input.

 

I agree with Mikey on all points.

For a lot us, the 'fixing it up' stage is where most the fun is. It's a labor of love and the expenditure might well be called 'entertainment expense'. But that's not everyone's cup of tea.

There is nothing more expensive than an inexpensive Jag and $2500 is getting way down there. For less work, more enjoyment...and quite possibly less total cost over time....consider buying in at a higher amount. One idea is to wait for the one where the owner has already dumped thousands into the car and for whatever reason is ready to sell. You can reap the benefits of his investment for pennies on the dollar!

Cheers
DD

 

If you wander around this site listening in on owner's comments, there's not one model I can think of that doesn't get regularly trashed. However, the same goes on with every other manufacturers discussion boards. If we were to believe all of this, there's never been a car built that's worth owning.

I'd keep the car and fix it in accordance with what you want to do and can afford to do. Ignore what others think and want unless they're willing to contribute.

 

I guess I was fixating on the negatives about the car and I should know better. You are correct, every car has it problems and this Jag is no different. I have read a lot of articles (I subscribe to all the Hemmings publications) on fixing up older cars and wanted to try it myself as much as I could. I was thinking about my physically problems and was having second thoughts about my ability to do much. I am over it. I will do what I can and will get someone else to do it if I cannot. I am glad that this forum is here where I can draw upon the knowledge and experience of so many. My first task is to replace the rotors on all four corners. Should be able to start on Saturday. Thanks!

 

And you'll end up with a very special car when you're done!

 

I have a 93 XJ-6 which I bought for 1400 and then put 2600 in it to make it functional. So yes, I know what you mean.

You'll never get your money out of it, and it's not about that. For me it was about rescuing a Jag that was destined for a junkyard, or being cannibalized for parts. My wife insisted.

Best part about owning it, is knowing that it's a rare classic and not too many have one. It gets me stranded once in a while, and requires a lot of work to fix and bypass things that are crapping out, but it's fun once it works again. So personally, I'd keep it as a fun side project and enjoy a piece of history that will never be built again.

PS. Check out my previous posts on issues that I already had to deal with mine. You'll probably hit most of them yourself, might save you time and headaches. Oh, and Don is a genius when it comes to XJ-6 issues, so don't hesitate to ask.

 

Owning an older car is all about the love. Not saving money you would spend a new car, if you do the maths with dealer servicing and depreciation etc the older car wins every time. And you get the enjoyment and satisfaction of working on it and driving it.
All the problems you list are jobs you can do yourself with help from these forums and some youtube videos.

 

I work for a used car dealer. One think I have discovered in the time I've been here is how little 10k buys in a car these days. I e drive. A ton of 10-17k cars and at the end of the day hop in my XJ and drive home. Yes it needs a few things but even at 22 years old it's still nicer to drive than most modern cars in that price range that I see.

One way to look at your project is to break it down into something manageable.

Get it running and reliable.

Fix what I call the day to day stuff. Thinks that make you not want to drive it like the door handles, radio, AC etc.

Then work on the trim and cosmetic.

Nothing gets done in a day. But just keep at it.