Looking at a 85-87 XJW with the straight six. What are some of the common problems with these cars? I'm starting my hunting process and would like to know what should I be on the lookout for? I know rust issues at the bottom of front and rear windshields are a common thing. What else should I be looking for? If I can find one in decent shape how dependable are they?
Thanks in advance.
Looking to add to my garage.
Larney

 

Try this link (if it works). it is in the sticky tsb area at the top of this forum

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/a...1&d=1281197822

It is a download, written by Doug, one of the most knowledgeable XJ jag owners I know of. He is an absolute fountain of knowledge on this forum.

These old girls need plenty of care and attention, but they are a total joy to look at and DRIVE. I am not sure what the XJW is though?? If it is a typo for the XJS, then this is not quite the right spot (there is an xjs forum on here), but most of the buyers guide will be relevant.

Good luck

 

Opps.... That should have been XJ6. Guess I should proof read.
Thanks,
Larney

 

hi,
the Series 3 XJ-6 (1980-1987) are as reliable as the previous owner kept them maintained.

are they a car for everyday use? yes and no, depends on how well maintained the car is. Otherwise they are relatively simple cars to repair, I said "relatively", because if you are good fixing cars, all you need is the Factory Service Manual and follow the instructions, or ask others who "been there done that".
new and used parts are plentiful and inexpensive.

one thing I would stay away from are cars that came to California from the North or North East US because those cars usually rot from the inside out due to salt use. I would make sure the car is an original California or Arizona car, where the weather preserves them. My point is that many "snowbirds" drive to California or Florida and drop their rotted cars in the local marketplace. Watch out, I would get one of those reports that show the history of the car.

yes they all have a tendency to rust at the front and rear windshields, on the bottom corners, but any obvious rust elsewhere is a red flag that the car is NOT a California car, although I am sure there are always exceptions.

 

As to CA and AZ cars, they might not be rusty, but the hot sun does awful thngs to interiors. Easier to fix than rust, but, will involve dollars.


OTH, a bit of rust here and there is not the end of the world. But, what you see is not the whole story, the ice berg analogy fits here.


Extremely interesting cars. But, can be humbling. Been there, done that.


But, in while, I'll go on errands. Early, in the Jaguar before, "Cuando caliente el sol"!!! Not on the "playa" though???


Carl