Hello, I’m new to here but i’ve loved Jag for a long time. I’m going to see one Jaguar XJ6 series3 1986 (inline 6cylinders) on this Sunday in San diego
But i heard it has a couple of problems.
1. All windows do not work
: i’ve already studied from this forum lol
2. Wiper doesn’t work
: Needs to look at
3. A/C & Heater do not work.
: No idea so far
Smog number seems fine as current owner said.
i’m little bit concerning about the issues above.
Are there any points that I have to look at? Like chronic problems?
i’m really looking forward to see the Jag!!

 

Welcome to the forums Aiden,

It's very easy to look at a Jaguar, any Jaguar and be seduced. I've rarely bought a used one at the first viewing, prefering to note the work required and take time to cost it first before committing. This also usually makes the vendor more amenable to negotiation.

If everything works, you're buying a CAR. When there's a list of things that don't work, you're buying a PROJECT (even if it drives) and it should be priced accordingly. I always go for good body and trim because repairs to these can chew up much more money than powertrain or suspension rebuilds. If you can't or don't want to learn to do the work yourself, Jaguar expertise costs a lot.

I'm always concerned with things that don't work. There's usually one of two reasons for this:
1. owner can't fix them - lack of knowledge and/or ability
2. owner can't afford to fix them - lack of funds/uneconomical to repair

Naturally (2) is more concerning than (1). What is the cost of parts and what else hasn't been properly maintained? With the electrical faults, best case scenario is fuses/relays; worst case scenario is burned out motors or rodents have eaten the harness.

If the vehicle is West Coast from new, you won't have the rust problems that plague Jaguars in wet climate but the downside is the sun can seriously damage the interior. Jaguar trim is either unobtainable or frighteningly expensive.

I hope it checks out but if in doubt - walk away.

Graham

 

Hi,

In one of the sticky threads at the top of this section is a buyers guide which might be helpful.

If you're a do-it-yourself mechanic these cars are fairly easy to own. If you'll be paying a repair shop to fix and maintain the car, well, you better have deep pockets

Wiper and window problems wouldn't worry me much. Those are probably easy fixes. The heater/air conditioner might be a simple fix or might be a real problem. Hard to say at this point without more info.

Two chronic problems to watch for are rust and owner neglect. Rust repairs are very expensive. Hard to find an old Jag that has been really well cared for. Typically a new owner spends a few months sorting out problems that the previous owner ignored.

Paint, leather, wood, and chrome are expensive repairs so if cosmetics are important to you then seek out (and pay for) a car that already meets your standard.

Proof that the rear brakes are in good condition is a real plus. Repairs here can be labor intensive.

Cheers
DD

 

if ALL the windows AND the Sunroof do not work, there is a switch at the top center of the window and sunroof switches panel that is called a "Valet Switch".

if this switch is in the ON position, it disables all the other 5 switches.

Assuming the car has electrical power, Check that this sixth switch is OFF. This Valet switch is also DIFFERENT from the other 5 switches. It could simply be a matter of ignorance of the owner.

 

Lot post in progress. Fake MS message. I had to dump fast to evade it. My malware system failed to detect it...

SMOG. CA saya seller is to provide a SMOG report. You can waive and take the risk.

It may pass just fine . If not it canm be a real pain..

SMOG is a pain...

I am over due. other issues took precedent...

Carl