I am thinking about buying an xj6 . I found this 1989 locally (Michigan) with 47,000 miles on it in excellent shape for 5000$. This was the last year before ford took over, my question is are there any pros or cons to buying a pre ford car verse after? Is this a good price for this car I would say it is at least an 8 out of 10. Is there any disadvantage to vandenplas option. Someone told me they are more trouble, How can you identify a vandenplas.

 

It was 1993-94 before any of Ford's influence could be seen and by almost every account Ford did nothing but improve Jaguar.

If you prefer that body style ("XJ40" model") most will tell you to seek out a 1991-1994 model....and that the earlier ones were quite a bit more problematic...with 1988-89 cars not having the best reputation.

For some good model-specific advice repost in the "XJ40" section where those most familiar with that model can advise you. This section is for the earlier generation XJ6/XJ12 cars

Cheers
DD

 

[QUOTE=Lklansingkiter;1287247]"Vanden Plas" means different things depending on market....and varies from series to series as well

In a very brief nutshell, the USA market " Vanden Plas " means the higher grade interior trim and in some cases some exterior trim upgrades. All cosmetic... and not something that makes the car more troublesome to speak of.

Cheers
DD

 

It sounds like the xj40 model was still called the xj6 in the U.S. Market . How do you tell them apart.

 

I amj far from an expert in jaguar lineage, but the engines and fuel fillers are different. head lamps as well. the latter I am unsure of. the 80-87 cars have an uright DOHC engine. The nextr series, your prospect included, enjoy a much more modern slanted DOHC 6, Well, except for the V12 cars. The later cars have a single fuel cap at the left rear at the base of the rear screen. The early cars enjoy the classic twin fill caps.


When you go to the suggested forum, you will see the listers cars to compare your prospect to.


yeah, the 89 model as a new thing had it's teething issues. but, by now, the prospective cart should have been sorted out. so, if you like it and it passes basic used car testing, why not?


Carl

 

Pay particular attention to the braking system and look for any loud noises on start up as the engine driven hydraulic pump uses brake fluid to adjust the rear suspension, which may have developed a leak. There is a TSB describing how to convert the rear suspension from the hydraulic, adjustable type to using conventional struts.

 

Right.

From late 1986 until April 1987, Jaguar was producing two different cars that were badged "XJ6". Very confusing. The later type, such as in your picture, is referred to as the XJ40 (the engineering name) to differentiate.

The XJ40 was introduced to the USA in mid 1987 as a '1988 model year' car. In other markets it was introduced earlier....as a 1986 or 1987 model year car.

The USA got older generation XJ6....Series III in its last version.... right thru spring of 1987, as '1987 model year' cars. A lot of people think the Series III XJ6 ended in 1986...which is obviously not true if you remember the USA market



Here's some info

XJ Lovers - Which XJ Do I Have?

Cheers
DD

 

Can you tell an xj40 by gas filler? Please elaborate on this . Is it one hatch with 2 fillers on the the none xj40 or two separate hatches . This car only had one gas tank I think. do the non xj40 xj6 have 2 tanks?

 

Open the link I provided above. The gas cap example is clearly illustrated.

XJ40- single gas tank, single filler cap

The prior generation---Series I-II-III --- dual gas tanks, dual filler caps


Cheers
DD

 

Great that makes it easy . Thanks

 

Doug is a better linguist than I. One cap equals late car. Two caps equals a different earlier car.


Carl