Edited on 2010-06-30 19:40:07

This Jaguar newbie is shopping for a 1995-2003 XJ6. I see that there is a base model sedan, L model, and Vanden Plas. However, through my online research I can see no differences in the specs or options. Would someone please explain to me the differences between them?

Also, if there are any common problems with this model and generation that I should look out for while shopping, please let me know.

Thanks!!

Elizabeth
Western NC

Submitted by obidos@hotmail.com on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 09:30

Good to know. Your book is great and has been very helpful. Glad you suggested it.

A friend of mine had a late 80's Jag that caught fire when the fuel line ruptured. Although the car was not a total loss, she decided to part with it after hearing that the problem was not uncommon. Are you familiar with this issue, and did it carry over into the 90's models?

Elizabeth

Submitted by NE40-48370 on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 15:36

For the record Elizabeth, all the X300s are OBDII compliant - i.e every X300 from the first ones built in mid 1994. There may hve been some enhancement in later XJs but the OBDII basics are all there and a normal scanner will work fine. I've had three XJs made in 1994 and all those X300s were the same.

Pete

Submitted by obidos@hotmail.com on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 10:27

Thank you both so much. This is very helpful. For weeks I couldn't even think about another car, and when I did, I couldn't think of anything that really excited me. Then I remembered how I always loved the XJ6's in British Racing Green. I quickly ruled out 1990-1994 because to me, it has to have the trademark round headlights not the square ones. My husband is a Nissan master technician by trade, so he will be doing all work on the vehicle. He insists on OBDII, so that ruled out 1995. I'm definitely on a budget, unfortunately we had just completed a 2-year rebuild of my Stealth 6 months prior to totaling it, so most vehicle funds are exhausted. With that in mind, I think I'll stick with the I6. Now that I know that they switched to the V8 in 1998, that narrows it down to 1996 and 1997.

Pete, yes, I am 30 minutes west of Winston-Salem. Funny that you were just here in April! I was supposed to be in England 2 weeks ago for a friend's wedding, but that didn't work out. I am so glad you told me about your book, sounds like exactly what I need. I am going to go order a copy right now.

George you sound like my husband, he always says that options are just more things that can break!

Elizabeth

Submitted by NE40-48370 on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 02:51

Hi Elizabeth - Sounds like the Winston Salem-ish area. We were there around April.

The sixes and twelves are bullet-proof as George says but ny now the V8s are pretty good and if you have documented evidence that timing chain tensioners have been swapped out and typically the water pump too you should be OK on a pre 2001MY V8. People have views on the relative interiors of X300 (94.5-97) versus X308 (97-2003) with the former a little more classic maybe. The V8 is a more refined car with smmother quieter running and smoother transmission. It is quicker like-for-like in engine size and forced induction versus normally aspirated (though again, you didn't get the 3.2L engines or the true base model spec in the USA ). The v8 is harder to work on if you do your own work - the I6 is one of the last significantly user-serviceable Jags where stuff like front wheel bearings etc can be done without special tools or computers.

I'd go by condition and history and how you feel about the relative merits, rather than swinging definitely for one or the other. I6 if you are on a budget, V8 if you have a little put by in case you need to visit a dealer. I've had many I6s and they are great but I now have a 99V8 and there's no question it's objectively a 'better' car. But then objectivity is not the only criterion when purchasing a Jaguar - thankfully :-)

I don't want to blow my own trumpet but if you put my name and the word Jaguar into Amazon.com you will see a small cheap buyers guide on exactly your choices and what to watch out for...

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Wed, 06/30/2010 - 20:16

Elizabeth there were issues with the early V8 cars--well documented--I will tell you the 95/96 cars in basic trim (no memory seats/steering/ door openers. etc) are bullet proof. I ordered a short wheel base list delete (in other words I did not want any options including sunroof) I have been very pleased--never a problem.

Submitted by obidos@hotmail.com on Wed, 06/30/2010 - 19:39

Thanks Pete, do you have any input on which engine was more reliable and had better longevity, the inline 6 or the V8? I'm mostly looking at 1997 and 1998 models, so I need some criteria to help decide which model year is preferable given that these cars have in the ballpark of 100,000 miles.

I am new to all this, was always a Dodge girl but rolled my Stealth R/T over last month and have decided to "slow down" with a sedan. Not sure if that 290-hp V8 is actually a step in that direction or not.

I am about 1 1/2 hours north of Charlotte and 2 hours west of Chapel Hill. Small world, indeed! Thanks for your help and input.

Submitted by NE40-48370 on Wed, 06/30/2010 - 08:51

Hi Elizabeth.
The XJ6 was only available until 1996/7 depending if mean model year or build date. From mid 97 they went over to V8s and dropped both the V12 and the in-line six. From the outside the cars are nearly identical so yes, at first glance you would think the XJ model from 95-2003 was the same car. After 2003 the XJ6 came back as an option on the alloy bodied models but in the form of petrol and diesel V6 engines and I don't think those 3 litre cars came your way.

Whereabouts in Western NC are you? My wife was born and raised in Charlotte but lived 25 years in Chapel Hill and my stepson is at UNC Wilmington.

Pete