Jaguars.....

[RRoller123]

Ok, so I have to admit that I am thinking of buying a second hobby car (keeping the Spider of course...)

I want a comfortable, luxurious, large antique vehicle that is quiet and that my wife and I can take on relatively long day trip excursions to various shows, without the terrible fatigue that the Spider gives me. I have a mild Fibro, and frankly the Spider, although I love it, is just not a particularly comfortable car.

I have been looking at everything, but the only brand I can find that combines everything above, plus reasonable affordability, is the Jaguar. The XJ6 and 8 in particular. That 6 cylinder engine is nice, and fuel injection doesn't scare me at all. Good, Rust free copies at well under 10K around here. There is also an XK8 for 4K in New Bedford now that looks really nice.

So the question is, do any of you have any experience with these cars? Particular series that are better or worse than others? Preferred Models, etc. I am in no rush, don't have the dough right now any way, but I tend to start these searches and then they last sometimes for a year or more before I actually pull the trigger. Any advice from actual experience is appreciated.

Pete

[TwinFast]

Hi RRoller123

XJ6 has a straight 6 cylinders, when the XJ8 comes with a V8.
The XJ8 or X308 (1997 à 2003) is an evolution of the XJ6 X300 (1994 à 1997). The engine is a new Ford V8 engine, more reliable than the older Jaguar Straight 6 or V12. The suspension is completly renewed with independant rear end and the interior is more luxuous too. If i have the same (huge) car choice you have in the US, i'll go with the XJ8 or better the XJR which comes with a powerfull compressor and an efficient sport suspension.

The XK8 is a completly different philosophy. it's a coupe and, if you already have a Fiat Spider, it maybe could be necessary to have a bigger car for the family ... The rear seats are only usefull for small bags, small dogs or (very, very) small children.

I have the new XKR as a daily car since 2 years and when i wanted to switch from the XFS, i consider seriously the XK8 as an option for the vintage look and the incomparable styling ... and i finally got the New XK ... with a compressor on the top. And as we say in France : "C'est un autre monde ou c'est la cerise sur le gâteau !".

For more informations, i found an XJR user who has compiled a huge informations, essentially from the excellent Jaguar Buyer guide, The Essential Buyer’s Guide Jaguar XJ6, XJ8 & XJR. He said that a the guide will also apply to the engine side of the XK8/XKR.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/top ... 5&hm=50031

Good luck

[RRoller123]

Thanks, that is very helpful!

Pete

[baltobernie]

What are your feelings about the Jaguar S type? Some like its retro styling, others not-so-much. The last progeny of the Ford/Jaguar shotgun wedding. Lovely Cosworth V8, Getrag 6-speed, RWD, IRS, etc. Avoid the early models and opt only for the 2003+ MY.

The successor to this car, the XF, is another possibility, but may be beyond your budget.

[RRoller123]

I am not overly wild about them. Rented a sedan once on business, but didn't particularly like it. Probably worth another look though....

[lesholmes]

I HAVE OWNED jAGS AS FAR BACK AS 62 IN ENGLAND. i OWN AND DRIVE A 1978 A. J. 6 SOVEREIGN WITH A WHOOPING 97,437 KLM. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, AFTER THE FIRST OLD GUY PASSED AND THE CAR SAT IN HIS GARAGE UNTIL THE ESTATE WAS CLEARED. THE CAR IS IN MINT CONDITION , THE ONLY WEEK SPOT WOULD BE THE HEAD-LINER DROPPING IN SPOTS i NEVER REALLY NOTICE SO NEVER BOTHERED ABOUT IT. iM A SNOW BIRD HAVE BEEN FOR A LONG TIME SO SHE IS NOT USED AT ANY TIME IN THE WINTER. i HAVE THOUGHT OF SELLING i DO HAVE OTHER CARS TO DRIVE. LET ME KNOW IF WOULD LIKE SOME PIC'S Les Holmes 604-239-4132

[RRoller123]

Thanks, Les! They are great cars! So British that they apologize for being on time. I ended up buying an '86 XJ6, series 3, with only 66,000 original miles on it. The owner bought it in '87 with 25K on it, and it was always garaged, not driven in Winter. Very little rust, mechanicals fine, has the headliner droop like they all do, but near perfect interior leather. Needs a little wood work on the flats, and a little paint work too (boot, roof and rocker covers), wheel bearings up front a little noisy, etc. etc. But not bad for $3500 bucks. Damned thing weighs almost 5000 pounds. Like riding on a smooth magic carpet. 4.2L inline 6. Bosch L-Jetronic FI. I think that these rival the Spider for the best value in motor sports, but they of course cost a whole lot more to maintain! Hoping this one is a good one that stays in great condition with limited, hobby car use! The Spider is jealous, so it now goes out and roars around every few days.

[Nanonevol]

Real nice Pete! If you ever want to go crazy I hear made a 5 speed but not for US.

[RRoller123]

Thanks Nick! I will bring it to some mutual show soon, but we are running out of Fall here. There is a bunch of stuff still left, but mostly on the weekends now. However, the Grandaddy of them all, Foxboro is still on for two more weeks! If Jeannie is up to it, we will go tomorrow.

This XJ6 has a US 3-speed automatic, but it does fine, the ride and shifting is so smooth that you pretty much don't notice it. LOL.

[Nanonevol]

Is you car a Pininfarini design?

[aj81spider]

Nice! That's a great car to bridge the gap when it's too cold for a convertible, but still not snowing!

[RRoller123]

I took Jeannie in it to the Bass Pro Cruise in Foxboro yesterday, with the notorious cold wind at Gillette Stadium on full report! It was very comfortable, needless to say. Pininfarina was hired to spruce up the XJ6 Series 2, and the resulting XJ6 Series 3 was introduced in 1979.

"Series 3 (1979–1992) In late 1979, the XJ was facelifted again, and was known as the "Series III." Using the long-wheelbase version of the car, the XJ6 incorporated a subtle redesign by Pininfarina." (window, bumpers, door handles, etc. Lots of minor details were done by Pininfarina)

http://classiccars.wikia.com/wiki/Jaguar_XJ

[narfire]

A neighbor at my shop used to work on Jags and Volvo's. he told me the Jag's V-12's caused him to go prematurely gray. XK's or Xj's

[RRoller123]

Agreed, stick with the 6. It had been manufactured since 1949, is a twin cam, and is fitted with Bosch L-Jetronic EFI, so it is actually quite similar to our FI 2L engines, just a lot more displacement (4.2L). Same basic engine as in the XKE, and plenty of power to move the 'ol gal sedan around nicely.

(Flushing power steering fluid)

[Nanonevol]

Pete, where's your hood ornament?!