Using a Mk 3 XJ6 4.2 as a daily
Discussion
Does anyone do this? I am looking to get out of my Diesel S Class and into something with more soul. I know I will be going from reliability, economy and sophistication to - well- an old Jag. But it still appeals.
I don't do many business miles- possibly 4k per annum.
What do you think?
I don't do many business miles- possibly 4k per annum.
What do you think?
Well, it would be bit of a gamble, but then why not. It might need a bit more TLC than a modern but they're great cars - and I think they look surprisingly 'compact' these days, which is surprising considering how 'big' they were when they were introduced.
The chances are that any you find won't have been used as a daily - when did you last see one - and you'll initially have to replace a few bits when you start using it. You'll cheer up a few other road users as well just by driving it on the road.
The chances are that any you find won't have been used as a daily - when did you last see one - and you'll initially have to replace a few bits when you start using it. You'll cheer up a few other road users as well just by driving it on the road.
Go for it! It was an everyday car when it was new, so it can be again. If it were me, I would fit modern ignition, maybe an additional inline fuel filter (tank might be rusty), new dampers, full suspension check, new tyres, fluid change for engine, gearbox, axle.
Then you'll enjoy lots of happy miles of motoring while all the annoying things go wrong (that happened when it was new too!!!)
Then you'll enjoy lots of happy miles of motoring while all the annoying things go wrong (that happened when it was new too!!!)
Up until a year ago, I was running a S3 XJ6 daily. Prior to that I was using a S1 XJ6, and more S3's before that - for a total of 10 years. The car is off the road at the moment; the engine having suffered a spun bearing (I can forgive it, it was a £50 scrapyard engine thrown in as a quick replacement to get me to Le Mans in 2014.)
The only reason its not repaired yet is there's been a change of job and a house move thrown in the way.
You can use these daily!
The only reason its not repaired yet is there's been a change of job and a house move thrown in the way.
You can use these daily!
TR4man said:
Please go right ahead and use it.
Not least because it brightens the day when seen by those like me who have to use a boring, characterless modern car for the daily grind.
I would have thought a TR4 pretty good for day to day use, provided you've rust proofed it and enjoy discomfort.Not least because it brightens the day when seen by those like me who have to use a boring, characterless modern car for the daily grind.
Joking aside, I'm reconfiguring my TR6 for year round use at the moment. New cabin heater, hard-top, plastic wheel arch liners etc...
Try to find a post 1980 car. Quality improved dramatically a couple of years into production. Rustproof absolutely everywhere. Buy a grease gun and lube all (17 IIRC) grease points.
Fit a Kenlowe electric cooling fan, regularly cycle use of the twin petrol tanks and take the pumps out and clean the in tank filters and regularly change all the fluids. Whatever you do don't overheat it as the 4.2 block is prone to cracking between the bores. Make sure you use the handbrake regularly to prevent seizure. Replace the rack mounting bushes with firmer aftermarket ones, that will completely transform the steering feel. Replace the top and bottom front wishbone bushes and get the geometry set correctly. It's all shimmed so don't expect a quick job.
Anything over 20MPG is a bonus. The 5 speed manual is better on fuel and quicker too but don't expect to find one as 95% were 3 speed autos.
If you get one bring it over and let me have a go. Absolutely gorgeous car and I still miss mine sometimes.
Fit a Kenlowe electric cooling fan, regularly cycle use of the twin petrol tanks and take the pumps out and clean the in tank filters and regularly change all the fluids. Whatever you do don't overheat it as the 4.2 block is prone to cracking between the bores. Make sure you use the handbrake regularly to prevent seizure. Replace the rack mounting bushes with firmer aftermarket ones, that will completely transform the steering feel. Replace the top and bottom front wishbone bushes and get the geometry set correctly. It's all shimmed so don't expect a quick job.
Anything over 20MPG is a bonus. The 5 speed manual is better on fuel and quicker too but don't expect to find one as 95% were 3 speed autos.
If you get one bring it over and let me have a go. Absolutely gorgeous car and I still miss mine sometimes.
A mate's dad ran a Series 2 4.2 as a daily when I was a lad, for about 5-6 years (changed it in the early 90's for an early Saab 900 turbo). I know relevance as a daily back then, to modern times is a waste of time, but I do remember the effortless wave of shove in the back when he squeezed the throttle, the leather you sank into and the peerless ride - nothing before or since was as smooth (though most of our local roads were much better in the late 80's!). I also remember the amount of time we spent in petrol stations whenever we went out in it!
Somewhere I have a launch brochure for the S3 that was given to me buy a friend of my Dad's that was looking to buy one at the time, but didn't. I have an idea my younger self didn't look after it very well though...
Somewhere I have a launch brochure for the S3 that was given to me buy a friend of my Dad's that was looking to buy one at the time, but didn't. I have an idea my younger self didn't look after it very well though...
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