Jaguar XJ6/8, XTYPE/STYPE

[A500leroy]

With an 7k budget would I regret getting rid of a 10 year old basic hatchback and getting what will probably be a 15 year old petrol version of the above, even if it was below 100k miles and one that had been enthusiast owned?

[Rich1973]

I had a look at a 12 plate 2.2 diesel XF in January up for 7k at a dealer. It had done 100k miles and in the end I didn't buy it, but the body was in perfect condition, matching premium tyres etc etc.
Something to think about maybe

[bobsavage789]

Depends how interested in cars you are: an XJ8 is far more interesting (as well as nicer to drive, faster and comfortable) than a Kia hatchback (or similar).

100k mile, 20 year old cars do tend to have more maintenance needs and associated costs though…

All in my opinion of course: for full transparency, I have a 2005 XJ8.

[samoht]

X-Type, S-Type and XJ are quite different cars really - a nicer Mondeo, a nicer Lincoln, and a clean-sheet brand new in-house Jaguar.

Of the three, the XJ has the benefit of being all aluminium so won't rust, which is a real concern with 15+ year old cars otherwise. It's also the most special especially with a V8, and a more modern design. If a 5m long car fits into your life (and your garage) then it would seem a highly attractive option.

Maintenance costs will be higher, maybe £1-2k a year ? Fuel too, but not really important if you don't do big miles. Check the road tax esp on anything post March '06.

I would also consider a Lexus GS or LS as they're a step ahead of any of the European luxury cars for reliability, but understand if the character of a Jag is preferable.

(I have a '07 AMG estate, I guess fairly comparable in running costs to a similar sized Jag).

If you can afford the maintenance then I'd say go for it, I've always chosen an older more interesting car over a newer boring one and have never regretted it.

[A500leroy]

hmmm, XJ8 is looking good then, forgot they are Ali.

[loquacious]

I bought my 07 XJ6 this time last year, it was a really clean and tidy one with a very full history and low miles but there are an awful lot out there that aren't! The alloy doesn't corrode but it does oxidise and every one I looked at had some bubbles, usually lots and on every panel. Mine just had some on the back door, driver's side. I had both back doors repaired and re-sprayed and the bootlid as well as the lacquer was very slightly damaged. So now it's perfect

Just had all new discs and pads fitted front and rear (£700) and new tyres (Bridgestone) all round as it came on mismatched tyres and I'm a fussy old tt! The only faults I've had in the year is the clock spring behind the steering wheel failed and I lost all the radio controls, cruise, airbag and the horn! That was a tiny drama as no one has stock (including Jaguar!) so I had to buy one from America but it fits and works, fitting at a specialist was just one hour...

Mine is just the lowly 3.0 litre but it goes amazingly well, feels great performance wise but fuel consumption is tragic, short journeys are averaging about 15 MPG! Much better on a run, but I never go anywhere, sadly. The engine also sounds nice but is very quiet which suits the car. Very comfortable, and the air suspension is lovely but I do live in constant fear of the red light of doom with the legend 'suspension fault'!

Of course, the headlining is drooping (job for this year) and they all do unless already attended to.

I wanted this version of the XJ as it's the last of the classic look ones, I would have preferred a V8 but they were all high mileage and sheddy and I wanted MINT or as close as possible, which is why I bought it for an exorbitant price (£7000) and I've since spent another 2 grand on her. The car didn't 'need' new discs (or pads) but they were worn and I'm a fussy old tt as said before. It didn't 'need' new tyres but... However, it does drive much more pleasantly on decent rubber, I used to get a trace of vibration on certain road surfaces if accelerating, happily gone entirely with the Bridgestone's.

My son has an XF-R with upgraded pulleys and a re-map (to 580 bhp!) and it is a nice car, but it doesn't feel like a Jaguar, it could be a Merc (I have an SLK 350 as well) for all the 'Jaguar-ness' there isn't. I'll grant you, the extra oomph of his is jolly pleasant for the 5% of the time you could use it but only if the road is dry and the weather is warm But, I live in Torquay where the average speed is about 15mph and that falls in the summer so I don't miss the oomph and, to be honest, I drive the Jag like Miss Daisey is in the back (when there's really just a couple of scabby dogs drooling everywhere) and I drive the merc like I stole it! The Jag really does sooth the soul and tearing around in it feels... wrong somehow!

[craigjm]

XJ being aluminium meaning they won’t rust is rubbish. There is a fair amount of steel bolted to that aluminium body that does rust. The aluminium also does corrode its just not rust. Filiform corrosion is an issue.

The three cars are very different. The XJ being the most modern. They all have their issues. Sills on the X-type for instance

[sjc]

Out of that list it has to be the Xj otherwise I wouldn’t bother( personally).However,they will seduce and and drive you potty in equal measure
Some reading for you .

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general-pistonhea...

[samoht]

craigjm said:

XJ being aluminium meaning they won’t rust is rubbish. There is a fair amount of steel bolted to that aluminium body that does rust. The aluminium also does corrode its just not rust. Filiform corrosion is an issue.

The three cars are very different. The XJ being the most modern. They all have their issues. Sills on the X-type for instance

Perhaps 'won't corrode' was an overstatement. But dealing with cosmetic paint defects on the ally panels, or replacing a bolt-on steel part that's rusted, sounds much more manageable than paying someone to cut out rust in the sills, arches, floor etc and rebuild it on a steel bodied car where passing the MoT starts to come into question.