JAGUAR XJ6 AUTO (1995) - Risky Purchase?

JAGUAR XJ6 AUTO (1995) - Risky Purchase?

Author
Discussion

Mr.Nobody

Original Poster:

875 posts

55 months

Wednesday 14th February
quotequote all
I’ve found a local seller that’s got a JAGUAR XJ6
AUTO (1995) for sale with £55k for £6200. It’s been very well looked after and had lots of history. The headlining needs some attention. Me and my siblings were going to buy my Dad it as a retirement present.

MullacAbz

292 posts

106 months

Wednesday 14th February
quotequote all
I wouldn't buy it as a surprise. It would be irresponsible to see it as 'just' £6200 without first confirming with him that he would want to take on the upkeep of a 30 year old vehicle and has the funds required to keep it on the road (unless you are also offering to maintain it).

aland75

173 posts

84 months

Thursday 15th February
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Although I've not had an XJ6 from that era, I have had several Series 3's (mid 80's) and currently have a '96 XJS and an 04 XKR.
I believe the XJ6 is mechanically similar to the XJS - which is all pretty straightforward, but the issue with all of them is rust.
My XJS was supposed to be a rust-free example, but I found a fair bit that wasn't declared by the seller or had been poorly repaired or just painted over.

I would suggest that you carefully inspect it for rust in the floors, inner wheel arches, suspension mount areas, rear subframe etc.
Also check carpets for damp - as if water is getting in somewhere they act like a sponge then rot out the floors from the inside.

If that's all good, and no odd noises on a road test, and the gearbox is smooth, it should be a lovely thing to waft around in.

If possible, these really need to be stored in the dry, just to slow down potential rust problems down the road.

Mr.Nobody

Original Poster:

875 posts

55 months

Mr.Nobody

Original Poster:

875 posts

55 months

Ezra

626 posts

34 months

Thursday 15th February
quotequote all
Unless he specifically has suggested, get me a 30 year old XJ6, why?

Mr.Nobody

Original Poster:

875 posts

55 months

Thursday 15th February
quotequote all
Ezra said:
Unless he specifically has suggested, get me a 30 year old XJ6, why?
He used to have one many years ago and really liked it. I take it you’re not a fan?

Ezra

626 posts

34 months

Thursday 15th February
quotequote all
I'm neither a fan or not a fan of that specific car. But a 30 year old Jag will need a lot of TLC and time spent on it - unless he's really into tinkering with old cars, will he really want the commitment. Obvs everyone is different, but it's the last thing I'd want as a retirement pressy. Oh, and btw, that's absolutely no criticism of you/your siblings generosity - that's awesome.

king arthur

6,961 posts

268 months

Thursday 15th February
quotequote all
I would agree, I had a X300 a while back and you pretty much have to treat it as a classic car now which means keeping it garaged, keeping it from rusting and understanding that many parts are NLA. If your father has expressed an interest in such an undertaking then great but if not it might not be the best gift.

P700DEE

1,138 posts

237 months

Friday 16th February
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It's a poverty spec 3.2 rather than a 4.0 with half "leather" seats. It does look in remarkably good condition with pics of sills etc. The "value" is all in the originality and rust free (?) condition and it needs to be garaged and doted on to retain that value. For my £6K Jag i'd be in a much later X350 XJR

paulguitar

26,576 posts

120 months

Friday 16th February
quotequote all
P700DEE said:
It's a poverty spec 3.2 rather than a 4.0 with half "leather" seats. It does look in remarkably good condition with pics of sills etc. The "value" is all in the originality and rust free (?) condition and it needs to be garaged and doted on to retain that value. For my £6K Jag i'd be in a much later X350 XJR
The X350 looks like it's eaten a load of pies though. They somehow managed to remove the elegance with that generation.