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Car Forum / Jaguar Cars / December 2008Is Buying an 85 Series III Jaguar XJ6 a Bad Idea?
Yeah probably. Here's the deal. My car is now five years old. It's a Sebring. Practical, reliable, fairly fast and cheap to operate. All good stuff except it is boring. I do not look forward to getting behind the wheel and I normally enjoy driving almost as much as I like riding. I am looking at new cars. In my price range they are all boring. Considering my Sebring has less than 60,000 kms on it, if the option is another boring car I might as keep what I have got. So I start looking at older cars offering a few more bells and whistles, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, that kind of stuff. You have to love the internet for car shopping. What catches my eye though is an 85 Series III Jaguar XJ6. Finished in British Green Exterior and Tan Leather interior, this Jag just screams luxury. 192,000 kms and in near perfect cosmetic condition. I am told it is good mechanical condition too but since it is about 400 miles away so far I have only seen pictures of it. Originally an Alberta car the original owners took it to Arizona to be used as their winter car. It's been back in Alberta for two years now. It's a fuel injected in line six. Now this is a car I would have fun driving. Except for the well earned Jaguar reputation. If you have stuck with me so far in this post I am hoping you might have some first hand accounts of owning a Cat. Mechanical pitfalls, fuel consumption, cost of ownership. The good and the bad. Someone talk me out of this! Please. <g> I will probably be driving up to see it this weekend. Two bikes, two cars and one driver. I need a friggin 12 step program. Hi, sounds like a nice car. I drive the next gen on from the series 111 the xj40, I know there are many niggling problems that can occur with them and have sorted most over the last three years. If you are new to the classic car game and have no idea about mechanical things and electrical faults then your probably going to need a thick wallet to keep it maintained and on the road. Check the classicjaguarparts web site for a basic look at the cost of spares and service items for your car. All the best, Mr Smooth. >Hi, sounds like a nice car. > >I drive the next gen on from the series 111 the xj40, I know there are >many niggling problems that can occur with them and have sorted most >over the last three years. There appears to be a wealth of available information regarding those niggling problems on the net. >If you are new to the classic car game and have no idea about >mechanical things and electrical faults then your probably going to >need a thick wallet to keep it maintained and on the road. Well for a second car, and although I wouldn't consider it a project car, it could be considered a very large leather clad toy. When in the right mood I can enjoy wrenching on my vehicles almost as much as riding or driving them. That said sometimes it takes all that and a very thick wallet. >Check the classicjaguarparts web site for a basic look at the cost of >spares and service items for your car. > >All the best, Mr Smooth. Thanks for the advice. By the way here is a link to the car in question. http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-jaguar-W0QQAdIdZ74339558 If the price is right and you are handy with tools and don't mind spending a lot of time fiddling, you could enjoy the car. But if you are like Happy Trails and need someone to hold your hand on the way to the bathroom, stay away from it. > Yeah probably. > [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > > Two bikes, two cars and one driver. I need a friggin 12 step program. >If the price is right and you are handy with tools and don't mind spending a >lot of time fiddling, you could enjoy the car. But if you are like Happy >Trails and need someone to hold your hand on the way to the bathroom, stay >away from it. Well if that someone is a dark haired young British girl named Angela, she is welcome to follow me anywhere. ;-) I am not a great mechanic but I am patient and enjoy tinkering. >If the price is right and you are handy with tools and don't mind spending a >lot of time fiddling, you could enjoy the car. But if you are like Happy >Trails and need someone to hold your hand on the way to the bathroom, stay >away from it. Piss off , Jim, hahahahha! I'm an excellent mechanic on older, carburetted cars - I am posting here because I do not have experience with sourcing parts and knowing from symptoms what is wrong with Jaguars. I've never owned a car before that had fuel injection or a computer. That's why I ask. I would be stupid not to ask, but to just assume I know everything already when there are people here who can help a lot. To Calgary: It is not too difficult to get parts that work from sources other than Jaguar: ie. Fram (Crap Tire) has oil filter and air filter numbers for my car, a 1990 Sovereign (4.0L XJ6, sometimes referred to as the XJ40, but NOT by Jaguar or Crap Tire). Champion plugs - the number in the Jag manual - 2 for $5 at Crap Tire also. Jaguar wanted my weekly allowance to supply round rubber bits for the top of the shock absorber - a local alignment shop GAVE me some leftovers that worked. A mechanic told me I needed an inner tie rod - Jag price $265, PartsSource $117, British Auto Parts (Houston) US$45. Turns out mine was like new when I took it out - it was movement in the rack that the mechanic mis-diagnosed - so it just went back in. I'll look at the rack rubber mounts next summer. Beck/Arnley has universal O2 sensor - $35, or same one with the correct wiring harness - $261 - duh! They also have a replacement distributor cap and plug wire set. Mr. Smooth has identified a UK supplier of low-priced Cat-cons - weld-ins for the front pair, and a completely plumbed set for the rear pair for only $240 plus shipping, but you need a friend in UK to transship them (DHL) for you. So the maintenance is do-able at the same prices you are used to, as long as you do the work yourself or find someone around Calgary who can do it and won't hose you with the same prices as a dealer. Crap Tire is also an agent for Haynes, and will order you a manual for C$24.95 - less than half the price of anything sent from USA when you include the "International" rip-off shipping charge and whatever taxes Canada Post wants to steal from you. If you are not a DIY guy, forget it! >If you are not a DIY guy, forget it! Thanks for the advice and the work a rounds. One needs to be innovative with Classic Cars. > Yeah probably. > [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > > Two bikes, two cars and one driver. I need a friggin 12 step program. Way more reliable than the XJ12. You'll need access to a good indie mechanic. You'll also want to be somewhat handy yourself. Depending on the price it could be a fine little hobby car. It's a buyer's market so drive a hard bargain. Paul >You'll need access to a good indie mechanic. I'll bite, Paul, what's an "indie" mechanic? >>You'll need access to a good indie mechanic. > >I'll bite, Paul, what's an "indie" mechanic? Independant. In this case I think he meant not affiliated with any dealer. >>I'll bite, Paul, what's an "indie" mechanic? >> >Independant. In this case I think he meant not affiliated with any >dealer. Okay (odd short form). >>>I'll bite, Paul, what's an "indie" mechanic? >>> >>Independant. In this case I think he meant not affiliated with any >>dealer. > >Okay (odd short form). Actually it is a very common term around here. You must be from out of town. >Way more reliable than the XJ12. You'll need access to a good indie >mechanic. You'll also want to be somewhat handy yourself. Depending on the >price it could be a fine little hobby car. It's a buyer's market so drive a >hard bargain. I've just seen pictures of it and from them it looks like it has been immaculately maintained. The final purchase price will probably be around 6k Canadian. >The final purchase price will probably be around 6k Canadian. Are you sure you are not the one selling it? >>The final purchase price will probably be around 6k Canadian. > >Are you sure you are not the one selling it? Well I used to be in sales, but no not this time. It's at the high end of the scale when compared to others of a similar vintage. $4400 is the low end of what I have seen advertised and that one was not in the same condition. >>>The final purchase price will probably be around 6k Canadian. >> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >vintage. $4400 is the low end of what I have seen advertised and that >one was not in the same condition. If I were interested in the car I'd let the owner store it over the winter again, and offer him 3-4000 next spring. In the meanwhile, if he gets his price - goodie for him. Unless of course you are looking for a car for winter use. My brother always said the 1990 he gave me was the best winter car he ever drove (till the heaters quit, hahaha)! What engine does it have? I like the torque I get with the 4 liter six and wouldn't want anything smaller. >If I were interested in the car I'd let the owner store it over the >winter again, and offer him 3-4000 next spring. In the meanwhile, if >he gets his price - goodie for him. He won't go that low. They apparently have two others and that price I'f bet he'd just keep it. >Unless of course you are looking for a car for winter use. My brother >always said the 1990 he gave me was the best winter car he ever drove >(till the heaters quit, hahaha)! I am in no rush. >What engine does it have? I like the torque I get with the 4 liter >six and wouldn't want anything smaller. OK I stand to be corrected but I am pretty sure it is the fuel injected 4235cc in line six. I know it is fuel injected. >OK I stand to be corrected but I am pretty sure it is the fuel >injected 4235cc in line six. I know it is fuel injected. I'd check before making an offer - this is from the Jag-Lover's site: "The Series I thru Series III XJ's are what many consider to be the definitive modern Jaguar sedans. The engine most commonly found in these models was the twin overhead cam 4.2L inline 6 cylinder engine derived from the classic Jaguar XK racing motor. Other engines which were offered included the 2.8L and 3.4L inline 6 and the glorious 5.3L V12." This statement covers a history spanning 1968 through 1987 though. The smaller engines will merely get better mileage but won't be near as much fun, while from what I hear the V12's are even more of a high-maintenance unit! >>OK I stand to be corrected but I am pretty sure it is the fuel >>injected 4235cc in line six. I know it is fuel injected. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >as much fun, while from what I hear the V12's are even more of a >high-maintenance unit! I was told it is fuel injected and here is what I found from Conceptcarz on the 85 XJ6: ****** Jaguar tasked the famous Italian stylist Pininfarina to revise the XJ6 and give it a modern appeal. The outcome was a design based on the previous series but improving upon their elegance and visual appeal. The Series III was born. Under the hood was the 3442 cc DOHC inline-six cylinder engine capable of producing 160 horsepower. The optional 4235 cc DOHC was now producing 205 horsepower. The increase in power was the result of fuel-injection. A five-speed manual gearbox was now standard with the Borg Warner 3-speed automatic offered as optional equipment. ****** I am guessing about the engine size, but the 4235 is the only one listed as being fuel injected. You can read the full article here: http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10916/Jaguar-XJ6.aspx > >>OK I stand to be corrected but I am pretty sure it is the fuel > >>injected 4235cc in line six. I know it is fuel injected. [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > > - Show quoted text - So I'm not asking to much for my 85 xj6 with a new transmission, plus things like new fuel pump that went along with full tune-up and hoses+ more at $1750 The body is in good shape the intrior is fair. But all the electrical works...lol >So I'm not asking to much for my 85 xj6 with a new transmission, plus >things like new fuel pump that went along with full tune-up and hoses+ >more at $1750 > >The body is in good shape the intrior is fair. But all the electrical >works...lol Once I got interested in a Classic Cat I looked at a lot of junk for sale. One was advertised as the only rust free Jaguar (of the vintage) in Calgary. I could see the rust fifty paces away. I was looking for a Series III XJ6 or an XJS late 80's, early 90's. Prices for the Series III or similar ranged from $1,200.00 to $12,000.00. The low range represented parts cars and the high end outrageously overpriced fixer uppers. I found a few XJS's in the $9K to $15K range. What I didn't find was the perfect unrestored Jaguar. No big surprise there. I also didn't find a Series III in better condition than the one I bought. Even the higher priced units were in what I would call rough shape, with what appeared to be systemic rust. Two things I didn't care to purchase was rust or a bunch of electrical problems. I ended up buying this one: http://www.actualriders.ca/xj6.htm I paid a little over $5K for it and had to drive over five hours to go inspect it. The car had a full mechanical inspection a little over 1000 kms ago, with all of the faults repaired. I have the maintenance records that go back to day one. It has been well maintained. I could only find about 76mm of rust on one side of the front windshield. Mechanically it looks very clean and rides like a dream, smooth, tight and quiet. The interior is in very good condition. The body is good and the paint fair. Tires are brand new. Time will tell but I think I got a good deal, however even if I have to throw more money at it I don't care. It is the year, model and colour I was looking for. It is one hell of a good looking classic car. I am not sure if that helps you price your fairly. > On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:34:31 -0800 (PST), "Kafert...@aol.com" > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >The body is in good shape the intrior is fair. �But all the electrical > >works...lol > Time will tell but I think I got a good deal, however even if I have > to throw more money at it I don't care. It is the year, model and > colour I was looking for. It is one hell of a good looking classic > car. > > I am not sure if that helps you price your fairly. don't get me wrong That is a very sweet car, the one I have looks jest like it but has just alittle more rust and I also have a lot of mantinace records including a new transmission. I was just looking for a little feed back if I said I was asking $1750 for it. I have a guy that made me an offer but now that I know alot of people really like this model I think I'll sell to someone that wants it for more then parts, It really is nice the interior is the only thing that brings it down its got the splits in the leather seats I have a set of gray seats for it. This guy just wants it for the transmission and i'm sure the rest would be crushed. Mario >> On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:34:31 -0800 (PST), "Kafert...@aol.com" >> [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > >Mario I might add to my tale of jag shopping very few of the cars I looked at have been sold. In fact only two of them were sold, mine and one XJS that was listed at a ridiculously low price. It sold on the first day, two days before I saw the ad. BE WARNED. MARIO GAVAZZI, AKA "KAFERTOYS" OF "VINTAGE WERKS RESTORATION" IN BURLINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA IS A SCAM ARTIST, LIAR AND THIEF. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING: http://www.mariogavazzivintagewerks.com/ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=96792 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeQ8UwWPP4Y Thankyou. Originally posted by "MEYER" on the Volvo newsgroup. On DeHey all I have a cyber stalker he goes by many names, it should be Drama Queen , My business has no marks against it by the BBB or anyone but a few people that screwed me and twisted it. And no I'm not a used car salesman. And yes I have a clear title for this car and it has a new transmission with papers and I'm selling it for $1750 I'm sure the non paying PO will want to join my group of cyber stalkers.c 16, 4:17�pm, > Thankyou. > > Originally posted by "MEYER" on the Volvo newsgroup. � His responce here was for a question I posted about my wife's volvo that she was going to deliver meals on wheels with. On Dec 17, 5:39 am, "Kafert...@aol.com" <Kafert...@aol.com> wrote: > On DeHey all I have a cyber stalker he goes by many names, it should > be Drama Queen , My business has no marks against it by the BBB or [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > His responce here was for a question I posted about my wife's volvo > that she was going to deliver meals on wheels with. Mario Gavazzi, aka Kafertoys sure likes to distort things. Anytime ANY aircooled VW enthusiast sees this thief post on Usenet, we try to flag him. He's ripped off several people - fully documented. Banned on all of the major Volkswagen sites because he's a known criminal. The youtube link speaks for itself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeQ8UwWPP4Y Multiple judgements against him that he's never paid. But the worst crime is the way he ripped off poor Joan, a nice lady, to the tune of $9,000. Well, at least you've been warned about Mario now. Anything that would happen from here is your own lookout. Thanks, and sorry for the intrusion. |
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