CLICK HERE and go to post number 5 for an explanation of my screen name.
I have XJ6s. A 1986, a 1987 and a 1992 which the factory designates as an "XJ40" since it's pretty much a completely different car from the earlier ones (pre 1988). The XJ40s were pretty much the 1988s through 1994 in the United States. In 1995, they did another complete model change to the X300 (still calling it an "XJ6" in the showroom). In 1998, they changed them again calling them "XJ8" but the factory model designation is X308 indicating they now have an eight cylinder engine. 2004 saw another complete redesign (fatory model code is now X350) with an all aluminum body.
The S-Type is supposed to be discontinued in 2008 and will be replaced by the "C-XF" concept car:
I've seen a few X-Types around but I don't really think much about those cars. They are small and meant to compete with the 3-series BMWs but again, I would not recommend them.
I think you're on the right track with an S-Type that isn't that old. Repairs aren't any more than any other high end car, no car is "perfect" but the S-Types are pretty reliable. One thing I do know is AVOID the 1998 - 2002 XJ8s since the engines are no good. If you find one that has had a factory replacement then great but those first year Jaguar V8s were very bad engines. Avoid them in used S-types too until the 2003/2004 time frame.
I hope my next Jaguar is a 1996 or 1997 XJ6 Vanden Plas. I generally buy older cars and work on them myself.
Here's my 1986 XJ6:
The 1987 is identical but is in the process of being painted so it doesn't look anywhere near this at the moment!
My 1992 looks like this but it's blue:
From 1988 to 1994, they all pretty much looked like this which most people don't find as nice as the older ones or even the newer ones starting in 1995 which look more like the 1987s and older.
Here's a photo of a 1996 XJ6 (or X300). Notice how it looks more like my 1986 than my 1992?
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks