1996 Jaguar XJ6 4.0

Summary:

Timeless style, reliability, and luxury; everything a man needs!

Faults:

The A/C Compressor went out at 109,000. But eventually they all go out...

General Comments:

I wasn't sure what to expect from this car. I only purchased it because I bought it from a friend of a friend at a great deal. I must say I have been pleasantly surprised. The straight six is reliable and gives enough kick, especially when you switch from normal to sport. I thought parts would be expensive, but as I researched I found them to be less expensive then my wife's Isuzu. Over all I am happy with this purchase and if you are looking to purchase one as well make sure it is a 1996 XJ6...After 96' Ford began putting their engines in. The 96' is the last year of the true Jaguar engine. The Ford V-6 and V-8 have a bad reputation in these cars...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2007

18th Apr 2008, 19:14

I guess anyone with enough money can buy a Jaguar...

'95 '96 '97 are all the same car, there was no engine change for '97. I would suggest the '96 & '97 are the better builds.

'98 was first year for XJ8 and they did have engine problems related to the cylinder bores. One should stay away from the early XJ8 unless you can confirm that the engine has been replaced/sleeved. Not sure if this was a Fordism, I believe the V8 was a Jag engine brought to fruition with Ford money.

In my opinion the '95-'97 XJ6 are the best Jaguars ever, period.

13th Nov 2009, 10:33

The previous poster is right about the engine history - the AJ-V8 is all Jaguar, and in fact went the other way, being put into Land Rovers by Ford in a slightly detuned and modified form when Ford also owned that brand. Note that BMW amongst others used Nikasil bore linings in this period and had similar problems - but got less adverse publicity about it.

Still, the X300 series Jaguar XJ6 with the AJ16 straight six, the later the year the better both for reliability and equipment reasons (here in Australia only the 1997 model year cars got a 3-point seat belt in the middle rear seat position, for example) I think have to be seen as the final chapter in the "true" Jaguar XJ story. Interestingly, a 1997 XJ6 is already worth slightly more here than its 1997 XJ8 successor.

Driven and maintained properly they are a very good long-term bet.

1996 Jaguar XJ6 6

Summary:

Great Car, Gorgeous Lines, Fun to drive

Faults:

I have had no problems with my JAG.

General Comments:

I love how smooth this car is. I think that it is the best luxury car for the money period. I have owned 2 Lexus LS400's and 3 Porsche 911's and this car is probably my favorite. It has beautiful lines. You feel like you are driving a Bentley for less than a Honda!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2007

7th Apr 2007, 14:56

I was thinking of changing my 93 xj for an LS400. I see that you have owned 2 of these. Why do you prefer the jag?

I might just keep mine depending on your opinions.

9th Aug 2008, 14:37

I just bought a used 1996 XJ6 with minor exterior imperfections (presumably from the handicapped driver who owned it before me... I found his mirror-hanger in the glove box... guess he was nearsighted when backing up, causing the paint scrapings on the rear bumper) and a sunroof that needs to be manually opened.

I drove it 30 miles from the auction lot home and holy crap... this is the funnest car I've ever driven. Even with the paint anomalies, I was getting looks from other drivers with cars that probably cost 10 times what I paid for this beast (I only paid 2300 USD! and it only has 89k on the odometer with carfax reporting only 2 owners!)...

Anyway, I'm going to get the car checked out and get a thorough fluid change this week and get a feel for how much that goes for. It needs two rear tires, which I imagine won't be cheap because they'll probably try to sell me speed tires when in fact, I will probably never reach the 5 o'clock position of the speedometer. If I did, my face would probably peel off!

I will post again in a few weeks to report how the first month buying this 'as-is' vehicle has gone. Cheers!

View 2 more comments