Faults:

When I bought the car, I researched all of the TSB's and Recalls. The EGR recall was fixed by a Dealer at the time I bought the car.

The oil gauge drops from "normal" to "zero" from time to time. When it first happened during a long road trip... it scared the heck out of me.

I was extremely fortunate to come across a certified Jaguar Shop (non-dealer) in Jacksonville, FL who immediately knew what was going on. A TSB was sent out a few years back advising the oil sensors would need to be replaced. He told me, "Continue with your trip without worry." That was 9,000 miles ago. It stills drops time to time because I haven't had the time to get it into the shop to get repaired. But there is ZERO impact on performance.

General Comments:

I replaced the shocks with Bilstein's at 100k. I bought the shocks in an aftermarket retail store and then had a certified Jag mechanic install them. The dealer wanted over $1,800 for the job. Total cost for new shocks purchased, installed and car alignment came out to a little over $800. The car has always rode impressively but now is even better! It rides like it owns the road.

These are heavy cars with a long wheelbase which provides for INCREDIBLE highway driving. These are not exactly quick cars from the line. (In fact, I think my 1991 Nissan Pickup truck has a little more "zip" to it when you hit the gas.) I laugh when people try to race me from a stoplight. C'mon, I'm over 40 years old! I am gentle with the car and it has repaid me with low maintenance costs. No matter what shop I visit (and such visits are infrequent), the mechanics tell me the 95-97 Jaguars were "Jaguars done right."

This is a luxury car. The ride is quiet, comfort can't be matched (I'd rather sit in the back seats of the XJ6L than in the front seat... but who'd drive the car?), the original stereo is incredible, and the look is Jaguar impressive. Gas mileage is 18-19 mpg in the city but 27-28 on the highway.

If you want a fast and quick car, try a used Porsche. If you want total luxury and comfort... buy this car and be gentle with it. The car has no strain to it even above 70 mph. If you are gentle with the car, it should be gentle with your wallet.

Faults:

Sunroof won't slide back and throttle seems to stick.

General Comments:

This is the most beautiful, luxurious car I have ever owned. The interior is immaculate and extremely comfortable.

The ride is smooth and she purrs like the wildcat for which she is named. People certainly treat you differently when not only you tell them you own a Jaguar, but when you drive down the road, people almost break their necks to check her out. We were lucky that she was so well maintained.

Faults:

Starter is sometimes a bit tardy before ignition.

You may encounter stares of disapproval, you might not get change from toll booths anymore, and bums at crosswalks will chat you up without FAIL.

General Comments:

While touring with a band in Korea, I had plenty of time to dream about a new car for my return to the states. After finding that the XJ8 models were very unreliable for the first few model years (and the newer ones are outside of my price range), I chose the 97 XJ6 over any other model. I "test drove" it after I bought it, driving it from NJ to FL, over 17 hours of driving. It presented no complaints.

Since that long haul, I have driven it across Florida, I am on the highway all day for business, and often pull off violent maneuvers in day to day traffic. The car doesn't seem to mind.

I was so worried about the absurd amount of miles with which I was burdening the Jaguar, even though it had zero mechanical issues, that I bought a Jeep as a daily driver. After a month, the Jeep sits. I just can't bring myself to drive it when the Jaguar is in the driveway.

From the feedback I get from observers, it is usually "You must be getting paid too much!" or "You drive a JAGUAR??? I have ALWAYS wanted one, but I could never afford one." The most common comment is "Wow, those things are so unreliable! (insert words of worried advice) " These are comments from Mercedes and BMW owners, doctors, lawyers, and the rest. Everyone loves this car. This one in particular is painted to resemble the XJR model, which looks far more modern.

The authorities even treat one differently in a Jag. I got pulled over with a suspended license from failing to pay a violation, and the cop said, "I'm really sorry to inconvenience you, but I just wanted to let you know that your license is technically suspended, and I know those guys sometimes mess up, so just check it out when you have an opportunity." This sort of encounter has happened several times with the police.

Drive it. Enjoy it. Love it. If you destroy it, buy another one. You could buy four of them for the price of a new Camry or Accord.

The XJ6 is the best kept secret in the used luxury market. Beware the early XJ8s.