1995 Jaguar XJ6 3.2 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Beautiful, shame about the electrics

Faults:

Fuel gauge malfunctions at times. Can go from full to empty in 10k's (or the other way round).

ABS warning light comes on for no reason every now and then.

LCD clock has died and gone to heaven.

General Comments:

This cars ride is the best I have ever experienced. On a good road it is amazing. Even on roads which previously resulted in loose fillings in my teeth (admittedly in an MR2), the ride is excellent. Long distance cruising is simply relaxing.

Handling is excellent around long sweeping bends, but can get a little unsettled with rapid changes of direction.

The interior space is not huge, but the leather seats are supportive and comfortable and fully adjustable. No significant wear after over 100,000km.

Feels very solid and well put together for a car over ten years old. No rust and excellent paintwork.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2007

1995 Jaguar XJ6 4.0L I6 from North America

Summary:

Smooth as silk

Faults:

At approximately 128,000 miles the top left heater hose bursted. The seat memory buttons do not work. Other than these two minor inconveniences the car has not malfunctioned. I replaced the brake pads and tires and an alignment by a Jag specialist was performed when the new tires were mounted. The transmission was serviced at approximately 116,000 miles and I was informed Jaguar recommends servicing at 90,000 miles. The transmission service was $200 despite shopping around (among specialists). However, the ZF unit does not leak, shifts smoothly at normal speeds, and shifts very crisply at kickdown. The engine leaked a trickle of oil at the valve cover, but slight tightening of the studs eliminated that problem. If it recurs again a valve cover gasket change would be indicated.

General Comments:

This was my first Jaguar and I picked it up after selling my Porsche 928 gts because I was curious about the car and always liked the shape. Although it has not been the fastest car I've ever owned, nor the most aerodynamic, nor the most technologically advanced it has grown on me and is certainly one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever owned. For the record I have owned some decent cars, e.g. Porsche 928 gts (manual) ; Porsche 968 (manual) ; Audi Coupe Quattro; Euro M635csi; 1996 BMW 740i; and currently an AMG CL55 with Kleeman upgrades.

The lines on the Jag are timeless and beautiful. The engine is superbly refined and strong at highway speeds. The torque is very good and the car wafts around at highway speeds making kickdown unnecessary in about 90 percent of overtaking maneuvers. The car feels very very stable at high speeds with the Michelins, provides a silky smooth "magic carpet" ride, and handles very well for a large car. Fuel economy is not bad at about 20-25mpg while cruising between 70-80mph. I currently use the car as a commute car and can't ask for anything more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2006

7th Oct 2006, 21:54

I own a Jaguar XJ 93 model and was considering the BMW 740 as my next car. How does it compare to your old BMW 740i?

10th Oct 2006, 16:47

No short answer is possible.

The 740i I owned had about 110,000 miles and was a much more complex car than the XJ. The 740 certainly had more convenience features that may be more attractive to some people such as dual zone climate control, a more comprehensive trip computer, soft touch trunk lid (you never needed to slam it), a superior stock sound system, etc. The 740 also had much more interior and trunk room, indeed the trunk was cavernous and the neat utility straps nicely secured smaller packages in the trunk. The BMW also had the 280+ hp V8. The 740i was a very nice car.

In terms of driving, the BMW felt heavy unless you gave it more throttle. In terms of standstill starts from 0-60, I think the 740 and XJ6 felt very similar, with a slight edge to the XJ, but I did add a cone filter and enlarged the exhaust on the XJ. If you floored both cars on the highway, the BMW was noticeably faster during the 70-110 jump, that's just expected. However, the XJ is no slouch in that dept. In terms of handling, the 740 carved the corners very well given its size, but the XJ handles better. Both are very smooth when cruising around, with an edge to the 740.

The BMW was very thirsty, no matter how I drove (and I tried) the best I could do was about 15-16mpg. I felt the pinch at the pump (and gas was a little less than $2 back then). The transmission on mine always seemed unwilling to down-shift to the right gear during overtaking, forcing me to plant the foot on the accelerator for full kickdown. Then the transmission tended to pause and then kick down to 2d or 3d gear and then rocket you to 80-90mph, which was more power than I originally needed, however the extra speed was necessary to make up for the delay I originally experienced when I decided to perform the overtaking maneuver. However, the car had lots of power and I remember keeping up with a CLS 500 on a straightaway at about 120mph.

Don't get me wrong, the 740i was a very smooth and capable cruiser. The problems I had included the plastic radiator going, power steering hose leaks, and a slow, but steady leak at the oil pan gasket. Sometimes when the car was cold it seemed to shake and hesitate a little.

The XJ feels lighter and livelier off the line. It has a very smooth and predictable power delivery and the four speed ZF unit shifts crisply and smoothly. The 740 was more car than the XJ, horsepower, torque, room, etc., but the XJ has very strong intangible qualities that can't be accurately summed up just by comparing horsepower/torque figures, or interior/cargo volume.

22nd Sep 2008, 05:35

I've owned both cars, and what I want to tell you they have one thing in common: expensive to fix and difficult to find a mechanic who wants to work on them. Fuel consumption is very high.

5th Aug 2009, 20:55

Looking to buy one. Is the 1996 4.2 L a Ford block and easy to get parts? All other information would be appreciated.