Faults:
Clock faded ($25 for new LCD cable, 1 hour to re-attach with heating tool).
Headliner sagged (re-covered for $150 and 6 hours work).
Front shocks and upper mounts ($200, let a local shop do that).
Rear seal on differential ($175, also let a local shop do the work).
Front wheel bearings and ball joints (did myself).
Radio failed (replaced $75 eBay).
Serpentine belt tensioner (local shop, I think $20 ish).
Auxiliary hot water pump failed (replaced brushes for $1.75 plus 2 hours).
Cup holder is weak (rebuilt with a little JB Weld epoxy).
Drivers seat cracked (put on sheep skin seat covers).
Door lock actuator failed x2 ($75x2) plus 2 hours work.
Coils fail! Buy the good ones (replaced all 6 one time at $75/per coil).
Rear view mirror failed (replaced, $79).
Top edge of glove box cracks (fixed with epoxy and cardboard on the back side).
Replaced brake rotors etc at about 120k (did myself).
O2 sensors failed about 150k.
EGR valve replaced ($45 and 15 minutes work).
Paint faded and clear coat is deteriorated and checking (well I had it in the sun not garaged for 5 years... my bad).
Replaced the fuel pump relay ($4.00) (was irritating. Only time it's left me stranded ever).
General Comments:
I spent $12K for the car in 2002 and have put less than 2k into it after driving it for 100K miles. That's $0.14 per mile of ownership!!! Amazing!!!
I now have a 1997 that I bought for 2K with 120K miles on it. I spent 3k putting in a new rear-end (someone didn't replace the leaking seal). I've driven it for 60K miles; that's less than 10 cents a mile. I've now purchased my third XJ6 with 60K miles on it for less than 10k. I have spent $600 refurbishing it and fixing all the little things I know will go wrong over the next 100K miles.
1995, 1996 and 1997 are 3 of the best years for Jaguar XJs. The 4.0L engine is amazing. None of mine burn a drop of oil. They all run like tops and have never had any major mechanical problems. I fully expect to get over 250K miles out of these cars.
In my book the 1996 XJ6 is one of the best luxury cars on the market. I have driven European cars my whole life and this is hands down the best of all of them.
The car is a joy to drive and is as steady at 130 as it is at 70. It's quiet and comfortable, and intuitive to drive and control. The cockpit layout is wonderful and simple; at times almost spartan. I have driven it across the US coast to coast 3 times. You can drive all day and feel like you were sitting on your couch. I have 3 teenagers and they can all sit comfortably cross country in the back seat.
Do not be afraid of the cost or of the minor fixes. This is one of the greatest deals out there. Even with its paint fading people always say... "wow nice car!" everywhere I go. If you drive it 60mph on level ground you can get 27 on the highway. If you put your foot in it you'll get 16.
My zero to 60 times are not stunning (only about 9 seconds) but at 70mph if you want to pass someone you'll be over a hundred before you blink. You have to be careful. It will sneak up on you.
I really think this is a driver's car. If you love cars you'll love this car. If a car is just transportation to you, buy a Toyota. But do not fear the bad press Jaguar had over the years. This car is a keeper!
12th Feb 2022, 22:42
Good honest review, these are nice cars, but no one could run them for cheap, new or used. The unique luxury and style made them worth it though.