Tell me about........Big Cats

Your not the only one
retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=62975&page=1

early "series" cars are cool and classic (1968-1986). However you need to watch for rot, especially up in the subframe areas which can be costly and/or tricky to repair and is MOT fail stuff. Also beware of problems with the twin fuel tanks, as either the tanks or the switching mechanism are expensive, I forget which. Excellent cars but HUGE trans tunnel and console make the footwells claustrophobic! 5/5 Akku points for coolness (esp the chrome bumper S1 and S2). Get a S2 in Heather Pink with matching interior. It WAS an option, and I've seen one! ACE.

XJ40 (1986 - 1995) are known as the "XJ-faulty". My dad had two of these from new. diffs, wheel bearings, shocks and electronics are all weak points on these cars. The prefacelift cars are worst. Later ones have most of the early faults fixed. Beware the 2.9 engine which is uneconomical and weak. They rot badly, mostly around the windows, the boot lid, rear arches and sills. Avoid the "tweed" interior - its uncomfortable and kills resale value. A late Sovereign 4.0 on LPG would be a great buy. As said the interior is not as spacious as Mercs or Lexus LS. The boot is tiny and a stupid shape. MartinC had one for sale which looked a good one.

the X300 series (1995 - 2003) is a much improved car IMO. Looks wise, build wise and all. From 1997 or so it becomes the X308 series which signifies the fitment of the V8 engine. The early ones of this suffer a Nickasil bore problem which causes accelerated bore wear leading to engine failure. Many were replaced under warranty with later type non-nickasil engines so look for proof of this as some are still out there on the original engine which could run for ever OK or could be a ticking time bomb. These cars are rock solid, same interior foot print as the XJ40 and the boot is still small.

X350 Series (2003-2009) all aluminium super saloon. I'm waiting to be able to afford a good used one when the Lexus needs replacing.

As said - INDEPENDANT SPECIALISTS not main dealer....

As has been said, get a late (92-94) XJ40 or an X300 and you won't go far wrong at all. The AJ6/16 engine is a fantastically strong lump, which can rack up mega mileage with ease. Interiors are plush and super comfy, rear leg room is cramped unless you pick up a LWB model. 3.2 not really worth it, just go for the 4 litre, just as economical in real world driving and a league above in performance terms.

Don't believe rubbish about them being unreliable, by the mid '90s Jaguar had a better reliability index rating than BMW & Mercedes. I've had a late XJ40 (sadly written off now) and currently roll a '95 XJ6, both have been faultlessly reliable in a combined 30 odd thousand miles. My 4.0 X300 manages around 22mpg combined city (heavy North London traffic though!) & motorway driving. On a decent run I've seen 30mpg out of her! Thats with 160,000 on the clock and, erm, "economical" servicing!

Main area of concern is the suspension, as obviously a Jag is all about the smooth ride, so the suspension in complicated and can cost a bomb to put right if bits are worn.

If I were you, I'd seek out an X300 XJ6, go for as high a spec as possible. Prices are rock bottom at present, seen tidy examples on eBay sell for well short of a grand! I absolutely love them, just superb cars for the money.