mgmrw
Part of things
Posts: 701 
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Jun 22, 2016 19:07:01 GMT
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XJ40 all day long. I've had three of them over the years (in addition to two later X300s, mechanically similar) and none have ever let me down, left me stranded or given me mega grief. Worst thing I can recall is having to get the steering rack changed on one 300 and do the head gasket on another due to an oilway leak. In my experience they're easy to work on and stuff you can't manage any local mechanic can do easily enough. Parts are plentiful and cheap from specialists and eBay. If you're careful and buy cheaply, you're laughing. There's nothing with the road presence of an old Jag. Post 1990 cars are best, after Ford started pouring in money. Like others have said, keep an eye out for rust. A lot of them can look rough (like my current example) but there's nothing that'll fail an MOT. Some look pristine but are hiding a world of pain, so keep your eyes open. Late cars (93/94) can have bulkheads like sieves (as a result of a half assed redesign to accomodate the V12), so be careful there too. Mechanicals are super tough. Gearboxes are usually reliable, rear diffs can whine but carry on regardless.Engines go on and on and on. Occasional oil leaks or head gasket woes, but nothing super worrying. Electricals can be bonkers and do odd stuff. I've had warning lights come on the dash for no reason and then disappear, never to return. Air con pack up and then come back to life like nothings happened. Check out XJ40.com for more! Sorry for the waffle, but these cars are very much maligned and I really don't understand why! What sort of bill does hgf bring about? £600+? Self servicing, brakes etc appeals. |
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Marc
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,037
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Jun 22, 2016 20:02:56 GMT
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My experience was that an oilway was leaking, near the front right of the block (drivers side) -  The gasket breaks down here and causes oil to seem out. Out badly in my case. I think it cost around £300, that was me assisting a mobile mechanic who knows his way around Jags. |
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Last Edit: Jun 22, 2016 20:04:02 GMT by Marc
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Jun 22, 2016 22:01:07 GMT
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Out of that lot the W124 wins hands down for me. A w124 tourer would be a sensible choice Indeed. A late 80's or very early 90's 300TE auto in metallic with a few choice options like leather, cruise, seven seats etc could be just the job. Looked after, it certainly won't lose any money either. Personally I prefer the saloon but it's hard to argue against the estate. |
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Still learning...still spending...still breaking things!
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mgmrw
Part of things
Posts: 701
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A w124 tourer would be a sensible choice Indeed. A late 80's or very early 90's 300TE auto in metallic with a few choice options like leather, cruise, seven seats etc could be just the job. Looked after, it certainly won't lose any money either. Personally I prefer the saloon but it's hard to argue against the estate. Seen auto 300TE on t'Bay with reasonable miles at less than £1,500 87-91 plates seem common. An estate is much more suitable for MTB lugging, dog transporting, timber fetching etc. |
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eternaloptimist
Posted a lot
Too many projects, not enough time or space...
Posts: 2,578
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300TE 4-Matic for the full bore money burning experience.
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XC70, VW split screen crew cab, Standard Ten
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mgmrw
Part of things
Posts: 701
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300TE 4-Matic for the full bore money burning experience. The very thing I'm trying to avoid. There's a 200TE online for sub-£1k. Looks good. Reckon it'll be lethargic but frugal? |
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eternaloptimist
Posted a lot
Too many projects, not enough time or space...
Posts: 2,578
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Jun 23, 2016 12:57:36 GMT
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Broadly, yes, but I don't think the 230 or later 220 will be any worse on fuel. I've had an E200 estate which was pretty good - c. 28 to 32 mpg in mixed driving, better on a run.
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XC70, VW split screen crew cab, Standard Ten
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mgmrw
Part of things
Posts: 701
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Broadly, yes, but I don't think the 230 or later 220 will be any worse on fuel. I've had an E200 estate which was pretty good - c. 28 to 32 mpg in mixed driving, better on a run. It'd be kept for long runs. 200TE are about, and cheap, guessing as a bit slow? Doesn't bother me, as with 40-50 limits everywhere and traffic, wafting with bikes on the back is the name of the game. |
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eternaloptimist
Posted a lot
Too many projects, not enough time or space...
Posts: 2,578
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Jun 25, 2016 11:21:45 GMT
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Go for it - you won't regret it.
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XC70, VW split screen crew cab, Standard Ten
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