[xj40] Just purchased a 1993 XJ6 HELP!

XJ40
1

Hi. I just purchased a 1993 Jaguar XJ 6 4.0 (I think? Has the
newer style square headlights) I know its a 93. Now a lot of
peopple (with little or no jag knowledge) are saying I’m crazy, ‘‘I
made a huge mistake’’, ‘‘Jags are junk’’, ‘‘unreliable’’ ‘‘always break
down’’, always have electrical problems that can never be
fixed…’’ ‘‘parts are v ery expensive’’…blah, blah blah…Did I
make a terrible mistake?? I used to be a mechanic and have been
worked on old motorcycles for over 15 years so I very mechanically
inclined and adept, and I have a very good mechanic with a garage
that would help me out for free or very little $$…

its a 93 XJ 6 blue/silver ext. with a perfect blacl leather
interior (the interior is ‘‘Mint’’), have only 104,000 miles on it, I
paid $500 US for it, the exterior has some small surface rust spots
but is in fairly good shape, the lower rockers under the front
doors has some small rusted rotted areas (partially underneath on
underside frame/floor of car) but my mechanic friend said he can
easily help me cut the sections out and weld in metal plates for
under $100. It needs an alternator (which came with the car but
needs to be installed) and a brake power booster (new $175, used
$50)It was a one owner car owned by an older woman who to very good
care of it, even replaced the intaske/Exh. manifold gaskets (I was
told that something that goes on theses?) and recentlly had a tune
up done…What do you guys think?? Have I made a huge mistake?
Or did I end up with a great Jag!!–
vintagephil
Carver, Massachusets, United States
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2

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

Hi. You may or may not have got a good deal, mostly debends on you.
In my opinion these are ‘‘enthusiasts’’’ cars. If you don’t have a
real passion for them, you will be frustrated. They take a lot of
owner involvement. If you are the kind of person who developes a
personal relationship with a car you will be okay. Of course this
is only true if you are looking for somthing more than just
disposable transportation. Look at it like an old Triumph Bonnivile.

Regards, Ed–
The original message included these comments:

Hi. I just purchased a 1993 Jaguar XJ 6 4.0 (I think? Has the
newer style square headlights) I know its a 93. Now a lot of
peopple (with little or no jag knowledge) are saying I’m crazy, ‘‘I
made a huge mistake’’, ‘‘Jags are junk’’, ‘‘unreliable’’ ‘‘always break
down’’, always have electrical problems that can never be
fixed…‘’ ‘‘parts are v ery expensive’’…blah, blah blah…Did I
make a terrible mistake?? I used to be a mechanic and have been
worked on old motorcycles for over 15 years so I very mechanically
inclined and adept, and I have a very good mechanic with a garage
that would help me out for free or very little $$…
its a 93 XJ 6 blue/silver ext. with a perfect blacl leather

–
Ed Stillwell 1994 XJ6 VDP, No such thing as to much chrome.
Wayne, OK, United States
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3

In reply to a message from highhopes sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

Hi Ed,

Thank you! That all I needed to hear, I am a car Enthusiast (this
isy first Jag though, I’ve always wanted one)and I am not looking
for dissposable transportatio, my primary vehicle is a 199 GMC
siera truck. I bought it as a restoration project, and I want to
be involved and am prepared develop a restoration ‘‘relationship’’
with the car. A huge part is I want to get involved with the whole
Jaguar History and I do like the car… I can and want to do 99%
of the restoration (I enjoy that its my passion, hoby…)
Perfectly said I love old British bikes like Bonevilles, I just
want to step up to a car now, a Jaguar…

Phil–
vintagephil
Carver, Massachusets, United States
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4

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

I think that if you enjoy a project, and you are able to do
a lot of the work cheaply with some help, you have made a
great choice. You will have a greater love of the car if you
feel that you have saved something that others have given up
on. I have done restoration work for 35 years, and I always
looked for the challenge of the car that needed a little
more than most guys would put into it. I have owned 4 jags,
an 83 XJ6, an 84 Vanden Plas, a 90 Majestic and now an 02
Vanden Plas. All but the last one started out as projects. I
loved them all, good luck with yours! Brandon–
B. V. ST JAMES
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5

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

hi phil.

i ve always argued, that you can put 50 guys in a room and everyone
of them will find something bad to say about any car. mention jags,
some will love them, some will say a pile of junk. mention a ford
and some will go white!
i always think a car is as good as its owner. look after it and it
will certainly minimise, at least, problems.

i ve owned nothing but fords for the past 20 years and never wanted
anything else. i ve had 3 granadas, which I believe the US has a
version of.
this year however, I became bored (midlife thing) and wanted a
change. so, I sold my old ford and brought a jaguar.
i ve had it about 6 months now and its been the best 6 months i ve
ever had. the car has been faultless and a dream to drive, but more
than that, it has been a pleasure to work on.
yes you ve had comments their a pile of junk, unreliable, always
break down, but this can be said of any car, even new ones, but
especially cars that are pushing the best side of 20 years old.

i ve found these forums a great help and inspiration. its amazing
the amount of helpful info on here, even if you dont have a problem
and want to do pre-emptive work!
reference to cost of parts. yes, some parts can prove expensive,
especially if new, but there is always a plentiful supply of good,
used parts about. sometimes, patience can often pay off. i ve just
managed, as an example, to buy 2 headlights for my car, that look
like they just came from jaguar. they were �23 each, about $40.
plus loads of other bargains as well for as cheap as 99p, or less
than a dollar!!!

i ll stick my neck out now and say that once you ve had this car a
few months and got to learn the car, you wont want anything else. I
know I wont.
besides, what would I have next to possibly beat a jag!

good luck and enjoy the car.

mark.–
The original message included these comments:

Hi. I just purchased a 1993 Jaguar XJ 6 4.0 (I think? Has the
newer style square headlights) I know its a 93. Now a lot of
peopple (with little or no jag knowledge) are saying I’m crazy, ‘‘I
made a huge mistake’’, ‘‘Jags are junk’’, ‘‘unreliable’’ ‘‘always break
down’’, always have electrical problems that can never be
fixed…‘’ ‘‘parts are v ery expensive’’…blah, blah blah…Did I
vintagephil
Carver, Massachusets, United States

–
XJ40 1990 Sovereign 4.0 (RHD) UK
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6

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

Phil…Welcome to the family!

Just remember your Kitty can be a harsh mistress.
Very demanding of your love and attention, and often
requiring expensive gifts. But I’m sure you’ll be
like most men when it comes to a Jaguar …
…LOVE IS BLIND !–
Groove
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7

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

All I can say is I have three of these, and if they were
either terribly expensive to maintain or terribly
unreliable, I’d not have a one.

No, they’re not perfect, and yes, they do sometimes break
but all three of mine are daily drivers for my family (yea,
I drew the short straw!)–
The original message included these comments:

Hi. I just purchased a 1993 Jaguar XJ 6 4.0 (I think? Has the
newer style square headlights) I know its a 93. Now a lot of
peopple (with little or no jag knowledge) are saying I’m crazy, ‘‘I
made a huge mistake’’, ‘‘Jags are junk’’, ‘‘unreliable’’ ‘‘always break
down’’, always have electrical problems that can never be
fixed…‘’ ‘‘parts are v ery expensive’’…blah, blah blah…Did I
make a terrible mistake?? I used to be a mechanic and have been
worked on old motorcycles for over 15 years so I very mechanically
inclined and adept, and I have a very good mechanic with a garage
that would help me out for free or very little $$…

–
91 XJ6, 93 Sov, 97 Sov – Driveway’s crowded!
Tampa Fl, United States
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8

In reply to a message from Win sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

Phil,

You’re handy and here you’ll find tons of informations and save
serious money. They say Jags are not reliable, and often break
down. That can be true for any car if not maintained properly.
Maybe Jags need more attention than other luxury cars but I find
the price of the parts reasonable if you order them online. I have
owned my car for almost 3 years and spent about $2800 bucks
including tires, battery, wheel alignment (3 times) head gasket and
coolant hoses replacement, sensors and other small stuff. And I
replaced a lot of parts to get my car running perfectly.
Besides '93/94 MY cars are the most reliable of the XJ40’s. Take
good care of your ride and you can always come here for info and
help.
Cheers.
Joseph–
'94 XJ40, CFA/AFW. Miles still under 100k. Naples, FL
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9

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

I found my 1989 under a tree where it sat for more than a year.
Squirels moved in and water found its way arround. The owner
charged the battery and put in 2 U.S. gallons of gas. The son of
the owner gave me a breif history of why the CAT was under the
tree. 4 terribaly mismatched and worn tires, all shocks were not
functioning a slight bump with another care to the right front,
(which if he did’t tell me I wouldn’t have known at first) and
intermitant to no starting. Well with the battery charged and a
little petrol I turned the key. After a few cranks the Kitty fired
up. The dash was filled with codes and displays. But she was
running. I put her in reverse and backed out. Put her in drive and
made it home. After some trouble shooting and hours of reading here
on the forum I changed the Crankshaft sensor. She always starts
now. Then on to other codes and the learning process. I became one
with this car and she in turn lets me know what she needs. I look
at her and I listen closly. Mine is now my daily driver.
You did not make a mistake. You just joined the club. As already
said, learn her electricity and know her mechanical needs and the
Jaguar will prove to you what these cars are all about.
Welcome to the club and we look forward to hearing of your endevors
with your 1993.

Rick–
The original message included these comments:

peopple (with little or no jag knowledge) are saying I’m crazy, ‘‘I
made a huge mistake’’, ‘‘Jags are junk’’, ‘‘unreliable’’ ‘‘always break
down’’, always have electrical problems that can never be

–
89 XJ6
Parkesburg, Pa, United States
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10

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sat 12 Dec 2009:

Thank you Rick and all you guys…I truely feel like I not only
bought a Jag, but that I am truely part of a family!! I’m picking
her up tomorow (my 1993 Jaguar XJ6/40), I am so excited, don’t know
if I’ll be able to sleep tonight!! I’ll keep you all posted on her
trip home and my progress…thanks again

Phil–
vintagephil
Carver, Massachusets, United States
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11

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sun 13 Dec 2009:

how did the trip home go phil

I am about to do the same on tues (1000km) with the xjs
cheers
christopher–
The original message included these comments:

bought a Jag, but that I am truely part of a family!! I’m picking
her up tomorow (my 1993 Jaguar XJ6/40), I am so excited, don’t know
if I’ll be able to sleep tonight!! I’ll keep you all posted on her
trip home and my progress…thanks again

–
145rr…1977 xj-sv12, 1987 xj40soveriegn, 1970 420g.
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12

In reply to a message from vintagephilg sent Sun 13 Dec 2009:

man thats a pretty sweet deal. I bought a 90 for 700.its not in the
best condition but it aint horrible. needs some work–
sticky ricky
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