Need some advice. I have an opportunity to buy a 1997 XJ6 with about 90,000 miles on it or a 2005 XJ8 with about 90,000 miles on it. Both cars are in similar condition as far as I can tell at this point. Should I worry about the additional eight years of age on the XJ6? Difficulty locating parts? Common transmission or engine issues at 100,000 miles etc.? Thanks so much for your insights.

 

Get the '97.
You can do lots of stuff to it for the cost of one air suspension fix on the 05!


Rumors of fuel pump and crank sensor failures about 100k on the XJ-6; but I'm nearing 189K on the originals of both. Fuel pumps are about $15 on eBay, while the crank sensor is $100 give or take.
Read the buyer's guide in the stickies, lots of good info there.

 

Thanks much. I'm definitely leaning toward the 97. In general, I have read great things about the reliability of the 95-97 cars. In my opinion, I also think these cars have slightly better interior and exterior styling compared to the newer version.

 

The only part I've encountered that is difficult to source is the headlight switch. So if you are a tall, long-legged creature, exercise care during ingress/egress to avoid breaking it. It's possible there are some new ones in Germany, but pricey, otherwise you are limited to the breaker-market on those.


On second thought...crankshaft dampers as well, but we have a member within the last few weeks reporting obtaining one of those. And anyway, you can pull yours off and have it refurbished....should the need arise. (or "when" I should say - I've had such failures on the Excursion and one of the S-types in addition to the X300)
Good luck, and get back here with pics if you opt for the '97!

 

@aholbro1

I just bought one of these to keep as spares but they still have one left (and another black one without Cruise).

NEW BOXED JAGUAR X300 XJ6 XJ12 FACIA CONTROL SWITCH PANEL CRUISE CONTROL / FOG | eBay

Seemed like a decent price for the complete assembly and they have a few other NOS parts for X300.

 

If you get the 97 XJ6; please do the following ASAP

1- replace all rubber hoses. Order them before hand. In my XJ12; cost wasn't the issue. It was waiting 2 weeks for a hose.

2- Replace the thermostat, radiator fluid, and do complete system cleaning

3- replace fuel filter. It is cheap and 15 min job. It may save your fuel pump and future headaches.

Remember that is it is 15+ yr old car. It may need new shocks, tires, bushings etc.

 

Thank you. Very wise indeed.