High mileage Jaguars?

[TJE"]

I wondered if anyone had thoughts on the wisdom of the above.

They seem quite plentiful and cheap here in the UK(as in over 120k miles), the specific question is there on major part that fails close to this point or whether a series of parts replacements are needed around this time(which would rule them out for me)

[Crazyguitardj]

I have no experience with Jaguars specifically, however I purchased a used Audi recently with about the same mileage. I'll give you a list of what we had to do so you can check these things on your possible purchase

Valve Cover Gasket
Power steering pump
Water pump
All motor mounts
Coolant lines
Power steering line
...and I know theres more, I just can't remember it all.

Be sure to check the oil and look at it carefully, if there appears to be any coolant (or other substance) in with it, you may have a blown head gasket...which is usually very costly to fix.

So be sure to look the car over REALLY well

[Neil K Walk]

What year are these models you are seeing? Between 2000 and 2008 Jaguar was owned by Ford.

[H165]

Here's a quote from Hagerty about cars in the era of the XJ-6, etc:

"The combination of complexity, dubious quality control, and critical rust means that XJ6s are tricky and relatively expensive to restore, not to mention it’s very tough to convince potential buyers that they will stay fixed. And given that even #1-condition, concours-quality examples bring prices only in the low $20,000s, recouping the cost of a full restoration is often a pipe dream."

Things have improved in the ensuing years, but perhaps this very sticky reputation continies to ding used Jag values.

I prefer to drive totally reliable autos. Here is my current ride . :

[David M123]

This is several decades ago, so things may well have changed, but I used to work for a guy who owned (collected) 3 Jaguars.

He used to joke that the next he was going to buy was a tow-truck.

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by TJE"

I wondered if anyone had thoughts on the wisdom of the above....

I've had two XJS's in the distant past (bought used). 12-cylinders. They always leaked oil. The fuel injection hose split in one of them, which started a fire and totalled that one.

[Wengr]

I have experience with many Jaguars over time, including many over 120k.
However the question cannot be addressed without knowing what exact cars you are considering.

[Bob Womack]

Bumper of a beautiful Triumph TR-3 in the local enthusiast club. I'm partial to Spitfires, myself.

Bob

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by TJE"

I wondered if anyone had thoughts on the wisdom of the above.

They seem quite plentiful and cheap here in the UK(as in over 120k miles), the specific question is there on major part that fails close to this point or whether a series of parts replacements are needed around this time(which would rule them out for me)

Frankly, I'd join a British Jaguar enthusiast's forum, I'm sure there are one or more out there.

Our American pals are fond of bashing British cars, but they probably drive them differently to us Brits.

There is little point in expecting a '70s car to be a reliable as a modern car.

A brief look at reviews on auto trader for high mileage X-types he showed pretty positive opinions.

I tried to buy a low mileage X-type in BRG, with tan leather estate. Way over priced but something I'd thought about for ages as my dad always drove Jags turning down Mercs and the Princesses that BMC offered him (he was in the trade with a BMC dealership).
However, there is specialist used Jag dealer west of London who wouldn't let me drive it unless I committed to buy it in advance. Obvious there was something wrong with it!
Beware of dealers like that!

[Rockysdad]

A car that has been *used* for 120,000 miles, is likely to be different from one that has been *well maintained*.

Having grown up in Ontario, Canada, British cars were quite common, my first car was a 65 Morris Minor.

I've been a *car guy* my whole life, I've restored MG's, Triumph's, Jaguar's.

The running *joke* at the British car meets was, a number of folk wearing T-shirts emblazoned with *LUCAS Prince Of Darkness*
( the earlier cars notoriously had electrical gremlins.

[hubcapsc]

My brother-in-law's father gave him a jaguar. It was a lot
of trouble and expense keeping that thing going. Then one
day it caught on fire.

-Mike

[jpd]

Originally Posted by David M123

I used to work for a guy who owned (collected) 3 Jaguars.
He used to joke that the next he was going to buy was a tow-truck.

Same with my '59 TR3 and MG.....English "sport" cars are wonderful toys, but need a lot of attention! The older Jags are beauties, and very "needy"

And has been noted...*LUCAS Prince Of Darkness*

[TJE"]

Originally Posted by Neil K Walk

What year are these models you are seeing? Between 2000 and 2008 Jaguar was owned by Ford.

Beginning with this era and later. XJ's and XK's, I think this time was when they or Ford management decided they need produce of least consistent quality to survive. I could be wrong I think the days when second hand jags explode etc are long gone.

But as silly moustache said I should look at an owners website.

[PorkPieGuy]

If you want to own a Jaguar, go buy one. Just research the heck out of it.

So many cars of these types of brands (Mercedes, BMW, etc.) can lose up to 65% of their value within 5 years, and there are specific reasons why for each vehicle.

My advice? Research whatever car you want to get...especially Jaguar.

[TJE"]

Originally Posted by H165

Here's a quote from Hagerty about cars in the era of the XJ-6, etc:

"The combination of complexity, dubious quality control, and critical rust means that XJ6s are tricky and relatively expensive to restore, not to mention it’s very tough to convince potential buyers that they will stay fixed. And given that even #1-condition, concours-quality examples bring prices only in the low $20,000s, recouping the cost of a full restoration is often a pipe dream."

]

My uncle in law used to drive an early 1970's XJ6. Notwithstanding that models reliability issues it was the most atmospheric, smooth and home type spiritualized ride I have ever been in.

And I have been in Rolls, Bentley's, top Mercs, BMWs, Porshces etc(though never a Cadillac or a Lexus). To my knowledge it never broke down, althugh I have to admit I was a tad nervous when I was in it because of the publicty).OTHO he may have been obsessive about maintaining it.