14th Feb 2006, 16:01

Save yourself the money and buy a 1995-1996 XJ6; a lot better car than the early XJ8 and XK8 (1997-98) models, which are nothing but trouble with the 'Ford' V8. These issues were not resolved until 1999-2000 onwards.

If you cannot get a 2000 XJ8 or XK8, keep clear and get a 1996 XJ6 or XJS, which use the old 'proper' Jaguar 4.0L V6 engine. These last Jaguar 6 cylinder engines are bullet proof, and can do very high miles if properly maintained.

16th Feb 2006, 17:33

Jaguar, qua Jaguar, never made a V6. Ever. The 4.0 six was an inline 24 valver with coil-on-cylinder and a crazy-complex exhaust (before I bought my VDP, I'd never seen a six exhaust with four main cans, an interim/centre "69" can and two cats- dealer wants $CDN2800 to replace the entire mess). Engine offers durability (200K+ miles), smoothness, good highway fuel mileage. Exhaust manifolds prone to crack; front suspension bushings require attention; eats brakes and tires. 1995-97 were the last of the breed. Look at Jaguar World Monthly- October 2003- for an excellent article on the X300 XJs.

3rd Jun 2006, 01:08

Have to agree. One can see considerable "thrifting" in the 98+ XJ series from Ford, especially in the interiors.

It's a d@mn shame too.

6th Jul 2006, 12:18

First, I want to say that I just found this site and it is great as regards general comments about Jags. Also, this is a rather belated comment, but didn't Jag make a V6 for one of its race cars? This in response to the comment that Jag "never made a V6 ever."

23rd Mar 2007, 12:26

To the poster asking about the V6 engined Jaguar race cars, those were special Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) V6 engines, as used in the 1988 Jaguar XJ220. The engine was originally a Rover-designed unit that was used in their Metro 6R4 rally effort. TWR increased the size of the Rover engine from 3.0L to 3.5L and added two turbochargers, generating 549 bhp of maximum power at 7000 RPM and 473 ft·lb of torque at 4500 RPM. So there is truth to the fact that Jaguar never built a V6 of it's own design.

19th Jun 2007, 02:57

To the writer of the review - You farted - in a Jag??

29th Sep 2007, 20:13

I just purchased a 1996 Xj6 with 96,000 miles I was a Mercedes man for a long time when ever I ask my Mercedes Service man about the Jag. I would often get that the jag will give me major problem. Through research the 1996 xj6 is one of the best Jags made and rides like a dream. It always turns heads.

I'm ordering a 2008 XK. I am an official Jaguar man. Thanks for every ones comments and reviews they were helpful in my decision making process.

15th Oct 2007, 01:40

I recently bought a 1996 XJ6, awesome car, but have trouble with items controlled by the Body Control Module, also cannot start it with the key - have to use a remote starter. I'm in Prescott, Arizona, so info is hard to come by. Also I've discovered that a workshop manual is not yet available for this year. Anyone out there got any helpful info?

4th May 2008, 06:44

I just bought my first Jaguar. It is a 1996 XJ6 sedan Vanden Plas with 58,000 miles/one owner and very clean. It is a wonderful car. Very lush, smooth ride and will be using it as a weekend driver. I would like to upgrade the wheel/tire combination to dress it up. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thank you.

16th Jun 2008, 17:46

I'm the proud owner of a 1996 Jaguar (Daimler) Century V12... purchased at 60K... flawlessly maintained... and the car is flawless except for one minor door ding. This is my 5th Jag and it is a perfect car. Nothing matches it on the road. Especially since I'm here in Japan where they like their Mercs and BMW's painted white - and sometimes black. (Mine... not sure what Jag calls the color (Nautilus? -- sorta light green metallic.. not seen on any car) ). Distinctive to say the least. The last of the V12's (my second) and great fun to pull into a parking lot surrounded by the rather drab metal of German vehicles...

13th Apr 2009, 21:11

I purchased a 1996 VDP with the cold weather package. It always turns heads and drives and rides like a dream. It drives not as smooth as my classic '87 but very smooth indeed. My repair record has been surprisingly good. A very good value for any luxury seeker. The interior is fantastic as usual. Some minor electrical problems with the CD changer is my only major problem in 13 years. I plan to get another VDP or XK8. I enjoy being in the Jaguar "club".

19th Apr 2009, 14:40

I bought a 1996 XJ6 4 years ago. Third owner. Had 99000 miles. I live in Ohio so I only drive it in the summer. Runs great. 4.0 Litre. Had to have the headliner re worked as I understand this is a pretty common concern. Never had a Jag before and what a nice car. A real neck breaker. It is black and had the windows slightly tinted. Hope to have it for many a year to come...........

30th Dec 2009, 19:26

I just bought a 1996 Jaguar XJ6 VDP. Looks great, perfect condition, restoring with new black pearl paint. Great car, does have a headliner issue; will fix and then will row with it. From what I hear, a great reliable car.

6th Aug 2010, 16:07

My 1996 sat for 2 years up north. I just drove it to Florida and really enjoyed the car! I have a V12 Benz sedan and enjoy this car more! Seats are awesome, cup holder is broke and repair price is crazy, tail light bulb replacement is as easy as 123, cruise control is very user friendly, door panels and dash around glove box are loose, and the leaper can be ripped off your hood without causing damage.

Is this model a Jag or a Ford???

22nd Sep 2010, 13:08

I've owned my share of Jaguars. A '89 XJS, currently a '95 XJ6, a 02' X-Type and a '98 XJ8. The '95 is the most reliable Jag ever. From what I've experienced, the '95-'97 are the best model years. They have more of a "handcrafted" feel. The newer saloons feel like assembly-made vehicles. There's things that need replacing, which is normal for a car that is 15 years old. But the power, feel, and artistic body style is untouchable.

12th Oct 2010, 12:08

We own a 1996 XJS which now has 216k miles. It is an awesome ride and most comfortable car I have ever owned. We are the second owner and it had about 30k miles on the odometer when we bought it in 1998.

Two things have broken. The console won't latch and the cup holder broke, but we repaired it with Super Glue, which seems to hold.

In the past week, the headlights are acting up. When you turn them on, they come on, then go off. If you tap the controller, they come on and stay on, so it feels like a short in the wiring. The telescoping steering has suddenly stopped moving out to driving position. It seems to have frozen in place, although you can hear the mechanism working.

Anyone have a solution for these two issues, short of an appointment with the mechanic?