1996 Jaguar XJ6 Sedan from North America - Comments

I have always owned jaguars so when my 1988 XJ6 finally got too rusty I already knew what I was going to get. At first I was on the fence about this vehicle. It wasn't as smooth as the old jaguars, but after spending more time with this vehicle I have to say it has grown on me like moss on a rock. It acts much lighter than my old one especially on tight turns. It has more body roll then a BMW, but that's the way English cars are. Even though the engine is rougher it is faster off the line, and this is the first Jaguar I have had with sport mode and I have to say I find it quite enjoyable. The interior is classic jaguar all the way, however it does concern me that I am starting to see some pieces from the dreaded blue oval (Ford) in there. Altogether this is a great vehicle both mechanically and cosmetically. It has held up very well and does not show its true age at all. I look forward too many happy years in this vehicle and plan to keep my relationship with jaguar in the future.

Very good car. If you cannot afford a new Jaguar I would say this is the one for you. Suprisingly, reliable in comparison to my old XJ6 which would break down if you farted in it. I would suggest this to anyone looking for a used vehicle, and if Ford doesn't mess around with future models too much I think Jaguar will continue to improve.

Yep, I can see how you would be worried about the Ford influence, after all everyone knows that the pre-Ford Jags were all paragons of reliability, right?

I was more worried about fords influence on styling, performance, and handling of the vehicle. I don't think Ford is the pinnacle of reliability either. You don't earn the saying fix or repair daily for nothing. The 4.0L V8 in the early Jaguar XJ8 had a constant problem stalling on the highway for no practical reason, which a perfect example of ford's negatave influence one these vehicles. Not to say that the three recalls on my old 1988 XJ6 was great. Another example would be Ford closing the Jaguar assembly plant in Coventry. Further blurring the line between Ford and what is supposed to be the separate legal entity that is Jaguar Motorcars.

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 a 2000 XJ8 or XK8 keep clear and get a 1996 XJ6 or XJS which use the old 'proper' Jaguar 4.0 L V6 engine. These last Jaguar engines 6 cylinder engines are bullet proof and can do very high miles if properly maintained.

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.

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.

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."

1992 Jaguar Sovereign XJ6. Despite some of the annoying little problems this a great automobile. There is no car on the street that turn more heads. Classic body style of this car and older jags just can't be touched. The only draw back of the car is the rear leveling system. If you have not gotten the conversion kit or simply changed to a heavy duty rear shock you will experience a really bouncy ride that truly takes away from the pleasure of truly wonderful automobile. While there may have been many improvements in the newer jags the car just does not capture the attention like the older jags. With proper care and maintenance you can expect this car to purr like a kitten even at 150 thousand miles or better. The Jaguar XJ6 is perhaps the most admired car on the road.

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.

Hi I've got 1996 xj6 3.2 I paid £3500 for it its done 90000 miles I've had it a year and the only thing I've had to pay out on is a new set of tyers £500 a full service and brake pads £285 not from jag though its to much money!!! my mate did it

what can I say it's a dream car better than bmw or a merc my dads got a merc 320 sl and he likes the jag better!!!

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

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.

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?

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.

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...