So I have the chance to buy up a Jag XJ6 from someone in town, it got some dents in it from some wind damage so it was written off but should be easily taken care of said a couple of guys I know at an autobody.

So, I personally like the style of it, and would like to add it as a 2nd car next to my '06 Black 2LT, but what is the general feel of this car by the car savvy members of this board?

EDIT: I know it's all a matter of personal opinion anyways but I'd definitely like a 2nd opinion from the board.

 

European cars can be very expensive to own... Especially older ones. Parts are not cheap and readily available.

 

I've always liked the car. I do think the style is getting a bit dated due to their size, but I'd go for it as long as it's mechanically sound.

 

I've always loved the look of the XJ6 but as solman pointed out maintenance can be very pricey.

 

I looked at an 86 SJS once. I was advised 2 things. You can hear them rust.#2 Lucas - Prince of Darkness.
As nice as the car was, I let it pass. If you don't do your all of your own mechanical work, you'll go broke.
That said, I'm looking for a bargain on any Mercedes SL from the 80's. These cars all pretty much look the same from the early 70's on, and their made to run a million miles. I recall as a child in the 60's, Mercedes was not the same status symbol back then, but almost the opposite. Mercedes buyers seemed like cheapskates, because they would buy 1 car, and keep it for 25 years, while most of their neighbors were trading in American cars every year. Most of the used SL's are in excellent condition, at a fraction of their original cost, and it is hard to overpay for one.

 

I have a thing for British cars, have owned a few over the years. I have a '75 Mini and before that a Jag XJS12. They are unique and wonderful when all is working. Usually you can get an older one like that very cheap relative to what they cost new. The trade off is maintenance costs will be high. Odd things will go wrong. Parts are not hard to find though, not always cheap. It helps to be mechanically inclined and resourceful if you want something like this, or be in a position where money is not an issue. It won't necessarily be a nightmare, but do figure in a car payment type of maintenance. Personally, at the moment I can't afford one that is not under warranty right now, but if I could I'd have one.

 

I like the look of some of the older Jaguars myself.
I agree with the other guy, parts are going to be expensive for a Jaguar. Some parts might be down right hard to find if its a older, rarer model and if your not mechanically inclined your gonna pay good to have it fixed.

 

I nearly bought an xj8 of a similar year, but decided against it because of the cost to keep it running...

Even if it is mechanically sound at the moment, it will eventually break down, and it won't be cheap to fix.

But if you have the money and/or know how.... go for it.

 

I once bought a mint 84 XJ6 for $200, it just needed a front sub frame no big deal. $450 and it was on the road again. After replacing a water pump, (which looked very simple, but 8 hrs. time) I sold it. About 3 years later it was a rust bucket. In 05 I bought a real clean 98 XJ8 for $1000. It only had 64,000 miles on it, and needed a engine and trans. both were bad. I could not sell that car to anyone locally. No one would touch it. Ebay was my friend, 10 days later I had $4775 for it. I would never want one again to drive. Maybe to resell though...