I know I am in trouble, because I am so hooked on a 84 XJ6 in my price range. (under 1000) Yes I also know that it needs a head gasket, and from what little research I have done, I think I may be a glutton for punishment,with this beautiful cat... I do all my own mechanic work. And love it(most or the time) It has 40 miles on a trans rebuild, overall miles 74k, the usual cosmetic rust "spots" in typical places. This wouldnt be a transportaion car, at least not for a while, interior is sweet, exterior is straight, has alum. rims, (Jag. maybe from XJ40) newish (upper end rubber) tires... Am I crazy for even contemplating this. I am capabale of most all semi-major mechanical and electrical repairs.
Help me before I fall more for this baby than I already have...Thanks Jery.

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Thu, 02/19/2004 - 12:56

Jery,

I agree, buy it. But be forewarned -- this is how is starts. You buy this bargain of a car, and you start fixing it up. One thing leads to another. Then there's a second old car in the driveway. Than another.

But seriously, if you do buy it, be aware of the hidden costs. While used parts and replacement parts are readily available, they are not always cheap. If you are not able to do the repairs yourself, find a good mechanic who regularly works on Jaguars (dealers don't want to work on cars this old, so you'll have to find someone else). Your local garage mechanic who works on Fords, Chevys, etc., won't know what to do with this car. Ask around through your local club and find a good one. In the long run, you'll save money.

If you do the work yourself, or want to try, be sure by buy the shop manual(s) and parts catalogue for the car. I often find that I get more useful information from the parts catalogue, because it has exploded views that show how things go together. Also, post questions to the XJ6 forum here and on www.jag-lovers.org. You'll find a lot of people willing to help answer questions. No need to reinvent the wheel -- there are tons of folks out there who have dealt with virtually every problem you will encounter.

BTW, have you had someone who knows cars and XK engines in particular look at this car? You say it needs a head gasket. Are you sure that's all it needs? You may end up having to go for a complete rebuild, which ain't cheap. Caveat emptor.

Best of luck and let us know what you end up doing.

Regards,

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'72 E-type 2+2
'70 XKE FHC