What You Need to Be Aware of Before Buying a Jaguar Series 3 

“Jag- wire?” What kind of wire is that?

I have a 1979 XJ6 that I bought 20 years ago, still has original motor with 39,604 miles. It was built in June 79

I have an 86 xj6. Unfortunately, mine was not well cared for, parts were hard to find, expensive, and overly complicated. BUT, I knew that going in. I've probably dumped $50-$60,000 in repairs so far. Probably another $50,000 in fuel last year. And I love it. The car has a look that says, "I'm not the baddest guy on the street, but the baddest guys don't screw with me." It doesn't accelerate. It advances.

Country music artist Barbara Mandrell was driving a 1984 XJ when she and her two children were hit head on on September 11 1984. All three survived. Just minutes before, they had seen children playing in a station wagon in front of them in traffic. The clamshell tailgate was open and no one was wearing seatbelts. Barbara told everyone to buckle up. Minutes later, they were hit head on by 19 year old college student, Mark White. He was not buckled up and was killed instantly. Barbara went on to make television and radio psa's about seatbelt safety. She was standing behind her wrecked Jaguar in the television ads.

Beutiful example. I have owned several eightees and ninetees Jaguars, both 6cyl and V12, including ser3 (My all time favorite) Most of those used as daily drivers and every single one of them have been top reliable. Propper care, maintainance and knowledge is the key to success here.

I have owned many old Jags and now own a series 3 XJ12 and I love it though there have been issues but I know them pretty well. My advice to Jag owners is to not be afraid to dive in and get to know the car as they are not as complex as is often perceived and problems once you know them can be fixed for a fraction of the rice often quoted at a shop. I hate the trend for yanking the motors out of these and fitting a small block V8- it's horrible. The inline six is an iconic engine dating back to the forties and still sounds gorgeous. The V12 is a lot quicker ( almost double the HP) and sounds amazing with a little exhaust work but my advice is to go for the inline six as they are easier to work on and are somehow more iconic as a true Jag. In my opinion the Series 1, 2 and 3 XJ's which were designed by Jaguar guru and original owner, William Lyons, are among the most beautiful cars ever made and were a grand finale for Jags. Anything built later is just not the same and the new Jags are just plain boring and unrecognizable. Nice car you have there XJ.

My own Daimler double six (Japanese Import) came with just 20 k on the clock and as new with not even a crease in the doeskin leather . It replaced my 7 series BMW which was so infested with electronic bugs that it had to be scrapped . The Daimler is a 1000 times the BMW ever was or ever could be but last week I noticed a rumble from the rear differential which turned into a vibration which turned into a brand new axle job . The specialist put the failure down to standing in a japanese showroom for 30 years ! Beware as very costly to replace the differential . but the car ....oh my .its motoring perfection , no other car can equal it .

Haha, you and me both, Mitchell! I too wanted an XJ6 since high school, but I didn't have the girlfriend's mother who tossed the keys to me. What is amazing about the Series III is it is one of those rare cars where the "facelift" is seriously more beautiful than predecessors. Sir William's original design with Pinninfarina giving it a vigorous massage resulted in sheer beauty.

I bought a non-running, golden Series 3 XJ12 for when I was eighteen. Thanks to your and Adams videos I as able to get it running and ready. I'm 20 now. Since then, I have driven 10.000 miles with it. It's been really reliable and the fuel consumption on long journeys is okay. It has never let me down once. I fall in love with it every time I drive it. Now however, the "bulletproof" TH400 gearbox is acting weird, but I'll try to overhaul the gearbox this winter. (Btw. The car is on my channel)

Well put together doco or youtube. You gave the good and the bad in a loving way. I, too, have a S3 XJ6. I bought it from interstate sight unseen back in 2004. I put about 15000 into it back then. I lost interest for about 10 years, although I did continue to look after the Jag. 4 years ago, I had the paint redone, and yes, rust around the windscreens. Shr is going great again with a new right fuel tank and a few maintenance items. She is a 1986 with 252000 ks on the original engine and auto. A mighty fine car.

Nice commentary Jesse. I have been driving mine for over 30 years. Thanks for sharing the love for these wonderful cars. But please, please tell your bud that there is no such thing as a jagwire ;)

I just bought my series 3 back to life and I absolutely adore it. It turns heads

One of the most beautiful cars ever made. White looks very sharp. I have a black Series 3 XJ12 VDP. As Jesse noted - works of art.

I share your love of Jaguar XJ's. Currently l have a 1975 XJ6 4.2L Series 2, one day l hope to restore it. I also have an XJ8. Subbed just for the Jag content! Best regards, Jon in the UK.

great video, everything has been said and humor is on the level. keep up a good work. Love from Croatia.

Thank you for the video Mitchell, absolutely gorgeous condition. I have a 1984 XJ12 Sovereign HE, an off white cream colour with, unfortunately, a sprinkling of rust patches dotted around, all very sad. She's under cover in the driveway in Redruth Cornwall UK awaiting some loving attention and cash! I remember driving her late at night down the M5 and onto the A30 then stretching her legs with hardly anything on the road and listening to ABBA Gold on the cassette tape!! Just sublime. Oh yes, that's right, I remember having to stop for fuel just before Okehampton and filling one of the tanks. There is nothing smoother and quieter. You don't think you are driving it, you just feel as though you are pulling the horizon towards you. Keep it under cover with plenty of wax. Best Wishes from the United kingdom

Owner of a 1972 XJ6 Series 1, Manual 2.8. since 1991. Put it away twenty Years ago, will have it back on the Roads 2024!

My favourite Jaguar was a 1985 series 3, 3.4 engine, once drove it 550 miles to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 along the Glenshee ski centre it handled the road perfectly.

Compliments on your vid ,most entertaining. I've had 2 jags in my lifetime: 1968 sr 1 2.8l auto and 1976 xjs v12. Minor oil leaks order of the day but nothing drastic. The 4 Door handled Better than the coupé. XJS only good for .....da gurls.

Excellent Vlog, Jesse; I loved to know how you met a Jag for the first time. I would love to buy one. Regards from Spain. 🇪🇸

They look so much better with those euro/uk spec larger headlights

Just got a series 3. Love your videos!

My first car when I was 17 was a Daimler sovereign 4.2 . It was my dad old 1982 car. But as fuel prices increased in europe I only had it 2 years

Most beautiful saloon ever built.

I want one... Driving a x308 now but I've owned a XJS and 2 XJ40s. The 3 series is what made me fall in love with Jaguars though

What you need to know is that you have to reserve a large amount of money for repairs and maintenance. It's a relatively complicated car. If you do not hesitate do do some of the things yourself the costs are manageable. If you buy one, the first thing you need to replace are all the fuel hoses (expect many in ackward places) and check both tanks for rust. Better is to replace both with aftermarket tanks. Too many of these end up in a bonfire.... Btw, I own one.

I would add that with any British Classic it might prove beneficial to check all fluid levels before you start it and each time you drive it -

I got an appointment this Saturday to view a 1970 XJ6 in a beautiful British Racing Green... if everything checks out, I'll probably end up buying it

The V12 Series 3 was never sold in the US. There are a few samples in the US which were imported from 🇨🇦 Canada, however.

Is hard to find a rust free XJ6 in the UK now but yours looks mint! 👌

Great Job!!

I owned one 😎 + you bring back such wonderful memories ♥️ by God are they heavy and that's reflected in fuel consumption but nothing beat the growl setting off ✅

Fabulous car! ❤ I have owned a 1996 XJS and a 1997 Vanden Plas for a few years now, and love them. But since the Series 3 XJ6 was the Jaguar I fell in love with while in high school in the '80s, it has always tugged hard at my heart strings. I've just NEEDED to have an example of the car that began my love affair with the marque. About a year ago, I acquired an '86 XJ6 that I have been enjoying driving more regularly than I had anticipated. It just feels (and looks) so 'stately'. Sadly, just last weekend immediately after filling up both fuel tanks, it wouldn't start due to hydro-lock -- so I'm assuming my head gasket is blown (the dipstick shows 'chocolate milk' rather than clean. blond oil, as usual). 😰 So for now, the car is parked until my savings acct refills enough to rebuild the engine. But all that does NOT mean I regret owning it.

Jessie nice to meet you. Nice jag.

Re-upload but it was a great video!

I have a 76 xjc love it

Im actually going to buy one tomorrow, i would love some advice and tips on how to maintain it and bring out its potential

In the uk the screws are always painted body colour from factory.

You don't see yourself coming and going, that's for sure. That's why I still have my R.

Hello! Love the video. I own a 1986 XJ6 that I bought from the original owner. I love it! My favorite car and always looking for excuses to take out for a ride. Are you in Southern California?

What the blazes is a "Jagwire"? It is pronounced "Jag-you-er in English. Good to see that at least one colonial has a great taste in cars!

I had an 85 Sovereign in the uk 20yrs ago. I’d always wanted one, wasn’t sure if it was Whitesnake or the Equaliser that got me into them. Mine was silver with black leather and it was beautiful. I’ve had Jags ever since. By the way, please pronounce it properly. It’s Jag u are. 😂

Hey there Jesse, this could be my series 3 apart from the beautiful looking paint work. Mine is not quite as clean haha. Just a point though im sure these already have the stake down kit from factory, although im not 100 % sure for the american market. Mine Is Aussie assembled. Love your channel by the way.

People in the uk and Europe don't understand why Americans say jaguars are difficult and have engine failures. We just don't have these issues. I can only assume we look after our cars better becsusd we have annual government inspection so cars have to be maintained or they will not pass inspection mot fail means cars cannot be driven until fixed and retested.

You de man. Great story. Great car.

Fantastic car!

I had an 86' just like yours except mine was a limousine

Cool car! ❤ A symbol of a by gone era! Keep them alive despite what Bill Gates says!

❤enjoy bro

Do the cam shafts wear

I got a 93 jaguar xj6 for sell yeah!

Beautiful car, but the fuel consumption is scary to me 15 to 18mpg - thats 15 to 13 litres per 100km! More than twice as much fuel use as my GTi, if I thrash it!

The only Jags that don't love gas are electric ones. Otherwise they really do.

Imo the series 1 looks way nicer

Coke white lol. The 80’s man…

"jag power"😂

What’s a Jagwire?

But "Jag-wire" though??? I'm not saying pronounce it like the Brits, but.... .........

Well done XJ Jesse, here is a video of our 1985 Xj6 Sovereign from a few years ago now but "Bessie" as we call her looks the same in 2022. Great car : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KKx_bQ28rGY.html

What the hell is a Jaagwire?

People still say "me and her"? Dude should invest in community college, not vintage cars.

It's not ''JAG-OO-ARR'' it's JAG-YEW-ARE.

50 mpg city 80 mpg hwy more like 15 city 23 hyw

Hi All - I am in the market for one of the beauts. If anyone knows of one please let me know. Thanks

Nothings up ! It’s not a “ Jagwar “ it’s pronounced “JAG-YOU-ARE “ . Americans really struggle speaking English although it’s their first language.

Jag wire….🙄

Jaguar not jagwa lad. Get it right.

It's pronounced jaguar, not jagwar. Simple English.

😂😂😂 you cannot even pronouce it, 'Jag~u~ar'.....not Jag~wire