1994-1997 Jaguar XJ Sedan (X300): Has It Reached Collector Car Status?

History

Known internally as the X300, the 1994-1997 Jaguar XJ is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured by Jaguar Cars, which was then under the ownership of the Ford Motor Company. It evolved from the previous XJ40 generation but with improved build quality, improved reliability, and a retro-modern look using traditional Jaguar styling elements. Designed by Geoff Lawson, the X300 was launched in October 1994 at the Paris Motor Show as the “New Series XJ” to differentiate it from the previous model. The XJ6 came with either a 3.2- or a 4.0-liter AJ16 naturally-aspirated inline-6; the XJR with a supercharged 4.0-liter; and the XJ12 with a 6.0-liter V12. The X300 came in short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) versions.

Engines

3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve EFI inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated, 219 bhp

4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve EFI inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated, 249 bhp

4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve EFI inline 6-cylinder, supercharged, 326 bhp

6.0-liter SOHC 24-valve EFI V12, naturally aspirated, 333 bhp

Transmissions

5-speed manual, Getrag 290 (All models)

4-speed automatic, ZF 4HP-22 (XJ6 3.2)

4-speed automatic, ZF 4HP-24, electronic control (XJ6 4.0, XJR)

4-speed automatic, GM 4L80-E, electronic control (XJ12)

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2870mm (SWB), 2995mm (LWB)

Length: 5024mm (SWB), 5149mm (LWB)

Width: 2074mm (including mirrors)

Height: 1307mm – 1326mm

Curb weight: 1800kg – 1975kg

Price Range When New

P2,500,000 to P3,500,000 (Indicative prices for 1994 Jaguar XJ6 and variants only)

Total Number Produced

92,000 units at Coventry, England

Why It Is Desirable

Robust monocoque chassis

Improved durability, rust resistance and build quality

Retro-modern look with traditional Jaguar styling

Luxurious interior

Bulletproof, smooth and powerful inline-6 (XJ6)

Upmarket feel

“It’s a Jaaaaaag” – Jeremy Clarkson of BBC Top Gear

Things to Watch Out For

It’s a 25-year-old car so expect some repairs.

Rust – check the lower sills, lower body panels, fuel tank, radiator mount

Suspension – bushings and shocks may need replacement, coil springs maybe sagging

Timing chain – replacement recommended at 150,000 kilometers

Automatic transmissions – mostly problem-free, requires fluid and filter change every 80,000 km

Interior – cracked leather seats, droopy headliner

Electronics – generally reliable; check warning lights; some faults can be minor like a loose connection; some faults may require new expensive parts

Condition and Current Price Range

Outstanding – P1,000,001 to P1,500,00

Clean – P750,001 to P1,000,000

Average – P500,000 to P750,000

Rough – We found an abandoned 1995 XJ6 4.0 and bought it for only P50,000

Damaged – Forget about it! Parts and repairs will cost more than the value of the car!

Trends

Jaguar cars from the 1990’s are coming of age.

Jaguar X300 had a short 4-year production run (1994-1997) and are becoming rare and collectible.

Buy one now while prices are still reasonable.

What’s Available in the Philippines

1995 Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign; Good running condition; Tristann Jhong Dela Cruz; Gapan, Nueva Ecija; P550,000

1997 Jaguar XJ6 3.2; Clean, preserved, low mileage, 30,609 km; HR El Rose Virtus; Makati City, Metro Manila; P1,300,000.00

1997 Jaguar XJ6 LWB; Custom paint, 18-inch XJR wheels, preserved interior; Albert Martinez; Quezon City, Metro Manila; P1,000,000.00

1994 Promotional Video

Verdict

If you currently own a 1994-1997 Jaguar XJ6, XJR or XJ12, hold on to it. Its value will increase in the near future.

If you want to have your first Jaguar XJ full-size luxury sedan, now is the time to buy if you can find a nice one.