Whoa, that's kind of a sad story...

The XK 120 and 140 I worked on with a friend were NOT DIY cars. Quarter moon clips for valve spring retainers, Hood (bonnet) had to be removed to take off the head, calibrated shims and hardened buckets for valve adjustments, crappy electrical systems, twin SU carbs to try and balance. About like a boat: 5-10 hours of work for each hour of use. But a ton of sex appeal when they were running!

I am quite familer with Jags, my grandparents have owned many of them over the years. Every engine they made the V12, many of the I6's and a couple V8's. If you want an XJ6 buy a 1995-97 simply the best years. If you want an XJ8 buy 2000+ only. The early ones had problems with the cam timing chains snapping and trans blowing. Grandparents spent about $10k on the XJ8 last year replacing the trans and getting a bunch of problems sorted out.

Also don't buy a Jag with the Brembo brake option, well unless you like spending $300 per rotor.:eek: Although not out of line with anything AMG made. XJR's are sweet and can be picked up cheap now, but they were almost a $100k car when new, remember that when they break...

Jag parts make stuff for MB's look downright cheap. For example plugs for an XJ8 are $25 each. Also they break a lot compared to MB's. For a Jag owner the climate control going nuts and smoking isn't considered a big deal.

I love Jags when the are sorted they are simply awsome to drive. The interiors are also very nice. But frankly I'd buy a W140/W220 before an XJ8. MB parts are cheaper, and MB's are more user friendly to fix.