HELP! Need a Jaguar Education

[Guest wpoll]

I know this is probably a post no one will want to reply to, but here goes; I am contemplating purchasing a 1985-1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible with the IE 6 cylinder engine. while I absolutely love these Jags, I know nothing of them, other than their notoriety for failure. I have owned several vintage / semi-vintage vehicles in the past, some of which I restored, drove, then sold, but never a Jag XJS, which in my opinion, is one of the sleekest looking cars that has ever been built. That being said, the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger on a purchase is the reputation Jags have for poor quality, and reliability. I would like to reach out to any Jag (especially XJS) owners/afficianados to share their thoughts, opinions, comments, and all else involved about purchasing, owning, and driving these cars.

P.S. The reason why I want the 6 cylinder over the 12, is that I'm told the 6 is much more reliable, lighter, easier to work on, and less costly to repair.... Again, your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Thank you,

Wayne

[Guest 47jag]

Wayne,

Check out: XJ-S enthusiast's Forum from Jag-lovers - the world's No 1

They have a section devoted to the XJ-S

Art

[impala]

I agree, a great site. Also google "Kirby Palm, XJS book" (word document) for a ton of info on the XJS.

I don't agree that the notoriety applies to the 82 or newer XJS's.

That's about the time they went to fuel injection and got rid of the troublesome Lucas electronics (Joe Lucas was the man who invented darkness!).

I've owned 2 of these, one an 82 HE and now a 94 (face lift) and only had minor issues with both.

I believe by 82 they went to mostly Bosch electronics and Bosch fuel injection which made the cars reliable. They also have GM automatic transmissions.

Like any older car you're going to have some issues but careful shopping applies here like any car.

I personally like the 12's and my last 3 Jaguars have been so equipped. These cars are very low priced now a days and I wouldn't pass on a clean, fairly low mileage V12. At least in my experiences they are smooth, quiet (probably the 6's and 8's are too) and get decent gas mileage.

impala

[oldcar]

Hi Wayne

Let me tell you my very sad Jaguar story. Having owned a 3.8S and a couple of XJ6 sedans I had lusted after one of those beautiful XJC coupes for years. I believe that these are the ultimate XJ series Jags. After quite some searching I was told of a beauty coming up at an interstate auction. The auction house sent me a folio of photographs and a glowing mechanical report from a supposed reliable motoring organisation. Taken in I bought it over the phone and arranged to have it shipped down to my local Jag specialist who was going to give it a through service and check over.

When it arrived I got an urgent call to come and see my treasure as soom as possible. When they started it up to move it into their workshop they had to switch it off after just a minutes running. It had filled their entire street with smoke. After pushing it into their shop they had removed the cylinder head to discover broken rings in every cylinder with damage to two of the six combustion chambers. Cosmetically the car was beautiful but mechanically a disaster! After rebuilding the engine with a new crankshaft pistons etc It was decided to replace the head with a series three, big valve, head. the Stromberg carbs were thrown away and new 2-inch SU's fitted. It was then discovered that the auto trans was on its last legs. A rebuilt 4 speed and overdrive manual box was sourced and fitted. all the suspension bushes were replaced and the brakes overhauled. Then the air-con was discovered to be u/s and more money was poured into making it perfect. When finished not only did the car look fabulous. I drove like a dream.

The second time I took my loving and much loved wife out in it I suggested that she may like to drive it.

Her reply "No thank you! In-fact never ask me to ride in this beastly car again! I absolutely hate it."

What could I do. I contacted my Jag specialist. His reply was, "Give me half an hour." 25 minutes later I had a call from a Jag enthusiast from the other end of the country. He was flying down in the morning could I meet him at the airport. We drove home where he produced a bundle of cash. I think that you will find that is right that is what our friend said the car has cost you. Would you like to count it. I have to get going I have a long drive home....

oldcar

Edited June 25, 2011 by oldcar (see edit history)