1994 Jaguar XJ40 XJ12 review from UK and Ireland

A Code 34 (vcm) which specifies a leaky fuel injector. This fault is still being assessed, but all symptoms point to it. The car is in limp home mode. With non-franchised specialists and good prices of parts from USA, I am sure this will not break the bank.

The air suspension has been decommissioned by the previous owner due to an overhaul being too expensive to justify. The ride is fine without it. Also, I suspect that the specialist/USA parts sources will make the cost of recommissioning bearable.

The near side reversing light is dim, and despite fitting new bulbs, the "lamp out" warning light still persists on the dashboard.

The transmission fault light intermittently comes on at start-up, but if stopped and restarted several miles later, will not appear. Occasionally it will come on again on downhill sections of fast motorways. The fault light does not put her in limp home mode, but does make the gear changes very jerky. When starting up on cold mornings, the "clonk" occurring when selecting forward or reverse motion is quite alarming, and I often fear for the drive-train! I am sure this is going to cost a fortune...

The aircon requires re-gassing too often - but this is a Jag thing. UK summers are not too troublesome.

The car will have done 150,000 miles by the end of the year, and all the usual items have been replaced, but the suspension has not been as unreliable as other contributors' cars have been. Touch wood...

The seat lumbar adjustment provides, but does not take away. possibly a switch problem.

The car is, essentially a luxury cruiser with a dragster potential. It is not a high performance racer, and will not behave like one - especially round corners. The kickdown is phenomenally there when one needs it, or when one just feels like blasting the cobwebs away on a B road for a mile or two before returning to the famous "waft" that the jag is famous for.

Fuel economy is as tragic as your right foot dictates. A gentle motorway cruise can see an average of 23.1, and a countryside blast or town shuffle can see that plummet to 8. The tank range is not as good as could be - 250 miles between £60 fill-ups can take the edge off touring.

Supremely comfortable front and rear, and the electric seats offer all necessary adjustment, and the exit/entry button is a hoot!

Basic, but decent sounding stereo/CD.

Why does the front passenger not need a grab handle?

She sits very low, so speed bumps can be expensive exhaust-wise.