1990 Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12

Summary:

Fabulous motoring in a traditionally styled GT automobile

Faults:

Major fault was head gasket failure at 170,000k. This is a known problem and was caused by poor head casting sand in manufacture. Service mechanic (I go independent) fixed heads with Aluweld, the approved fix. I had both heads done. Problem fixed. No recurrence.

The only item ever to fail that caused me not to be able to restart in traffic was the water temperature sensor. After a $100 tow charge, my mechanic had it diagnosed and fixed in five minutes. He took the sensor out of his own car to get me going.

The XJS is a fast, heavy car. Things wear. Brake pads, front suspension bushings, and steering rack bushings (go harder, competition type) all take a beating. Live with it. Change the oil regularly (5000k) ; all fluids every two years. The pleasure the car gives back makes it all worth it.

General Comments:

I have had my XJS now for 14 years, having almost doubled the kilometers at which I bought it.

I have driven it over 1500k in one day, and arrived as fresh as I left.

Would I drive anything else? I have tried the XJR and the XK8. For the very large increase in money I would have to shell out, coupled with the appalling trade in allowance, I cannot imagine any increase in driving pleasure over my XJS.

The engine is near bullet-proof; ditto transmission. My car has all the other niggles described by previous writers. Just drive the car and enjoy it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2008

1990 Jaguar XJS V12

Summary:

The car is worth all maintenance expenses

Faults:

1. My steering hose broke and is extremely labor intensive to fix. Cost about $1,000 to fix.

2. My trunck will just not close properly. I spend over $250 on this darn thing and every few months it wiggles its way out and starts to look as if the trunck is partly opened. Very annoying.

3. Driver door had a problem where the door would not open from the inside. Yes, as you can imagine it's extremely embarrassing having to hop over to the passenger side in the middle of a crowded parking lot. I fixed it immediately at the cost of $900.

4. Power heated seats do not get warm. I don't care to fix this as I could care less. But I imagine it would cost at least a few hundred.

5. Water pump for the wipers died. Again, I don't care to fix, but my local mechanic said it would cost at least a few hundred.

6. Radiator died. Cost $1,000 to fix.

7. Transmission is slightly slipping, but my mechanic said to hold off for now. It's a major job.

8. Driver window sticks in dry weather half way down. Problem still persists despite having spent $200 having it fixed.

9. Two bushings failed. Cost about $800 to fix both with labor.

10. The rest I'll sum up as all misc. But I probably spent another $2,000 fixing other problems here and there I just can't remember.

General Comments:

I bought this car from the original owner. He was a very wealthy older guy, and sold me the car with just 34,000 miles for only $7,000. Anyways, the car never really had major problems and I love it.

I'll never sell this car no matter what happens. To me it's a work of art and I'm happy just letting it sit in my driveway. It's also the most comfortable car I ever owned. The leather creates such a beautiful aroma in the car too. It just smells like very high quality leather.

The engine has never had any problems at all. I hear many faults of XJS's, but the actual engine is rarely mentioned as having any faults. I can see why since my mechanic, who probably would love to milk me, said it's perfect.

The electrical reputation jag has isn't really an issue with me. A few things, but for me, it's all just fine.

The transmission is starting to show little hints from time to time that it may be on the way out. But I'd say it's still drives like 95 percent. It's just scary because I know what the cost to fix the tranny is on these cars.

Other than that the Jaguar XJS was worth every penny I paid, and much more. It's beautiful, classy, and performs very well. The car seems to really lock into its stride over 75MPH. I mean driving 110MPH on the interstate, and you still feel in control and very safe. The car just seems built for speed. Also, it's surprisingly quiet even passing the 100 mark.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2005

11th Jan 2006, 02:33

I brought my 1978 model 7 years ago when I was only 21. It is midnight blue and has a Walkinshaw body kit with Simmonds wheels. The engine has been modified with a few HE parts. The previous owner said it would do 160mph.

Dad always had XJ6 Jags, and despite minor problems, I always loved riding in them as a kid. One day a friend told me of one that I could look at, as I had never seen an XJS in the flesh. He took me for a drive and I instantly fell in love. I asked him if it was for sale; it wasn't, but because his wife was very sick, he said he would consider it. Four months later and $17,000, I had it parked in my garage. I can still remember driving it home, it was like a dream, I couldn't believe I had my dream car at 21. The best thing was none of my friends could judge it, because they knew nothing about them. Everyone was blown away with the effortless power.

Everything that can be a problem was replaced by the last owner, including wiring harness and engine sensors. It can sit for a month and start straight away without charging the battery. I do all my own work on it, and love that as much as driving it. I can't fault the car; they are an engineering masterpiece.

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1990 Jaguar XJS 5.2 Liter

Faults:

I have owned this car for 4 years and have had in for repairs 2 times. Once for a short and I replaced the water pump.

General Comments:

Hey it's a Jaguar. Need anything else be said?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 1998