1983 Jaguar XJS V12 HE 5.3 petrol

Summary:

A beautiful piece of British motoring icon

Faults:

After 106000miles, an engine coolant hose at the back of the engine ruptured, spewing antifreeze mixture over myself and some fellow colleagues who were adoring the engine at that time (£300 replacement job for all hoses) ; Front brake discs and pads need replacing (£250) ; engine oil leaks (front crank seal) & fuel leaks in engine bay (£200). Front subframe may make MoT, but if not, then it's a £900 replacement job.

General Comments:

It's a beautiful car. So beautiful I had to have another one (my first was a 3.6 manual, 1989 model described here too). The V12 is sublime and and overall handling is so smooth, poised and elegant. The car is just so seductive, like a beautiful mistress (and I'm running two of these!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2006

8th May 2007, 09:32

Any speedo or dashboard problems are probably the result of a bad earthing system. A problem here can affect the readings of the temperature, fuel, oil pressure and speedo, purely because of a bit of corrosion at the back of the instrument cluster. Suggest you take a look and save some cash...