1988 Jaguar XJS 3.6 3.6

Summary:

Marvelous, but infuriating

Faults:

Air conditioning system - new compressor, evaporator, condenser...

Doors and lower rear quarters rusting fast.

Speedometer transducer failed.

Headlamp wiring breaking up.

Intermittent mis-fire.

Central locking comes and goes, as does the passenger electric window.

General Comments:

It's a super car. More than fast enough - 120mph comes up quite quickly, and more is availble if you are determined enough! I've seen 135mph and it was still accelerating. Handling is beautifully balanced, and it doesn't betray it's weight, even on a race track. The ride, though, is a lot less comfortable than older Jags.

It's very comfortable, though the back seats are useless - more so on the later cars which have 'fatter' seats!

It still causes comment. Several people have stopped me to say what a beautiful car it is.

Sadly, the number of seemingly incurable faults is driving me mad. I have no idea what to replace it with. I've run a Mercedes 500SEC, Range Rovers, several Jaguar saloons, even a Rolls. The XJ-S is a superb design - but even when maintained 'regardless of cost' they still suffer unreliability. I've covered over 20,000 miles in the last year, and spent perhaps £4,000. And still the air conditioning is broken...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2004

18th May 2005, 10:25

I agree with you 100%. For this reason I would never buy anything other than an immaculate example. I bought a 3.6 1987 and whilst I loved it, the cost of replacing the heater matrix and curing the various faults and rust associated with a c. 1987 British Leyland car just ended up depressing me. When I retire I have promised myself a nice V12 to keep for high days and holidays. This will be kept in my hangar of toys.

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1988 Jaguar XJS Sport 3.6

Summary:

Absolutely unique shape and style - massive presence and superb engine - be prepared to pay though.

Faults:

More rust every year - an ongoing battle.

Air-Con has gone wrong more times than I can list.

Cylinder Head Gasket

Oil pressure sensor switch blown out.

Rear wheel bearing.

Intermittent stalling/lumping at idle.

General Comments:

A great car - attracts so much attention its uncanny, superb "jet fighter" noise from the engine when pushed, excellent fuel economy from an engine of this size, especially on a run.

Hugely unreliable and bodywork which rusts and rusts - I think this probably had the rustproofing of a 70's car.

Dealer prices make them a no-go area - non-dealer ignorance of the car makes them a no-go area - do it yourself repairs?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th November, 2003

1988 Jaguar XJS Coupe 3.6

Summary:

A beautiful piece of classic Jaguar craftsmanship

Faults:

As usual there were a few problems which I am still ironing out.

The air conditioning system had run out of gas, but £45 fixed that.

The exhaust still needs doing and the electric windows didn't work, some second hand window motors fixed that and were fairly easy to fit, other than that and some rust the car is fine.

General Comments:

This car is one of the most comfortable I have ever driven, the leather seats are firm, but soft and the ride height makes you feel like you're in a racing car, unfortunately so does the petrol bills, the car was built for long distance driving and I have personally managed 350 miles on a full tank of fuel, around town though you're looking at around 200 miles per tank. buying the car was a bargain at just under £2000 but insurance can be nearly the same, I feel that I have bought a classic car that I'm very proud of, if you want one just remember that if anything goes wrong you're looking at £100 minimum to fix.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2003

28th Apr 2004, 06:34

Two thousand pounds to insure? Go classic! Pay 100 for fully comp.

20th Apr 2005, 05:32

I paid 194 pounds to insure mine classic. worth every penny for the sexiest car (apart from the early e-types) in the world. And my wife loves it!

8th Dec 2007, 17:16

My Friends, in 1977 I purchase a 1972 E-Type 2+2 and drove it for 3 years.

I was young and the smooth speed of the car was exciting, and it drew a lot of attention, but the repair bills kept growing.

I reluctantly sold the car and have regretted it ever since.

I learned that a V12 Jag is a rich mans toy, not a poor mans transportation.

Recently I decided to purchase another E-Type V12, but alas they are rare and very expensive.

So I bought an XJS V12.

It is a wonderful car, it is not the E-Type (that I still wish I had not sold) but it has the same feel and draws similar attention.

If you have one and it is frustrating you, buy a second car and drive the Jag less, but never never sell it.

These cars will be worth a mint in a few years.

D.

19th Apr 2009, 17:45

I always longed for an E-type. But could never afford one, they are expensive, even a dog can cost you an arm and a leg.

I came across an ad for a Jaguar XJ-S 3.6 Sport and thought I'd take a look for curiosity's sake... It needed a bit of welding as they do, and a bit of TLC, BUT!!! After a test drive I was sold on it. WHAT AN UNDERSTATED CAR!!! Great ride, great handling, very comfortable, very smooth engine and manual gearbox, all for a measly sum of cash, 6 months tax and test to boot!!

Alas I must've got the bug?? I've just bought a part restored XJ-S H.E, another beautiful car with very little left to do for its first MOT in 11 years, 68000 miles full service history, loads of history with it for less money than the first, which I still own.

E types, who needs them!!