1994 Jaguar XJS Insignia 4.0 petrol

Summary:

Incredible - a car for life

Faults:

Electrical problem where the lights won't go off when parked. 12500 miles. I just disconnect the battery - prevents theft.

Rear brake sticking.

Both easy to fix.

General Comments:

This is a face lift model. Cost me £2900, (about $5000) with all the dealer stamps and history. Well what a car!

It is fantastic to drive, very comfortable, well built and incredibly solid. Totally under rated, although I believe that is all changing now.

It goes like a truck - kick-down on the motorway and you are flying at highly illegal speeds. The faster you drive it, the more economical it gets. Tends to be heavy on petrol around town, but I guess that's normal for a heavy car with big engine. It always starts, never let me down. Much admired by all, and the design is incredible - has matured with age - a true classic in every sense, but without the headaches.

The interior design is gorgeous with all the leather and wood panels - very durable and easy on the eye - pure Jaguar - timeless.

The 4.0 litre engine is an absolute gem - just ask any Jaguar mechanic or forum. Totally solid, very well engineered, nothing stupid, thanks to Ford's investment and approach & easy to service.

These are extremely safe cars - a salvage guy I once knew would only drive Jags for very good reason.

Crash one of these on the motorway and you'll come out alive - bomb proof.

These cars are going to be worth a lot one day. Don't bother with an E Type when this is better all round, and at a fraction of the cost. 6 cylinder the best choice. This is a car for life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2010

1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0

Summary:

A wonderful effortless and fast drive for the open road

Faults:

New Cat at 65000.

New brakes at 70000.

New rear drive distributor £1300.

General Comments:

This car is a joy to drive and turns heads, particularly when it's just been polished up!

I did 2 trips up to Scotland from the South West in it this year and it behaved perfectly. It was doing what it was designed to do after all!

I use this car more or less everyday, but sometimes park it up for several weeks; always starting first time although it needs a few seconds to start breathing properly again.

I get this car serviced at the local Jaguar specialist, who is brilliant, and who doesn't charge the earth- £250 for a standard service; a bit more if you get the gearbox oil changed as well... but not extortionate.

I don't want to get rid of this car, but may have to as my daughter no longer fits in the back!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th November, 2006

1994 Jaguar XJS 6.0

Summary:

An affordable classic head turner

Faults:

Reversing lights not working (broken switch on the gearbox), occasional momentary misfire (wrongly diagnosed as a Lambda Sensor, but was in fact bad plug leads).

General Comments:

I bought this car as a replacement for a 1992 'facelift' model 5.3 litre V12, which I had used as an everyday car for the previous three years. The old car was great, but it had a non-standard tuned exhaust system, with no catalytic converters. I got tired of the battle to meet the emission standards each year so with 126,000 miles on the clock (I started at 58,000) it was time to move on.

I was considering a used XJR saloon, but a female friend told me that a four door car was out of the question for a single man! By coincidence I saw this car advertised nearby; it is the same Burgundy color as my previous XJS, but with cream upholstery instead of tan and only 42,000 miles. I believe it was one of the last 100 V12s built.

I expected it to be much the same as the old car, but I found it to be faster, smoother, more economical (well, it's all relative!) and better built. Instead of the old 3 speed automatic gearbox this car has a 4 speed with a Sports Mode switch which gives impressive performance. It's a great sensation to be cruising at 90mph and then hit the accelerator and feel the car kickdown and leap forward. The increase from 5.3 to 6.0 litres and other improvements have added about 35BHP I believe - my insurance company certainly think so and increased the premium accordingly.

One annoying change with the later cars is the loss of the glovebox. The passenger side airbag has taken its place and providing little pouches on the front edge of the seats doesn't really compensate for it.

I use independent Jaguar specialists for maintenance and don't stint on keeping the car in perfect condition, there are already too many scruffy XJS' on the road. At least the service interval has gone up from 7,000 miles to 10,000 miles on this car.

In summary, driving an XJS always gets you noticed and the feeling of smooth power under your right foot is a real pleasure, even after the most trying day at work. The 6.0l V12 model is the nicest XJS I've driven, I think the leather seats are even better than on earlier models. The extra performance is great fun on quiet roads late at night, though a bit more 'feel' through the power steering would have been nice.

I can't think of a better value supercar that is also a practical car for daily use - I do about 20,000 miles a year. Maintenance costs need to be considered, but if the latest bill gets you down you can always go for a drive...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd March, 2004

12th Sep 2012, 11:40

Excellent review, well written. I have owned a 1994 XJS for 10 years. I still love to drive this car on weekend and tooling around.

9th Feb 2013, 18:30

I pilot a 1994 4.0 XJS. I have had the absolute pleasure of stewardship, not ownership, since 2008. This is the car I waited all my life for. I can afford a newer 6 Series BMW, but as a true Englishman, that simply will not do! I use her as a second vehicle, and she will never see a supermarket car park! This car really ticked my bucket list! So, so classy. Everything about these classic Jags smacks of class. A true grand tourer and a conveyance for a real man. You will feel a total bull and some!

12th Jan 2015, 21:01

You sir have given the best description I have seen yet. I have had the pleasure of evolving into the Jag world for the first time with a 92 XJS Coupe / V12. My only prior experience was with GM small block V8s. Took me 3 weeks just to change the plugs and loved every minute of it. This engine is truly a work of art.

I then commissioned a 88 Coupe with the same 5.3. It was wonderful, but the body was in shambles so I removed the engine, ECU and trans. Gave them a detailed cleaning. They now reside in my basement in a corner. Friends who visit don't seem to understand at first, but after a good eye contact, have a hard time disconnecting from what they see.

I now plan on a 94 with 4.0 Coupe. VERY MUCH looking forward to it and the long experience ahead. Cheers to you and yours - Happy New Year and safe motoring!