1987 Jaguar Vanden Plas 4.2 from North America

Summary:

Awesome car to drive and play with

Faults:

Rear shocks wore out.

Rack and pinion seals and bushings wore out.

Wood grain trim cracking and splitting away.

The stereo went into (code) mode and will no longer work.

Left fuel gauge failed.

Right fuel return valve failed.

Several gauges and switches have failed.

General Comments:

This car is one of the most beautiful Jags I have ever seen. I get compliments on it all the time. I love the way it handles and performs.

Although it displays the typical classic Jag ailments, I love this car.

I also own an 88 XJ6, it too is a great car, but nothing compares to the 87 Vanden Plas in my opinion.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2010

1987 Jaguar Vanden Plas XJ6 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Delivers the essence of the Jaguar experience every time you're behind the wheel

Faults:

The small wheel caps bearing the growler emblem came off the front hubs somewhere along the way. The trip computer readings for fuel and range have become wildly inaccurate although I have not attempted a hard reset yet.

General Comments:

I bought the car when it had 100,000 miles on it from the original owner who had it in Nevada. He kept the car in amazing cosmetic condition and had the most detailed service records imaginable. My Norwalk, Connecticut Jag specialist cleaned the engine and gave it a 90K service. The Series III was ranked among the all-time 10 most beautiful cars in America by a major magazine and this car is a shining example. I'm into it for $5,000 including shipping and the major tune-up. The car looks and feels like a car worth every bit of its $39,950 original window sticker which I have! The Van den Plas upgrade for the four separate full leather seats, burled walnut and unique paint color are worthy distinctions from the XJ6. There are more of the 87 Van den Plas cars out there, but not for long.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2007

22nd Sep 2007, 17:17

Was this a 1986 or 1987 review?

11th Dec 2007, 10:34

The Vanden Plas is the 1987 model year that was manufactured and sold to the original owner in 1986. As the second owner, I have put about 7,000 miles during my first year that just ended. I have made routine replacements of the battery, alternator, a catalytic converter and two power steering hoses. I replaced the 20 year steering rack that had 100,000+ miles on it too. The antennae remains in the down position, which is fine because I simply use an iPod and iTrip for music. From the original owners service records I see that the power antennae has needed regular attention. I continue to believe that the Series III Jaguars offer the best package of looks, value and Jaguar experience. The cars require you to have an experienced Jaguar mechanic near your home and a tolerance for basic maintenance. I see many fine ones on the market for well under $10,000.

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