1990 Jaguar Vanden Plas 4.0 Litre from North America

Summary:

I LOVE it!

Faults:

I bought the car cheap. It had been donated to the Salvation Army. It hadn't been registered for 4 years.

Driving it around the block was not enough to determine that it had an oil pressure issue (when the oil gets hot - after 20+ minutes, the oil pressure drops to ZERO!). Increasing the revs (to 1000-1,200 RPM) brings it up to normal, but it can't be good to run it at that height when standing on the brakes in city or freeway traffic jams.

The dealer said it was probably the oil viscosity. Changing the oil to the correct 20-50 helped a little, but did not solve the problem.

I had to replace the tires and bearings, but these are just ordinary maintenance costs, as were the shocks and brakes.

Nothing has gone wrong with the car that wasn't already broken when I bought it (auxiliary fan, broken fog lights, power antenna, bushings on the front shocks, under hood and trunk lights, rust around the rear window, dropped head-liner. Usual Jaguar things -- clear coat paint problem, air-conditioner -- COMMON on old cars. Chrome peeling on aftermarket chromed wheels, and bent and unusable jack-ports on the right side - the previous owner had hit something).

General Comments:

This car is fast and eager. I'm not sure which is faster, my Vanden Plas, or my Mercury Grand Marquis.

Very comfortable. Feed the hides, and the leather stays soft and pliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th October, 2012

1990 Jaguar Vanden Plas V12 5.3L EFI from North America

Summary:

Smooth, fast and one of the most beautiful cars on the road

Faults:

Transmission, engine mounts broke (due to some 'enthusiastic driving')

Replaced front end bushings (same reason!)

Various window switches needed replacing.

General Comments:

Out of all the cars I have driven, this is my favorite. Its not as fast as my dad's Lexus, but it's a much better ride, and it definitely gets more looks. Its also much better looking. It accelerates as quickly from 60-120 as it does from 0-60, and I haven't tested the top speed, but the gauge goes to 260kph..

The only complaint is that it has a 3 speed transmission and it's basically missing a first gear ratio. That and the back end final drive is 2.88 to 1, so you'll be challenged to take a miata off the line, but the consolation is no matter what , he's got a Miata and you have a Jaguar!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2003

25th Oct 2011, 18:25

The Jaguar V12 Vanden Plas was a model made for Canada only, in very small numbers - the largest number in 1986 (about 625 cars). The last of the Series III V12 Vanden Plas cars were made for the 1992 model year, and only 100, individually numbered cars were made.

Transmission mounts degrade over time; they can be replaced. Engine mounts do NOT break from enthusiastic driving. Window switches do NOT need replacement: they can be cleaned very easily. These cars are not only gorgeous, they are very reliable if properly serviced. The engines are good for 300,000 kms!

1990 Jaguar Vanden Plas XJ40 4.0 ltr inline 6 from North America

Summary:

Don't let anyone tell you that you're driving a Ford!

Faults:

Replaced power steering pump at 140,000 miles.

Replaced water pump at 140,000 miles.

Replaced fan clutch at 140,000 miles.

New A/C compressor at 150,000 miles.

New front wheel bearings at 150,000 miles.

Like most XJ40's, the bulb fail light is almost constantly on. Rumor has it that the sensing unit is sometimes at fault, but at a cost of over $200 most people learn to live with it.

Just starting to have problems with the electric locks, but nothing serious.

General Comments:

I've owned this car for 3 years and I love my Jag. Considering the price I paid for it, a lot of car for the money.

The ride is excellent and I've driven it all over Texas and Louisiana on long hauls without problems.

The cooling system only gave me a problem once when the fan clutch and subsequently the water pump gave out. The car is a daily driver in Texas and considering the heat index here, I count myself lucky.

Headroom is limited, but the driving position is wonderful.

The car still can turn heads when washed and polished.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2002

18th Jul 2006, 09:32

I agree with you 100% man. Since Ford took over Jaguar in 89, it's been downhill for Jaguar. Nothing really works in the cars. Ford just made Jaguar a complete mess.