Faults:

Wiper would stop in the wrong position: replaced the micro switch, which cost me $4.

Rear window motor not connected: last owner disconnected the motor as it would go down but not up, stripped the door down and sprayed WD40 on the switch connectors, and now it works perfectly.

Bulb warning light was on: replaced one of the rear number plate light bulbs.

Air con unit is not blowing air through vents: this is due to lack of use; gave the dash a bash when changing the switches (the air flaps get stuck and will start to work once they have been freed).

General Comments:

Unable to afford one when I worked at the factory. Paid NZ$2800 for this one, best car ever. Will take it out for a drive just for the enjoyment of it!

For a 26 year old car, it still drives better than a lot of new ones.

Faults:

Power steering pump coupling broke.

Replaced rear dampers.

Fixed wiper fault (poor contact in motor)

General Comments:

The car drives superbly with an excellent leather interior.

The much criticized 2.9 engine is in fine fettle and pulls very well.

The bodywork is very tidy with just a few minor stone chips.

New wheel trims have greatly enhanced the overall appearance, and the metric tyres still have have some life left.

Faults:

Heater control panel started to act intermittently before stopping completely.

Power steering leak.

Brake boost leak.

The self-levelling suspension can give you a bouncy ride on a bad road if it's on the way out. Many owners seemed to have changed the suspension to the standard type, once faced with problems, due to the cost of fixing the self-levelling suspension.

General Comments:

The car is a pleasure to drive and it corners beautifully.

It looks fantastic in tungsten grey with the XJR bodykit.

The kick-down on this is impressive, but I don't often need it.

The leather seats are comfortable and the cabin with its digital dashboard looks very impressive for a car made in 1989.

What I like about Jaguars is that there aren't that many on the road compared to BMWs, and having driven in France, it draws far more attention then most new cars.

My car has low mileage, and the previous owner looked after it, and it shows in its reliability.

Apart from the leaks mentioned, which happen on all cars, this 3.6 non supercharged engine is powerful enough for a car this size.

Two of the things to look out for when buying a XJR or XJ40 is rust, and to ask whether it has self levelling suspension.

If you do buy a XJ40, try and keep it dry and thus avoid water getting into the foot-wells, boot and onto the electrics.

I have had the car 3 years, and it has cost me virtually nothing in maintenance.

The car has never let me down, and because it was made in 1989, there are many websites that can answer your questions about the electrics or engine.

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 79000 not unusual for these cars.

Door handles jam up.

Heater fans mysteriously stop.

Rust!!! arch-enemy NO1 rear boot & wheel arches.

General Comments:

These cars are a rare thing of beauty and grace in one place. And I said to myself after 2 days of driving mine if it blew up right now it was worth every penny of the £511.00 I purchased it for on Ebay. I have wanted one of these cars since I was 8 years old, and to all those lovely people at jaguar THANK YOU it was worth the 30 year wait as I am now 38 and a very proud owner of an XJR Sport 3.6i. Yes it has the problems mentioned, but hey it's 17yrs old. I feel it my duty to restore my car to it`s showroom condition, as this is already a classic. The car handles like a dream for its size and weight, the breaking is smooth and reliable. The auto box is like silk, its kick back when you touch the carpet is enough to keep a astronaut happy. And everybody I have driven in the car has a permanent grin, including myself, every time!