1989 Jaguar XJR-S convertable review from UK and Ireland
"An overlooked beauty"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The ignition system over the years has become unreliable causing many breakdowns.
Complete brake failure due to the rear disc wear issues.
The original engine which had covered 90,000 mile gave up after prolonged high speed driving on the German Autobahn@s travelling at over 130 mph for over an hour, number 6 cylinder piston ring broke when I went for a top speed blast. the car showed 160 mph when a big vibration occurred from the engine, then a massive cloud of thick blue smoke.
Electric windows motors (both) broke.
Convertable roof has always leaked causing damp and mold issues.
Suspension springs and dampers had to be replaced when the car started bottoming out over bumps.
Body rust on the front inner and out wings and rear wheel arches etc.
General comments?
Well, the car is great fun even after taking into account the things that have gone wrong over the years, except for the brake failure which was scary.
When the car goes wrong I just take this as an opportunity to make improvements to the car.
I bought a 1991 xjrs with low mileage and over the years have used this car to rebuild the convertable. It has not been easy transforming the convertable into a convertable xjrs.
Before having an ignition problem the rebuild and conversion has been very rewarding. The car was transformed from a cruser to a proper sports car.
No one seems to be able to find the cause for an intermittent spark at the plugs.
The car now handles well for a heavy car, completely predictable and stable.
The car has a lot more torque and bhp and can get to 170 mph with ease, that's with the roof up or down.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1993 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | V12 6.0 ltr Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 40000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 49000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 20th January, 2008 |