After owning this car for 5 1/2 years with only 19,800 miles, adhering to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule scrupulously, their records attest to this, with no warnings of either overheating or coolant loss, we are faced with a total engine replacement costing $17,500.
As of this writing I have been unable to contact the area Jaguar service representative, have received no response from their appeal board and having lost the use of this car for nearly 4 weeks already, can get no definitive answer as to when I will get this car back.
They had no replacement engines available in the U.S. The cost is of major concern, but equally so is the indifference of the manufacturer to this premature engine failure. Anyone else having similar problems can reach me at croegge@hotmail.com. I would appreciate any feedback.
Jaguar's response to the problem was to discount the engine replacement from $17,500 to $12,000. Since the 4 year warranty had expired, this was a concession on their part. Am I happy? Not particularly, but life goes on.
Total cost, $18,124.
To add insult to injury, the replacement took so long that I needed a new battery. J might stand for Jaguar, but it also stands for Junk.
Had a similar experience, details unimportant. Lack-lustre parts and service, calls to the dealer and Jaguar not returned. They couldn't care less. Goodbye Jaguar, Hello Lexus.
You are correct, the Jaguar Dealers are not really interested in your problems. You were ripped by the dealer. The cost of the engine swap was too high. The dealers are not the experts on these engines. Suggest you find a local Jag Mechanic next time.
My xjs will be sold today for parts due to the overly high price to install new rings in the engine..it`s just not worth the outlay compared to other cars.. a pity because I really like the appearance of the car.
I have a '95 xjs I bought it used with 45,000 miles on it, I love it! Yes, they can be troublesome, but I'd rather drive a jag than a Lexus any day.
I traded in my 1990 XJS for a 1991 Q45. The Q45 was a better car all around (comfort, performance, durability). The entire time that I drove the Q45 I wished I still had my XJS. In 1999 I purchased a 1995 XJS with 30,000 miles, it now has 90,000 miles and the only maintenance has been a seal for the power top. The Q45 was a better car (as would be a Lexus or a Benz) but the XJS is more than just a car. It turns heads and you always look back as you walk away in the parking lot. Rather than pay 17,000 for a engine you could sell the car and purchase a used XJS for less money.
Your statement leaves a few questions to mind, and it is perhaps an indication that you did not explore your options.
First of all, I find it hard to believe that the engine just gave out after 20,000 miles, without warning or indication that something was wrong.
Second, you may have received better advice from a Jaguar Mechanic as opposed to a dealer's service garage.
Thirdly, you are a typical "NEW SHOWROOM JAG OWNER". What I mean by this is that most run down jags today, are in their state of disrepair because, their first owners lacked technical knowledge sufficient to keep their vehicles in operational condition. Jags require attention to maintenance (PERIOD).
Better luck with your Lexus. You will enjoy the anonymity.
The jaguar 6.0L engine is a very refined engine, which simply requires some common sense driving and maintenance.
Engine failures tend to happen when simple things like oil changes weren't done properly.
On personal account, the Jaguar dealer I go to (Freeport, of NY, and Great Neck of NY) were the best dealers I have ever went to. Friendliest and nicest people. They never charged me a lot, and in fact I had a special double discount account with them, by the time I finished restoring my 86 Vanden Plas.
Just remember, the components found in 95 xjs got transformed to the Aston Martin.
I have two of this model and have owned one since 1990. treated properly the engine is excellent. However they don't like standing for long periods and are best worked hard. Antifreeze checks and proper service of the spark plugs is crucial. You can keep your Lexus, they are a good car, I owned one with low mileage, but had more than my fair share of problems mainly with electrics. relays were runnig at 180 pounds for the windscreen wipers to park themselves and switch off
The dealers were good, but, the most expensive that I have ever known, both on parts and service
Ihav an x330 Jag as well - nice car.
I have a 1995 XJS-V12, I was driving it when I lost power. I made it home, but relized the passenger side of the engine is not running. I have no clue as to what could have gone wrong. Did anyone out there have a simular circumstance, or can anyone make a suggestion? Appreciate any feedback. My email is rocket13@optonline.net.
Hi I JUST purhased a 1995 Vanden Plas 6cyl.. site unseen.. friend is a wholesaler.. 110,000km's paid $15,700 cdn. I walked into his garage to see it, I could have brought it into bed next to my wife it was that clean... never seen snow (Toronto area). Is there anyone out there that can help me understand the key maintenance elements? check engine light came on, car has been sitting for 3mths, should I take it into a dealer for servicing? I hear its white gloves and jackets and wine while you wait... and $500+ for minor servicing? thks for comments.. jsteffen@ca.ibm.com.. jeff.
I just purchased a 2003 XJS...I've read the previous comments and I'm keeping my fingers crossed... one thing that concerns me is the one windshield wiper... I live in a snowy area and I hope it cleans my windshield OK...
Engine change after 19.800?
OK, but can you please tel what was the original mileage when you bought it? (was it new? did I miss that point...)
Also, what was identified to be wrong with the engine:
i.e. what were the signs of the problem,
and what needed to be replaced?
I do not really understand that the entire engine has to be changed...
Many times the head (s) or pistons/rings or cylinders can be replaced or reworked to go back to repair dimensions.
I really would like to understand this one.
Well I have a 1987 XJS12. The motor ran, but not well so. Rather then send the money, I did see the maintenance cost of this car (from the doctor in Scottsdale AZ whom owned it last). I was not going too, nor could I a single father of Three boys, send the same as he did.
I installed a beefed up 383cid. Chevy and a turbo 400 trans with a shift kit. I built the motor and installed it so that saved money too. If not for the left exhaust manifold witch was custom made by my friend from work. I replaced it with an early 1970's cast manifold and lifted the left side of the motor one inch to clear the steering shaft, that was the trick. It was a dream and motor parts are easy and cheap to find.
Now I wish the power mirrors head liner and other small part were that easy to come by. But I save so much and got my Jag. on it's feet again, that I can afford the others. DAN in Washington State.