It has run very well.
The leather has stood up well.
It has had a few cosmetic problems, for example a few things have come loose over the past 11 years and there is some cracking in the wood interior.
It does take a lot of gas and requires at least mid grade, if not premium.
It drives so smoothly, I have never felt it shift once. It takes hills that would make some cars groan and sputter with ease. Also when you get it out on the highway and the V12 over-drive kicks in you really get a sense of power.
It handles like a dream and is an absolutely beautiful car. It looks wonderful with its huge long hood and sleek back and has an air of sophistication that Jaguars made since Ford took over tend to lack.
The car was assembled and designed with great love and shows all the class of a British touring car infused with the performance of a twelve cylinder Italian engine that Jaguar had specially imported for this car.
The interior is also very regal and you feel like James Bond when you are driving in it. It is a little cramped in the back, but the front seats are very comfortable and the trunk has enough room to stuff two or three dead bodies in.
I love my Jag.
Italian V12? That sounds strange!
Not suprisingly!
The v12 5.3 & 6.0 are proper British Jaguar engines, they have been around for a lot of years and are detuned in order to give total smoothness, which they do wonderfully.
Italian??...muppet! :)
The V12 engine was designed entirely in-house by Jaguar, originally in 5.0 litre guise. It was specifically designed to beat the Ferraris at Le Mans and feature in the gorgeous XJ13. When that never raced, the engine was put to use in the E-Type series III. The XJS was designed solely to use the V12 and to be the ultimate grand tourer.
1975-1996 illustrates how successful it was!
You're right to love it! Automotive art, performance and luxury at its best.
Italian V-12? I don't think so!! Jaguar developed the engine themselves to beat the Italian racers. Here's where the Jaguar V-12 came from:
http://www.jagweb.com/jagworld/v12-engine/index.html.
I recently borrowed a friend's XJS HE whilst staying in the U.K., and was VERY reluctant to give it back. The comfort factor was overwhelming. A very smooth and easy-to-handle car - and so pretty. A little thirsty, but that's one small sacrifice I am certainly willing to make! Dream car.
What is the blue book value of a 1989 Jaguar?
If you want to know the value of your car here are two good sites:
Kelly Blue Book: www.kbb.com
NADA Guides: www.nadaguides.com.
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