1988 Jaguar XJS review from North America
"Buy as many as you can now and sit on them"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
No real faults to speak of. The air conditioning compressor seized, but it is a Harris / GM part. Elsewhere, the car is mechanically bullet-proof. Areas of caution are the cooling system (double pass radiator) and the vacuum system operating the heater / de-mister circuits.
General comments?
Not the fastest off the line with the GM 400 transmission, but it will do an honest 155-160 MPH without complaint. Fuel consumption is moderate for a 326 cubic inch car. Handling is very good, however there is not as much road feel as I would like. Brakes, fortunately are very good. Interior trim is iffy: Dash switches are cheese, but seat stitching and fit is very good.
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| The most breathtaking car I could ever ask for |
| A true and practically animated art form that will spring with eagerness to 110+ mph... in 2nd gear! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1990 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.3 Liter V12 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 8000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 32000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Jaguar XJ40 |
| Date of Entry | 31st January, 2002 |