1986 Jaguar XJS Coupe from North America - Comments

The illnesses of my Big Cat were few and far between. I converted the alternator over to a GM kit once the $500 Lucas one failed, other than that I don't remember replacing any other critical components. An older fellow at an import parts store once told me to drive it daily or the seals would harden up. He was correct. When I sold the car there was a slight leak from the rear main that is typical of the 5.3 liter V-12.

Admittedly, I need to be a charter member of British Cars Anonymous. But this Jaguar was very special indeed.

Like most English car addicts, I have always aspired to own a Lotus Esprit or Jaguar XKE. You can't run with that crowd for $6900 which is exactly what I paid for my XJS.

Yes, I had read Jaguar horror stories and I had certain fears going into the purchase. However, for the price I could have replaced a lot of parts before I would have arrived at what the actual book value of the car was. Jaguars tend to be over valued on paper compared to the real marketplace.

This car ran like a dream. It was actually too quite for my liking. I always thought the V-12 'S' was a sports car, but it is truly a touring car. It was quick AND it was fast, but in all honesty my rough riding 1971 MGB was much more enjoyable to drive.

At 100 mph the XJS sounded like most cars to at 50. The engine purred and the outside noise was slight. It was easy to speed in the car even unintentionally.

If I could change anything about the 'S', I would have a manual transmission. Some of the very first XJS units arrived on American shores with 4-speed manual transmission left over from Jaguars XKEs. At 150 mph this car didn't run out of engine, it ran out of gears. A convertible 'S' would also be much more pleasurable to drive.

When I was doing my initial investigation on Jaguars I was given good advice by a certified Jaguar mechanic. He told me to avoid any Jaguar built between 1971 - 1984. He told me anything before then was all right and that V-12s built after 1984 weren't bad. He told me to avoid later model six-cylinder Jags altogether.

I've owned both a six and a twelve and I think the mechanic was correct. It is hard to beat the look, performance, and satisfaction of owning a Big Cat, but there certainly are less refined sports coupes out there and most addicts are not refined.

My quest for the XKE and Esprit continues.

As I have the opportunity to buy an '86 XJS, I found the review very useful. As the car I am looking at has been driven by a little old lady (really, 83 years old!) and only has 56,000Km, the information on the seals is useful. Thanks.

Bob.

I have been looking at buying a 1986 Jaguar XJS for a while. It is in OK shape and it is only $2500. I appreciate the advice.

Clint Peterson.

I own an 89 XJS convert and even though it's been a lot of work maintaining it, I totally enjoy driving it. I replaced most of the suspension rubber with polyurethane (make sure you check your steering rack mounts on this). I think that British rubber turns to bubble gum after about 50,000 miles. The only other mod you might want to consider is an aftermarket thermostatic controller for the electric fan. It keeps the post cool-down temps under the hood lower and saves you from replacing hoses and belts every few years.

Jay Westra (Textronjay@Netscape.Net)

I bought a 1986 Jaguar XJS two weeks ago from another Jag "nut" like me. He's a very wealthy man and had quite the Jaguar collection - including a magnificent 120. But, for some reason, this '86 XJS was his "Baby."

He has plenty of money and has kept this Big Cat in fabulous condition. Cosmetically, its condition is very good for a two year old car... for a 19 year old Cat, it's simply amazing.

That notwithstanding, I must agree with another reviewer's comments: check the rubber on these great cars. Bushings, boots, et cetera were not of the highest long-term quality. The original rubber can even affect your cruise control. Regardless, these are relatively inexpensive repairs.

If the engine runs well and the transmission shifts smoothly, an '80s XJS V-12 (after '83) is a wonderful and relatively reliable vehicle. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one, cherish it.

We'd all appreciate it and welcome you into the "family."

I am pleased to have came across this site it has made me re-think a possible purchase of a 1986 XJ-S currently on eBay. I have not totally decided. The car is at $1,200.00 with 3 days left; so far this looks promising.

I wouldn't dismiss the 6 cylinder variety. I've just recently got a 1989 model XJS 3.6 manual with 102k miles, and it's the most fuel economic of the lot (see 1989 entry - 'beautiful piece of sculpture'). I've monitored its mpg over 2000miles (using mileage/fuel used method) and it's returning 27.7mpg. This might drop again as I cruise on the British motorways at 70mph. I don't like to take this faster, or feel the need to, as this car is to be admired going at a 'gentleman's pace'.

I bought a 1986 XJS V-12 in January of 1988 and even though I had to learn the hard way initially I am glad I have kept her! I am now in the process of refurbishing the whole thing. I have found some excellent places to get parts and accessories and a wonderful automotive shop that has my XJS running better than it ever has (as a matter of fact it is because they have it running so well that I have gotten fired up to do this fix her up job). A great place to get all sorts of wood trim (yes even for the instrument panel) is at myrtleprod. com and I have found a gem of a supplier at thedrivenman.com. It is at The Driven Man that I found some of the improvements I can do that I knew nothing about. For one: The comment above about the steering rack and bushings is 100% correct and I have just received the new bushings and have the control arms on order. I got the best looking wheels ever from them last month and I have their exhaust system on order as well. I am also putting on their rear end sway bar and replacing my front end sway bar with theirs. I have also ordered their Fuel Injection ECU computer and recommended filters. With all of this I will get a fantastic ride with more horse power. The first comment stated what he would do different was go manual. Well guess what these guys have a great conversion kit to go either 5 or 6 speed. Another place for accessories like license plates and valve stem caps and screw covers (you know the little things that bring it together) is www.xks.com and coventrywest.com. Hope this helps and I will be at EuroFest in South Carolina to show off my "new" JAG. After watching Overhauling and American Hot Rod, I have now just found someone to do a custom job on my seats (I want the logo on my front seats like I saw on one of those shows).

Great JAGing to ya!

Ohhhh buddy!!

Please don't ruin it!!

I just purchased a 86 XJS with only 39,500 miles on. It is mint with the exception of an exhaust leak and some front end steering play. Is the play something that is easily fixed in my garage.

I have had an '87 XJSC since 2000 and bought it from my brother in law who had it since 1990. We have always taken good care of it and had it serviced whenever it needed. I just took it out for a drive for the first time this year. I don't drive it in the rain or snow (which we hardly ever get). I put about 1,500 kilometers on it per year. Since I purchased the car, I have had to replace the rear shocks, brakes, exhaust system. I have a small oil leak coming from the front of the car and I am looking at getting my seals replaced. I wasn't aware of the steering bushes and I will look into that as well.

Since I don't drive it every day, what can I do to make sure the seals stay lubricated. I could start the car everyday without driving it, but would that be damaging in any way. Are there any storing tips I should consider?

Thanks...and I love this car.