1990 Jaguar XJS from UK and Ireland - Comments

The central locking mechanism was sticking and would not lock the boot or fully open the driver's door. A little spray grease quickly rectified this at no cost.

The driver's door sealing rubber has torn. It will cost £90 for a new one, but is easy to fit.

The heated rear window does work. Need to get this looked at, no idea of cost.

The driver's door hinges have dropped slightly. having car resprayed a different color and they will change the hinges at the time for no extra cost.

The polish finish to the alloy wheels has started to peel. Not expensive to have repolished and lacquered.

This car is fantastic, great fun to drive, goes like a rocket, its comfortable and its only downside is the fuel it uses. Driven hard I get about 20 to the gallon from it, but with the wife on board and driving sensibly it manages about 26 to the gallon.

The car suffers from a bad image problem which is unfair. People attempted to put me off buying it, suggesting other models had a better image, but when I bought it and they sat in it, or better still drove it, they are as hooked as I am and are looking for one themselves.

I still have a new Merc E240 estate and a new CLK 230 that my wife drives, but these are both mundane in comparison and have just become the everyday cars. The Jag is special.

I own an XJS, 1990. I bought it two years ago with 21000 miles on it. I am astonished to read that anyone could get 20 to 26 miles per gallon from this car. Unless, of course, there is a small engine fitted. I believe the v-12 is in most of these cars, as in mine. Initially, I got 9 mpg. Now, having changed the wiring harness and plugs, all belts and the radiator, water pump, a/c compressor and the bushings and shocks, I get average 13.5 mpg, premium U.S. gallons. J. Pasternack, Albany, New York.

He's a Brit, and it appears (from the engine being a 3.6L) that they either use a smaller engine for the 6's over there, or that his engine is smaller because it is older.

Given the smaller displacement, that is probably why he gets higher MPG. The 12's (as far as I know) all get poor gas mileage... but if you're concerned about that, then get a six instead of a 12.

I'm planning to get a '93 XJS convertible with a 4.0 L six...

I can't wait!

-Phil.

I'm looking for a 3.6 auto in hope of better fuel mileage, but, my V12 HE gave an average 24.5 mpg (Imperial gallons, none of these silly Yank measures) in everyday driving. On motorways, with the cruise on, the computer showed 28-29mpg at 70 mph.

Like they say with a Rolls, if you have to ask the fuel mileage you can't afford it!

The V12s are a bit more thirsty, but otherwise are excellent cars with relatively few problems.

My 1990 Jaguarsport XJR-S has the 6.0 litre V12 developed by Jaguarsport and Tyvek engine management which was special for this model, being taken apparently from the Group C racers which won at Le Mans in the late eighties. There were only 250 odd made with the stiffer suspension, wider Speedlines, extra umph etc.

Around the city I average 13 mpg (proper British gallons) but out on a long haul 25 to 27 mpg. This is quite respectable and in line with the handbook.

The seamless surge of power whenever you need it makes the V12 a special car combined with the smoothness.

The straight 6 may be more economical, but does not have the same degree of smoothness. Not that the 6s are agricultural, far from it.

With 'gas' now over £4 per gallon (US$6.50) I can understand someone wanting to eek out a bit more per gallon. My car is a daily commuter, but for a high days and holidays vehicle this would not make any difference to me.

I own a 1990 XJRS 6 litre. I love it, its black with magnolia interior and it makes me smile when I drive it. In these days of mpg concious small hatchbacks and diesels it stands out as a statement to motoring freedom in my eyes. They had bad press through build quality, mine has its faults, but if you keep on top of them and learn from doing so, to run the car becomes more affordable and interacting with it through maintainence simply makes you love it more. Think about it, whopping great V12 engine, no room for more than 2 adults and hardly any boot space. Brilliant!

The gas here in the US is at an average of $2.94, I don't know where you got $6.50 from... but oh well

it is still very expensive.

I think he meant that their high price of gasoline is equivalent to $6.50 US, not that gas is $6.50 in the US. So their gas is over twice as expensive. Get it now?

I have a 1990 jaguar xjs v12 and there is no way that anybody gets 20 mpg in a v12. unless it is being TOWED But it is still the best looking car out there.

I have a '93 4.0L Convertible and a '90 Coupe. I've never checked the gas mileage It's a sheer delight to fill them up with premium fuel for the driving pleasure they give back in return. If they were delivering 6mpg, they would be no less a delight to drive.

If you're looking for an economy car, a 4 cylinder Honda would be a better choice. If you're looking for the drive being the best part of a destination, Jaguar XJS in the ONLY option. Luxury, comfort, styling, performance, reliability... that's not enough?