1993 Jaguar XJS from UK and Ireland - Comments

Passenger side heater blower. This was removed with a time spent working behind the dashboard. Off to a Jag center for overhaul and then replaced. Cost £150. I did the removal and refitting myself, the overhaul was done for me.

Rear Differential. This needed the full cage and differential removed. The differential went off for service. Whilst this lot was out the prop shaft went for a union renewal and re-balance. Total cost about £1000. I did the removal of the cage and whole rear suspension unit with a jaguar expert friend. Do not do this unless you have the right tools and a fair amount of room. These are big and heavy units to remove.

Rear Wheel Bearings. Replaced to help cure rear end rumble at speed. Total cost £500. This was high as some interior had to be removed as the anti lock brake sensors were corroded in to the rear hub carriers and the sensors remained in place and the wiring was fed through from the car. This procedure was repeated for the removal of the suspension unit as above.

Air Conditioning. New radiator in the front as it was rotten, new receiver drier as these always need replacing if the system is broken in to, system refill and new valve as this had broken. Total cost around £700.

Front suspension top mount bushes. Replaced to eliminate some front end knocking. This is an inexpensive and easy job. About £20.

New battery.

Cruise control. This was the fault of the year. Tried and tested everything, found it to be the micro switch on the brake pedal. A good lesson to myself, look at the easy things first. New switch £30.

I have owned the car for just over a year and would not part with it for anything. It is a late facelift model with the new dash and the big bumpers. To me this is a proper GT car at an affordable price.

Driving one is fantastic, they are quiet, smooth and rapid enough. When I say rapid enough, I mean my 4.0 Litre. I recently took the opportunity to go in a 7.0 litre twin supercharged Lister. If speed is the goal then look no further.

It has never let us down, we gave it a real test this year and took it on a 19 day 4000 mile tour around Europe. In return it gave 24 miles per gallon average and soaked it all up effortlessly. This kind of journey is what these cars are all about.

The boot space is very good even with a full size 16 inch spare in place. We have toured in it several times and never had an issue.

The back seats are a bit of a joke although I have been on the odd short trip with 4 people on board. This is not to be done often and definitely not considered with anyone tall.

When buying, be careful to purchase one at top price and ensure everything is tested, the alternative is to find one that is a bit of a bargain and repair the parts yourself or have work done for you. This can get very costly, I took advice on mine before buying, but still found a few bills I was not really expecting. I have been lucky to have some friends that have helped with some of the repairs.

I have also joined a Jaguar club since owning the car, this has helped with locating some parts and service advice. It has also provided us with some interesting club organised trips away.

As well as fixing things that have broken, the front cross member has needed replacing due to severe rot, the rear tyres have been renewed, the rear discs and pads were changed when the axle was out and the radiator was replaced as it looked as if it was about to expire.

The engine appears to be strong, 100000 miles on it and no signs of rattles or knocks.

I think you found a lucky car!

My car has been kept up and remains in pristine condition.

Mine is the 4.0

I have to replace the engine at 60,000 miles.

At the tune of $10,000.

I have had lots of on going maintenance.

To much to list.

I love the car, but, it has got to go!

Gregory.

Hi, I'm about to embark on my first xjs 4.0l 1993 model. I have found a lovely looking one on line, have about 8 pici's of it and travel tomorrow to just outside London to (fingers crossed) purchase and return a happy man. I have run an online car check for £9.95p that came up as owner had listed, 4 owners and no accidents ect. The interior looks superb and from pici the body too. The owner answered all the hell story questions and the only two faults are a) air con out, b) remote control central locking locks then unlocks using the key fob. One has to use the key in the door to complete the locking mechanism. I hope to find smooth gears, smooth engine, no oil spills or oil burning exhaust fumes, over bouncy suspension ect. Also I'm hoping on minimal blisters in easy repair places, an underside that doesn't crumble when I prod my swiss army knife up through hot spots ect... However, I am new to this and not yet a full member as it's a bit late in the day to get some help the night before I travel down. This is a long shot, but it may work. If there's any sound advice you or anyone can send me (jdm99@mac.com) before sunday morning when I set off regarding any 1993 xjs 4.0l issues, please don't hesitate. Also, anyone know any real good JAg dealer/service garages in the Manchester area.

Looking forward to be a smooth rider soon. Deep breaths.

Thanks

jules.

For an XJS convertible, 1993 is THE year to get! It has the nice interior upgrades without the klunky airflow modifications on the exterior that the '94 got.

How much do I like it? I just added another to the fleet -- a '90 Coupe (along with the '05 S-Type that has been completely problem free).

On my '93 the only work that has been necessary was a window switch, the mirror adjustment switch and a heater valve. I also replaced the speakers. Repairs have been cheap -- or at least by the standard of the cost of maintaining the 3 Mercedes I had.

The Jaguar is a FAR better car than the Mercedes. More comfortable, more fun to drive, more luxurious, better looking and WAY less expensive to maintain.

I have 3 Jaguars and wouldn't consider any other brand (well, maybe an Aston or a Bentley).

Got to give Ford a lot of credit for restoring Jaguar back to the World Class car that Sir Lyons created. No easy task after British Leyland did all they could to try to destroy one of the world's greatest motorcars.

Be sure that some time before you die that you get a Jaguar XJS!