1990 Jaguar XJS from North America - Comments

1. My steering hose broke and is extremely labor intensive to fix. Cost about $1,000 to fix.

2. My trunck will just not close properly. I spend over $250 on this darn thing and every few months it wiggles its way out and starts to look as if the trunck is partly opened. Very annoying.

3. Driver door had a problem where the door would not open from the inside. Yes, as you can imagine it's extremely embarrassing having to hop over to the passenger side in the middle of a crowded parking lot. I fixed it immediately at the cost of $900.

4. Power heated seats do not get warm. I don't care to fix this as I could care less. But I imagine it would cost at least a few hundred.

5. Water pump for the wipers died. Again, I don't care to fix, but my local mechanic said it would cost at least a few hundred.

6. Radiator died. Cost $1,000 to fix.

7. Transmission is slightly slipping, but my mechanic said to hold off for now. It's a major job.

8. Driver window sticks in dry weather half way down. Problem still persists despite having spent $200 having it fixed.

9. Two bushings failed. Cost about $800 to fix both with labor.

10. The rest I'll sum up as all misc. But I probably spent another $2,000 fixing other problems here and there I just can't remember.

I bought this car from the original owner. He was a very wealthy older guy, and sold me the car with just 34,000 miles for only $7,000. Anyways, the car never really had major problems and I love it.

I'll never sell this car no matter what happens. To me it's a work of art and I'm happy just letting it sit in my driveway. It's also the most comfortable car I ever owned. The leather creates such a beautiful aroma in the car too. It just smells like very high quality leather.

The engine has never had any problems at all. I hear many faults of XJS's, but the actual engine is rarely mentioned as having any faults. I can see why since my mechanic, who probably would love to milk me, said it's perfect.

The electrical reputation jag has isn't really an issue with me. A few things, but for me, it's all just fine.

The transmission is starting to show little hints from time to time that it may be on the way out. But I'd say it's still drives like 95 percent. It's just scary because I know what the cost to fix the tranny is on these cars.

Other than that the Jaguar XJS was worth every penny I paid, and much more. It's beautiful, classy, and performs very well. The car seems to really lock into its stride over 75MPH. I mean driving 110MPH on the interstate, and you still feel in control and very safe. The car just seems built for speed. Also, it's surprisingly quiet even passing the 100 mark.

I purchased my 1983 XJS-HE in April of 2005 and love it. This is the car that I have always wanted. I paid a modest price for it and to date have put about $3,500 into it. The most expensive fix was the transmission, but believe it or not this truly was not too bad. Above all else DO NOT TAKE IT TO A JAGUAR DEALERSHIP FOR THE TRANSMISSION. My local Jaguar dealership told me that it would cost roughly $5,500 for the transmission because it would have to be new as they do not overhaul transmissions. I called my local Aamco transmission place and they did it all for $1,800. You might be surprised to know that your transmission is of General Motors origin. Mine is a turbo 300 (maybe 400) but Borg Warner is also used. These are very good transmissions and can be overhauled at fairly reasonable expense. I have had some other little things go wrong, but what the hell, it is a 22 year old car. At any rate, I love my XJS and will never get rid of it. The styling is timeless and it is something that I hope to pass on to my son.

I brought my 1978 model 7 years ago when I was only 21.It is midnight blue and has a Walkinshaw body kit with Simmonds Wheels. The engine has been modified with a few HE parts. The previous owner said it would do 160mph.Dad always had XJ6 jags and despite minor problems I always loved riding in them as a kid. One day a friend told me of one that I could look at as I never saw an XJS in the flesh. He took me for a drive and I instantly fell in love. I asked him if it was for sale, it wasnt, but because his wife was very sick he said he would consider it. Four months later and $17,000 I had it parked in my garage. I can still remember driving it home, it was like a dream I couldnt believe I had my dream car at 21.The best thing was none of my friends could judge it because they knew nothing about them. Everyone was blown away with the effortless power. Everything that can be a problem was replaced by the last owner including wiring harness and engine sensors. It can sit for a month and start straight away without charging the battery. I do all my own work on it and love that as much as driving it. I can't fault the car they are an engineering masterpiece.

The T-400 transmission fitted to the V-12 should last a lifetime if the trans fluid was changed every few years in its infancy. If never changed until about 60K miles, or so, lots of crud builds-up in trans. When it is finally serviced all you really do is loosen-up the crud, circuating the crud throughout the trans, resulting in heartache. I learned this via experience. However, my rebuilt T-400 (no hard-parts relaced) cost me $1800.00. Not too bad.

Common mistake with steering systems is to over-fill steering pump reservoir, resuling in overly pressurized pump, hoses, when up to operating temp. Pin holes therefore reveal themselves in lower high pressure hose.

Does anyone know that horsepower ratings of the V-12???

And what about the torque??

I have just purchased a 1989 XJS 12 cylinder (British racing green of course with tan leather interior) - it has been a dream of mine for the last 20 years to own one. When I was a starving articling student at the law firm where I practiced at the start of my legal career my boss had a 1987 XJS. He would "let me" wash it and take it to the mechanic for its numerous services. I always vowed that I would get one – now I do. Like all of the other comments, there is certainly some issues mechanically with the car – it is not a 2003 Honda Civic – there are a myriad of electrical issues with this car (speed control is out – switch?- passenger window works periodically - e brake switch stays on - airel does not go up -etc etc) It of course has the small oil leak that I am lead to believe existed when it rolled off the line in England! It also has never passed a gas station it did not like. HOWEVER, all of these problems are nothing compared to the looks it gets from those that see it and the feel you get from driving it– it is simply the most stunning and impressive car that I have owned (and I have owned everything from Vets to Trans AMs to a Benz 450 SL to a Porsche 944). Everybody has to stop and look and admire it – it just absolutely reeks class and power. I have a 79 Corvette Stingray with a 350 and this car will literally blow the doors off it while looking like James Bond doing it. The long and short of this is that if you are worried about fuel or repair costs, DO NOT buy this car. However, if you want a car that is the absolute example of class, power and sophistication – with the most prestigious and unique brand name – JAGUAR- then this car is an absolute must – It certainly is not for the Toyota Corolla crowd. Sure, a tract house in the San Fernando Valley will give you more useable floor space, but darn it, it is still pretty cool to live in a beach house in Malibu!

I owned a 1989 Jaguar XJS and sold it a few months ago, and regret it. It had 79000 miles on it. The body was in good shape and the interior was starting to show some wear. When we got the car the AC was not cold. We had to replace the compressor. I also replaced the passenger side power window motor, radio, speakers, rebuilt the transmission (no second gear), rebuilt the rear differential (leaking), rebuilt the steering, a few oil changes, air filters, tires, new battery, etc. There was a power seat belt motor that was draining the battery and that was replaced under Jag warranty. This car drove great and looked even better. Look for parts on the internet.

I am a single Mum of four... an English girl living in Vancouver... I didn't mean to buy my '89 Jag. V12 convertible... but now I wouldn't sell it for the world... it is a part of my body... his name is Henry and I will own it forever...!!!

I just recently bought an 89 xjs the car is beautiful, but v12 is killer on gas I was hoping to resale and make a killing as I only paid $480.00 I guess I made a good investment.

I can finally relate to all of you who have contributed; this car is the final word in style and class, and not just looks: the Jag V-12, to those who know the history and appreciate it, is a wonderful and solid performer.

Last year I finally bought my XJS Cabriolet (a 1987) for which I have waited... since 1987...! The previous owner kept it in mint condition, serviced it properly and regularly, and basically did everything right. Have driven this vehicle everywhere (in awful Canadian cold weather too) and so far the worst my mechanic could come up with was a loose wire which took him barely any time to fix. This is IMPORTANT: find someone who KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING and is ethical (yes, they do exist!). I found my mechanic through the local Jag club. Best idea every. Make sure the mechanic you entrust your car to knows the older Jag models.

Can anyone tell me if using transmission fluid for the power steering is acceptable for my 89 Jaguar XJS V12 conv? My new husband is a retired mechanic (not Jaguar), and has me relocated way out in the countryside, not convenient to stores and I want to drive it tomorrow. He declares it won't hurt it... she's my Baby, though.. Thanks for your help.

I very happily owned a 1989, red XJS coupe for a few years. Everyone who has commented here that it is a work of art and worth the expenses... I heartily agree (if you can afford it). This is important to know, though... cars that have not had the rubber components (and I mean all of them) under the bonnet, including motor mounts, all hoses, belts, etc. WILL begin to have problems. The V12 is so closely cowled that usually at about 60,000 miles these rubber components will begin to fail from the constant exposure to the engine heat. For me the repair bill was close to $7,000. I refused to pay it and told the mechanic that he had just bought a car. He finally, and very unhappily settled for $5,500. This deterioration is a real problem, though.

Be careful about being baited by the highway patrol also. It's a very long story, but at 1130 at night on my way home from work I was harassed by an unmarked OLD Dodge Duster which I finally tried to escape by outpowering and outrunning. 110 mph up hill and at the top (20 miles) was a HP vehicle waiting for me. He identified the Duster as being an undercover officer who reported me subsequently to the HP. Enjoy and be careful!

I owned a 89XJS for just on 7 years, it was used as my daily driver for most of its life with me. Problems were very few, but who cares when you have the pleasure every day of driving one of the greatest cars around. Going out on Jag club runs, nothing like twenty or so XJS 's motoring along the highway.

I was offered a great price for it at a show and shine, and regrettably accepted it. Now an XJR sits in the drive; still a great car, but not the XJS.

Cheers.

XJS - UNMISTAKABLE!

I have been the 2nd owner of a 1990 coupe for the last 12 years, and can say without a doubt, no regrets! I do everything on it, yes everything, and it's been trying at times, but what of value isn't, nuf said.