OK folks, this is going to sound very strange, if not unbelievable, but nothing not a SINGLE thing has gone wrong with this car. however, I did have to do some work to get it running.
This car is in emaculate condition. I inherited it from my grandfather, who bought it new off the lot in 1989. he was very wealthy and had 3 other luxury automobiles, but this was his absolute favorite. but, the car sat since 2000 when my grandfather could no longer drive. once I got it, I gave it a full maintenance job (i did not attempt to run it until I had done so), and once that was completed the hearty V-12 purred to life the first try, but emitted a lot of blue smoke for a while. I let it idle for an hour or so, then took it out for a drive, and wow WHAT A CAR!!! the power is just so smooth and relaxing, but sure and true. the ride is impeccable and soft. the leather is perfect, stainless, the wood is smooth and polished. EVERYTHING works, there isn't anything wrong to date. I love the power avaliable for passing at highway speeds, so smooth. I AM MADLY IN LOVE WITH THIS CAR AND I WILL NEVER SELL IT!!! I had made him a promise to give him a ride in *his* Jaguar, and I fulfilled it 3 months before he passed. I remember the sparkle in his eyes as he thanked be with a firm handshake. I do, however, plan to use this car as my daily commuter, because gas consumption is on par with most new vehicles, and I plan to pay costly for whatever may go wrong.
This is a beauuuutiful car and I will never let it go. if you ever, ever, get the chance to experience one, please do, you will be greatly rewarded.
It's good to hear you like this car (bearing in mind they were often delivered with major faults) but I do wonder what modern cars you consider the economy to be on a par with.
Well, I seem to be getting an average of 16 mpg in mixed driving, and that is pretty darn close to the new dodge charger daytona/rt and other current muscle cars.
I'm the origional poster of this review and I have some bad news... well for me.
The transmission... is slipping...badly
when I put it in reverse, I noticed it took almost 5 seconds to engage, then drive took even longer. and when I hit the gas, almost nothing, the car moved alittle ways. so I hit the gas harder and harder and harder, until the gas was about halfway to the floor, and I was moving about 20 mph. the engine sounded nice though :) ) ) ) ) ) ). ii gave up ad turned around and went back home and had my friend take me to work. so... does anyone know if there are replacement transmissions or if they have to be rebuilt? and would it be possible to... maybe put a 5 speed auto in it?
As I understand it the XJS transmission is a GM turbo400. So it should not be too expensive to fix. The case however is made to fit only Jaguar so you can't just exchange trannys. Cost will most likely be the labor to remove and reinstall it. Make sure the shop you choose doesn't try to run up the cost by calling this exotic. I have been studying up and hope to own one of these soon. Good Luck, Sandman.
Well, I found an auto shop near my area that my friend said was very reputable, and that's where he takes his jag. he also said that it wasnt all that expensive either, so I hope to have it fixed soon beccause I really miss driving it already and my friend it getting tired of taking me to work. so, how do they put a transmission into another transmission? and what I am really wondering is if it would be possible to PUT a fitting 5 speed transmission into this jaguar-only tranny shell?
Hey guys, jsut a report from the original reviewer. I got my baby back from the auto shop at a price of $1100, and that got me an original, but new. tranny! to me that price is well worth it, considering that troubles this car caused by (new) friend. enjoy these cars while you can!
$1100 is not too bad for this work, but you should consider having a shift kit installed. Jaguar re-tuned this trans starting is 1988 for firmer shifts. Hot-rodders have been doing this for years with the TH400. I had the trans in one of my '84's rebuilt and asked that it not be as "mushy" when I got it back. I was extremely happy when I drove the car. Also, firmer shifting is actually easier on the transmission than soft shifts because the clutch packs do not slip for as long while shifting. It costs almost nothing extra to have this work done ($50). Go to a trans guy (not a "Jag guy") for anything relating to work on the GM TH400. The XJS is notorious for being hard on this transmission. Yet, this is about the strongest automatic transmission made. The problem is that the transmission is tuned to shift a heavy car with a powerful engine too smoothly. Firm it up and it will last longer and be more fun to drive. Also, learn to remove and install the trans yourself. You will save a lot of heartache this way. The GM TH400 comes out differently in a jag, so this will annoy your trans guy. Besides, you'll want to do the rear mount yourself (trust me).
Have become the 3rd owner of 1989 XJS conv --- fittipaldi rims (which I do not like and want to sell) 57000km orig driven distance ---- over last 10 years. 2nd owner drove 36000km.
It's now in my garage waiting for the snow to go. I have not driven it yet. It has never seen snow. Lakefield Ontario is very cold and snowy. I have every work order and oil change record. Costly little girl eh what? But ya gets what ya wants to drive and I like driving good horses.
Lakefield Ontario.
Well folks, I have come here to report the death of a fine automobile, the finest I've ever owned. She passed under a blaze of roaring fire that erupted from the dashboard, starting with a stingy smoke. Thankfully, I was the only one occupying the luxurious cabin at the time, the only one enjoying her subtle purr as we glided down the freeway.
Fair well, friend.
I will miss you always and forever.
Kenton Merritt, Washington.
It's good that your grandfather's Jaguar hasn't had any problems since new, but if you love the car so much and if it reminds you of your grandfather you should keep it in the garage. Keep it in good condition and It'll be a collector's item in the next few decades.
I have two 1989 XJSs and like anything exotic they can be and have been expensive, but darned well worth it! My "collection" includes two Packards and a VW convertible and my "workhorse" Honda Element, but the two Jags are my favorites to drive. The convertible is in the shop now after a "genius" mechanic seems to have bumped a fuel line loose while (unsuccessfully) trying to fix the cruise control resulting in a rather expensive engine-top fire!
I cannot sing the praises of these wonderful cars enough, but a major caveat is find a good service provider.
One dissappointment -- I've had two Jaguar dealers refuse to work on my 1989s because they're "too old." Thank goodness for independent shops.
Firstly, it's bad for an engine to just leave it running. The oil pressure is low and it takes a long time to get up temp. And the fuel consumption is as good as a new car? Only in America! Enjoy the cheap fuel my friends, peak oil is just around the corner.
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