1991 Jaguar XJS Convertible 5.3 V12

Summary:

Wonderful highway car, pure luxury, but can be a money pit

Faults:

Bushings (too soft).

Rear seals (leak).

Brakes (wear quickly, due to the size/weight of the car).

A/C (compressor).

General Comments:

Great cruiser, kind of scary in heavy traffic, reliable but it seemed something always needed attention. Best suited for a DIY. Very comfortable, dismal gas mileage (combined over time about 12 MPG US), high quality of materials, very nice top and mechanism.

VERY SOLID-SAFE CAR. I was driving around 35-40 and a big station wagon (77 Mercury) pulled in front of me. Head on at a slight angle. Other than the scare, I didn't get a bruise. The SW driver broke his pinker on the steering wheel. I'm looking to buy another, but this time I will convert it to a 5-speed and install roll bars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2018

1991 Jaguar XJS Classic 5.3

Summary:

Trouble car - unsatisfied

Faults:

Very disappointed.

At first the car would not start; replaced the starter and it did not start.

Replaced the ECU, and fuel pump and relay. It finally started, then it was burning too much fuel. Changed the spark plugs and still the same, changed the fuel injector assembly and that did not fix it. Replaced the coolant temperature sensor and that was the problem.

Drove around neighborhood for a couple of times, and then took a 40 minute ride, came back home and parked it. The next day I tried to start it and it did not, after all I had spent to get it running.

I checked for power at the coil plug, and there is power, but no power is sent to the wires, no power at the crankshaft sensor plugs, and the top won't work either. Also the radio and the window regulators. I checked all relays and fuses; they seem to be OK. I'm afraid that the ECU has gone.

If any of you know about this problem with this model, please send a comment and I will try your suggestion. Thanks for reading my complaint.. Thank you.

General Comments:

Unsatisfied with this car. Never had a problem like it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th November, 2008

1991 Jaguar XJS 5.3L V12

Summary:

The car is a very good, very unique vehicle, It has speed, handling, convertible fun, and loves 94 o

Faults:

Have had parking brake repaired, which required replacement of rear calipers and pads. This was required for state inspection.

Rear brakes are now squeaking, this may now cause me to have the rear rotors replaced.

Heated seats don't work.

Power door locks don't work well.

Interior map lights don't function properly.

Had the oil sending switch replaced, it was leaking oil.

General Comments:

This car is very solid. My first impression of it was that it is a large, heavy car. Upon sitting in it though, it becomes smaller, or at least feels smaller. There is not a lot of extra space around the driver or passenger.

A driver has to use the accelerator pedal to really enjoy the potential of this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2005

1991 Jaguar XJS Coupe

Faults:

I recently purchased a '91 XJS and love the way it drives and looks.

The main concern I have, at this point, is that there is a persistent water leak on the drivers side (front seat). I have read two other comments in this format regarding the identical problem, but have heard no feedback from others on how to rectify this problem. Currently trying a silicon sealant around the windshield gasket to make repairs and hopefully this will work. I would like to have other reader's input as well, in the event the sealant does not work.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th January, 2005

22nd Jan 2005, 14:13

Water in the foot wells can be due to blocked air contioning drain tubes.

8th Apr 2005, 08:10

Look under the Scuttle vent grille - just in front of the screen. Corrosion & dedris can leek water behind the dash, which will find it's way into the footwells. Also check the vent tubes are clear.

I too have a 91 & love it. But these little niggles can spoil the fun (temporarily).

Paul UK.

27th May 2005, 15:49

I also own a 1991 XJS and love it. The previous comments are accurate, but there is one other place to check. There is a drain tube that exits between the enging and firewall. If this tube is clogged, it will cause puddles also. The tube is easy to see when the car in on a rack for an oil change and/or lube. On my XJS, it was the windshield that leaked. I had it removed, resealed and reinstalled. The windshield had been previously replaced and it was done incorrectly. All is fine now.

Good Driving.

Mike.

28th Jan 2006, 19:28

I have no XJS experience, but rebuilt an XKE over a five year period, and it had the same water leak problem --- on the driver's right foot.

After cleaning out the air conditioning drain line, the problem went away.

chris.

23rd Jun 2008, 20:49

In the manuals that I have, it is a known issue with this body style. It also details how to resolve the problem.

I too have it, so I know what you're talking about. Check into what's new in an XJS and you'll find the fix.

15th Oct 2011, 17:40

Hello, I had just bought a 91 XJS, & had it out for a drive, & had noticed the same problem; it was raining & leaking from the passenger & driver's side windshield. I looked on the outside, & noticed that the curvature of the frame & glass at the bottom corner of windshield, the water was pooling. I am going to do the same, but before I do, could you let me know how you made out the silicone, & if it sealed? Thank you.