Faults:

Front sub-frame replaced, plus other welding and suspension parts to tune of £2000 at 120K miles. Also had various hoses etc. done at same time for about £500.

All brake disks replaced for about £300 as 100K miles.

Radius arms replaced at 84K miles for about £360.

Head gasket replaced, plus throttle pot sensor by Jaguar at 126K miles for £1100.

General Comments:

Before getting married in May 2008, I told my wife-to-be that she was not just marrying me, she was marrying my XJS too! I love this car so much that I could never get rid of her (the car, not the wife), no matter how much I have to pay in repair bills etc.

I adore the lines of her body. The way she glides along the road in an effortless symphony of refinement, grace and purpose. I only wish I had the convertible, but I'm still working on the clinching argument that'll make my wife demand I start looking for one to buy immediately!

Ultimately, I adore this car because of its flaws. Things may break or bits stop working over time, but this could be said of us all. Besides, it's not how it makes you feel when things go wrong. It's how it makes you feel when things go right.

Faults:

Air conditioning compressor failed. A replacement unit and receiver dryer was fitted.

Front Brake disc's were replaced due to excessive vibration at 30000 miles.

Vehicle has a tendency to pull to one side in 'panic' braking from 80 mph + to 0. Can be alarming unless you are aware of the tendency.

Vehicle stopped with no start until wiring and relays were examined. Some corrosion on relay contacts was the apparent cause. PI Relay replaced.

General Comments:

Vehicle is returning 24 - 26 miles per UK gallon regularly at 80 - 85 MPH on highway journeys.

Proper fuel measurement (tank to tank method) and continuous spreadsheet monitor is kept for the vehicle.

The vehicle regularly travels through London and has performed better than expected overall in 2004 with some 20,000 miles accrued.

Tire wear (Pirelli) is better than expected (compared say to a Jaguar XJ40). Tyres about half worn with 20,000 higher speed miles on them.

Used with 98 octane fuel (Shell special fuel in the UK) it did less miles per gallon than standard UK 97 octane unleaded.

Servicing costs are higher (but not excessive) than 'standard' models, but ownership is a pleasure not to be missed.

Faults:

The exhaust became detached at the 2 pins of the pieces which go over the rear axle.

The floor pan was rusted through where the rear radius arm attaches to the body.

General Comments:

The manual version of this car is quite rare, but shouldn't be overlooked as it makes the car feel more like a sports car and is faster in general.

I don't much like Jaguars or luxury cars in general, but love XJS's as being a genuine British super car with crushingly handsome looks. People approach me in supermarket car parks and just tell me what a beautiful car it is. My computer company's car park is full of BMW and Mercedes consumer products, but it is my car which gets the attention (and it's the cheapest there!).

I paid £3500 for mine and went for the facelift model which has a far more attractive interior. I find traveling in it to be a deeply satisfying experience and often arrive at my destination smiling (smugly). How long can it be before prices start going up?

I get around 20 mpg around town and 25 on a run, but you don't buy these cars for economy. Just park it in your driveway, pour yourself a dry Martini and savour it's lines.