1990 Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign 4.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Luxurious, fast, comfortable bargain

Faults:

Apart from existing faults, little or nothing.

Radio Died.

Rear door central locking becoming intermittent.

Fan belt broke.

General Comments:

Excellent, easy car to drive.

Very comfortable - however front headrests do not adjust, so comfort could be improved.

100% reliable.

Scare stories largly unjustified, this example was at bargain basement price yet soldiers on perfectly.

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

Review Date: 4th February, 2003

5th Feb 2003, 08:01

Oops this review should read that I bought it in 2001.

25th Oct 2010, 16:04

Would those unfortunate enough to have a significant number of problems with their XJ40 Sov, (MY July 1990 onwards), please confirm the mileage/kilometers the car has traveled. This makes a BIG difference to the reliability of the Jag.

Regards,

Michael P

Australia.

1990 Jaguar XJ40 soveriegn 4 litre from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A lot of car for little money, but expensive to keep going

Faults:

I bought the car in the u.k. for £900 (was £1350) needed a new sub frame and a couple of tyres for the mot. Got the subframe done for £150 (labour) Tyres are something else, cheapest I could find was £135.00 each.

A couple of faults with the heater blowers not working, needed a new control unit which came with the car.

Now everything is sorted it seems fine! hope to hell it doesn't go wrong again too quickly.

General Comments:

It is a lot of car got the money, but is expensive to run and maitain. I have had two jaguars in the past and once you've had one, you want another one!

Performance is good for a car this size, and it handles well too, be careful in the wet though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2002

2nd Sep 2002, 12:44

I just got 2 nearly new Dunlops for £60 each. Just shop around a bit!!

1990 Jaguar XJ40 4.0 from F.Y.R.O. Macedonia

Summary:

The best ride I have ever had

Faults:

Bulb failure indicator loves to stay on all the time now despite thorough bulbs checks.

Head gasket only just blown - two days ago. From what I have read, this is a very common occurrence and it appears I have been lucky to get to 170000 miles.

Central locking is now starting to be less than 100% with the drivers door not working on auto at all. The rear doors operate 90% of the time.

The car loves oil like I used to love vodka, but then hey, the car is just having a good time!

General Comments:

I drive a Jag, love the marque and always have done ever since I was a kid (33 years old now). The running costs are well worth it for the comfort and complete lack of road rage - avoid me if you see me in my Mondeo!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2002

1990 Jaguar XJ40 4.0 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Headlight module failed both sides - repaired myself.

Head gasket failed (common) repaired myself but very difficult.

Car radio aerial seized - new one fitted.

Rear Axle A frame bearing worn - replaced by exchange unit.

ABS warning light kept coming on but traced to a duff battery!!

Rear brake caliper ceased.

General Comments:

A really great car with pace and grace. Great for long distances if you can afford the cost to fill the petrol tank (£60). Very well engineered but electrics are a nightmare being very complex - not for the faint hearted. Very reliable and a massive improvement on the older Series 1, 2 and 3.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 1999

21st Apr 2001, 20:13

I own a late 1988 XJ40. I have had a few small problems like the bulb failure light staying on, Door handle and power locks not working properly. Beside those minor problem I love this Jaguar. The 3.6l has plenty of get and go, the ride is like no other. I have a total of $8700 in this car, counting repairs. I could have bought a nice Focus or Yugo but What can I say I own A Jaguar. Blake Blankenship.