Faults:

General wear and tear so far, nothing serious, and I have its full service history from new, as I knew the previous owner, and how they'd had the car from new.

The biggest issue so far has been the head lining, which came down about a year or so ago, and has started to come down again. The dealer is outsourcing the fixing of it as they did so last year, and it's still covered by that warranty, so I'm fine with that.

General Comments:

Fuel is a big cost compared to today's light consumption cars, but the smile it puts on my face every day is priceless.

I have the usual worries about the year regarding the known problems with the car, but we have low sulphur fuel now so I don't stress about the wear on the inside of the engine due to the linings.

I do worry about the tensioner, so I'm considering changing that to the later version, but... right now I am just replacing all the main bushes, shocks and brake discs to get the drive back to the best it can be for its year.

My kids love the car as it is very different to all the other cars I have owned, which have been S Class Mercs (2), SLKs (2), BMW 5 Series (4), Porsches (2) and even a previous 1985 XJ6. The most comfortable cars I have owned have to be the S Classes and a Volvo 850GLT. This is close, but has way more power so the ride has to be tighter; similar but not as hard as the two 540is that I have owned. The other 5s were a 525i and a 523i; both with a much softer ride than the 540s.

For its year it is still low Kilos, so I hope to keep the car for quite a while. Next year I will get myself a low consumption car, like a diesel Discovery or similar ;-) for every day use, but that is for next year. Until then, I'll drive like the wind and enjoy every minute.

Faults:

One small hose between the radiator and engine.

General Comments:

It's a super car! After I bought the XJR, no other cars are interesting.

Super quick, yet very quiet. The engine seems never be working hard, it just whispers and throws this big car forward!

Classic lovely design, both in and outside, comfortable seats, cosy wooden interior. Hear compliments every day regarding its design.

Corners like a sports car, but also a good cruiser.

Fair fuel consumption compared to performance, low insurance rate, and nice price on service parts.

Faults:

Trunk lamps not working.

Driver's seat leather cracked, and other minor interior issues.

General Comments:

Basic service is relatively easy for the DIY er, I think because much of the car was done by hand. The engine compartment is well done. The Jaguar AJ26S V8 has some issues, but once understood and with regular maintenance, it's a gem.

Elegant interior - superbly done leather - I admire the stitching on the dash ever day. Mine has the "black" wood - not as pretty as the walnut, but nice nonetheless. Carpets are gorgeous and wear like iron. Mine also has the wonderful Harman-Kardon premium sound with subwoofer.

Rides and handles very well, although small sharp bumps "slam" a bit - very strong acceleration, the transmission is amazingly competent, and the interior is comfortable for even the longest trips.