1988 Jaguar XJS Coupe 3.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A beautiful piece of classic Jaguar craftsmanship

Faults:

As usual there were a few problems which I am still ironing out.

The air conditioning system had run out of gas, but £45 fixed that.

The exhaust still needs doing and the electric windows didn't work, some second hand window motors fixed that and were fairly easy to fit, other than that and some rust the car is fine.

General Comments:

This car is one of the most comfortable I have ever driven, the leather seats are firm, but soft and the ride height makes you feel like you're in a racing car, unfortunately so does the petrol bills, the car was built for long distance driving and I have personally managed 350 miles on a full tank of fuel, around town though you're looking at around 200 miles per tank. buying the car was a bargain at just under £2000 but insurance can be nearly the same, I feel that I have bought a classic car that I'm very proud of, if you want one just remember that if anything goes wrong you're looking at £100 minimum to fix.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2003

28th Apr 2004, 06:34

Two thousand pounds to insure? Go classic! Pay 100 for fully comp.

20th Apr 2005, 05:32

I paid 194 pounds to insure mine classic. worth every penny for the sexiest car (apart from the early e-types) in the world. And my wife loves it!

8th Dec 2007, 17:16

My Friends, in 1977 I purchase a 1972 E-Type 2+2 and drove it for 3 years.

I was young and the smooth speed of the car was exciting, and it drew a lot of attention, but the repair bills kept growing.

I reluctantly sold the car and have regretted it ever since.

I learned that a V12 Jag is a rich mans toy, not a poor mans transportation.

Recently I decided to purchase another E-Type V12, but alas they are rare and very expensive.

So I bought an XJS V12.

It is a wonderful car, it is not the E-Type (that I still wish I had not sold) but it has the same feel and draws similar attention.

If you have one and it is frustrating you, buy a second car and drive the Jag less, but never never sell it.

These cars will be worth a mint in a few years.

D.

19th Apr 2009, 17:45

I always longed for an E-type. But could never afford one, they are expensive, even a dog can cost you an arm and a leg.

I came across an ad for a Jaguar XJ-S 3.6 Sport and thought I'd take a look for curiosity's sake... It needed a bit of welding as they do, and a bit of TLC, BUT!!! After a test drive I was sold on it. WHAT AN UNDERSTATED CAR!!! Great ride, great handling, very comfortable, very smooth engine and manual gearbox, all for a measly sum of cash, 6 months tax and test to boot!!

Alas I must've got the bug?? I've just bought a part restored XJ-S H.E, another beautiful car with very little left to do for its first MOT in 11 years, 68000 miles full service history, loads of history with it for less money than the first, which I still own.

E types, who needs them!!

1988 Jaguar XJS 5.3 from North America

Summary:

Best value for price for a European sports car

Faults:

-Water reservoir tank needed replacing.

-All seals and gaskets needed changing.

-Suspension had to be adjusted.

-Some rust areas had to be treated behind the wheel wells- actually the rust was cut out and bodywork done to correct the problem.

- The interior console panel (wood) was cracked. I had to replace this with a black leather one to avoid the problem again.

General Comments:

The vehicle was purchased for under $8000.CAD. I knew that I would have to invest in it's maintenance and care from the start though so the mechanical bills did not catch me off guard.

Overall the vehicle is an attention getter. Clean lines, classic look, and sporty at the same time. No regrets. In total it has cost me about $4500 to date and perhaps another $2000 -2500.00 to go, but there is no way that I could get the treatment from hotel valets and looks of admiration in club line-ups if I had purchased a new $20,000.00 or $30,000 car off a show room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2002

17th Nov 2002, 06:20

It is apparent that you took the time to research your vehicle prior to ownership. I have owned a 88 Jaguar from mile "0" right out of the showroom. Following the manufacturers suggested maintenance schedule is not enough. You have to ensure that you know all aspects of this car right from the tires, to the console light, to the radiator.

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