1989 Jaguar XJS V12 HE from North America

Summary:

If I could marry it, I would

Faults:

My upper AC hose leaked all the freon out (common with XJS's).

I think I have a couple of oil seal leaks (common with XJS's).

My passenger side window won't go down (might be the switch).

The car overheats when AC was working (somewhat common with these V12's)

General Comments:

The XJS coupe is the most beautiful looking car on the road.. Its long sleek hood and the magnificent shape of the rear window area truly is stunning.. I had a choice between the coupe and the convertable, and the coupe won hands down... The convertable just doesn't have the graceful lines that the coupe has.. looks like a big bathtub with a giant laundry sack stuck on the back... Its even uglier with the top up..

I've had my problems with the Jag, but I knew these cats were naughty before I bought one, its worth the aggravation..

I have one word of advice to anyone thinking of buying one... LEARN HOW TO WORK ON THEM YOURSELF.. IF you have mechanics do it, you'll end up in the poorhouse eating catfood.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2003

19th Dec 2004, 03:30

How to fix cooling on XJS over 10 years old: overhaul all cooling related components, particularly the radiator and replace the yellow fan with new design black fan. Do not add any sealing gloop to the water under any circumstances. Fit extra water temp gauge reading at the (hotter) left bank thermostat housing; use VDO model 310 010 014K gauge and VDO sensor 320.002. Normal operating temp 91 deg C, rising to 96 in slow heavy traffic when exceeding 32 deg C ambient (Australia). In conclusion: the standard cooling system on an XJS is adequate if properly maintained.

25th Jul 2007, 22:29

The 89 XJS convertible the most stylish car on the road today.

I have owned and driven Corvettes for 15 years before I came upon an 89 jaguar convertible with 34,000 miles on her. I was looking for another Corvette at the time. This car took my breath away. I didn't even drive it before I bought it, I just had to have this work of art. When I drive this car I get more more waves and thumbs up than I ever did in any of my Corvettes. I now have 69,000 miles on her and she runs like a Swiss watch. I have had some minor issues with her, but nothing that I couldn't fix. Have you ever seen the picture of a Jaguar running through the jungle with a cover over it's head? I don't think so. It's running free with the wind it her face, the way a convertable does.

1989 Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12 from North America

Summary:

Sleek and elegant, but costly to own

Faults:

Air conditioner needed to be recharged and the 1989 XJS uses the "old" type Freon, which is rather expensive... $300 to recharge.

Rotor cap burned up. It did not cost much to replace.

Just last week the radio quit working. I am thinking of replacing the whole unit.

General Comments:

This is a car that is fun to drive. It will hug the road like no other car I have driven. It is a delight to push this big cat through a series of curves. It will hold a curve at 70 that most cars would have to slow down to 45 to negotiate. Driving this car is an experience that you look forward to.

The styling of this car is what sets it apart. People love to look at its sleek lines.

The downside is that it is very costly to operate. I get about 16 miles to the gallon (uses high test... of course). An oil change runs $75... It holds 11 quarts of oil. Also parts are costly. To me it is worth the money to enjoy the thrill of driving one of the most beautiful cars around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2002

6th Dec 2003, 20:55

Youre right it's not a cheap car to maintain. I just got an 86. It's very clean and puts out a great appearence. I don't know why I waited so long to buy one. I love driving it, my wife really loves driving it. This is a good thing because I'm thinking of buying another one, maybe a convertible!!

View 9 more comments

1989 Jaguar XJS 3.6 3.6 manual from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Being relatively desirable, it has been vandalised by morons whom I would cheerfully vandalise myself. Insurance is STUPIDLY high.

General Comments:

The car I always wanted. I hope to buy a newer and bigger one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 1998